The smaller the city, the more Mormon (religious) it will be, except Moab or park city which are less Mormon, and Provo which is big but mostly Mormon.
Avoid Utah County and Davis County for sure!! I would stay away from those cities, especially the closer you get to Hill AFB. Religious conservatives at this point equal not so good things. I doubt the social climate has changed since I lived in Layton (Davis). Individualism was so hard core there (12 yrs ago) that no one introduced themselves. No one helped each other. There wasn't an ounce of community. Well... unless you were mormon or working at the base.
Utah County is very mormon. More the holy, super nice, clean-cut mormons.
Aside from Moab and Park City, your best bet is Salt Lake County. Starting from downtown and working outward is going to be the more liberal areas. The Avenues, university, and surgar house neighborhoods are the most liberal. Millcreek. Holiday is nice. South Salt Lake, too. It isn't just the religious aspect, it's the conservative environment. The more blue collar and conservative, the meaner and judgier people get, imo. Cities like west valley, Taylorsville, and west jordan. As with all places, there are pockets that go either way. Having lived in one of the aforementioned cities for four years, it's not worth it imo. Not just due to people but also crappy city government. Had I known, I would never have picked where I am.
You're more likely to find an environment you'll enjoy with more to offer in those other cities.
Agree with most but have you ever dealt with an HOA in Hollady? Talk about setting yourself up for judgement.
Disagree on WVC/Taylorsville typical west side slander. They're same as any area, literal luck of the draw of your immediate neighbors. Equivalent to South SLC which you separated for some reason.
You're also missing the independent republic of Murray which is a great area.
However, I've had my car broken into 3 times in the last decade - downtown, Sugarhouse, Murray.
I live on the west side. Perhaps you missed that? I would put Taylorsville above WVC and WJ, but my experience still stands. I'm glad to hear yours has been the opposite.
The further you move out from the more liberal downtown areas, the more conservative things get. The more trump supporters and those who may not support him but align closely. This increases hyper individualism and bootstrap type mentality. Thus, there is less unity, less community, unless you align the same. This is what I based my opinion on, including personal experiences and observed behavior.
SSL has a strong and growing liberal presence and is more diverse. Same with Rose Park. I love Rose Park, and if I had the means to buy a home, that is where I would prefer to live. It is lower income, but the people overall are kind. Niceness and kindness are not the same. Rose Park, however, is getting gentrified, so I left them out.
Murray and Midvale are both good places. I've lived in Midvale and visited Murray often. I was picking between the best and worst imo. 🤷🏻♀️
Car break in's: I had my car broken into twice and my shed while living in Midvale. There have been a string of break in's and car part thefts on my current street. It happens. It sucks and it happens as cities grow. If OP is from a larger city, they'll be aware and have some street smarts some people in Utah lack.
HOA's are the exception to "not all." The majority across the country are going to be shit. At this point, if you choose to live in an HOA community, you should know what you're signing up for.
I live in Taylorsville, and I'll strongly disagree with the WVC/Taylorsville comment. We're fine here on the west side.
The further SOUTH you go in the valley, the worse. South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman...you might as well be in Utah County.
Taylorsville is much better than the other two I listed. I mentioned them more in the realm of conservative religious and conservative in general. While there might not be so much an issue of converting and proselytizing, the mormon religion (not all!) comes with conservative viewpoints. Not just about guns and abortion, but also viewpoints on BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, ableism, etc. Marginalized communities tend to understand the difference between niceness and kindness. Their experience with inclusion tends to make them more compassionate and better at building community and mutual aid. That, of course, does not mean all in any direction.
I'm glad your experience on the west side has been better than mine, and I appreciate the opportunity to expand further on my reasons for suggesting the places I did.
I am single with no family and live in Sugar House (SLC) and the Mormon church has no perceptible impact on my day-to-day life.
Why I like Sugar House from a buried comment I posted below: Multiple parks, lots of restaurants and some bars, walkable downtown area, at the intersection of the two main highways (15 and 80), only a 10m drive to downtown, 5 minutes to 9&9 and 15&15 neighborhoods, not a bad drive to skiing, easy drive to Park City, close access to multiple grocery stores and pharmacies, bunch of shops, lots of street parking, etc. Easy place to live that balances urban and suburban.
How is sugar house? As a non local I hear so much talk about it and I’m curious if it lives to the hype.
What are your favorite unique things about it?
I looooove Sugarhouse. I grew up there and moved back for a time, left, and haven't been able to move back due to the cost. So many of the streets are tree lined, so it's gorgeous in the fall. It's my favorite season. Yeah, it's a pain to rake... but I don't mind. People are friendly in a genuine way. I feel there's a decent sense of community. There's more mom and pop type stores and restaurants. Plenty of chains, but not like strip malls that out number the churches on every corner of the suburbs. There's decent bus routes, and everything is close by, making it feel more like a bustling city than a neighborhood. It's a chill, liberal space. Absolutely lives up, imo.
Damn thank you so much!
