If you or someone you know is planning to move to Salt Lake City, Utah soon, be sure to read this article first! You want to know what you’re getting into, right? Is moving from LA to Salt Lake City really for you? Keep reading to find out whether you should hire long distance movers LA and move.
The capital of Utah is a thriving big city with the atmosphere of a small city. Move to Salt Lake City for work or school, and you will likely be left with growing job opportunities, affordable living costs, a thriving creative scene, and proximity to the impressive mountains of Wasatch. Despite its reputation as a conservative religious city, Salt Lake is becoming increasingly racially, culturally, and religiously diverse. Here are 20 tips to prepare you for life in Salt Lake City.
What can you expect after moving from LA to Salt Lake City?
1. Utah is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Are you a mountain biker? Rock climber? Skier or boarder? Nature lover? There is a community and activity here for you regardless of the season. So hire one of the long distance moving companies Salt Lake City and come to this nature-lovers’ paradise.
Whatever type of outdoor activities you like, there is something for you
2. You will find world-class tracks right outside the door
Salt Lake City has dozens of great hiking trails within half an hour of the city center, and Park City is known for its 400-mile system of groomed mountain bike trails – good for running and skiing in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
3. Get ready for extreme weather conditions
Get ready for the hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between. Average temperatures fluctuate slightly above zero in January and rise to the 90s in July. Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. It really is all about proper clothing.
4. When it snows, life goes on
People from Utah don’t stress when snow begins to fall. They go to work, they go to school, and most importantly, they ski. Don’t worry, you will get used to it quickly after moving from LA to Salt Lake City with long distance movers California.
5. Skiing is epic
On their license plates there is the phrase “The greatest snow on earth,” and they are proud of it. Get access to six world-class ski resorts within an hour from the SLC airport – plus miles and miles of northern slopes and ski and backcountry skiing.
6. The LDS Church is an institution
Salt Lake City was founded by Mormon pioneers, and the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in the heart – literally – in the city center. Approximately 60 percent of Utah is LDS, although in Salt Lake City this number is slightly lower. The church affects most of the political and social structure of the city.
7. Salt Lake City is a family-oriented city
Thanks to Mormon’s commitment to raising families with many children and a high birth rate, Utah continues to proudly be one of the country’s youngest populations. In the city, you will find many children and, therefore, entertainment for them. If you are moving your entire family to SLC with one of the long distance moving companies Utah, your kids will be happy to see there are plenty of activities they can enjoy.
8. The alcohol laws … are complicated
Utah rules are heavily influenced by the Mormon Church. Two of the many oddities: draft beer should contain less than 4 percent alcohol by volume, and you can only find full-strength beer sold at room temperature in the state liquor store. Plan ahead weekend parties as you won’t be able to buy wine or liquor on Sundays.
9. Everything closes on Sundays
The blue laws in Utah are alive and well. State liquor stores and many retailers are closed on Sundays, and car dealerships are legally allowed to open only one day during the weekend.
10. There is still great booze
You will find several breweries in and around Salt Lake City, including Red Rock, Uinta, Wasatch, and Epic. Small batch distilleries also provide great locally produced liquor. Fun fact: some of Utah’s earliest distilleries were run by none other than Mormon pioneer Brigham Young.
11. There actually is the Great Salt Lake
The namesake SLC is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere. It is so shallow that its size and salinity change from day-to-day. You can hike, cycle, and camp on the island of Antelope, the largest on the lake, and you can even catch a glimpse of the elusive monster of the North Shore.
The Lake is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Utah, so you might consider visiting right after moving from LA to Salt Lake City
12. The city is on the coordinate grid
If you get lost just by looking at an address such as 310 East 200 South, you are not alone. Conventions of naming streets in Utah are similar to longitude and latitude. The Temple Square in the center of the city is the main meridian of 0 degrees, which means 310 East 200 South is two blocks south and a little over three blocks east of the temple.
13. Use caution when crossing the street
Salt Lake City’s plan is based on the original city plan of Mormon leader Joseph Smith. Their neighborhoods are long and the streets are wide – up to six lanes! Go fast and use the orange flags provided on the corners of the streets to be visible to drivers.
14. Drive carefully
Drivers from Salt Lake City – and drivers from Utah in general – are consistently among the worst in the country. Many see speed limits and red lights more as suggestions than laws. Keep your wits and follow the rules.
15. No, that is not fog
From December to February, you may notice thick smog over the Salt Lake Valley. Known as inversion, this is the result of warm air above the trapping cold air, most often between blizzards. Check your air quality every day and use it as an excuse to go to the mountains.
16. They have a fast-growing technology industry
Utah has over 4,000 startups, as well as many familiar names, from Adobe to eBay. Over the past three years, venture capital firms have invested $2.5 billion in and around the area called Silicon Slopes, which means that technology opportunities are likely to continue to grow. And unlike California, which is one of the top 10 states people are moving out of, Utah is actually a state where people are constantly moving in.
17. They are avid sports fans
Utahns take their sports teams seriously. Soon after moving from LA to Salt Lake City, you will get to know Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (MLS Football), and the University of Utah Utes.
18. There are many free (or cheap) outdoor activities
Their calendar is full of free events, from farmers’ markets and street fairs to outdoor yoga and walking meetings. After you unpack your belongings, check out seasonal events at ski resorts, the zoo, and botanical gardens.
19. At the Sundance Film Festival, you can chat with celebrities
Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute holds this world-famous event in Park City every January. Go to the main street to watch a movie – locals have discounted tickets.
20. The music scene is great
You will never miss live music of all genres. Outdoor concerts such as the Red Butte Garden are favorites in the summer.
No matter what type of music you like, there is something for everyone
Moving from LA to Salt Lake City could be one of the best decisions in your life. But, before you even make that decision, think carefully if that is really for you. People from Utah are very friendly, and there are plenty of outdoor activities. But, it can sometimes be dangerous because of all the careless drivers and polluted air. If there are more pros than cons, then moving to Salt Lake City is just what you need to do.