Non-mormon family looking to relocate to Lehi (Provo, Park City: subdivision, to live)

[chazcrew]

Traverse mountain would be extremely close to work, just a short five-minute drive down the road to IMFT. There is a bit of a view there, because they are on a hill, and there's a new Cabelas that has all the men in Northern Utah in raptures. So far only the first few stages have been done, so there is still a lot of developing to go, but what's there looks nice. I agree, the lots seem very small, but almost all the new developments around here seem to be on small lots. More money for the developers, I guess. The only drawback I can think of is, it's right by the freeway. Probably not close enough to hear freeway noise, though.

There is also supposed to be a lot more development going on in that area, both housing and commercial, so you could end up in a very convenient, somewhat walkable community if it all goes the way they say it will.

[DP525]

Originally Posted by aussie_american

I have been looking at housing online and am wondering about the Traverse Mountain development. It seems that it would meet the "new neighborhood" criteria and is a lot closer to the IMFT plant than Daybreak, or even Suncrest. A lot of the lots look small in size, but being on a hillside, many also have a view, which makes living on a smaller lot not seem so closed-in as just looking at the neighbors house. Does anyone have any experience or insight into what the Traverse Mountain community is like?

DP525, obviously you have already chosen Daybreak and seem reasonably happy with it, but you haven't really responded to my query on the commute. How long does it take you to get to/from work each day? Also, how close is the nearest shopping mall and/or grocery store?

It takes about 20 minutes to get to IMFT from Daybreak. The reason we didn't pick Suncrest is it is much higher than the rest of the valley. Yesterday they had snow when we were clear. It would be cooler there in the summer but you pay for it in the winter.

Jordan Landing is about 10 minutes from Daybreak and has many "big box" stores. The Sandy Mall is about 15 minutes away. The District will be another huge shopping center and is across Bangerter from Daybreak...so within walking distance. It already has several stores and a huge theater open. Daybreak itself will have its own shopping area with small shops and restaurants but isn't done yet.

[DP525]

Originally Posted by LlasaLost

Another thing: I don't know your religion (don't need to), but say you're a Lutheran, and the Catholics built a large abbey within your line-of-sight, would that make you feel like it was cementing your status of an "outsider"? So why would the existance of an LDS Temple be any bigger of a deal to you than an abbey? I'm making an assumption here that you would have no desire (other than casual) to enter a LDS temple, nor ever take part in the ceremonies within it to begin with---you personally would chose to be outside. So how can a temple's existance nearby make you feel like an outsider---being as, in this context, that's what you wish to be?

I don't like your logic. I would always be welcome in a Catholic church, cathedral, abbey, etc., even not being Catholic. As a matter of fact, I have been in many. I have been to a wedding and a funeral in a Catholic church, and Lutheran church as well. I have witnessed their rituals. But I am not worthy of entering an LDS temple. I, as an outsider, could never witness Mormon rituals inside a temple, including a wedding. Also, Catholicism is much closer to the protestant religion I was raised with. Mormonism, well, isn't. I also don't have Catholic or Lutheran missionaries knocking on my door "encouraging" me to join their religion. I don't want to get into a religious debate here, but it is hard to explain my feelings without bringing some of these issues up.

[aussie_american]

Thanks chazcrew and dp525. I think I will definitely look at both areas when we are looking for housing. 20 minutes is not as bad a commute as I was expecting.

[TahoeHeath]

I was raised outside the church and have recently gone back so I feel I have somewhat of a good outsider view point on this issue. My family and I are also considering moving to Utah and we are weighing all the pluses and minuses. I have lived in over 6 states and as weird as it is, I compare every single one to Utah! Yes, there are many LDS people living there and especially in Utah county. If I were you, I might consider living north of the point of the mountain (outside utah county) just to get your feet wet. And then go from there. I would hate to see you give up a wonderful career opportunity because of rumors. Although, I am sorry to hear the stories you speak of, I feel that most children are just cruel and ignorant sometimes. I am sure you made fun of or excluded some children when you were a child- not to be mean but just because. This is just how they are sometimes. I know the LDS religion teaches acceptance and how to be a good person. So I would not blame a childs cruelty on a specific religion but more on how they are raised by their parents and thier example. Unfortunatly, like every religion there are people in it that do not represent what that religion stands for.
As far as Utah goes, I love it and can't wait to move back. It has everything- great shopping, great resturants, skiing, lakes, mountains, biking, lots of young families and affordable housing. It is a very family friendly place with lots of children of all religions and It is getting more and more diverse. Like I said, if I were you I would go there are check it for myself, get a feel for it and probably live north of Lehi for the first little while. I think if you exed out Utah because of the rumors you have heard, it would be a very foolish decision and keep you from living in a potentially great city with a great job and lots of children for your kids to play with- LDS and non-LDS. That is just my take as a parent and with many non-LDS friends that live in Utah as well. Hope this helps!

