English family relocate to SLC (Salt Lake City: military, budget, travel)

[Englander the second]

Hi, hope some one can help me out.
I will be looking to relocate from england for a two year period soon to SLC and require some guidance as to where to live. We are non LDS and therefore are concerned as to making the right decision as to where to live and send our 8 year old boy to school. I will be working near the airport, but dont mind commuting 20 or so miles. The attributes required (in no particular order):-

1. Good transport links to SLC
2. Good schools
3. An area that will accept us and has a good family culture
4. Things to do in terms of sport and leisure
5. Things for my wife to do during the day

I have a good budget to play with ($2,500 p/m rent), and we have an open mind as to the culture we are about to participate in.

Any other guidance on this voyage would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

[Sinergy]

First off id like to say welcome to Utah. Utah is a great place to visit and live.
First off Id like to say that the culture here isn’t what people think is. Yes there are Mormons here but there are also people from all different walks of life, religions and races. A good place to start off is the Salt Lake Metro Area. It use to be that the more affluent people lived on the East Side of Utah (Closer to the Mountains) and the less affluent Lived on west side (closer to the desert) But Utah is going through a housing boom and you can find people from all income ranges in the Salt Lake Metro Area.

[Seabee]

I am LDS, for 7 years. Before that i was just a young man traveling all over the world in the military. I have seen it all and don't most of it. My life would not have fit into a Mormon life style. ( I cant say too much, my mom visits this site ) Anyway. I can view the city as an outsider as well as any other American. sorry not as good as the English. but none the less I can be impartial I believe. As i see it ,It is just like any other town but nicer for the most part. you see as many mormon churches here as you see Catholic churches in So Calif. or as many Baptist in Mississippi. Do what you like when you like and have fun. I have yet to see any nut job Mormons, and i am one. sort of ??? well I have to go , It's tea time. or diet coke..

[Randy@Tacoma]

Utah is an excellent place to live for a few years! I did! Loved it! I would recommend that if you are from England... youre more likely used to taking public transport and living in walkable communities... etc... (things the US isnt known for LOL). My suggestion would be this:

The is a neighborhood rather close to Downtown (which is pretty close to the airport) the is called "The Avenues." It is a compact and charming neighborhood. Very good schools and not overwhelmingly Mormon (Salt Lake City proper is diverse religiously, racially, economically, etc.). Thats where I lived. Loved it! I think the airport is about 15 to 20 kilometers away! UTA is the local transport company and they do a rather well job considering the sprawl that consumes everyday SLC Metro life!

Hope that helps... Any other questions... ASK!

Randy