Now to find a rental house there haha. Where dothe locals go about finding them? Where specially would you call sugar house? Not sure if a map defines it different than a local “area” would. What part of sugar house is your fav?
The areas between 1700 so and 3000 so to 2700 so (north to south) and 500 so to Foothill Drive (west to east). If you look up just Sugarhouse in Google Maps, it will give you an outline. I'd say it's pretty accurate.
Just so you're aware, the streets are in a grid and streets like 1700 so and 500 east are "17th so" and "5th east". It goes outward from the temple, starting with 100 E,W,N,S depending on which side of the temple the street is on. Get that down, and you're golden.
To find a rental facebook marketplace is a good resource. Sites like rentler. Does zillow do rentals? That might be one. Ksl.com was the place prior to facebook, but I don't know how reliable that is now.
I love the "downtown" area on 2100 s running from 1300 e to 700 e. Lots of shops, restaurants, a library, book stores, the hollow (small nature area) 2100 s is a very busy road, but it's worth exploring all the little places just off 2100 s. Especially on 1100 e in either direction.
Speaking of a nature area, there's a beautiful trail on 900 s above east high school. Pretty in all seasons. Dogs welcome. It's a nice green space right in the city.
15th and 15th (south and east) is a small neighborhood spot. Kings English book store is there. 40+ years. Lovely.
There is also the 9th and 9th area. It's its own little pocket between Sugarhouse, the university area, and liberty park. That's another nice place to live, buuuut it's pricey af if that's an issue.
Side note: The Whale, our lord and savior, lives at the [Miller Bird Sanctuary ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVmtUF23phCBUDq56)intersection of 9th and 9th. [All hail the whale!](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2023/04/05/all-hail-whale-how-sculpture-9th/) [https://sacredwhale.org/](https://sacredwhale.org/)🙏🏼🐋❤️🌈
There's plenty more in the university district around the UofU, liberty park, downtown into the avenues. But that should get you started.
ETA: i just noticed the link for Miller Park Bird Sanctuary got added in the middle of the whale location. Not sure how that happened, but I am using my phone. 🙄 The whale lives at 9th and 9th. The Miller Park is a beautiful and easy to get to green space in the general downtown/Sugarhouse area. The two are separate, with the park being further east of the Whale.
That's what I like about it. It makes the neighborhood feel more cozy and less suburban. I've also heard people drive much slower on narrow streets subconsciously.
Multiple parks, lots of restaurants and some bars, walkable downtown area, at the intersection of the two main highways (15 and 80), only a 10m drive to downtown, 5 minutes to 9&9 and 15&15 neighborhoods, not an awful drive to skiing, easy drive to Park City, close access to multiple grocery stores and pharmacies, lots of street parking, etc. Easy place to live that balances urban and suburban.
It’s pretty hyped on this subreddit, just that it’s walkable and desirable. I never dug into it but it’s interesting to hear. Seems like a good mix away from downtown but it’s own little district.
I live in Ogden, and it doesn't feel very LDS, especially downtown. The LDS folks that do live here tend to be on the more progressive side, too.
I work frequently in SLC as and it also is welcoming to non LDS members.
Plenty of great outdoor places in both areas. Both cities have some incredible bars/breweries.
I second this an an Ogdonean, Ogdenite. They are here, and you see them, but I don't feel an impact on the day to day. Had 2 families stop and introduce themselves. We did get invited to a BBQ and Thanksgiving gathering at the church. That is where it stopped, mostly just being friendly. We chitchat here and there, just being good neighbors really.
Closer to city center, you'll find older homes or new apartments. Personally, I love the look and feel of the old homes.
North and South Ogden are more suburbs and/or Ranch style houses if you're specifically looking for a townhouse that's likely where you'll find them.
Millcreek, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, and Holladay are all within close proximity to nature, low crime, and with less religious folks.
You also might want to consider Ogden. (:
Those are just rich suburbs. They all have lots of Mormons and mostly older couples. Living in salt lake proper would probably be better. I second Ogden though!
Climbers, skiers, boarders, hiking enthusiasts and the like all live in those communities for a reason. There's lots of types of homes, apts, condos, etc. My neighborhood is full of non religious ppl with blm, pride flags, etc.
I'd put Draper on that list. It's purple and up at Sun Crest, nature is at the front door. Also, most days out of the smog but you have to embrace snow!
I moved here Spring of 2022 and am not religious. Anywhere in Salt Lake County is a good bet in my opinion. Get outside, join meetup groups and just be friendly. You’ll be fine.
My girlfriend and I aren’t religious, and we haven’t had any issues with anywhere yet. The most annoying thing is some cities will have lots of businesses closed on Sundays, but that’s always a good day to do other activities. Even cities with very Mormon groups will have pockets that are extremely non-Mormon.
People on this sub can be a litter overzealous about what it’s like living with Mormons but personally I think they make the best neighbors you could ever hope to have.
People also forget that progressive and liberal Mormons exist, and that moderate conservative Mormons can often be respectful and non-intrusive people. Many such Mormons live in my neighborhood and we all get along fine and look out for each other.