[Reluctant Coloradan]

It is wrong to stereotype, but these people had real experiences too. Any religion where a small group claims exclusive rights to decide how and who gets to access God's presence is a cult. The members are usually too lazy to study and pray on their own, and just want someone to tell them what to think. Nothing beats studying the Bible on your own.

[shanenlori]

Reluctant and everyone else,
I am LDS, but no one has ever TOLD me what to believe. My actions and choices are mine alone. I listen and study the docterine of the church then choose to take and apply it to my life, or not, it's my choice. I'm sorry you percieve the LDS church as a cult. Perhaps that is your right, but unfortunately I disagree. All religions have some docturnal foundation. The LDS church is no different. All people shoud take the foundtion (the basic teachings) and use it as that, a foundation, and then as you say study, read the scriptures and pray. Mormon, Lutheran, Catholic, Jew, ect. it makes no difference. The same principle applies to everyone.
I believe, too, that steroetyping is wrong, and I know some people have had very bad experiences with the LDS/NON issue. I know their experiences are real and I wish very baddly that those kind of things didn't happen. But don't you think that calling the LDS church a cult a stereotype? I choose not to label or stereotype, nobody tells me to do this, I choose to do it. I know I can't change anybody elses actions, I am only in charge of my own. I choose to accept everyone. I really don't care what your beliefs are as long as you are a good person. I can definately respect yours if you can be respectful of mine. Really, I wish we could all get along. I feel we all have different life experiences and can all learn from one another.

Reluctant and others, I hope you have not taken my comment in offense. It is not my intention. I get the feeling that there is a general misunderstanding about the LDS church. I have a very sincere desire promote tolerance and peace. There is an LDS primary song that we teach our children, it says "Kindness begins with me". I hope others can take this approcah as well.
Thank for your time.
LORI

[chazcrew]

Originally Posted by Reluctant Coloradan

It is wrong to stereotype, but these people had real experiences too. Any religion where a small group claims exclusive rights to decide how and who gets to access God's presence is a cult. The members are usually too lazy to study and pray on their own, and just want someone to tell them what to think. Nothing beats studying the Bible on your own.

ROFL! Well...that's an interesting take on it. Especially since I'd reckon members of the LDS church do far more studying and praying than the average religious person. Do you pray every morning, every night, before every meal, alone, with your spouse, and with your family, every day? Do you study the scriptures alone, with your spouse, and with your family, every day? Do you attend three hours of church every Sunday, plus activities and meetings during the week? Do you send your children to an hour of religious instruction five days a week during the school year? Do you take two years out of your life to serve a self-funded mission for your church, during which you study and pray daily, harder and longer than you ever have in your life?

I'm become inured over the years to being called a member of a cult by people who don't know any better, but being called lazy, unlearned, and unprayerful, that's new. And pretty funny!

P.S. Only God gets to determine who can be in His presence. You're giving us mere mortals an awful lot of power we simply don't have.

[coolcats]

Edit: Looks like me and Chazcrew posted just about the same thoughts at the same time but I second the above sentiments.

Just to add to that. The claim that LDS are too lazy too read and study on their own couldn’t be further from the truth. Daily personal scripture study and prayer are extremely important principles in this, and other, religions. Lastly, no person on this earth will determine if someone enters God’s presence.

[LlasaLost]

Originally Posted by Reluctant Coloradan

It is wrong to stereotype, but these people had real experiences too. Any religion where a small group claims exclusive rights to decide how and who gets to access God's presence is a cult. The members are usually too lazy to study and pray on their own, and just want someone to tell them what to think. Nothing beats studying the Bible on your own.

I, too, am ROFL! Let's see, I've read the Bible (Old & New Testaments) clear through, end to end, numerous times, plus I go back to it often, researching and studying; daily scripture study is where it's at! And then there's the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price---plus the Douay version of the Bible, plus the Koran, all of which I've read, plus study at the University of Judaism. I'm not bragging here, as I'm just a pretty typical "Mormon;" you know: lazy, ignorant, easily led, blinded by leaders bent only on control, unwilling to think for myself. (by the way Coloradan, a cult--any cult--ceases to be a cult once their membership reaches 1,000,000; and while we're at it the early Christians were considered a cult by the existing, 'acceptable' religions of the time--so you're point is?)