Asian from CA to SLC (Sandy, South Jordan: appointed, rent, house)

[qazwsx]

Hi, everyone, hope I could get some help here.

My husband’s new job will bring us from Bay Area to SLC. He’ll be working in Lehi. Both of us are Asian in 30’s, have never lived other than in California and Massachusetts, so the prominent Mormon culture kind of worries us a bit.

Our budget can probably afford us a decent house in most surrounding areas of SLC. We hope to find a neighborhood:
• with peaceful, quiet environment and a nice view;
• has diverse culture with respect to privacy, if it exists..
• commute to Lehi within 20 min.

We initially thought of Granite in Sandy, then heard that Mormon culture is more concentrated in established communities in South part, does that include Sandy? I’ve read other people’s posts here, seems like Suncrest is a better choice? though someone mentioned it’s windy most of the time.

Appreciate everyone’s input!

[Elder_Shawn]

First off I'm half Asian and have lived in Utah for most of my life. Most of the Asian community in Utah resides in West Valley. Many of the Vietnamese people who I work with live in that area. The housing is cheaper there and it is definitely more diverse than the majority of the valley. If you have $300-900to spend on a home, then you will find what you are looking for in the South Eastern end of the valley (Sandy, Draper, Suncrest) Lehi is just around the mountain and can be accessed driving over Suncrest. The snow is much deeper up there in the winter, you have to constantly watch for deer on the road, and the wind has been blowing each time we look for homes up there. Suncrest would offer an amazing view (almost dizzying) and instant access to Utah county without having to use the I-15. It's best to maybe rent a place for a month or two until you get a feel for what you really want. If you want a larger size home and more land for the money you can look for property on the Far southwest side of the valley (Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Herriman, South Jordan)

[coolcats]

Yeah -- what he said

Except I personally would be worried about Suncrest. There has been some talk of geologic instability, since it basically is up on a mountain of sand. Also, I've heard some people get real tired of driving up and down the mountain with all that snow. Just check it out well and talk to people who live there if you go that route.

As for diversity, it's not all pure white in the urban areas. My wife is half-polynesian -- Hawaiian -- and there is a strong cultural connection. The luaus are the best! There are quite a few polynesians here. Not so many Chinese, Koreans, or Japanese, but we're not tied in to those cultures so you may find something.

[qazwsx]

Thanks for the replies!...and sorry to hear about the landslide in Suncrest .

What's the difference between Alpine and Highland? in terms of house price, demography, etc. Are they considered smaller and more rural? any potential nature disasters there?

Both of them seem an easy commute to Lehi, right?

[coolcats]

Well I didn't mean to say Suncrest will fall off the mountain. I just saw a news report and there was some concern. The developer of course said everything would be fine for centuries, while a geologist was concerned.

I haven't spent a lot of time there, but Alpine and Highland are both pretty pricey, but Alpine is probably more so. Both are probably quite homogenous with strong LDS. Less diverse than the Salt Lake Valley. Very pretty areas.

The biggest threat of living right up against the mountains are forest fires and landslides. Earthquakes are a threat everywhere -- valleys and mountains.

[Elder_Shawn]

Originally Posted by coolcats

Well I didn't mean to say Suncrest will fall off the mountain. I just saw a news report and there was some concern. The developer of course said everything would be fine for centuries, while a geologist was concerned.

I haven't spent a lot of time there, but Alpine and Highland are both pretty pricey, but Alpine is probably more so. Both are probably quite homogenous with strong LDS. Less diverse than the Salt Lake Valley. Very pretty areas.

The biggest threat of living right up against the mountains are forest fires and landslides. Earthquakes are a threat everywhere -- valleys and mountains.

I agree with coolcat's assesment. Alpine is beautiful but $$$$. Well if you compare it to the Bay area, I'm sure it's going to seem like everything out here is dirt cheap!

[qazwsx]

Originally Posted by Elder_Shawn

I agree with coolcat's assesment. Alpine is beautiful but $$$$. Well if you compare it to the Bay area, I'm sure it's going to seem like everything out here is dirt cheap!

it is pretty dreamy to see a house that could've priced multi-million $ in Bay Area is asking < 500k in SLC

Why Alpine is considered a strong hold of LDS?? there are many new constructions. I would think LDS has more presence in established communities?! Is highland the same way?

[Elder_Shawn]

Originally Posted by qazwsx

it is pretty dreamy to see a house that could've priced multi-million $ in Bay Area is asking < 500k in SLC

Why Alpine is considered a strong hold of LDS?? there are many new constructions. I would think LDS has more presence in established communities?! Is highland the same way?

LDS people always seem to be in a competition with their family members, friends, or neighbors of who can amass the greatest amount of possessions. The smaller homes in established communities are just not cutting it anymore in the "arms" race. lol!

[coolcats]

Utah county, where Lehi, Alpine, and Highland are, has received less outside influence because it was not the economic and government center of the state. Therefore it stayed more homogenous.

I bet that's changing given all the construction going on and tech companies that are establishing down there. There have been several articles about how the whole LDS/Non-LDS mix is changing. 15 years ago something like 75 percent of the state was LDS. Now it's 65 percent, and in a decade or two, there will be more non-LDS in Utah. Salt Lake probably is diversifying fastest, but the whole corridor including Utah county will see the shift, though the trend may be 10 years behind.

Lastly, I think LDS people would make good neighbors, but some on this board have stated they felt excluded. This is because the local LDS ward (congregation) has lots of activities that keep its members as busy as they want to be.

I think it depends on the person and their interests. Someone who expects to invite the guys over for beer and football on Sundays would be disappointed, but others who are more focused on their own household and living quietly with neighbors would probably like it.

[qazwsx]

Very well said, my first "Utah impression" from here has been great.