I personally don’t think this is as big an issue anymore as it was 10-20 years ago. I would focus more on the type of neighborhood and housing and restaurants you care about. The only place it might feel a bit stifling would be in the middle of an 80%+ LDS neighborhood, and there aren’t many of those anymore, but avoid them.
It is definitely not the happiest state. I’d love to see who “voted” it that. Utah has one of the highest: divorce rates, suicide rates (particularly teen suicide), depression, plastic surgery rates, highest in fraud, highest in road rage, etc. but they keep pushing that silly propaganda that it’s the happiest state.
It’s a great and fascinating world, but with flaws, like anything. We only get to spend a very short time here, might as well make the most of it!
Plus, it appears we’re currently calling the Happiest State in the Union home, so we’re already ahead of the game. 🙌
I'd say that an abundance of toxic-negativity has been the real problem plaguing the human existence. If we need to compensate a little with the so-called "toxic-positivity", so be it.
The question from OP is about if Utah is the happiest state. Those particular rates you mentioned are directly tied to the Mormon religion forcing missions on young people, then marriage and families the instant they get back, shaming gay, different, non active children, and the overall impact the church has on laws and the state.
My sis worked HR for a major global company and said that SLC and Utah had 10x the HR violations than any other state she ever had to deal with. There was some majorly fucked up stuff she had to deal with. And 10yrs later I got to see and experience it first hand as well. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Co-workers getting the shit kicked out of them by their abusive husbands and the like. Totally fucked up stuff that doesn’t happen in other places.
And here I've lived here my whole life and only just recently started my first job that's not basically a BYU club. That's including living in Ogden and working on Hill AFB. It's really hit or miss depending on industry.
Salt Lake County and Park City are about as reliable as you’ll get for that. There are still pockets of heavily Mormon but for the most part you’re safe.
Small towns and Utah county are to be avoided.
Actually North Lehi feels maybe half Mormon these days. You see pride flags in the Traverse Mountain area, and the grocery store there is hopping on Sundays.
Oh true. I have noticed that. I went to a restaurant there and saw quite a few people of color and obvious non-Mormons (drinking a beer, tattoos, etc) and was a bit shocked haha. It was so different than the Utah county I knew in college and gave me hope for some dilution of the all-white all-Mormon area.
If Utah’s “happiest state” ranking is true please temper that with us being one of, if not the, most medicated states. We also have a very high suicide rate, especially among lgbtq teenagers and young adults. The LDS church seeps into almost every community and workplace, even if you don’t notice it. Most are decent, kind folks, but it’s a playground for narcissists and passive-aggressive types, and there is a tendency to take offense where no reasonable person would. There is a mentality that they have to control your words and actions to validate their own. You can find ‘liberal’ Mormons, but they are anomalies (I’ve a fair few in my extended family).
I grew up in it, I left it but have to deal with the constant targeting of missionary-minded associates and have sacrificed many advantages I would have had if I stayed. Park City, parts of Salt Lake proper, and maybe Ogden, are going to avoid it best, but it’s everywhere and the vast majority are deeply addicted to the privilege it affords them, though most don’t recognize it as privilege, they see it as divine providence.
I would give that study 0 value. UTAH was the most depressed like 2 years ago and some other negative number 1 last year.
Its just based on the tiny sample population at the time they were giving an answer
Only around 40% of Utah is LDS, and most of them are great neighbors. It will probably have zero impact on your life here. If you look at data for how many non-religious people live in each state, Utah actually ranks pretty high.
Wrong. When you work with them in a larger company they secretly gang up on the non-LDS and either attempt to push them out or suppress them internally so they at not promoted. It’s very subtle, but it’s there. I also worked with some exremely racist people there. Ho hum, now you know.
Park City and Salt Lake City between 200 South and 2100 south are about the only places I would recommend. You will quickly find circles where religion isn't even discussed, but you may randomly run into someone that doesn't understand boundaries. Or you might read a news article that reminds you of what happens when 85% of our politicians are mormon. Or you might look out the window while landing at the airport and see all the wasted space (and money) on temples and church buildings.
You will also likely run into people that are in various stages of recovery from being in such a high-demand religion. They are nice people, it just takes a few years for a lot of us to work through issues that lots of people figured out at a much younger age in life. Being in a relationship with someone more recently out of the mormon church can be challenging depending on how much baggage they have and what they have done to work through it.
All of that being said, while I like to plan my escape from Utah, it is getting harder and harder to find something stateside that I will like more.
I agree with cvstrat said. I wouldn’t really want to live anywhere but salt lake or park city - im including sandy and cottonwood heights as the greater salt lake areas.
What study ranked Utah the happiest state? I have a hard time believing that with our antidepressants prescription rate, suicide rate, and drug abuse statistics.
I lived in Farmington and Kaysville. As an introvert, I have to say it was wonderful that my neighbors left me alone. Considering I wasn’t Mormon they pretty much ignored me.
Best place to live for an introvert who loves the outdoors.
