Considering Utah (St. George, Francis: travel, job, home)

[Daytrepper]

Ive paid a visit to SLC. Loved it. The outdoors, mountains, etc was amazing.

Basically, I am a single 26 year old, looking for an interesting place, with culture, a big outdoors scene, and good employment for an operations manger in the trucking industry soon to have an MBA.

I currently live in NW Ohio, and need a change. Im tired of the limited possibilities here, and the general lack of things to do. Sports here is huge, and im not into that, at all. I have a great job here, and will regret leaving it, but I have decided it must be done for a better quality of life-- among other things.

Im not a big fan of the weather in SLC, having lived in the midwest, and freezing, long cold winters are an issue. Utah's mountains, travel possibilities, and outdoor diversity may make up for this.

Other thing is, Ive heard alot about Utah's LDS/non-LDS people, and I am not a religious person, whatsoever, would this be a problem? Honestly, I get vehemetly offended when religion is pushed upon/advertised to me. I respect everyones beliefs/ideals-- so long as it is kept to themselves--if not Ill tell them how it is-- however, I have my own beliefs/etc, and I expect them to respect that-- as I would respect theirs. Religious and other propaganda is very offensive to me.

I am a fluent-speaking Russian, and that type of culture would be a plus. I dont expect many Russians to be here though.

I only had a short stay in Utah last year, and liked what I saw. I plan to take another trip there mid 2008. Thoughts?

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by Daytrepper

Ive paid a visit to SLC. Loved it. The outdoors, mountains, etc was amazing.

Basically, I am a single 26 year old, looking for an interesting place, with culture, a big outdoors scene, and good employment for an operations manger in the trucking industry soon to have an MBA.

I currently live in NW Ohio, and need a change. Im tired of the limited possibilities here, and the general lack of things to do. Sports here is huge, and im not into that, at all. I have a great job here, and will regret leaving it, but I have decided it must be done for a better quality of life-- among other things.

Im not a big fan of the weather in SLC, having lived in the midwest, and freezing, long cold winters are an issue. Utah's mountains, travel possibilities, and outdoor diversity may make up for this.

Other thing is, Ive heard alot about Utah's LDS/non-LDS people, and I am not a religious person, whatsoever, would this be a problem? Honestly, I get vehemetly offended when religion is pushed upon/advertised to me. I respect everyones beliefs/ideals-- so long as it is kept to themselves--if not Ill tell them how it is-- however, I have my own beliefs/etc, and I expect them to respect that-- as I would respect theirs. Religious and other propaganda is very offensive to me.

I am a fluent-speaking Russian, and that type of culture would be a plus. I dont expect many Russians to be here though.

I only had a short stay in Utah last year, and liked what I saw. I plan to take another trip there mid 2008. Thoughts?

Utah ranks twelfth in states with higher degrees. A master's degree is as common as a high school diploma in Utah, so you shouldn't be under the impression it will be much of an advantage in finding a job.

Next, based on your concerns regarding religion, Utah is not the place for you, but I can recommend an alternative. California has all of the things you love about Utah. It takes a little longer to drive to the Sierra Nevada Mountains from cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, but the activities are the same. You also will have the Pacific Ocean, and best of all, no snow.

In addition to all of the aforementioned, California can practically provide an Indian gambling casino at your front door. Gambling is illegal in Utah, and one must drive to Nevada to find a casino.

Finally, there are quite a few Russian ex-patriots and descendants in California.

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by Daytrepper

I am a fluent-speaking Russian, and that type of culture would be a plus. I dont expect many Russians to be here though.

there is a Russian cultural center downtown SLC.

[dogmom]

I agree with Seargeant...if you are already worried about the religion thing, stay out of Utah...go to California. Utah is mormon, that's it and if you don't like dealing with religion of any sort, this is not the place for you..go to California, no one there gives a hoot what religion you are or if your ancestors were pioneers.

See this is how the subject gets started..obviously there is always going to be someone asking about the religion thing..it comes up in these posts everyday. If you are worried about the religion, don't come to to utah. Or parts of Idaho and Nevada,either. Go to California.. everything you like here you will find there, in droves..

Good luck with your move!

[Daytrepper]

Agree. The religion thing only bothers me if it will be advertised or pushed on me regularly. It wouldnt be a big deal if others respect my beliefs-- and not push other religions etc on me-- I have my own beliefs and would expect others to respect that. If they wont, then its not worth my time. Honestly, Im not religious at all. I have my reasons. I just told some Jehovah's witnesses yesterday (at least I think thats what they were, only ones that go door to door as far as I know) to get bent and not to bother me again, to put it lightly. I have very very strict ideals about religion and pushing it on others--Jehovah's witnesses, evangelical Christians, etc--extremist/finatical anything--basically Im cool with it until you push it on me--then I get very verbally unfriendly about it--and will go further if needed (calling cops, etc)--- which further says Utah might not work, with all the religion talk. I respect everyone's religions, whatever you want to do is up to you----just dont push it on me when I dont want to hear it.

Cali is too expensive for me, so Im looking at AZ alittle harder--however will visit Utah again this year just for kicks-- dont know, the beehive state might grow on me even more.

