Is Ogden Really Ugly? (Salt Lake City, West Valley City: appointed, crime, houses)

[Shakeshas]

I was reading a few posts about Ogden and one of them talked about the drugs, violence and how the houses are so run down. I'm from Michigan and would like to relocate. I looked at properties in Ogden online and they were quite lovely. So what's the truth about the city? Should I avoid it? I also found nice homes in Saratoga Springs, is it nice there? I just want a large luxurious home in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood. Any suggestions??

Thanks, I feel a little lost right now...

[Bridget]

I have not lived in Ogden but I travel to Downtown Ogden about once a week. I think to say it is rundown, gangs, etc. is a big generalization. I think that once a city gets a reputation, even if it is from a while ago it is hard to change peoples way of thinking. I grew up in Sandy and the perception of Ogden was not always good but when I went there for the first time, as an adult, I thought it was beautiful. Now, I wasn't looking for houses so I was mainly on the surface streets and there are a lot of older areas but the moutains were georgeous. They are really trying to improve and revitalize the city and I know that there are a lot of different areas, as far as housing goes - older and newer. They have a lot of stores and restaurants. If you are looking for a more diverse city you would want to check it out. They have new rec centers and we have gone to the train museum, and dino park a few times. I don't think that water recreation is very far.

My sister lived in Saratoga Springs, in the Harvest Hills subdivision. She was there about 4 years ago, when it was just starting to boom. I haven't been there for a while but I think it has grown a lot. I think it has a lot of younger families so if you have young kids that would be a good option. I think that the city grew bigger than anticipated so the roads and are just now trying to play catch up (although Utah seems to get a lot of road construction anyway). There is water recreation close to this city too.

Depending on where you are going to work, we live in Syracuse and have loved it. It is about 20 minutes from Ogden and about 35 from Salt Lake (not during rush hour traffic). You can get a lot of house for your money. We have decided to move closer to family but I seriously wish I could take the city with me because we will not be able to find what we have in the Sandy/Riverton area. Syracuse has a small town feel still because it has a lot of open space, walking trails, nature pond. It has the main grocery stores you need, library, gas stations, new high school, and the bigger stores are 10 minutes away in Layton. In my neighborhood you can get anywhere from a 2800 sq ft home to 3500 sq ft home on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lot for $270,000 to $320,000. There are a few that are bigger but I am not sure what their price is. I large part of the homes in Syracuse seem to be from 2004 and newer. I think there is a lot of diversity here because of some of the families working for Hill Air Force Base, versus everyone being native to Utah. Good luck with your search.

[RockyMtnr]

If you are coming from Michigan - Ogden will not appear so "run down".
In fact, one of the things that first attracted me to Ogden is that it reminded me of some eastern towns ... like a really small Kalamazoo, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Ft. Wayne, etc.
The downside of Ogden is that it wasn't "self-supporting" ... and this is a problem throughout the inter-mountain west and the west other than coastal states - in general. Weather, land quality, lack of water and comparative isolation all combine to make all the towns dependent on importing staples from elsewhere in the country and the world. Again, with our newer, global economy this is no longer so "out of the ordinary".
Compared to Salt Lake and Provo, Ogden is on the "run-down" side. Still, it smacks of the older, eastern towns with a touch of "hayseed" thrown in. A good time can be had by all. I actually came to Utah from Michigan (via California though).
Oh, I'm no longer in Utah - haven't been for coming on 15 years. Preferred Wyoming/Montana and now I'm in Oregon - but I still get there (Utar) quite regularly.

[dojilynn]

Yes Ogden may have its ugly parts and run-down parts, but it also has some beautiful neighborhoods with lovely homes. The view of the mountains is awesome. There are plenty of places in Ogden that would fit what you are looking for.

[Abstrakt]

Ogden is a different general culture than the rest of the state. It's kind of where the red necks and city living meet. There are drugs and violence but it isn't a ghetto by any definition. I would say it's more of a small city that has gotten just big enough to have some big city problems.

[Shakeshas]

Thanks for all of the Ogden information. I guess I have my work cut out for me. So far, it seems that Utah is a beautiful state in general. During my search for homes, I have yet to be disappointed with any city.

Thanks again!!!

[bob rulz]

Ogden has some run-down parts like others have said, but crime issues will be far worse in South Salt Lake, eastern West Valley City, and western Salt Lake City than anywhere in Ogden. Anyone who tells you that Ogden has a lot of crime is probably from Beverly Hills, or lives in one of the very worst neighborhoods in the city (which there aren't many of).

Saratoga Springs is a new, booming city. All LDS, conservative, family lifestyle, with horrible traffic, horrible roads, suburban big-box shopping, and absolutely no public transit of any sort. It could be worse, though; it could be Eagle Mountain.

[providence_native]

Just speaking of asthetics:

Downtown/mainstreet: Are pretty.
Downtown/residential: Depends where you are, some good, some not so nice at all.
Outskirts: Exactly what you're looking for, rich people houses in quiet neighborhoods.
In Between: Again, depends where you look, some great, others not so much.

I'd like to put in my two cents and ask you to think about at least partial commuting, there's a decent system along the Wasatch Front and it helps the air.

[prettycutegrill]

I lived in Los Angeles since birth, It became an overpopulated mess. About three years ago i moved to Phoenix, AZ. I am very sorry i moved to Phoenix, it is horrible and the people here have strong prejudice against minorities. I recently visited some family in Ogden, UT. One word to describe this town is "beautiful". The buildings are historical and have exquisite detail. They are treasures. Some are very old, but have great potential for remodeling. I am so glad i have seen Ogden up close. The first thing you observe are the beautiful mountains, an awesome view from every angle. I am so sick of the "city" life and the attitude that comes with city people. I will move there as soon as possible. IF you are ready for a small town change, without limited recreational activities that might come from small towns, then i highly recommend Ogden. Take care, God Bless.

[AgilityLady]

Hi I am also relocating to UTAH and we were unsure if we were going to the Ogden area or south of Salt Lake area . I spent 2 days driving all over ogden and i visited several schools and i found it to be a nice community. Definately the westside of Harrison street is the nicer area to be. I was told to stay away from the 29th street and 32 street between harrison and washington streets. I check out areas around 12th street and found that area really nice. I wish you luck but i would not classify Ogden as ugly by no means and I am coming from Florida.