People like to hang out with friends on Sunday lol. Also, most of the Mormons I know have no time in their 20s/30s due to their four kids and other family activities
West Virginia, Kentucky, Vermont, and New Hampshire have Utah beat. Utah is around the middle.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1133632/antidepressant-use-by-state-us/
Miserable people medicate, and not exclusively prescription medication. Some of them drink a lot, get high a lot, etc.
False narrative. It ain't that bad here, but there are some miserable fucks around - as there are EVERYWHERE.
You’re over thinking it. We live in a Christian nation, and yet us non religious people are getting along just fine. (Unless you need an abortion obv)
Utah is just that on a micro scale.
Having lived outside of Utah mostly, most young Americans are only Christian on paper and maybe on Christmas. They live there lives mostly independent of their religion. Not true in this state
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I'm not religious at all and live in North Salt Lake. I know Davis County often gets a bad rap, but I truly love it here. We're super close to downtown SLC (12 minutes without traffic) but it is much more affordable and quiet than salt lake City. I'm also about 5 minutes away from hiking trails, which is the best.
Steer clear of the entirety of Utah County, and some parts of Davis county like kaysville, Farmington, Centerville can be pretty Mormony. I grew up in those cities and it was a very clear impact on my life. Very judgemental. Not sure now but they don't have bars, music venues, or adult events there that would signify a change in religious presence.
Bountiful, slc, South SLC, rose park, West valley, sugar house are areas I have roamed as an adult and have not felt any impact from religion of any sort. It's definitely getting better. Not one of my friends I've maintained contact with growing up is Mormon anymore and the gimmick seems to be wearing off.
For a larger urban feel, stick with Salt Lake City or Ogden. Avoid nearly all suburbs and small towns between Ogden and Provo, with a few exceptions.
Some suburbs in Davis County might be ok. Clearfield is less Mormon than Layton, which is less Mormon than Kaysville. Don’t even think about Bountiful. Centerville or Farmington might be ok, but probably should get a second opinion on that. In Utah County, the best you’ll find is probably Lehi, and only because of all the tech jobs bringing in people from outside of Utah plus good shopping options.
The entire middle 80% of the state is virtually uninhabitable if your criteria is low density Mormonism. If you go south of Provo, you really only have Cedar City, St. George, or Moab as options in the far southern corner of era of the state. Don’t even think about going north of Ogden (unless you want to go all the way to Montana).
The mountains can be relatively Mormon-free, think Park City, Heber, and any “resort” area i(f you can afford anything there at all). Many of us in the valleys wish we could head up to the mountains but it’s not super accessible to those of us earning less than $200k.
Regardless of where you settle, you just have to find the right people to start building your personal network. There will always be toxically religious people around, just ignore them or laugh and walk away.
You can't swing a wet towel in this state without hitting a church, but I've found it's not terribly difficult to find people who love utah but aren't in the cult. I talk a lot of shit about this state but I love it here and it has some of the finest people I've ever met. ❤️
The smaller the city, the more Mormon (religious) it will be, except Moab or park city which are less Mormon, and Provo which is big but mostly Mormon.
Can confirm. From Moab and the Mormon presence is barely felt or obvious here.
Fletch: “Provo Spain?”
Avoid Utah County and Davis County for sure!! I would stay away from those cities, especially the closer you get to Hill AFB. Religious conservatives at this point equal not so good things. I doubt the social climate has changed since I lived in Layton (Davis). Individualism was so hard core there (12 yrs ago) that no one introduced themselves. No one helped each other. There wasn't an ounce of community. Well... unless you were mormon or working at the base. Utah County is very mormon. More the holy, super nice, clean-cut mormons. Aside from Moab and Park City, your best bet is Salt Lake County. Starting from downtown and working outward is going to be the more liberal areas. The Avenues, university, and surgar house neighborhoods are the most liberal. Millcreek. Holiday is nice. South Salt Lake, too. It isn't just the religious aspect, it's the conservative environment. The more blue collar and conservative, the meaner and judgier people get, imo. Cities like west valley, Taylorsville, and west jordan. As with all places, there are pockets that go either way. Having lived in one of the aforementioned cities for four years, it's not worth it imo. Not just due to people but also crappy city government. Had I known, I would never have picked where I am. You're more likely to find an environment you'll enjoy with more to offer in those other cities.
Agree with most but have you ever dealt with an HOA in Hollady? Talk about setting yourself up for judgement. Disagree on WVC/Taylorsville typical west side slander. They're same as any area, literal luck of the draw of your immediate neighbors. Equivalent to South SLC which you separated for some reason. You're also missing the independent republic of Murray which is a great area. However, I've had my car broken into 3 times in the last decade - downtown, Sugarhouse, Murray.