--Sosh

[dogmom]

Well check out AZ...it's not that the religion is 'pushed' on you here, it just 'is'. It's the culture. It's not a bad or a good thing, depending on your point of view, but it permeates everyday life, even here in St. George area. The state was founded on the religion. You can come visit, but it's the same. The LDS that are native to Utah don't realize it because it is all they know. You will find that most of the LDS that come to Utah from other states do notice it. Nuff said...have a busy day today, have a great day everyone.

[DP525]

You cannot escape religion in Utah. It is infused in every aspect of media, government, schools, businesses, conversations, etc. It is not so much "pushed" on you as just always present. You are reminded of it constantly. It is not really bad or in your face, but it is always around. Kind of hard to explain, but I know most people not of the predominant faith would agree with me. If you would have a problem with this, Utah is definitely not the right place for you.

[Aerorick]

Daytripper, don't worry about the LDS issue. Nobodys going to push anything on you. If Sarg says Utah is 14th in degree holders I believe him. But honestly you wouldn't know it by living here. Utah is a fine place. Check it out. The more open-minded, life experianced people that move here the better. I did get a kick out of the comment that one advantage to California is the casino's and that gaming is illegal in Utah. I'm guessing to make the point of how pure and God-fearing the place is. Crimany, there are probably more casinos on every road and highway just over Utah's border with Nevada and Idaho than in all of Vegas. The hypocrisy is deafening but becomes amusing in time.

[WhyNotSki]

Daytrepper;

First off, congrats on your MBA....Its a lot of work and dedication...

I am orginally from Pittsburgh PA and moved to the SLC area about 4 years ago with my wife. You said you are not a fan of the weather in SLC...Well, let me tell you...the weather here is MUCH better than the Ohio river valley. Sure we have snow, but it is so dry here, that 32 degrees does not feel like 32 degrees in the midwest. The summers are a bit warmer, but again the dry climate makes it much easier to handle the the humidity.

THEN we have the LDS thing.....Oh does everyone outside of Utah worry about that. I myself am not LDS and will never be LDS, nor am I religious at all. LDS people are not some crazed group of people that burn themselves when the government comes to town. SLC is very NON-LDS compared to the rest of the state, and for that matters in about 5 years the state will be mostly NON-LDS. So in conclusion to this issue, do not make the LDS thing an issue when making your decision. If someone comes to your door (Missionary), just politely say that you are not interested and are comfortable with your view/beliefs and do not intend on changing...Period....They will respect that and move onto the next home (and will never be back, maybe one more time, but never three times)

"I am a fluent-speaking Russian, and that type of culture would be a plus. I dont expect many Russians to be here though."

There are indeed a strong Russian community here....My good friend, his sister is married to a Russian here, and from what he tells me there is plenty of Russians in the area.

From a recreational perspective, you cannot find a major city in the U.S. that is soooo close to so much recreation. Denver is a nice city, but you have to drive to the mountains. in SLC, you can live on the edge of the mountains and walk out your door to go snow shoeing, skiing, hiking, fishing, etc.

If you are from Sandusky or similar, I think you will be suprised as to how much better it is up here compared to NW Ohio, unless you live in a small town like Bowling Green, then SLC is MUCH bigger than that......Nice thing about America is that you can jump ship any time you want to something completely different. Good luck

[therewego]

Originally Posted by WhyNotSki

Daytrepper;

First off, congrats on your MBA....Its a lot of work and dedication...

I am orginally from Pittsburgh PA and moved to the SLC area about 4 years ago with my wife. You said you are not a fan of the weather in SLC...Well, let me tell you...the weather here is MUCH better than the Ohio river valley. Sure we have snow, but it is so dry here, that 32 degrees does not feel like 32 degrees in the midwest. The summers are a bit warmer, but again the dry climate makes it much easier to handle the the humidity.

THEN we have the LDS thing.....Oh does everyone outside of Utah worry about that. I myself am not LDS and will never be LDS, nor am I religious at all. LDS people are not some crazed group of people that burn themselves when the government comes to town. SLC is very NON-LDS compared to the rest of the state, and for that matters in about 5 years the state will be mostly NON-LDS. So in conclusion to this issue, do not make the LDS thing an issue when making your decision. If someone comes to your door (Missionary), just politely say that you are not interested and are comfortable with your view/beliefs and do not intend on changing...Period....They will respect that and move onto the next home (and will never be back, maybe one more time, but never three times)

"I am a fluent-speaking Russian, and that type of culture would be a plus. I dont expect many Russians to be here though."

There are indeed a strong Russian community here....My good friend, his sister is married to a Russian here, and from what he tells me there is plenty of Russians in the area.

From a recreational perspective, you cannot find a major city in the U.S. that is soooo close to so much recreation. Denver is a nice city, but you have to drive to the mountains. in SLC, you can live on the edge of the mountains and walk out your door to go snow shoeing, skiing, hiking, fishing, etc.

If you are from Sandusky or similar, I think you will be suprised as to how much better it is up here compared to NW Ohio, unless you live in a small town like Bowling Green, then SLC is MUCH bigger than that......Nice thing about America is that you can jump ship any time you want to something completely different. Good luck

Thank you for your post. We are also considering a move to Utah but it depends on a job. We have seen so many nice things about the state and you have really made my mind at ease with regards to the weather, relition, and the recreational options available. Have a great weekend.