Best thing about Utah is...? (St. George: neighborhood, public schools, camping)

[mom5]

What do you enjoy the most about living in Utah?

For those who have moved from other states how do the public schools measure up to what you came from? Better, the same, not as good?

Thanks!

[alexei27]

...moving back to NY!!...just kidding.

Unfortunately I would NOT put the Utah education system near the top of this list. It is poorly run and under financed as a whole.

Having lived in Davis County for 3 years...I would say the two best things about Utah were the skiing and the low cost of living (when compared to many other areas in the country).

[flyerone]

It would have to be the drivers, very courteous and law abiding.

[BuhByeCalifornia]

We've lived here since August 2007 - just a few months.

So far the best thing(s) about living in Utah for us are:

-The friendliness of people in general. Most look you in the eye and smile. I had to get used to that at first since I'm so accustomed to looking away after growing up in Los Angeles.

-The low cost of housing (compared to Calif)

-Outdoor recreation

-The Family-Friendliness of it all (Super Wal-Marts and Super Targets so it's one-stop shopping for those of us toting around little kids, lots of family activities and family venues)

Now the jury is still out regarding schools. My daughter is in 4th grade and is going to a charter school. My son is in 1st grade and is going to the public school (didn't make it into the charter).

My daughter's homework only comprises of reading for 20 minutes and work that she didn't complete during the day.

My son's homework only comprises of writing in a journal and reading a page in his reading manual. I have not seen ANY math homework whatsoever.

In Cali, there was a LOT of homework in math and reading for both kids.

They are both doing very well in school - so well that I wonder if it's too easy?? I did ask my dd yesterday if her school here is easier or harder than the one in Calif. And she said, "EASIER" and she's in 4th grade now (as opposed to 3rd grade in Cali).

But she did follow it up by saying it's easier because the teachers spend more time on the subjects and explain it better. She's the one in the charter school where there are only 22 kids in her class with 2 full time teachers. She also has different teachers for each subject (a math specialist, a science specialist, an art specialist, etc) and she's put into much smaller groups (about 5 or 6 kids grouped by level) when she has her individual subject classes so there is much more individual attention.

But I'm also happy with my son's public school.

I guess I should be happy with the lack of homework!

[easternerDC]

the skiing!!!

The family vibe here is nice, and if we decide to start a family, I know I will appreciate that. It has taken a while for me to get used to it coming from a city neighborhood where there were few children in restaurants and such. I am not sure if I will ever get used to parents placing their kids on serving counters and letting the crawl around - I think it is gross and unsanitary.

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by flyerone

It would have to be the drivers, very courteous and law abiding.

I find this post surprising, since every time I've driven on I-15 between I-70 and the AZ line, it's folks from Utah that seem to be driving the fastest. I'm not saying they're necessarily unsafe or discourteous, it's just that they drive fast (80-90 MPH). The speed limit there is generally 75 MPH, but drops to 65 around St. George.

While I don't live in Utah (except when passing through), I enjoy the diverse beauty of the state. The deserts are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, with the red (or vermilion) cliffs, the "hoodoos" of Bryce Canyon, the Arches and Natural Bridges, and so on. The mountains are equally spectacular. I've always enjoyed traveling through Utah on vacation, or even going to Utah to spend a few days there. I also like the fact that Utah is not very crowded, with the obvious exception of the Salt Lake region. I like that I can drive through most of the state without encountering any serious traffic. I love the fact that Utah caters to outdoor recreation of many types. It is very well known for its skiing. It also has four wheeling, tons of ATV trails, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and lots of other things to do outdoors.

[easternerDC]

Originally Posted by flyerone

It would have to be the drivers, very courteous and law abiding.

bwa hahaha... kidding right? I moved from DC with some crazy drivers, but never was it ever as bad as it is here.

[lemon&lime]

Salt Lake is safe. That is about it.

[snowstorm]

Snow and rock climbing....

[lolagranola]

I love love love it here. I do miss the ocean and wooded areas (I'm from the east coast).

The people here are so friendly and welcoming, so willing to sign up as volunteers.

I love how family-oriented it is. If there is a school event, a scouting thing, kids sports, ect, everyone understands and expects you to make it a priority.

It is gorgeous. Every single visitor we have had has wanted to come back because they loved one national park or another and want more.

My son's homework only comprises of writing in a journal and reading a page in his reading manual. I have not seen ANY math homework whatsoever.

In Cali, there was a LOT of homework in math and reading for both kids.

huh?? You want homework?? Want us to send you ours??

When my daughter was in fourth (from your descriptions of where you live, I think it is very likely to be the same school your's is in!!) one morning she was an hour late. Because her homework, which spent all afternoon the previous day on, was not done...she was still working on it, I was yelling...ended up writing a 2 page letter about how I was 30 years old and am DONE with homework!!

On the other hand, my younger son is in the gifted program in fourth and has almost none (excepting projects).