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13 Pros and Cons of Living in Provo, UT
Nov
Wondering if Provo, Utah, is the appropriate fit for you? This post breaks down the professionals and cons of living in Provo to assist you resolve.
Pros of Living in Provo
The Great Outdoors
Sandwiched between mountains and a lake, Provo offers a bunch of natural attractions to maintain you lively.
Pick a direction, any direction. Should you go right, you’ll bump into Utah Lake – an excellent locale for fishing, boating, and tent camping. Now step in the other way, and also you’ll run into Wasatch Mountain Range, which offers a collection of trails for mountaineering and biking.
There are also loads of parks around town so that you can stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic. Did we mention the skiing? That is Utah in any case, and also you’re only a distance away from a few of the very best powdery slopes you may imagine.
Inexpensive Housing
Provo, Utah is sort of a hidden gem in the case of real estate. Housing prices here are likely to be noticeably lower than the U.S. average. Whether you’re planning on renting or buying a house, your wallet will thanks.
You get the dream house and the dream price, multi function package. If starting a family or saving money is in your mind, then Provo ticks the boxes with its reasonably priced housing options. The reduced cost of housing provides you some room to breathe financially and in addition offers the potential for home ownership to a broader range of income levels.
Educational Opportunities
One in every of the large pros of living in Provo is the wealth of educational opportunities available to you. Brigham Young University (BYU) is true within the backyard, and it’s one in all the highest universities within the nation. You’ve got top-notch programs in subjects like business, law, and education. And the very best part? You get all these advantages without having to fight hundreds of scholars for a parking spot.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly BYU. Let’s not forget Utah Valley University with its big selection of degree programs or Mountainland Technical College known for its vocational and technical programs.
And for those who’re looking on your kids’ education, Provo doesn’t disappoint. The town’s public schools consistently rating above the national average. Plus, parents have the prospect to select from several charter and personal schools to match their children’s educational needs.
Low Crime Rate
It’s possible you’ll not give it some thought often, however the crime rate of a city is a fundamental factor when considering where to settle. Provo is a superb player on this field. It has a significantly low crime rate.
In keeping with the FBI’s crime data, Provo’s crime rate per 1,000 residents stands significantly lower than the national average. Meaning, on any given day, the percentages of you becoming a victim of against the law in Provo are quite slim.
Clean and Secure Streets
Clean roads are the norm here, not the exception. The shortage of litter alone is sufficient to make you stand in awe. You see, the people of Provo take pride of their surroundings. They consider in pitching in to maintain their city clean. Should you’ve all the time had a soft spot for cleanliness, Provo might just steal your heart.
Access to National Parks
Should you’re the sort who loves mother nature, Provo is the place for you. The town has convenient access to a bunch of national parks!
Take a brief drive and also you’re on the doorstep of some real natural eye candy. We’re talking concerning the world-renowned Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park. These are places where the landscapes look less like Earth and more like Mars. You may lose yourself in these wild places.
Provo can be a stone’s throw away from Capitol Reef and the undisputed jewel of Utah’s national parks – Zion. Don’t forget the mighty Rocky Mountains – they’re not national parks, but they’re still beautiful! And for those who’re into big-horn sheep, wild turkeys, black bears, and cougars, these parks won’t ever disappoint you.
Religious Diversity
Regardless that Provo is understood for its predominant Mormon population, there’s room for all forms of beliefs on this town.
From Catholics to Protestants to Buddhists, you’ll find a wide range of religious institutions for various faith groups. There’s a surprising mixture of spiritual expressions that will encourage you to exercise your faith muscles!
Low Cost of Living
Out of your weekly grocery bill to utility costs, all the things here tends to be on the lower side in comparison with national averages. We haven’t even mentioned housing costs yet, which, as previously identified, are very reasonably priced.
And spoiler alert: the state tax in Utah isn’t too high either. So, for those who’re cost-conscious and searching to make your paychecks stretch that little bit further, Provo could be just the ticket.
Cons of living in Provo, Utah?
Like several place on this lovely planet, Provo has its own drawbacks. Let’s look into the downsides of living in Provo, Utah.
Less Diversity
Taking a look at the facts, 89% of its residents are of European descent. Should you’re someone who thrives in a multicultural environment, this could possibly be a little bit of a challenge for you. The shortage of diversity might limit your exposure to different cultures, languages, and ways of life unless you seek them out yourself.
It’s to not say there aren’t attempts to extend diversity, it’s just they’re moving on the pace of a snail.
High Mormon Population
Now, this isn’t necessarily a foul thing. In reality, it might probably have many positive sides, like a powerful sense of community and shared values. But the very fact is, over 80% of Provo’s residents discover as Mormon.
Should you come from a unique religious background otherwise you’re not particularly religious in any respect, this might feel overwhelming. You may feel like an outsider. If attending church isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll end up skipping most local communal activities, as they are sometimes church-oriented.
Also, the predominant Mormon lifestyle influences such matters as alcohol regulations. This could be a downer for those who’re keen on having fun with a day wine or a late-night beer after a tough day’s work.
Cold Winters
Should you’re a cold-weather enthusiast, that is your paradise! Pull out your wool socks, and your oversized scarves, and embrace the frosty wonderland.
But for those who’re the sort that shudders on the considered a cold breeze, you could find these winters a bit of tough to swallow. You’ll should be ready for heating cost spikes within the winter months. After which there’s the automotive: prepare for infrequent snow tires, de-icing, and people early mornings spent scraping ice off your windshield. You may also wish to turn out to be best friends together with your local snow plow driver.
Too Much Outdoor Activities
Yes, you’re reading that right. Provo, arguably one in all the highest nature-rich regions within the country, might even overwhelm you with its sheer volume of out of doors activities. This might sound ironic, but let’s break it down.
Provo is a haven for individuals who adore mountaineering, camping, fishing, snowboarding, and nearly every outdoor activity you may consider. But can too many options turn out to be a con?
Well, for adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who were born with mountaineering boots strapped to their feet, it’s a blessing. The Adventure Bucket list will probably never end. There would all the time be a brand new trail to hike, a brand new river to raft, or a brand new mountain to climb.
But for those who’re someone who can’t distinguish a kayak from a canoe,. Provo might drive you to the brink of out of doors madness. The social scene is built around such activities, which implies on weekends it’s not unusual to see a mass exodus of individuals heading towards the mountains or the lake. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you would possibly feel a bit unnoticed or pressured to affix in activities that don’t necessarily align together with your preferences.
So, in this attitude, for some, outdoor activities could indeed turn right into a con. But again, it just about will depend on personal preferences.
Less Job Opportunities in Certain Fields
Think concerning the movie industry, finance, software development, or advanced medical research. The job opportunities in these fields in Provo won’t have you ever jumping for joy, that’s obviously.
Provo’s strength lies in education and services-related jobs, as a result of Brigham Young University and several other large health care organizations. But, for those who’re in search of a high-profile corporate gig, you would possibly find the choices a bit…thin on the bottom.
Is Provo a Good Place to Live?
Provo is place to live, particularly for retirement, due to its reasonably priced living costs, low crime rate, and lots of out of doors activities to maintain you busy.
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