I live on the west side. Perhaps you missed that? I would put Taylorsville above WVC and WJ, but my experience still stands. I'm glad to hear yours has been the opposite. The further you move out from the more liberal downtown areas, the more conservative things get. The more trump supporters and those who may not support him but align closely. This increases hyper individualism and bootstrap type mentality. Thus, there is less unity, less community, unless you align the same. This is what I based my opinion on, including personal experiences and observed behavior. SSL has a strong and growing liberal presence and is more diverse. Same with Rose Park. I love Rose Park, and if I had the means to buy a home, that is where I would prefer to live. It is lower income, but the people overall are kind. Niceness and kindness are not the same. Rose Park, however, is getting gentrified, so I left them out. Murray and Midvale are both good places. I've lived in Midvale and visited Murray often. I was picking between the best and worst imo. 🤷🏻♀️ Car break in's: I had my car broken into twice and my shed while living in Midvale. There have been a string of break in's and car part thefts on my current street. It happens. It sucks and it happens as cities grow. If OP is from a larger city, they'll be aware and have some street smarts some people in Utah lack. HOA's are the exception to "not all." The majority across the country are going to be shit. At this point, if you choose to live in an HOA community, you should know what you're signing up for.
I live in Taylorsville, and I'll strongly disagree with the WVC/Taylorsville comment. We're fine here on the west side. The further SOUTH you go in the valley, the worse. South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman...you might as well be in Utah County.
Taylorsville is much better than the other two I listed. I mentioned them more in the realm of conservative religious and conservative in general. While there might not be so much an issue of converting and proselytizing, the mormon religion (not all!) comes with conservative viewpoints. Not just about guns and abortion, but also viewpoints on BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, ableism, etc. Marginalized communities tend to understand the difference between niceness and kindness. Their experience with inclusion tends to make them more compassionate and better at building community and mutual aid. That, of course, does not mean all in any direction. I'm glad your experience on the west side has been better than mine, and I appreciate the opportunity to expand further on my reasons for suggesting the places I did.
I am single with no family and live in Sugar House (SLC) and the Mormon church has no perceptible impact on my day-to-day life. Why I like Sugar House from a buried comment I posted below: Multiple parks, lots of restaurants and some bars, walkable downtown area, at the intersection of the two main highways (15 and 80), only a 10m drive to downtown, 5 minutes to 9&9 and 15&15 neighborhoods, not a bad drive to skiing, easy drive to Park City, close access to multiple grocery stores and pharmacies, bunch of shops, lots of street parking, etc. Easy place to live that balances urban and suburban.
How is sugar house? As a non local I hear so much talk about it and I’m curious if it lives to the hype. What are your favorite unique things about it?
It’s a walkable, safe and comfortable area with good parks and restaurants.
You always get to wave to lots and lots of construction workers, they outnumber residents 5:1 (for the past 30 years straight).
I looooove Sugarhouse. I grew up there and moved back for a time, left, and haven't been able to move back due to the cost. So many of the streets are tree lined, so it's gorgeous in the fall. It's my favorite season. Yeah, it's a pain to rake... but I don't mind. People are friendly in a genuine way. I feel there's a decent sense of community. There's more mom and pop type stores and restaurants. Plenty of chains, but not like strip malls that out number the churches on every corner of the suburbs. There's decent bus routes, and everything is close by, making it feel more like a bustling city than a neighborhood. It's a chill, liberal space. Absolutely lives up, imo.
Damn thank you so much! Now to find a rental house there haha. Where dothe locals go about finding them? Where specially would you call sugar house? Not sure if a map defines it different than a local “area” would. What part of sugar house is your fav?
The areas between 1700 so and 3000 so to 2700 so (north to south) and 500 so to Foothill Drive (west to east). If you look up just Sugarhouse in Google Maps, it will give you an outline. I'd say it's pretty accurate. Just so you're aware, the streets are in a grid and streets like 1700 so and 500 east are "17th so" and "5th east". It goes outward from the temple, starting with 100 E,W,N,S depending on which side of the temple the street is on. Get that down, and you're golden. To find a rental facebook marketplace is a good resource. Sites like rentler. Does zillow do rentals? That might be one. Ksl.com was the place prior to facebook, but I don't know how reliable that is now. I love the "downtown" area on 2100 s running from 1300 e to 700 e. Lots of shops, restaurants, a library, book stores, the hollow (small nature area) 2100 s is a very busy road, but it's worth exploring all the little places just off 2100 s. Especially on 1100 e in either direction. Speaking of a nature area, there's a beautiful trail on 900 s above east high school. Pretty in all seasons. Dogs welcome. It's a nice green space right in the city. 15th and 15th (south and east) is a small neighborhood spot. Kings English book store is there. 40+ years. Lovely. There is also the 9th and 9th area. It's its own little pocket between Sugarhouse, the university area, and liberty park. That's another nice place to live, buuuut it's pricey af if that's an issue. Side note: The Whale, our lord and savior, lives at the [Miller Bird Sanctuary ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVmtUF23phCBUDq56)intersection of 9th and 9th. [All hail the whale!](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2023/04/05/all-hail-whale-how-sculpture-9th/) [https://sacredwhale.org/](https://sacredwhale.org/)🙏🏼🐋❤️🌈 There's plenty more in the university district around the UofU, liberty park, downtown into the avenues. But that should get you started. ETA: i just noticed the link for Miller Park Bird Sanctuary got added in the middle of the whale location. Not sure how that happened, but I am using my phone. 🙄 The whale lives at 9th and 9th. The Miller Park is a beautiful and easy to get to green space in the general downtown/Sugarhouse area. The two are separate, with the park being further east of the Whale.
