The ultimate destination?

18 Nov 2009

18 Nov, 2009 Removalist

Working as a removalist (or mover) in San Francisco recently, it has come to my attention that many people I have helped are leaving the area for–out of all places–Utah. What is it about Utah that makes it so intriguing?

Utah is actually a great place to raise a family or retire.
1. Utah is cheaper. You get more for your money. Bigger houses for the price of a small apartment in the bay area.
2. They are very conservative (which most bay area residents are not) but that means less government involvement in their daily life (take that for what it is worth)
3. A lower density of people, a lower crime rate. The biggest problem is traffic accidents, which are quite a few because Utah does have bad drivers.
4. Nature. They are surrounded by mountains and lakes. Beautiful snow covered mountains in the winter, green mountains in the early summer.
5. Salt Lake County is less than 40% Mormon. Which is where most of the population lives. So people who aren’t of that faith don’t feel uncomfortable in that environment.

Those are the major reasons. Unless you are in need of bright lights and lots of activity (found in cities like San Francisco and New York) most people can find at least one appealing aspect of living in Utah. It gets a bad rap, but actually worth trying.

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5 Responses

RDG78
2009 Nov 18 1

It’s less expensive to live there, I’ll bet.

EDIT: And those who are so inclined can more readily arm themselves there than in San Francisco.
References :
Jerry 71
2009 Nov 18 2

In Utah, nobody has to ask "do you speak English?" In SF, this question is asked more often than you think. The cost of living is also lower in Utah, not to mention, in Utah (and many states in middle America), parents bringing up kids teach them the difference between right and wrong. In SF and many big cities, ppl are taught that all opinions no matter how wild and crazy are valid and that you are wrong only if you get caught.
References :
jellybeanchick
2009 Nov 18 3

I don’t know about San Francisco specifically, but in the state of California, the number 2 religion is Mormonism (#1 is Catholicism). That could explain some of the moves. Maybe Salt Lake is becoming a hot new market for technology, business, or venture capital. Maybe these people recognize that California is going to hell in a handbasket, and Utah has lower housing prices.
References :
silvermist
2009 Nov 18 4

My coworker is moving there to retired. He say it’s cheap and more land for the bucks.
References :
Manteca CVB
2009 Nov 18 5

Utah is actually a great place to raise a family or retire.
1. Utah is cheaper. You get more for your money. Bigger houses for the price of a small apartment in the bay area.
2. They are very conservative (which most bay area residents are not) but that means less government involvement in their daily life (take that for what it is worth)
3. A lower density of people, a lower crime rate. The biggest problem is traffic accidents, which are quite a few because Utah does have bad drivers.
4. Nature. They are surrounded by mountains and lakes. Beautiful snow covered mountains in the winter, green mountains in the early summer.
5. Salt Lake County is less than 40% Mormon. Which is where most of the population lives. So people who aren’t of that faith don’t feel uncomfortable in that environment.

Those are the major reasons. Unless you are in need of bright lights and lots of activity (found in cities like San Francisco and New York) most people can find at least one appealing aspect of living in Utah. It gets a bad rap, but actually worth trying.
References :
Lived in both California and Utah

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