Looking to relocate from South Florida (Salt Lake City, Daniel: apartment complex, to rent, crime)

[d4n0]

Hello All.

I'm a single 27 y.o. guy looking to move out of South Florida in the next 6 months or so. I would like to rent a 1 bedroom for about a year while I get to know the area and figure out my ideal spot. I'd really appreciate any feedback on the following:

* As is the case everywhere, there are some not-so desirable neighborhoods. What areas should I be looking into and which stay away from?
* Is SLC a car city? or is public transportation good enough to ditch my 4-wheeled companion?
* How is the job market, namely in the Information Technology field.
* Would you recommend relocating there to someone like me? (see intro.)

Any feedback, info, tips and tricks are greatly appreciated and if anyone has successfully transplanted themselves to the area I would really, really like to hear from your experience.

Thanks in advance.

Daniel

[Tim Tim Tim]

Where at in south florida are you coming from?

*I would say to keep a car. Public transit there is much better than here (tampa) but I wouldnt call it good enough to ditch the car yet.
*Most would say the area depends on price but west valley is probably the most widespread place thats not really ideal, there are pockets of not the greatest areas either. You also need to keep in perspective what you consider bad and what people from SLC consider bad. There is a BIG difference in the florida bad vs the slc bad.
*I would recomend relocating, Im actually moving back with my family next year because we were so much happier there.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

The classifieds on ksltv.com are the best local ads for housing. Generally speaking, downtown, the Avenues, Sugar House, 9th and 9th are all safe and close in. Other safe areas are farther out from downtown. All depends on what you want.

[d4n0]

Tim. Thanks for your reply. When I say bad, I mean places known for crime and/or violence like we have here in SoFla. To get started, I'm hoping to just have a place to come home after work where my things will be safe. From what I've read, it's all pretty safe, so good/bad is just a matter of perspective.
Would it be safe to assume I'd be spending about 1000/month in rent? Are utilities included when you rent? I own my house here, that's why I ask.

[Tim Tim Tim]

Originally Posted by d4n0

Tim. Thanks for your reply. When I say bad, I mean places known for crime and/or violence like we have here in SoFla. To get started, I'm hoping to just have a place to come home after work where my things will be safe. From what I've read, it's all pretty safe, so good/bad is just a matter of perspective.
Would it be safe to assume I'd be spending about 1000/month in rent? Are utilities included when you rent? I own my house here, that's why I ask.

What I have noticed recently is that a lot of the apartments there include water and stuff but most houses dont really include any utilities.

What part of s. fla are you coming from??

I personally am looking for the same thing as you but I have a wife and daughter as well to have space for. Were looking in the sandy, cottonwood heights, draper (although most of that is a bit more expensive), west jordan, south jordan and the sugarhouse area which southerbell mentioned above. From what we have seen, you can get an apartment for the 1000 range in a nice area but not so much for a house.

[d4n0]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

The classifieds on ksltv.com are the best local ads for housing. Generally speaking, downtown, the Avenues, Sugar House, 9th and 9th are all safe and close in. Other safe areas are farther out from downtown. All depends on what you want.

I think safety is what I mean by 'bad'. I'm not too much concerned about appearance like fountains and big gates, I just need a starting point. Thanks for the link

[d4n0]

@Tim
I live in Broward, close to Fort Lauderdale. I'd definitely be looking for a small apartment, 1 bedroom ideally so I can focus on saving to buy my own place and getting out to see the area.
Those are comforting words about finding a place in a nice area, I think I'm just scared to not live in a gated community anymore hahaha

[kaytidid]

I moved to Utah 17 years ago from NJ. We didn't have jobs, and came out for a week right before we moved to find a place to live. Just like any state, it has its up and downs. It isn't perfect. It is a good place to live and I wake up every morning and look out my back door and see nothing but mountains. I had moved around a lot in my childhood, so I was used to learning to adapt and overcome. If Utah is someplace that you think you would enjoy, give it a shot. You have nothing to lose but a missed opportunity.

I think you would be most happiest downtown. There is an awesome outdoor shopping plaza called The Gateway. Look into these apartments which are located adjacent to them.

Northgate Apartments at The Gateway - Salt Lake City, Utah - Cowboy Properties

As far as safety goes, really, Salt Lake is a very safe area. There are some areas that I wouldn't want to live in just because the area doesn't float my boat, not because I feel like they are "bad" areas or they are unsafe. Usually, with an apartment complex, your trash, water and sewer are included, but gas and electric are not.

Sorry, I can't help you as far as the employment goes. Utah is suffering an economic downturn along with the rest of the country. There are jobs though, it is just a matter of beating everyone else out for it.

If it were me...and of course it is not, I would keep my car. Public transportation is getting better, but I still wouldn't say it is great. Besides, there are SO many places to explore and things to do in Utah that would not be served by public transportation, that I can almost guarantee you would be kicking yourself if you didn't keep your 4 wheel companion.

[d4n0]

thanks for your reply and all that info. It seems as though the more I look into it, the more it calls my name!

Those apartments look awesome and would definitely be a good starting point (provided the price is right of course) and I like the location as well.

I have been looking into jobs in my field and there actually are a bunch that look promising, I just hope this holds true for when I decide to make the move.

I am a little bit concerned because I've read Utah in general is a little on the conservative side. I'm not implying I have no morals or anything like that, but I do like to go out every now and again for drinks and such. I'm just wondering if it's as young adult friendly as I want it to be

[kaytidid]

Originally Posted by d4n0

I do like to go out every now and again for drinks and such

You and many others too! We do have a bunch of bars and dance clubs. My sister met her husband at one of them. There are places to frequent and if you only like going out now and again, it doesn't sound like you are a heavy partier. I am sure you will have no trouble finding people to share your interests!

Oh and yes, Utah is on the conservative side, but more rebels and nonconformists are moving in daily