Page Topics: Introduction Family Why Still Here Utah Culture Introduction (Top) I was raised in Montana so Utah seems much like home to me. The outdoor environment, the climate, the activities, etc. are similar. The one large difference is that in Utah there are cities. I felt like a fish out of water when I moved to Utah to go to school. My freshman year I had my eyes opened to a lot of new people diversities. Getting an education here was a greatly needed experience. While at school, just like 90% of my classmates, I got married to someone I met at school. She is a native (not as in Native American, just that she was born here) of Utah.    My Wife's Family (Top) Her family has resided in Utah for many generations. She grew up in a small town on a ranch. Here father, just like my grandfather, raised sheep and other animals. He still works the family ranch. Because they are a religious folk her family has very solid morals and values. They are well-educated and neighborly. I would say that that is a common set of traits found in the Utah culture. Why We're Still Here (Top) While I was in school Utah had a fairly strong economy and I got a part time job. Once we finished up with school, we got married a short time after. I turned my part time job into a full time job and we became residents. We found that real estate in Utah has been a booming industry and we bought a duplex in a student town. It has been a very good thing for us. We have since changed jobs and will soon be moving (location still pending). We enjoy the church we attend, the trips to the hills, and many other aspects. Utah Culture (Top) I have grown to enjoy the culture here. Many people share similar values, visions, and goals. Here are some of the ups and downs of the culture and things to do: Ups The job market can be great People go to church...and get something out of it People desire higher education Freeways are well laid out for terrain One can find anything you want (entertainment, tech stuff, dance clubs, church buildings, etc.) in the larger cities There is a lot of space so one can get away from everyone else People will talk to you (nicely) in a checkout stand, etc. The radio stations are cool There are less drunks around (stone-cold sober can be good) The Olympics were here and that was a lot of fun The Jazz The people are creative and solution oriented Usually great skiing/snow boarding more to come... Downs Driving habits of Utahns. "Like, oh my gosh," there are some really scary drivers. Not much value is placed on Utah k-12 teachers Rush hour can be a nightmare The Jazz more to come... What's To Do? The outdoors are great here. Those who climb, ski, run, ride (anything), play sports, etc. can find whatever they seek. At the same time, we enjoy the malls (neither my wife or I had one within an hour of our home), the concerts, the festivities, etc. Summary In short, we enjoy living in Utah. There is opportunity. There are great people. And if you are LDS it is easy to get to church.