Possible move to Logan (Washington, North Logan: real estate, house prices, school)

[Texas 'gal]

Hi!

We currently live in Texas. My husband has a tentative job lead in Logan, UT, and we're seriously considering it. We currently live just south of Dallas, a large urban area. although I can see advantages to living in a smaller area, I'm concerned about "culture shock" mainly by moving to a much smaller town.

It just seems that Logan is much smaller than what I'm used to. I really am not the "farm girl" type. I do like being near infrastructure, shopping, night life, restaurants, culture, but on the other hand I could appreciate a less harried life style, less congestion, crime, etc. Just don't want too much "peace and quiet" if you know what I mean.

It sure looks tempting--seems like good weather, low cost of living, beautiful scenery, etc. also, we're not LDS, would we have trouble fitting in? would our kids have a hard time in school? Also, I've read its cold in Logan. Well, we might just welcome such a change, its so hot here in TX much of the year, especially summers of 100+! Does it snow much there? Is it a dry snow, or the wet, slushy type that stays on the ground? I'm from Ohio originally, don't care for the "wet stuff"

[dreameyes]

That's funny you're from Dallas and thinking of moving here. We're from Utah and thinking of moving to Dallas! LOL

Anyhoo I think Logan would be a great place to live and raise kids. It certainly does have the beautiful scenery, and Utah is absolutely an outdoorsy persons haven if thats for you! You will get a nice small town, friendly feel in Logan but there has also been some development which I'm sure will bring in new people. It's been a few years since I've actually been up there. As far as the cold. Yes it does get quite cool in Logan. Temps from 15-30 are pretty common in the winter and yes it does get quite a bit of snow. Utah is a dessert. Bone DRY! So yes it is the kind that isn't that wet and usually doesn't stay too long. As far as being cheaper.....LOL probably the opposite (at least as far as real estate) We've looked at quite a few homes in Dallas and they are a fraction of the price they are here. (Now that is in SL mind you but I can't see Logan as having too much a dramatic difference) If you're talking cost of living, I couldn't really say on that note.
Just one person's opinion though. Good luck in your decision!!!

[rev03]

my husband and I are also from Texas and will be moving to Logan this summer. We will both be graduate students at Utah State. We were wondering what parts of Logan would be the most ideal to live? We would like to live somewhat close to the university, but we have seen a lot of listings in the Logan Golf Course area, and I was wondering what that part of Logan was like. Any suggestions would be great!

[DFWMike]

I would have to agree with Dream Eyes. Utah is great, but the cost of housing has gone up to the point where it would cost about 230k for what a $170k house would cost you in the Dallas area and that is Collin County prices, so if you're from southern burbs then the cost difference would be even more.

Gosh it's a beautiful area, but pay seems to be worse on average than it is in Texas and the houses costs more. We had a whole lot of trouble justifying that and have turned our attention to Arkansas where house prices are alot cheaper. Not as pretty as Utah, but much prettier than Dallas(course where is there a place not prettier than Dallas, and don't mention OKC, never would live there anyway) you do what you have to do I guess.

But I can tell you we took off from Dallas two weeks ago and it was 84 degrees, landed in slc and it was 51 and was snowing by the time we got to Logan area and that is in the late spring!

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by DFWMike

But I can tell you we took off from Dallas two weeks ago and it was 84 degrees, landed in slc and it was 51 and was snowing by the time we got to Logan area and that is in the late spring!

Yeah, but get back to me in July when it is 98 with 60 percent relative humidity in Dallas versus 85 and 10 percent relative humidity in Logan and we’ll talk

Utah pay does stink. But I’d rather live out here on 65k per year with houses that cost $250k, than back in DC where I came from on 90k per year with houses that cost $750k. The cost gap is narrowing though.

[DFWMike]

get back to me when it's 15 in Logan in January and 72 in Dallas, depends on what you can tolerate more. I wasn't criticizing, I think Utah is great, just dishing out some facts.

Heck the reason I'm still trolling Utah forums is out of a hope we may be able to eventually make a move out there. Just such a big decision and many things to consider. For instance rain, do you miss it? I kind of like the rainy days on ocassion, not sure how it would work for us out there without it, I see lots of posts saying that people miss rain more than they thought they would.

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by DFWMike

get back to me when it's 15 in Logan in January and 72 in Dallas, depends on what you can tolerate more. I wasn't criticizing, I think Utah is great, just dishing out some facts.

Heck the reason I'm still trolling Utah forums is out of a hope we may be able to eventually make a move out there. Just such a big decision and many things to consider. For instance rain, do you miss it? I kind of like the rainy days on ocassion, not sure how it would work for us out there without it, I see lots of posts saying that people miss rain more than they thought they would.

Yes I miss the rain. This year has been worse than last year. I grew up in the midwest, so I love tornado alley weather. But I don't like the humidity any more now that I've been spoiled

[cottonwood2420]

Originally Posted by coolcats

Yes I miss the rain. This year has been worse than last year. I grew up in the midwest, so I love tornado alley weather. But I don't like the humidity any more now that I've been spoiled

The weather can be very uncomfortable in Logan. In the winter they have awful inversions and the tempatures are freezing.

[epoppleton]

I am a Realtor here in Logan and must say that having lived and traveled around most of the western United States, there isn't a better place to live than Cache Valley. Small town feel with most major retail accessibility. Mountains, rivers, parks, fishing, hunting, water and snow skiing, and most important friendly people. As far as fitting in and not being LDS, I wouldn't worry about it. There are a lot more people here that aren't LDS than you would think or get the impression of, having not lived here before. I went from So. Cal. to AZ to Cache Valley, so I have had a little taste of everything. Not to mention I traveled with my job for several years to Oregon, Washington, Nevada etc.

There was mention of living near USU. You will want to focus on the east side of the valley. Logan, North Logan, River Heights and even Providence. The valley is small enough that you could be to USU within about 15 minutes from anywhere.

So, if any of you will be visiting the valley and would like a private tour or are looking for some help relocating, give me a call.

[Zannifer]

Hi. We are considering a move to Logan too. I grew up in WY and my husband in CA. Our youngest daughter wants to live at home while attending college, and we want to get out of Las Vegas. We have been to visit several times and really love it in Logan. My daughter was excited about the move until her friends showed concern over the Mormon population. We are not LDS. Las Vegas has a very large Mormon population and it has never been an issue. However, my daughter's best friend is Aisian. Her opinion is very important to my daughter and does express her worries. I would like to dispel any of her negative concerns. Just when I thought she was OK with the idea of moving to Logan, a co-worker of mine (she's LDS) said that the Mormons in Logan are "pretty weird." I know from experience that community is what you make it. She is only 17 and anxious about going to school without her friends. I am confident that she'll do fine, but can you give me some ideas, some things I can show her to help her feel good about the move?
Thanks