[Miss J 74]

My hubby and I are debating between Henderson, NV and Chandler, AZ (with Provo, UT as an off option). I'm in accounting and hoping to work remotely and he is in hospitality. I know his job would favor Vegas over PHX and maybe mine too if I can't find a remote job. We don't have kids, so schools are a non factor. We're from NYC, so we're not naive on QOL and crime. We're looking for more outdoor things to do and food options since my celiac disease already limits me. What would you suggest for us? Thanks in advance.

[RationalExpectations]

Originally Posted by Miss J 74

We're looking for more outdoor things to do and food options since my celiac disease already limits me. What would you suggest for us? Thanks in advance.

I'd move Provo up the list - it is wonderful for outdoor activities. Moreover, I'd look at Park City Utah: as a resort town, your husband's hospitality background would be in high demand, and it is a 25 minute drive down to Salt Lake City where each of the Big 4 have substantial operations. Or did you mean cost/management accounting, or advisory services rather than pure audit?

Keep in mind Provo is 88% Mormon (much higher than UT as a whole) If you are a member of the LDS church, you'll be fine. If not, I suggest you look in the Utah forum for threads related to non-Mormons living in the state, and consider Park City above Provo. Park City's population is far below the state average in terms of LDS percentage.

We split our time between Henderson and Park City (we are not members of the LDS Church), where there is a very active outdoor lifestyle. We love Henderson but as you mention a focus on outdoor things, I'm wondering if you'd more enjoy another location. Just a thought.

[JonathanLB]

Choose Henderson! Can’t have a better place for activities, food, income taxes, and great weather.

[lvmensch]

For a person into Hospitality Las Vegas is pretty close to the center of the universe. Adequate though not exceptional for someone in accounting.

For a non Mormon Provo is unlikely to be a great choice. It is however a nice place.

As to Phoenix the place is very similar to Las Vegas. It is noticeable hotter in the summer which is a down but warmer in the winter which is an up. LV however on all the stuff to do and enjoy and eat.

[Miss J 74]

Originally Posted by RationalExpectations

I'd move Provo up the list - it is wonderful for outdoor activities. Moreover, I'd look at Park City Utah: as a resort town, your husband's hospitality background would be in high demand, and it is a 25 minute drive down to Salt Lake City where each of the Big 4 have substantial operations. Or did you mean cost/management accounting, or advisory services rather than pure audit?
.

I'm more of in a controllership role and would probably have a hard time breaking into the Big 4 despite having 20 years experience. I just received my masters, so going for my CPA next, but if I can do consulting, I would. Most of my background and degree is in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

[SGtoLV]

Provo is absolutely beautiful but wages in general in Utah are relatively low because nobody wants to move away from the mothership

[Cubicle Dweller]

Originally Posted by Miss J 74

I'm more of in a controllership role and would probably have a hard time breaking into the Big 4 despite having 20 years experience. I just received my masters, so going for my CPA next, but if I can do consulting, I would. Most of my background and degree is in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

There is demand in the anti-money laundering field at the casinos in Vegas. With an accounting / fraud background, it might be worth looking into AML jobs.

I’ve been very happy with the outdoor activity options in Vegas. If you decide on Vegas and plan on spending a fair amount of time at Red Rock Canyon and/or Mt Charleston then I’d recommend the west side of town over Henderson. I even prefer the skiing at Mt Charleston over any day-trip options in the N.Y.-metro area. Although the lift serve at Mt Charleston is small, it often has much better conditions and far fewer crowds than Huntah, Poconos, Mt. Creek, etc. Not to mention amazing options within a five hour drive of Vegas in AZ, southern, UT, and California.

My husband and I are also DINKs who moved from the N.Y.-metro area. Outdoor activities and cost of living were big factors in our decision. I really like the slower pace of life in LV. Provo would be an even better choice for outdoor activities but Vegas made more sense in our case. Good luck with the decision.

[RationalExpectations]

Originally Posted by Miss J 74

I'm more of in a controllership role and would probably have a hard time breaking into the Big 4 despite having 20 years experience. I just received my masters, so going for my CPA next, but if I can do consulting, I would. Most of my background and degree is in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

Forensic accounting & fraud examination - that would seem to be a national draw in that when someone needs those specialized services, it shouldn't matter where you are, assuming you have the reputation to draw clients. Am I correct in that? And, of course, it would seem that most of your clients would be in the plaintiff's bar, with perhaps a bit of consulting to some specific law enforcement organizations.

At any rate, I suspect you won't have any difficulty landing in any of the locations you're considering.

[longviewJoe]

Funny to see Vegas and Provo as options as they seem to be sort of polar opposite ends of the spectrum at first blush. I realize there are similarities in outdoor activities and I realize there is an LDS population in Vegas but come on now... Sin City v. Mormon U!?

[luckydogg]

I used to live in Ahwatukee (right next to Chandler), and I bought a place in Henderson a few years ago. I like both LV and Phx but for different reasons. I prefer LV more though because there's more entertainment options, and I like that it's a medium sized city vs Phx is much larger. But you can't beat Phoenix winters, they are really the best. Some day I would like to have a condo in Phoenix so I can spend time in both cities as I like. Provo I know nothing about other than isn't that where Donny and Marie are from?