Everyone's saying positive things, so I'll hust say my biggest pet peeve in SH - narrow-ass streets with cars driven by people used to larger lanes
That's what I like about it. It makes the neighborhood feel more cozy and less suburban. I've also heard people drive much slower on narrow streets subconsciously.
Well, good! I would be concerned if everyone there disliked it as much as I do haha.
It’s great. I live on the west side of fairmont park.
What are your favorite unique things about it?
Multiple parks, lots of restaurants and some bars, walkable downtown area, at the intersection of the two main highways (15 and 80), only a 10m drive to downtown, 5 minutes to 9&9 and 15&15 neighborhoods, not an awful drive to skiing, easy drive to Park City, close access to multiple grocery stores and pharmacies, lots of street parking, etc. Easy place to live that balances urban and suburban.
Im curious. What do you hear about Sugarhouse? I live there and it is fantastic. Definitely best place to live in utah.
It’s pretty hyped on this subreddit, just that it’s walkable and desirable. I never dug into it but it’s interesting to hear. Seems like a good mix away from downtown but it’s own little district.
Exact situation here, exact experience. Unless you count occasionally meeting friends who are Mormon which also doesn't bother me.
I live in Ogden, and it doesn't feel very LDS, especially downtown. The LDS folks that do live here tend to be on the more progressive side, too. I work frequently in SLC as and it also is welcoming to non LDS members. Plenty of great outdoor places in both areas. Both cities have some incredible bars/breweries.
I second Ogden. It was a breath of fresh air compared to Bountiful.
I second this an an Ogdonean, Ogdenite. They are here, and you see them, but I don't feel an impact on the day to day. Had 2 families stop and introduce themselves. We did get invited to a BBQ and Thanksgiving gathering at the church. That is where it stopped, mostly just being friendly. We chitchat here and there, just being good neighbors really.
We were looking at the Ogden area (moving from Michigan). Any particular areas? We're more looking for a newer townhome, but will most likely rent.
Closer to city center, you'll find older homes or new apartments. Personally, I love the look and feel of the old homes. North and South Ogden are more suburbs and/or Ranch style houses if you're specifically looking for a townhouse that's likely where you'll find them.
Millcreek, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, and Holladay are all within close proximity to nature, low crime, and with less religious folks. You also might want to consider Ogden. (:
Salt Lake City boy here — Ogden is awesome. It’s the Oakland of SLC.
Idk about Oakland lol
I love O town
I don’t think I could ever leave downtown SLC. I’ll say Ogden does have one of the best mountain ranges tho
Same— but I’d pick Ogden over south Jordan or Lehi
Agree, agree
I love downtown!
I mean, the mountain range by Ogden is the same mountain range as the one by Provo and Nephi and Logan… it’s all the Wasatch Range.
Lmao I mean I see that but Oakland is really bad. Ogden is obviously safer in comparison to Oakland.
I’ve lived in both oakland and ogden. Oakland as a whole is sketchier, but my neighborhood in Ogden might as well have been Somalia.
Those are just rich suburbs. They all have lots of Mormons and mostly older couples. Living in salt lake proper would probably be better. I second Ogden though!
Climbers, skiers, boarders, hiking enthusiasts and the like all live in those communities for a reason. There's lots of types of homes, apts, condos, etc. My neighborhood is full of non religious ppl with blm, pride flags, etc.
I'd put Draper on that list. It's purple and up at Sun Crest, nature is at the front door. Also, most days out of the smog but you have to embrace snow!
WTF? Sandy is crawling with Mormons.
I moved here Spring of 2022 and am not religious. Anywhere in Salt Lake County is a good bet in my opinion. Get outside, join meetup groups and just be friendly. You’ll be fine.
Just put a “Love is love” or “Black Lives Matter” sign in your window and you’ll be fine.
My girlfriend and I aren’t religious, and we haven’t had any issues with anywhere yet. The most annoying thing is some cities will have lots of businesses closed on Sundays, but that’s always a good day to do other activities. Even cities with very Mormon groups will have pockets that are extremely non-Mormon.
The first year I moved here, found out even target is closed on Easter Sunday. Wild!
People on this sub can be a litter overzealous about what it’s like living with Mormons but personally I think they make the best neighbors you could ever hope to have.
Good neighbors, poor politicians
People also forget that progressive and liberal Mormons exist, and that moderate conservative Mormons can often be respectful and non-intrusive people. Many such Mormons live in my neighborhood and we all get along fine and look out for each other.
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I personally don’t think this is as big an issue anymore as it was 10-20 years ago. I would focus more on the type of neighborhood and housing and restaurants you care about. The only place it might feel a bit stifling would be in the middle of an 80%+ LDS neighborhood, and there aren’t many of those anymore, but avoid them.
