Non LDS teacher wanting to relocate to SLC from South Africa (house, neighborhood)

[FritzieUSA]

I curently live in SA and am looking to relocate to the Salt Lake Area as a teacher with 2 children (12 (boy) & 14 (girl)). We are non-LDS. We belong to the Methodist Church.
I love the area, especially the outdoor oppotunities - this being one of the main reasons, along with a bit of a support system - for my choice.
I spent a year at BYU on a Track Scholarship.
I am looking for a safe environment to raise my kids in and teach in but am a little nervous of what I read about the way non LDS kids are reported to experience "fitting in" and being accepted. I'm ok but I don't want to make a choice that would be difficult for my children to live with.
Which neighbourhood would be good in terms of what I've written? Schools?
Or should I just scratch this idea from my agenda and choose Atlanta since I also have a small support system there?

I would appreciate any ideas.

[Tim Tim Tim]

Like atlanta will be any better.. not to say your going to experience any issues in slc but id say your chances are much higher of having issues in ATL

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

The Avenues, Sugar House, the Foothills areas are your best bets for a diverse neighborhood. LDS kids will not date a non-LDS kid, if they are "good" church-goers. Of course, they don't date until 16. In thoise areas, you're more likely to find similar kids for yours to hang out with and date.

[DP525]

I would suggest staying in Salt Lake County as it is becoming very diverse and the us vs. them problems seem to be much less here. The Mormons here seem to be much more tolerant of those around them with different views. My kids play with Mormon kids every day and there have never been any problems. I should say they are all in elementary school though so I can't speak of junior or senior high school experiences. And we need teachers badly so I would think you would have no problems finding a job here.

[Lmejh]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

Of course, they don't date until 16.

Ha. Only the truly devout Mormons (aka "mo-mos") don't date til 16; the rest ignore that advice. Also, the non-Mormons in my school went out with Mormons, although this incidence lessened as relationships got more serious (especially approaching graduation).

[FritzieUSA]

Thanks, guys! It really is great to hear what you have to say. It does make the process a lot easier to hear the positive stuff there is out there. Much appreciated!

[DP525]

By the way, in our neighborhood our best friends are Canadian, Irish, and German. How's that for diverse? All of them love it here and , like us, have learned to adapt to the strange culture. We have all learned to just shake our heads and laugh a lot.

[FritzieUSA]

An update on this!!!!
Our house is sold, container packed, tickets bought and schools in process of being organised for kids. We are flying out of SA on Jan 11 arriving SLC on Jan 12......oh dear....how to adapt to the cold after a long summer holiday at the most southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas!
Yes! As all of you have said......it's a roller coaster ride. I am excited yet nervous and sad to say goodbye to 20 good years in PE.

xxx

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Congrats on selling the house! Where are you going to move? I mean, where in SLC? Have you rented/bought a house yet?

[kaytidid]

Awesome!! Congrats on your move and safe travels!