Big Scary move to Utah... (Sandy, Riverton: rental homes, buying a house, employment)

[kwm03160]

Originally Posted by Jen38

Emu742,
Thanks for that info. Everyone has been so great and welcoming! My dh is actually in SLC today. He called from the airport and I asked him what it looks like and he said, "Very white!" Meaning the snow obviously. We just got snow yesterday for the first time but it rained last night so the grass is back.

If we end up taking the job most likely we will choose the Sandy/Draper area. It seems consistent with our way of life here. I'd love to hear names of some neighborhoods to look at. Lots of kids and stay at home moms, yards big enough to put a pool in and still play football!

oh! Does anyone recommend a kitchen design company. Each time we have moved I have sacrificed the kitchen. This time I'm not going to even look for a great kitchen, I'm just going to rip it at out and finally put in what I want! Is it hard to find good reliable workers out there? It is here.

Thanks for all your feedback!

If you don't mind my asking, what is your price range? I work for Sandy City (a very well-run city - fiscally sound), and could at least point you in some general ZIP codes. In Sandy, there aren't really "bad" areas, there are some older (less expensive) areas and more posh, gated community areas (like Pepperwood). In general, the suburban areas of Salt Lake County aren't classified by neighborhoods. I would be willing to help in any way possible.

[Jen38]

Thank KWM,
My realtor has sent me some homes in Pepperwood which look very nice. I noticed the price range is anywhere from $800K - $3m. We are definitely on the lower end of that range. For me it's not about what we spend, more importantly I want to find a friendly neighborhood where my kids will be happy. Sometimes those expensive gated communities have families that don't "come out to play". We've been there, done that and don't wish to have that again. We are a very down to earth family that likes to spend time with the neighbors since our family is usually very far away. I can just as likely spend $600K on a house and redo the inside to what we prefer as long as it's in a safe, family friendly neighborhood. I would prefer to send my children to Jordan Ridge Elementary, and South Jordan Middle after researching all of the schools individually in the Sandy/Draper area. Of course I'm only looking at numbers here and not people so I could be wrong?? With that said, if the neighborhood that we love does not fall into the prefered district or particular school then we are not opposed to private school. I looked at the Waterford School and while it looks quite amazing, with two children it would cost $24K per year. That's pretty high. Any other great private elementary schools in the Sandy/Draper area that someone could recommend would be appreciated.
Also, we really want at least .5 acre. Right now we have over an acre so anything less than 1/2 would make us feel like we are living right on top of our neighbor. We also would like to put in a pool (or buy a house with a pool).

My husband brought back some books that they gave him on Utah and it looks so beautiful with so much to do. My 8 year old said, "Let's go, this is so cool!"So we'll wait and see...

[tthom]

I dont know alot about Park City. I know that sandy is very nice. You can find alot of family oriented neighborhoods. I used to live around 11200 south and 1300 east in sandy. I was sad to leave that area because all the neighbor kids lived in our yard with my kids. it is a great area for family. My family is also not LDS. We are actually Lutheran. You can find Catholic churches. There is also some catholic schools for your children. St Francis xavier. for little ones and Juan Diego high school. And yes soccer is huge here but my boys are into baseball, Football and wrestling. Sandy actually has a rec center where you can find all kinds of sporting activities for the kids. I hope this helps you. Welcome to Utah.

[krr24]

Whether you're Mormon or Catholic or another faith, you will be fine in Utah. Especially with having boys involved in school and sports, which are huge all over the state. If you're looking at Jeremy Ranch or areas around Park City, that area is the "Hollywood" of Utah which is very competitively to outdue the neighbors, and there are members of all faiths there. You'll find many Cali transplants and it's very diverse. I would suggest moving to the bubs in the Salt Lake Valley. East side is comparatively older but has great schools and may be more diverse religiously. Salt Lake City, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy. The west side of the Salt Lake Valley is newer and has nice neighborhoods and community feel. That's West Jordan, south Jordan, Herriman. Lots of Mormons but others too. Keep in mind that Salt Lake County is less than 50% LDS. But the LDS people here are great and your kids will make friends will all faiths.

The outdoor activities are great. Being in Salt Lake, you can hit the mountains within an hour. There are exicting lakes to visit, places to camp and ride four wheelers. I miss it so much. Good luck to you. Have a great attitude and you'll be fine. There are many Catholics in Utah plus a beautiful cathederal in downtown Salt Lake.

[emu742]

^this is true, my relatives visited and were amazed at how many 'beautiful' people are here compared to their state. It is the marriage capitol of the world after all though Well, thats Provo actually. If you don't end up moving to Draper I would also suggest Cottonwood Heights because it is upper class, some multi-million dollar houses even in some areas, and near to some Catholic communities and nice churches I believe. Also it is at the 'center' of the valley, making it very easy to get from here to there wherever you want to go be it downtown, draper, or the canyons

[Jen38]

That's so funny you say that because we have lived in CA, Fl, and TX prior to PA and just got used to "pretty people". When we first moved to PA, I went to the grocery store and thought, "My gosh, people are really not very attractive here!" Now that I've been here I realize it's just a different look, it's the Northeast slightly "hard" look. I don't know why, can't explain it but it's definitely a different less attractive look.
I really do believe that people are more attractive when they live in a friendly, beautiful, good quality of life location. They smile more! When you smile, you're more attractive. Maybe we just need to smile more out here! Ha Ha.

[nicoolio777]

Did you ever make the big scary move?

[Jen38]

We actually just put an offer on a home in Pepperwood today. I visited for the first time last week. It's very different from the East coast and it took me a day or so to get over the differences. I'm still pretty hesitant but my husband has been out there for a month and seems to like it.
We looked all over Sandy, Draper, and Cottonwood Heights. To us, Pepperwood seemed to be the most like home. We wanted a larger lot with lots of trees and we found that there. Hopefully they accept our offer and we can close the middle of July.
I also visited St. John's elementary school and was very impressed. Things seem to be falling into place. Hopefully we will love our new home!
Thanks for asking!
Jen

[karl5490]

i am moving from abq to slc , i visited slc in june for 5 days it.i am looking to buy a house in murray orwest jordan but problem of west jordan was the public schools are very crowded,i have a11year old.is murray schools also crowded like west jordan,.can anyone suggest any other areas that are good for families.i did like slc when i visited would i like it when come to live in early august.i hate albuquerque
nothing get done here people are incompetent is slc the same.
peace and love.thanks

[redzey]

we have been in eagle mt. utah for allmost two years, we have got less snow than we did in jersey.
love it here very nice people, love the neighborhood its the best move we ever made. dont worry about what you here ,about people not excepting you i have found the people here great no compaints