Moving to Utah Soon (Provo, Orem: affordable apartment, rentals, houses)

[BruceAdama]

Hi, all...

I'm gonna be moving to Utah soon, but I'm not exactly sure WHERE in Utah just yet. I was hoping some folks who live there can help me out. First of all, my main concern is finding an affordable apartment. I specifically require a one-bedroom apartment, with air conditioning/heating, and laundry on-site. I do NOT require high-speed internet or cable... that's not essential stuff. My apartment budget is $400.00 a month.

Also, I need to be able to find a stable job. Previously, I have worked in supermarkets and retail establishments, as cashier. Would I be able to find that kind of employment without too much trouble?

I am LDS, and would like to be located as close to a mid-singles ward as possible.

If someone can give me some info on some potential places/cities, that would be great. Thanks in advance!

-BruceAdama

[eggalegga]

I don't know how far rent of $400 will get you, but here in SLC, I doubt it will go very far. Could you contact someone in your current ward to help you seek out information about various wards in Utah? Perhaps there is some kind of network within your religion where other Mormons could help you seek out a job, place to live and a good singles ward.

[dreameyes]

Hi Bruce,

A lot will depend on where in Utah you are gonna move. You won't find a one bedroom in SLC for 400 or even 500 unless maybe it's in like Rosepark or Glendale which are not desirable places to live. I found a one bedroom around 530 at eagle's landing (a place my now husband used to live) and it was an ok place (not the best area though) and as far as the wards go...well let's just say I'd rather be somewhere like murray or midvale. As far as the jobs you are looking for, well probably similar to everywhere, they're a little tight. Having a good bishop who can help will help and you can always go to lds employment too. When you know where you're gonna move maybe you can get more help.

[BruceAdama]

Thanks, guys. I know SLC is expensive, and it's really not on my list of Utah cities, because I don't want to be near a hugely busy hub. I'm looking for a nice suburban kind of outskirt or something, but also something that is close to shopping, dining, and entertainment, and very close to a Chapel. Again, I know $400.00 a month might be a bit hard to get, but really, all I want is a 1 bed, 1 bath apt, with A/C, heat, and laundry on-site. I don't need the fancy stuff like internet and cable.

If someone can kinda just give me a quick sampling of the preferable suburbs, that'd be cool, because I'm hoping that by hearing about various areas from people that live there, you can help me make a good choice. Also, I LOVE Carl's Jr. and Pizza Hut... does Utah have many of those places?

-BruceAdama

[kaytidid]

Are you receptive to being a roommate or do you need a place all to yourself?

Yes, Utah has LOTS of Carls Jr and Pizza Hut!

[BruceAdama]

I am more than receptive to being a roommate, and it's great to know, about my favorite eateries. Feel free to IM me on AIM, or PM me, if you are seeking a roommate, and would possibly consider me.

[osugirl2]

Originally Posted by BruceAdama

I am more than receptive to being a roommate, and it's great to know, about my favorite eateries. Feel free to IM me on AIM, or PM me, if you are seeking a roommate, and would possibly consider me.

I've been on KSL.com for several months looking for a place to live, and there are a lot of ads for single family homes as well as apartments and shared living. I would go check it out. It's a great resource!

[dreameyes]

Well as far as nice suburbs I'll only comment on where I live. I live in murray just near Fashion Place Mall. It is a super place to live, very close to everything and I do know there have been some shared houses with singles living there and I've also seen several basement apts. in this area. But again with 400 being the limit you'd probably have to go the shared housing route. The institute at SLCC or the U would be another good place to look for shared housing.

[jpinecone]

Hi, I would say that there are always jobs here in the fields you are looking at; but maybe you should consider something where you can move up the job ladder to higher income, such as the grocery business, so you are not stuck in a dead-end job forever, like a drive-in. As far as rents go, it may be hard to find something in the $400 range, but that is not to say they are not out there. Maybe the best thing would be to aim for a higher earning bracket so you can afford better rent. Or as one person said, consider a shared rental, being sure to interview and check out the background of any possible roommates. I see ads for shared rentals almost all the time.
I would choose a town like Provo, Springville, Orem -- though Orem I would call "super-busy", Pleasant Grove, or American Fork, where there are more LDS people looking for roommates (because of BYU and other schools). Good luck! I think you would like Springville best, myself, if you want a quiet place. And yes, check out LDS employment for jobs and job-seeking skills training -- they can help you get a good job; and work thorough your Bishop for referrals to other bishops, etc. There are lots of singles wards everywhere, so you won't have a problem there. You can always move again if you find a better place once you are here and more familiar with everything.

[BruceAdama]

One thing i'm wondering is whether or not any/many towns in UT have like, town-wide holiday celebrations, like 4th of July celebrations/BBQ's in the park, or Christmas performances, etc? I'm just wondering, because I'm the kind of guy who loves to go to stuff like block parties, park BBQ's, etc.