Moving to St. George (school, live in, vacation)

[carlessbiker]

Alcohol is not as hard to get as people make it out to be. The liquor store is now open until 10pm and only the imported beer is expensive. Everything else is within a couple of dollars of anywhere else. The state is also building a new "super-store" on the St. George Blvd. Most of the nice restaurants have bars and there are a couple of stand-alone bars in town. Sports bars are starting to pop up around town. There are two currently with four (I think) in construction. Not much for night-life 'per say, but alcohol flows in this town. Also, you can get beer at the grocery store (under 4%). Then, like I said before, if you wish for a bit of nightlife, drive for 30 minutes where you can gamble and drink to your hearts content in Mesquite or drive for an hour and be in Vegas. St. George locals are always getting special hotel deals in Mesquite so you can often get a room for $40. While in Mesquite, you can stock up at Lee's Discount Liquor for your home bar. If you need to live in a town with super nightlife, keep looking. But if all you need is a place to get a drink or stock up on your home bar, St. George can offer that.

Nobody cares if you drink, whether you are a resident or visitor, as long as you are responsible.

[hoody]

Could you elaborate about your negative take on Dixie State College. I understand they have a reputable Dental hygiene program which my daughter is interested in.

[Aerorick]

I can't help commenting on the subject of beer in Utah. I went to college in Colorada many years ago and if you were between 18 and 21 you could buy 3.2 beer. And all that ever did for ya' was provide plenty of trips to the bathroom. And when I realized Utah was a 3.2 state for ALL beer I made sure I stocked up in Mesquite on our trips moving out here. However,and I've heard plenty of theories from beer companies getting tired of making a special batch for the only state left that requires it to a change in figuring what 3.2 is. But in the end I have concluded that it may be a bit less potent but not by much.
I don't buy much liquior anymore but if I wanted to keep a supply I would just coordinate the buying to the days and hours the state store is open.
I agree that Sunday is probably the best day for Costcos. In fact that's an interesting pro and con in Utah. The con is that there is no nightlife to speak of anywhere in southern Utah. The pro is that for argueably the same reason Sunday is left wide open to shop or do anything for folks who don't subscribe to any reason not to.

[jbkmam]

Originally Posted by hoody

Could you elaborate about your negative take on Dixie State College. I understand they have a reputable Dental hygiene program which my daughter is interested in.

I have heard good things about tha progam as well.
If you are going to dixie state for a speciality program like thsi one or nursing, it seems fine to me.
Moving to st george and going to college in new england, I was surprised at how poorly the professors are treated. A full time science professor with 5 years at the college makes under $40k? Very few instructors hold advanced graduate degrees.

[C44]

What College{s} have instructors that don't have graduate degrees? I've never heard of them.

[Blondie-Rabbit]

They use to be a junior college. It was upgraded to a 4 year college a few years back. As such some of the old time prof's still only have a bachelors, and are working now (forced to do so) on a masters. Those being hired now must have a masters at least.

[Aerorick]

Some months ago the local(SLC) news ran stories about newly graduating teachers leaving Utah for better pay. I just checked it out and the beginning salary for new teachers in Utah averages $28K. The national average is $38K with the average for 10 year teachers being about $44K.
That might a bearing on the minimum educational requirments needed to teach in Utah at all levels.

[Snickery]

I would suggest this,
First , get your contract in writing for wages and such
Make darn sure you would want to live in a backwards environment , with little progression. Also..talk to your children , if your non-LDS, let them know it is not their fault the other children won't be the first preferrence with play or socializing over LDS children . The cost of living is high, the wages are very low, irregardless of what you read on the net. Most folkes in that town work 2 and 3 jobs to maintain , including teachers . DRMC is one of the best paying employers in town, and you will find it is filled with a friend of a family member -whom - knows the cousin , whom is married to whom etc.. the good-ole boy theme is strong. Customer service is almost non-exsistent, they do everything on their schedule, don't show up , period. Thats the way it is in ST. George, and the phrase I heard , is if you don't like it , Leave! So draw your own conclusions, research by the net or word of mouth etc ...Good_Luck

[dogmom]

Originally Posted by sheaelise

My husband recently bought a business in St. George. We currently live on the central coast of California. My husband is commuting back and forth once a month.

I have concerns about moving my family to St. George. First I must say that we have nothing against Mormans. Some of my childrens best friends are here are Morman. Wonderful, wonderful family.

My concern is that I have heard that in St. George, if your not Morman, your kids are kind of on the outskirts. My boys are heavily involved in sports and my daughter is a cheerleader. Are they going to have the same opportunities in the schools there?

I would like some input from families there, Morman and non-Morman. If you are living in St. George with teenagers in schools, please share your experiences with me. Other wise my husband might be communiting for a long time and I really don't want that.

Also I would like to know the best areas to live that have a community pool. And which schools are known best for their sporting activities.

Thanks!

Did you ever move to St. George? How are you finding it...where did you end up settling...just curious! We are in Washington City/Green Spring and love this area..

[bezdstep]

Thinking of moving to St. George as a non-Mormon. Wondering how sheaelise and others have fared after having been there awhile? What would you have done differently, if anything? Have the kids found acceptance and also non-mormon friends? With the demographics, are there vibrant groups of people that are doing outdoor activities (without being completely hard-core) such as mountain biking, lake kayaking, hiking, etc. or are there more older slowed down folks than a wide age range of active working people?
Are there social gathering places that are not necessarily bars (no problem with drinking in moderation)?

Sorry, this is turning into a questionnaire- even little bits of info will be highly appreciated. Thanks! Steve