Non-Religous, African American family may be relocating to Utah...help (Sandy: real estate, apartments)

[4logic]

My husband's job may be transferring us to Utah soon. I have done a lot of research and I have been reading these message boards, but I do need some information.

We want to rent an apartment first when we arrive before we jump in to buying a house. We have three grown children, one of which may come with us, but we also have a four year old who will start school next year.

I need to know which areas are safe, have affordable rent (600-1200 per mo.) for a three bedroom and has good elementary schools. I also need some guidance in a job hunt for me. I work as an office manager and I have 15 years experience. I also have a degree as a paralegal, though no legal experience. I just don't know where to start looking.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[newtoutah]

Sterling Village apartments in South Jordan appear to be very nice. I live in the same development but not the apartments. You may want to google them. Supposingly the schools are great in South Jordan. My son is 6 and he will be attending there, well actually a Sandy school until next year when the boundaries change.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Can't help with your questions, but welcome to SLC! It's a great climate, both for weather and families.

[Moonlight melvin]

What part of Utah is he transfering to? That makes a difference. There's good areas and not so good areas (I dont think theres any bad areas, as far as comparison to big cities).

There are pretty good resources, but knowing which county/area will be helpful

[Lmejh]

There are definitely bad areas in the city: example, Poplar Grove and Glendale.

But it all depends where exactly you're settling

[blossom4792]

I have family in SLC, but haven't lived there in many years. I really just know the 84105/84108 area (closer in to downtown, the older neighborhoods with lovely homes and great schools - although real estate values just popped, wow!).A few resources I like for comparing schools include GreatSchools.net and Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools.. There are others, but these are my picks.In terms of jobs, I personally find more looking at individual companies than going through, say, the big search engines. In other words, go to the websites of some companies you like and click on their employment links. You could also try craigslist - your paralegal degree combined with office manager experience should really help. If you have been working within a particular industry (let's say health care or steel or whatever). Then you can do a little bit of research into some of the good companies in the area and go from there. Again, I just am a little bit skeptical of the big job search engines.good luck and keep everyone posted!

[lolagranola]

I'd suggest north Davis Co. Hill AFB is in Layton, so there is alot (comparitively speaking) more diversity in the area. You're likely to find housing in your range, and if you don't find work in that area commuting to either SLC or Ogden isn't too far (and there is the new frontrunner train, and new highway soon). Davis schools have good reputation, though some come much more recommended than others.