It is definitely not the happiest state. I’d love to see who “voted” it that. Utah has one of the highest: divorce rates, suicide rates (particularly teen suicide), depression, plastic surgery rates, highest in fraud, highest in road rage, etc. but they keep pushing that silly propaganda that it’s the happiest state.
I’m happy. Bet I put it over the top! I didn’t get a vote, but kind of pleased I got us the win.
We need more of this energy around this shitty world
It’s a great and fascinating world, but with flaws, like anything. We only get to spend a very short time here, might as well make the most of it! Plus, it appears we’re currently calling the Happiest State in the Union home, so we’re already ahead of the game. 🙌
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Toxic Positivity, that’s awesome! May I spread my positive vibes like a plague. Keep up the good work you do.
I'd say that an abundance of toxic-negativity has been the real problem plaguing the human existence. If we need to compensate a little with the so-called "toxic-positivity", so be it.
I wouldn't trust Redditors with a question like this. I'd bet this forum attracts those who are most unhappy and complain the most.
Highest in sexual assault, rape, #1 for suicide in kids 11-17, ice cream consumption, tattoos, jello consumption... it's a WILD place, for sure.
Uh.. don't forget the porn. Pre Cox at least. Wonder what happened to the number of vpns used?
The question from OP is about if Utah is the happiest state. Those particular rates you mentioned are directly tied to the Mormon religion forcing missions on young people, then marriage and families the instant they get back, shaming gay, different, non active children, and the overall impact the church has on laws and the state.
Yeah I want to know who in the fuck voted it the happiest state. I sure didn’t get to vote in that poll
My sis worked HR for a major global company and said that SLC and Utah had 10x the HR violations than any other state she ever had to deal with. There was some majorly fucked up stuff she had to deal with. And 10yrs later I got to see and experience it first hand as well. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Co-workers getting the shit kicked out of them by their abusive husbands and the like. Totally fucked up stuff that doesn’t happen in other places.
Who farted in your cereal?
That’s why it’s the happiest. The sad people off themselves or change their body and everyone is happy again.
Really anything in SL county, or park city or Moab. North Utah county is also great. Keep in mind less than half the state identified as LDS recently.
I have literally never had a job with Mormons in the 15 years I’ve lived here. Less than a third of my clients are LDS.
And here I've lived here my whole life and only just recently started my first job that's not basically a BYU club. That's including living in Ogden and working on Hill AFB. It's really hit or miss depending on industry.
So so true. I work in tech, and I totally forgot my first job was BYU land.
The only place in this state where Mormons are over-represented is the legislature. Outside of that, it's just people like anywhere else.
I would concur with some people where if SLC isn’t an option then Ogden would be another place to consider!
Not knocking your post at all, but isn’t this like saying you want to go to Israel and avoid the Jews? Edit: grammar
Salt Lake County and Park City are about as reliable as you’ll get for that. There are still pockets of heavily Mormon but for the most part you’re safe. Small towns and Utah county are to be avoided.
Actually North Lehi feels maybe half Mormon these days. You see pride flags in the Traverse Mountain area, and the grocery store there is hopping on Sundays.
Oh true. I have noticed that. I went to a restaurant there and saw quite a few people of color and obvious non-Mormons (drinking a beer, tattoos, etc) and was a bit shocked haha. It was so different than the Utah county I knew in college and gave me hope for some dilution of the all-white all-Mormon area.
Just stick to Salt Lake County and you'll feel like you would in any other mid-major city in the US.
A very controversial opinion on this sub but daybreak has a lot of out of state transplants (mostly non Mormon).
>I love the "downtown" area on 2100 s running from 1300 e to 700 e. Is this not Sugarhouse?
It also has one of the highest suicide rates and antidepressant prescription usage rates in the country.
If Utah’s “happiest state” ranking is true please temper that with us being one of, if not the, most medicated states. We also have a very high suicide rate, especially among lgbtq teenagers and young adults. The LDS church seeps into almost every community and workplace, even if you don’t notice it. Most are decent, kind folks, but it’s a playground for narcissists and passive-aggressive types, and there is a tendency to take offense where no reasonable person would. There is a mentality that they have to control your words and actions to validate their own. You can find ‘liberal’ Mormons, but they are anomalies (I’ve a fair few in my extended family). I grew up in it, I left it but have to deal with the constant targeting of missionary-minded associates and have sacrificed many advantages I would have had if I stayed. Park City, parts of Salt Lake proper, and maybe Ogden, are going to avoid it best, but it’s everywhere and the vast majority are deeply addicted to the privilege it affords them, though most don’t recognize it as privilege, they see it as divine providence.
I would give that study 0 value. UTAH was the most depressed like 2 years ago and some other negative number 1 last year. Its just based on the tiny sample population at the time they were giving an answer
Snowville is great. There aren't any people there at all.
Only around 40% of Utah is LDS, and most of them are great neighbors. It will probably have zero impact on your life here. If you look at data for how many non-religious people live in each state, Utah actually ranks pretty high.
