Moving to SLC area. Wondering about the cities from Kaysville to Ogden (including Syracuse). Recommendations? (Salt Lake City: ski resort, houses)

[yellowavalanchesarah]

We are a (non-mormon) couple late 30's with a 20 month old son. We are moving to the area and have looked at a number of different houses in different cities from Kaysville north to South Ogden. We have friends in South Ogden who are lobbying hard for their area but would love some further information about the other cities?

How is Syracuse? Too smelly? Too buggy? How are the elementary schools?

Where are the elementary schools good?

SO many questions but I will start here!
Thanks

[UtahRoots]

You have some time to think about schools so let's start with some other things. What brings you to Utah? Did you get a job here? If so, then tell us where (geographically) you will be working. Tell us what kind of things you like to do for entertainment.

[sp2007]

I would say that most of Syracuse is newer homes and brand new schools. But since your little guy is only 20 months old, you have lots of time.

I would base where you move to on where you work myself. Although being close to your friends is a big BIG plus in my book.

[yellowavalanchesarah]

Thanks for the good questions and reminders!
My husband is a pilot with Delta who is returning to fly with them after 9 years of Furlough. He is going (if all goes well) to be based in Salt Lake City. So he will be making 3-8 trips to the airport each month. Not a daily commute - so 30-45 mins or so in each direction is not a problem!
I am staying at home with my 20 month old son. I was a professional ballet dancer for many years so I hope to teach and/or take ballet class if I can figure out child care. This might be in SLC (Ballet West perhaps).
I love to exercise. Trails for biking or jogging (with a trailer or jogging stroller) would be wonderful to have nearby. I guess an indoor gym will be a necessity at some times of year. We have a lifetime membership to 24 hour fitness but I think the only one is in SLC itself. We also look forward to skiing/snowboarding - teaching the little one this winter, perhaps!
Would love to have companionship for the little guy since he is an only child (so far).
Appreciate any advice!

[sp2007]

You can get more for your money and newer in the Davis County. Although, I am sure several parts of the Salt Lake Valley (southern Salt Lake County) will probably meet a lot of your criteria.

I wouldn't worry about friends for your son, since Utah has the highest fertility rates in the country, I am sure pretty much where ever you move to will have lots of little kids.

[markg91359]

Thanks for the good questions and reminders!
My husband is a pilot with Delta who is returning to fly with them after 9 years of Furlough. He is going (if all goes well) to be based in Salt Lake City. So he will be making 3-8 trips to the airport each month. Not a daily commute - so 30-45 mins or so in each direction is not a problem!
I am staying at home with my 20 month old son. I was a professional ballet dancer for many years so I hope to teach and/or take ballet class if I can figure out child care. This might be in SLC (Ballet West perhaps).
I love to exercise. Trails for biking or jogging (with a trailer or jogging stroller) would be wonderful to have nearby. I guess an indoor gym will be a necessity at some times of year. We have a lifetime membership to 24 hour fitness but I think the only one is in SLC itself. We also look forward to skiing/snowboarding - teaching the little one this winter, perhaps!
Would love to have companionship for the little guy since he is an only child (so far).
Appreciate any advice!

My recommendation would be to consider living on the east bench of Davis County. East Layton is a wooded area located around Highway 89 which would provide direct access to the freeways and to the airport. In fact, I'd say your husband would be about 30 minutes from the airport. There are a number of hiking trails in the mountains. There is also a two mile long par course located in Fruit Heights just barely south of East Layton.

I don't know if you ski or are interested in taking that sport up, but Snow Basin Ski Resort which is one of the finest in the state is located about twenty five minutes away from East Layton. Some of the Olympic events in 2002 took place there.

You won't be right next door to any big stores if you live in East Layton, but you'll be within ten minutes driving distance of Walmart, Target, Smith's (a grocery store), and Fresh Market. The Davis Hospital provides quality medical care and is located in Layton. There is a fitness center located a few miles south in Farmington. There's a "Gold's Gymn" in Layton. The only amenity I've found in short supply in this community are good swimming pools. There is a Wild Wave Pool in Layton though.

Don't worry alot about the "religion thing". This is becoming more and more of a diverse area. The LDS Church is dominant and always will be. However, there are plenty of people who don't belong and also plenty who are inactive.

[sp2007]

Originally Posted by markg91359

Don't worry alot about the "religion thing". This is becoming more and more of a diverse area. The LDS Church is dominant and always will be. However, there are plenty of people who don't belong and also plenty who are inactive.

And plenty of LDS people here who think they are pretty nice. At least that's what my kids tell me.

[UtahRoots]

I haven't seen anybody suggest that you look at Park City. There are a lot of Delta families who live there. (I work in the school system so that's how I know about the Delta families) It's about 30-35 min. from the airport - a straight shot on I-80. The community has a lot of fitness facilities and good community recreation such as bike trails etc. I know a family in Park City with a daughter who is a dancer. She was a dancer in both High School Musical films and she got that opportunity through her local dance company which is very active in Park City. From Park City to the U of U is also about 35 min. The schools in Park City are among the best in Utah. I would suggest that your husband contact other Delta pilots who live in Park City and see how they feel about living there, but judging from the numbers I'd say that they found a good place for their families in Park City.

[Chango]

Davis County north of Kaysville follows roughly the same pattern as Salt Lake county; the further away from I-15 you are, the nicer the neighborhood. East Layton, Kaysville and Fruit Heights are where the wealthiest folks go to pasture in North Davis.

Take a look at South Davis too; Farmington is my personal favorite.

[yellowavalanchesarah]

Such wonderful information! I love Utah and the people there already! You guys have been so helpful!
I suppose that I neglected to mention that we are looking in the 250k-350k range. Preferably around 300k if possible. That would probably preclude Park City and perhaps a few of the other areas???