Utah COULD Be the best! (Ogden: sales, foreclosed, how much)

[kimc53ssz28]

I wanted to start a thread about the various reasons Utah sells itself short. First of all I want to say that I do love Utah, I grew up here, not born here, but I did grow up here. I've lived in many places, Idaho, California, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Arizona. I must say, Utah is like a black hole, when I'm not here....I miss it, and I'm drawn to it. But when I am here, the "culture" drives me crazy!!! Don't get me wrong, I love the mountains, the seasons, the skiing and the other outdoor activities. But why must Utah be full of weird people? It could be the dominant religion or the general sheltered lifestyle that we experience here, but there are certain things that drive me crazy! The people can't drive, the roads suck, the taxes are high! (for a RED state) I lived in Phoenix and the most that ever got taken out of my paycheck was about 20%, so why in a Republican state, must nearly 30% get taken out of my check??!! And there's nothing to show for it!! God this place drives me crazy! It is such a beautiful state and has so much to offer, but the people!!!! and the government!! crazy!! Plus the houses are expensive! In Arizona, one can get into a new house in Queen Creek (Phoenix Suburb) for $80K!! Anyway, I had to get off my chest a few things about this peculiar place called Utah, which I love and hate simultaneously! Don't know how long I'll be here, but feel free to comment

[Lamborgotti]

I don't understand most of your complaints. It's obvious that a large number of people are melodramatic when it comes to the "culture" here, but what you've said simply seems way off target. About the drivers, it seems that they either suck or they're brilliant depending on where you live, when you drive, or how much you're exaggerating. About the taxes, they're quite low compared to most states. It doesn't take a genius to see how nice the roads are here, they're constantly being improved and very generous amounts of money are spent on building and maintaining efficient roads. Udot is often the first in the west to use new and highly advanced technology... like installing bridges in less than two days. You usually don't find freeways nearly as wide, smooth, convenient, and well-maintained as you do in Salt Lake, in big cities. I don't know how you can expect a new house to be 80k, if it is new it must be garbage, or the market must just be really bad in Phoenix. New houses here, in general, are very good deals especially compared to similar houses out of state. Maybe you don't find new houses for ridiculously low prices because they usually don't build small houses here, there's just no market for them.

[markg91359]

I don't know really how to respond to a post like this. Utah has its problems just like any community in America does. However, the culture isn't horrible. It simply reflects the values of the majority of people who live here. I think in the past, Utah was not good in taking care of roadwork. Than when we were told we'd be the host to the 2002 Winter Olympics, things started to change. Massive projects totally reconstructed the freeway system in and around Salt Lake. Commuter rail was finally completed eighteen months ago between Ogden and Salt Lake. I can truly say I'm proud today of both our roads and mass transit. I think for state with a population of under 3 million, we've done some amazing things in the area of transportation.

I agree with your comments on drivers, but I hardly feel that is a satisfactory reason to not move to a community. You'll find more serious problems almost everywhere.

I don't know how to compare our taxes with other states. I know we have decreased sales tax on food. I suspect our income tax is lower than most places. I could never support elliminating state income tax because the places that don't have one are hellholes like Nevada. Here's a reality alot of people don't think about: Many of the most desirable places to live have high taxes. Its how they pay for first class roads, schools, parks, and infrastructure. There is other way to do it unless you believe in Santa Claus.

Thanks for your input, but I disagree with most of what you said.

[Tim Tim Tim]

Utah could be the best if everyone that lived here quit complaining about it. my lord go try out somewhere else and you will realize how nice it is here.

Hardly any traffic, taxes are average, roads are decent, scenery and views are amazing, there is so much stuff to do here I dont see how ANYONE could get bored with it, 4 seasons with nice weather during all, housing is not expensive, people are overall very nice, drivers are not that bad- people really need to quit whining about that one.

[JMadison]

I dunno, I was thinking that the natural highlights of the state and the people both were good reasons I'd want to live there. Never have managed to find work in the state, but definitely keep it on my radar.

Despite being an agnostic, I think I'd rather be surrounded by Mormons than Compton, anyday. Least that's been my experience considering member of both cultures I've encountered. Can think of at least one Mormon gal I'd have married some years ago if she'd not already been attached. Granted, we were over in Nevada at the time. No idea what changes in personality might have occurred had we ended up back in say, SLC.

Anyway, only speaking hypothetically, since I've only ever visited the state and not lived there. I can say from experience, short visits, and living in a place are often two different worlds.

[toby04]

I moved here from California 15 years ago, no regrets. I love Utah! I have met lots of great (and a few not so) people. It is what it is!

[carlymac]

No sympathy! ;-)

[jwest09]

Originally Posted by Lamborgotti

I don't know how you can expect a new house to be 80k, if it is new it must be garbage, or the market must just be really bad in Phoenix. New houses here, in general, are very good deals especially compared to similar houses out of state. Maybe you don't find new houses for ridiculously low prices because they usually don't build small houses here, there's just no market for them.

The 80k almost new homes in the Mesa and Queen Creek, AZ. area are not garbage. They are foreclosed abandon homes left in good condition, ready to be bought at a great price to make another family happy some day.

[michelleleigh]

Utah has its quirks like any other state. New Mexico (where I am from) has a bunch, and so did New York,where we lived before coming out west again( Thank the Lord) Instead of complaing about the quirks, I like to find the humour in them ( not that complaing is bad, its healthier than not saying anything) and laugh. All three states are beautiful in there owne right, all three states have their quirks.

[stycotl]

( not that complaing is bad, its healthier than not saying anything)

that is certainly the truth. though it is far from the ideal reaction, it is better than just going down quietly. on that note, i'm gonna complain about my stupid school projects. blasted assignments are keeping me from work this week. gonna have to make up hours next week. but hey... at least i have a job that allows me the freedom to do so (and nowadays, at least i have a job period). i'm too damn blessed to be complaining, so i'll shut up now.