Where In Utah, Please??? (Provo, St. George: crime, home, employment)

[Canine*Castle]

I've lived in Texas for almost 30 years and am originally from southern California. I am looking to relocate but haven't a clue really where that shall be. I know nothing about Utah and have scoped the internet but nothing really gives information as well as the people living in an area. Well, that's usually the case anyway. Many Texans think Texas is Paradise, but I don't feel that way at all. Here is what I'm looking for:

. not too much snow, probably southern Utah some place I would guess

. no drastically severe weather including heat, tornadoes, flooding, or blizzards

. pretty scenery, preferably mountains (not much into desert scenery unless it's gorgeous)

. short summers (I can't take this Texas heat and humidity anymore).

. prefer warm (not hot or humid) to cold (50 degrees all year round would suit me and to some that is very cold; no hotter than 80 degrees would also be grand) I know that is not to be found in Utah, but I'm kind of giving one the idea of what I consider cold and hot.

. low population and not apt to grow

. clean small town nearby

. 3 to 5 acres with a modest home around $125,000 (That's probably the deal killer right there).

. no religious worries ~ I'm Baptist and prefer to live and let live.

I have already checked out crime statistics overall in the state, and along with Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, Utah looks pretty good.

Any information would be appreciated.

[jazzlover]

I can think of no place in Utah that you might find all of that--and, quite frankly, no place anywhere else in the Rocky Mountain West, and I have lived in quite a few places in the Rockies and traveled just about all of it. Basically, in the Rocky Mountain region you've got three choices: Plains (think Texas panhandle), mountains, or desert. Where it's warmer in the winter, it's generally hotter than hell in the summer. Where it's cooler in the summer, it's generally pretty cold to darned cold in the winter. You can also find places that are hotter than blazes in summer and pretty cold in winter. If it's green in the summer, there's usually a lot of snow in the winter. If you want a short summer, you're going to have a long winter.

Right now (though this may change with the coming economic debacle I believe we are headed for), the Rocky Mountain region has one of the fastest growing populations in the country--finding a place "not apt to grow" is not likely. $125K for a house--except maybe out on the eastern plains of Montana, Wyoming (away from the coal mining, and oil and gas areas), Colorado, or New Mexico--is pretty unrealistic right now. Most "ordinary" Rocky Mountain towns would have prices from 50%-100% more than that. Get into the desirable mountain areas, and 150%-300% or more is not uncommon. We haven't even talked about local wage scales, which in the rural Rocky Mountain West (unless you are working in the oil and gas fields), are generally quite a bit lower than the national average.

What it sounds like you want is a southern California marine-type climate. Sorry, you're not going to find a San Diego climate in the Rockies--it ain't there.

[Canine*Castle]

No, I'm willing to compromise on the climate. I like Southern California temperatures, but I also like seasons. If it weren't for these ungodly summers in Texas, the rest of the weather is very decent. Thanks for your response.

[Abstrakt]

Utah is one extreme to the other daily temps of 110 degrees to daily temps of -8 in a months time. Southern Utah it's more like 120 degrees-45 degree range either way if you are looking for comfortable climate and temp. Utah is not for you.

[momof2penguins]

I live in Price, UT, which is a very nice town. This winter has been pretty harsh, but I hear it is not the norm (we moved here in July). It was in the 50's during the day up until the end of October/beginning of November. It's surrounded by mountains. I think it's the most beautiful place I've ever lived. I'm Catholic and haven't had any problems with religion. Most of the people I am friendly with are LDS or former LDS and they don't have a problem with me and I don't have a problem with them. Everyone here is really nice. Our neighbors on both sides and 2 from across the street came and introduced themselves just after we moved in. When I lived in New Mexico and Wyoming that never happened. Provo is just an hour away for good shopping. There isn't much around here for shopping, just Kmart and Walmart. Another downside is the job field. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but the main industry around here is coal mining.

Here are a few websites about Price.
Average Weather for Price, UT - Temperature and Precipitation

Carbon County Chamber Of Commerce

Price City Utah

The Sun Advocate - Home (local paper)

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by momof2penguins

There isn't much around here for shopping, just Kmart and Walmart.

I beg your pardon, but that's a super Walmart.

[momof2penguins]

Originally Posted by SergeantL

I beg your pardon, but that's a super Walmart.

Oops!

[atlantisbusinessgroup]

I have always like Kanab Utah.

[Heatherr]

Canine Castle - a bit late to respond here but.... Eastern Kane County has a whole passel of stuff. You can pick up acreage in Clark Bench or Church Wells for about what you are looking at. Close to Lake Powell and in the middle of the grand circle of national parks and monuments, and bordering the Grand Staircase Escalante NM.

We do have heat, but alas, it is a dry heat. The scenery is beyond gorgeous. The population of Kane County right now is about 6000 and expected to 14,000 by 2050. Go Figure.

mod cut: link removed

Big Water, Utah is 17 miles from Page, AZ and Page was just rated in the Top Ten places for an outdoorsman to live, according to Outdoor Life. The amazing variety of hunting and fishing to be had was the major part of the rating.

[Aerorick]

Not to sound pesimistic but unless your bringing your job with you I'd put employment opportunitys at the top of things to look for. While Utah has all the outdoor activitys a person could want, the last I heard snowboarding, hiking and hunting doesn't pay well. I wouldn't put so much weight on the weather. Unless you work outside in it, in reality most people just have to put up with it going to and from their cars.
Utah is beautiful with pleasant folks and very scenic. But unless your near SLC or St. George your shopping is pretty much limited to Super Wal-Marts, fast-food and Mom and Pop type businesses.