Considering Utah, IT worker, many questions! (Ogden, Murray: ski resorts, transplants, apartments)

[monolith]

Hi,

I'm an IT worker (have worked for most of the large companies) currently doing linux system administration. Looking at most of the job search engines, there appears to be a fair amount of work in related fields available, so this aspect looks positive. How hard are acquiring IT jobs in Utah, currently? Most of the states are having meltdowns. I'm fairly well qualified with about as much work experience as a 27 y/o can have (have been employed since I was 15), much of it in IT post-18.

Here's my situation - I've lived all over, from D.C. to HI to GA to TX and so forth. I grew up in TX, and I'm now living back in TX again. I like the state for some reasons (reasonable cost of living being a major one, availability of decent employment is another), but disagree with it for others. I don't care much for the intense heat all summer, I miss seasons, and the outdoors just don't do much for me here. Hills and mesquite trees are about as much as you can expect.

I've been trying to modify my own lifestyle (quit smoking, drinking, etc) in an attempt to live a healthier/happier life. Part of this is doing more outdoor activities (I've been mountain biking lately). TX isn't very friendly for this (at least for me) with the intense heat and the lack of scenery. Most of the cities are not bike-friendly, as well. If I had my choice, a place with public transit and bike-friendly cities would be perfect. I used public transit on Oahu (bus-based) and much preferred this mode of transportation to driving myself around.

I also love skiing, I used to make it a yearly trip (been too busy with work lately) to go ski in CO. I hear Utah also has great skiing, and not far from the cities in which I will likely be able to find employment.

Not attempting to start a religious war, so please don't interpret this question as such - but I am agnostic and whenever I get around to having kids, want them to be able to make up their own mind without being forced into belief/non-belief through education. TX is starting to push creationism and various other religious beliefs through the school system now, instead of pure science. I don't agree with this, at all. Is Utah a good bet for sane education/schooling? I know there is a large population of Mormons, which doesn't bother me a bit; I just want to make sure that my (potential/future) children will be able to make a decision based on their own logic and reason, not influenced by pressure from the schools.

On the topic of kids, I'm single and 27. I hear there may be an issue with this in Utah - is this so? I've focused on my career up until this point, as I didn't see the point in struggling with finances while attempting to keep a relationship healthy. I'm now at a point where I'm interested in starting a relationship. How difficult would it be for a 27 y/o single male in decent shape (with I think) a decent personality to find people to date? I've looked at the demographics, and it appears there are more males than females at my age group and through the 30s. I'm concerned that the population of single women might even be lower due to the (apparent, from reading) prevalence of younger marriage.

Now, as to locations, where should I be searching (with all of the above mentioned)? I saw somebody mention Daybreak earlier, it looks nice. I'm not looking for a mansion, just a nice place to live with all the necessary shopping not too far out (I buy most things on the internet anymore, but I like having a good local food selection and little cafes and such). If I were to move, I'd likely rent for a while until I determined if the job (whatever that might be) was a job I wanted to keep, and if the location would work out. I'm starting to search for jobs now, but need an idea where (geographically) I should be searching for them.

Any feedback, even if it is not in direct response to my post but related I welcome! I'm still reading through all the posts on this particular forum, and I likely missed some questions/information that may be very important, so please do not hesitate to fill me in. If you need more information from me, feel free to ask!

Thanks,
David

[eggalegga]

Downtown, Avenues, up by the U of U or Sugarhouse might be a good fit for you.

The dating scene might be a challenge for you. But there are more and more transplants moving into Utah so perhaps you'll find a social network where you can meet women.

I don't have kids so I couldn't tell you about what's being taught (or not being taught) in public schools now. But being a Utah native, when I was in public school, the social culture was highly influenced by the LDS faith. The teachings of the LDS faith were NOT taught in school. But the children attending public schools were predominantly LDS and because of that, their beliefs/opinions seemed to be the norm. I grew up in Utah county. I moved to the Salt Lake valley decades ago to finish my degree at the U of U. SL valley is a better fit for me.

I've only used our light rail public transportation system a handful of times. Here's a link the our public transportation website.

[dreameyes]

Hi David,

With all of the education and experience you have working in IT I don't think you'd have a problem at all. My husband is in IT and certainly hasn't had a problem finding available positions. Despite the economy it seems as if the IT industry is still thriving.

