SALT LAKE CITY — Two years ago, my little family moved out of state. My husband, three children and I packed up the moving truck, waved good-bye to Utah and drove 700 miles to a new adventure. After living all our lives in Utah, we were in for some big changes.

I’m often asked what is different and what I miss about Utah. While there are aspects I love about where I am now, there are definitely things I miss about Utah. Some things I expected, while others have been a surprise.

Cost of living

Utah has a strong economy and consistent job growth, making it a great place to live and work. Your hard-earned money can get you a lot more square footage than in many other states. I’m reminded of this every month when rent is due.

Four seasons

This time of year it is apparent to me how much I love having the four seasons. I’m reminded that in Utah, it’s cooling down while I’m still melting in my second-story apartment. I miss the crisp fall air, the first snowfall, the newness of spring and the variety of recreational activities that go along with each season.

The accessible outdoors

I grew up in Ogden close to the mountains. I could lace up my running shoes in the morning and be on a mountain trail in five minutes. I could run from South Ogden to North Ogden or North Ogden to Brigham City, all while on a trail.

Now, unless I want to drive some distance, I settle for streets. Whether it’s running, camping, boating, skiing or visiting one of the five national parks, it’s hard to beat the offerings and accessibility of Utah’s beautiful outdoors.

Family friendly

My “little” family is not so little outside of Utah. I never had comments about my “big” family until moving. Many times I’ve said, “Oh, I’m from Utah — this is nothing.” And when my preschooler told his class he had 29 cousins, his teacher about fainted.

I love that wherever you are in Utah with kids, you’re not alone. Activities for children are numerous and businesses know how to cater to families. I miss drive-thru banking and pharmacies and those cool oversized “car” carts the kids can sit in and turn the wheel.

Parking

I remember parallel parking on the driving range and never doing it again until leaving Utah. I should have learned, though, as it is a basic survival skill for me now. And parking lots, let alone free parking lots, are a luxury.

Traffic (or lack thereof)

It can get congested during rush hour on I-15, but except for some unusual circumstance, you can expect fairly open roads the rest of the time. In Utah, I never worried about hitting traffic on a Saturday morning or Sunday evening.

Pioneer Day

Who ever complained about an extra holiday?

Neighborly/community feel

When it comes to neighborhood barbecues and welcoming committees when you move in, Utah knows how it’s done. In my experience, people in Utah generally look you in the eye and smile and neighbors know and care for each other (sometimes a little too much.)

Space

Utahns are spoiled with space. Utah is growing, but you still don’t have to go very far to find open space. Many neighborhoods have big yards with space between homes. I miss my kids being able to play and wrestle without disturbing the neighbors.

Fry sauce

This list wouldn’t be complete without adding this delicacy. I still catch myself occasionally asking for fry sauce, only to be given a questioning look. Yes, fry sauce is a Utah thing and the rest of the country doesn’t know what it’s missing.

Danielle Longhurst was raised in Ogden and is a mother of three children now living in the Los Angeles area. She has degrees in journalism and education from Weber State University. Contact her at danielle.longhurst@gmail.com.

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