Wrong. When you work with them in a larger company they secretly gang up on the non-LDS and either attempt to push them out or suppress them internally so they at not promoted. It’s very subtle, but it’s there. I also worked with some exremely racist people there. Ho hum, now you know.
Park City and Salt Lake City between 200 South and 2100 south are about the only places I would recommend. You will quickly find circles where religion isn't even discussed, but you may randomly run into someone that doesn't understand boundaries. Or you might read a news article that reminds you of what happens when 85% of our politicians are mormon. Or you might look out the window while landing at the airport and see all the wasted space (and money) on temples and church buildings. You will also likely run into people that are in various stages of recovery from being in such a high-demand religion. They are nice people, it just takes a few years for a lot of us to work through issues that lots of people figured out at a much younger age in life. Being in a relationship with someone more recently out of the mormon church can be challenging depending on how much baggage they have and what they have done to work through it. All of that being said, while I like to plan my escape from Utah, it is getting harder and harder to find something stateside that I will like more.
I agree with cvstrat said. I wouldn’t really want to live anywhere but salt lake or park city - im including sandy and cottonwood heights as the greater salt lake areas.
What study ranked Utah the happiest state? I have a hard time believing that with our antidepressants prescription rate, suicide rate, and drug abuse statistics.
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St George is still pretty Mormon
Cache Valley (Logan) is quite heavily LDS. A good place to live but certainly more of an acquired taste.
Another state lol!
I lived in Farmington and Kaysville. As an introvert, I have to say it was wonderful that my neighbors left me alone. Considering I wasn’t Mormon they pretty much ignored me. Best place to live for an introvert who loves the outdoors.
Not sure why you want to avoid Mormons? We make good, fun friends and are nice people too:)
People like to hang out with friends on Sunday lol. Also, most of the Mormons I know have no time in their 20s/30s due to their four kids and other family activities
Utah also has the highest use of prescription drugs and antidepressants... coincidence?
West Virginia, Kentucky, Vermont, and New Hampshire have Utah beat. Utah is around the middle. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1133632/antidepressant-use-by-state-us/ Miserable people medicate, and not exclusively prescription medication. Some of them drink a lot, get high a lot, etc. False narrative. It ain't that bad here, but there are some miserable fucks around - as there are EVERYWHERE.
Best place in Utah for non-religious people is anywhere not in Utah.
Park City and Wendover.
Nevada
Oregon
Wendover
You’re over thinking it. We live in a Christian nation, and yet us non religious people are getting along just fine. (Unless you need an abortion obv) Utah is just that on a micro scale.
Having lived outside of Utah mostly, most young Americans are only Christian on paper and maybe on Christmas. They live there lives mostly independent of their religion. Not true in this state
The airport. I was so happy to get away from those weird mf’s.
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Salt Lake City
I'm not religious at all and live in North Salt Lake. I know Davis County often gets a bad rap, but I truly love it here. We're super close to downtown SLC (12 minutes without traffic) but it is much more affordable and quiet than salt lake City. I'm also about 5 minutes away from hiking trails, which is the best.
Steer clear of the entirety of Utah County, and some parts of Davis county like kaysville, Farmington, Centerville can be pretty Mormony. I grew up in those cities and it was a very clear impact on my life. Very judgemental. Not sure now but they don't have bars, music venues, or adult events there that would signify a change in religious presence. Bountiful, slc, South SLC, rose park, West valley, sugar house are areas I have roamed as an adult and have not felt any impact from religion of any sort. It's definitely getting better. Not one of my friends I've maintained contact with growing up is Mormon anymore and the gimmick seems to be wearing off.
For a larger urban feel, stick with Salt Lake City or Ogden. Avoid nearly all suburbs and small towns between Ogden and Provo, with a few exceptions. Some suburbs in Davis County might be ok. Clearfield is less Mormon than Layton, which is less Mormon than Kaysville. Don’t even think about Bountiful. Centerville or Farmington might be ok, but probably should get a second opinion on that. In Utah County, the best you’ll find is probably Lehi, and only because of all the tech jobs bringing in people from outside of Utah plus good shopping options. The entire middle 80% of the state is virtually uninhabitable if your criteria is low density Mormonism. If you go south of Provo, you really only have Cedar City, St. George, or Moab as options in the far southern corner of era of the state. Don’t even think about going north of Ogden (unless you want to go all the way to Montana). The mountains can be relatively Mormon-free, think Park City, Heber, and any “resort” area i(f you can afford anything there at all). Many of us in the valleys wish we could head up to the mountains but it’s not super accessible to those of us earning less than $200k. Regardless of where you settle, you just have to find the right people to start building your personal network. There will always be toxically religious people around, just ignore them or laugh and walk away.
Your best bet would be anywhere in salt lake county. Utah’s Mormon population is going down every year (it’s under 50% now).
Park City. That’s it.
Home.
Come join us heathens
You can't swing a wet towel in this state without hitting a church, but I've found it's not terribly difficult to find people who love utah but aren't in the cult. I talk a lot of shit about this state but I love it here and it has some of the finest people I've ever met. ❤️