If outdoor activities is what you want Utah is like heaven. I don't ski but I've heard many times how good it is hear. There are endless hiking and biking trails in the many canyons around and yes they are very close. We live in Murray (very central in Salt Lake Valley) and it's about a 30 min. drive to the top of Big Cottonwood.

I can't tell ya much about the dating scene here. Never did that here. But from the sounds of your post you sound outgoing and friendly and I don't think you'd have a problem. There's also a website called meetup.com where you can find all sorts of groups around the valley.

As far as location like I said I live in Murray and it's a great place. Very central to everything. Many people have said the sugarhouse area is great and I agree it sounds like it might be a nice fit for your situation. Another area I might check out is the Avenues downtown.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Daybreak is families period. At least from the people I know who live there, that's why they like it. Singles definitely do better in the downtown, University, Avenues, or Sugar House areas as best as I can tell.

No doubt you will want to rent first, to get a feel for the city. I have no ties to the Irving Schoolhouse Apartments on 2100South, across the street from the SH Center. People have said it is nice. It is certainly conveniently located, walking distance to Barnes&Noble, Whole Foods, and a ton of little restuarants (many fast food).

[monolith]

Thank you for all of the helpful feedback! I am researching all of the places being mentioned. I looked at those apartments, they seem rather pricey for what you get (I'm guessing due to the convenient location). I have no problem living a little further out as long as there is some form of public transit available - I'd actual prefer it. I've lived in 'downtown' locations before, and while convenient in some regards, I generally find myself happier living a bit out from the hustle and bustle, and commuting when necessary. That mentioned, I also don't like wasting 3 hours a day in commute time. Public transit makes time spent commuting less painful, since you can generally catch a nap or read.

I also appreciate the feedback on the relationship aspect of things. I'm not much for bars/clubs which seems to be the most common place people find dates - I'm more likely to talk to somebody at an outdoor cafe or a fellow shopper at the grocer. My main concern is the availability (or lack) of single women somewhere around my age. I've lived in locations before where the single male to single female population was a terrible ratio, and it was *not* enjoyable, even aside from the relationship aspect.

I'm going to keep reading, but wanted to thank all of you who had responded for your helpful advice and information; I can't wait to see what else gets posted here!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I don't think SLC has the kind of downtown you are used to - unless you've visited here previously. Look at google street views of various place to see what I mean.

[monolith]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

I don't think SLC has the kind of downtown you are used to - unless you've visited here previously. Look at google street views of various place to see what I mean.

I see what you mean. I'd certainly make a trip out there prior to doing any kind of move, as well, I just thought I'd commit to a bit of exploratory information gathering prior to the time/money investment in a trip.

Thanks!

[kwm03160]

I would stay in the areas mentioned above... The further south you go in the valley, the more married couples you will find. Public transportation, in general, is good, but not great - I think you will still need a car if you move here. Outside of Salt Lake, it is restaurant chain city - just keep that in mind.

[5280milehiguy]

I know what you mean, as I grew up in San Antonio, have lived in SLC for 7 years. There are more opps to use transit, take your bike etc, here than in S.A. Be careful not to live too far away from downtown SLC though, sometimes sidewalks in the burbs just end without any warning whatsoever as it becomes auto oriented.

Jobwise you will be fine. Dating? That is a problem. I've been single here for 6 years, no luck finding anyone compatible, and I've heard others are in the same situation. Definitely live downtown, or by the U, not Daybreak. I also understand the schools are not funded well, do some research on that too if you plan to have kids, I am kidless.

It is close to the mountains, but I'm more of a summer mountain person, hiking, biking, etc. Also other parts away from SLC in Utah are simply gorgeous, the scenery is a huge plus over Texas. You will have a hard time finding Texas bbq though.

[djschultz]

I have to put in a plug for Ogden, 30 miles north of SLC. Ogden is being reported as the center of recreation, summer and winter. We have 3 ski resorts 30 min away, and great biking and hiking trails. There is even a kayak park in the middle of the city. This is a university town, though the school is somewhat small, (Weber State), and we have all the cultural aspects associated with a university. Founded as a railroad town when they were building the transcontinental 100+ years ago, Ogden has been snubbed by the rest of Utah as the bad boy. If you are interested in beautiful old homes there are lots of those here. Transportation wise, there is a great bus system, that goes to the Frontrunner, a commuter train that gets you to downtown SLC in 50 minutes. I am a CA transplant of 5 years. I vowed I would never move to Utah for some of the concerns you expressed, until I came to Ogden. I love it here.
Hope this is helpful.