A low unemployment rate, affordable costs of living, beautiful scenery and breath-taking mountain views all make this Utah Valley city a great deal to consider relocating. In 2009, Provo was called "an enticing city for new careers" by Where to Retire Magazine and a top 10 place to raise a family by Forbes Magazine in 2010.
If you are planning or considering a move to this scenic city, read on for more information so that you can decide if it is the right place for you!
Provo Climate
The city experiences four varied seasons, with temperatures ranging from the 20s in the winter to as high as the 90s in the summer. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe, complete with light-weight clothing, shorts, and sandals for the summer and heavy sweaters, overcoats and boots for the winter months.
Precipitation in plentiful in the region--it falls in the form of either rain or snow about 100 days a year. Snowfall is particularly significant, accumulating to almost 60 inches annually! Before moving to the locale, you may want to invest in a snow blower to keep your property clear and snow tires for your vehicle so you can stay safe on the roads.
Provo Neighborhoods
Before choosing a part of the city to live, be sure to conduct thorough research on the cost, convenience and crime rates in the area. The city is home to a variety of diverse districts, each with something unique to offer.
If you are relocating with a family and safety is a primary concern, the areas of the city with the lowest rates of crime include Wymount Terrace/Wymount Drive, West Center Street, South State Street, Hellaman Halls, and North Canyon Road.
If you're wondering what parts of the city are known for luxurious living, some of the most affluent areas include Pleasant View, Parkway/Shadowbrook Drive, Caryhurst and Christmas City.
Registering Your Car
Upon establishing residency in your new home state of Utah, you will have 60 days to register your vehicle. You will need your existing title, current registration, and to pass a safety/admissions test at any DMV location.
To transfer your driver's license, you must visit any one of 26 driver license offices in the state. You will have to fill out and submit an application (this can be obtained at the office or printed out online in advance) take a photo, pay a fee of $25, bring your old out of state license, supply your Social Security number, present proof of birth and residence, pass an eye exam and a written test.
Provo Schools
If you will be relocating with children, you know that quality schools are a necessity. After your move to Provo, your children will be enrolled at a facility in the Provo School District if you choose to send them to public school. The system consists of 13 elementary schools, two middle schools and three high schools. If you prefer private or religious-based education, there are several options open to you, particularly of the Mormon faith which is prevalent in the region.
For higher education, you can attend Provo College, a private university specializing in career education. The institution offers associate's degrees and certificates for fields such as nursing, criminal justice, graphic design, and office administration. If you prefer an education that is religion-affiliated, Provo is home to one of the largest private colleges in the country. Brigham Young University is operated by the Church of Latter-Day Saints with an enrollment of about 34,000 students.
Provo Employment
With the staggeringly-low unemployment rate of 4.2 percent, the city is the perfect place to relocate for a job. It is home to the headquarters of a variety of companies, such as Vivint, Nu Skin Enterprises, Action Target, Ancestry.com, and Nature's Sunshine Products.
However, no matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Department of Workforce Services website for job-hunting assistance and resources for the region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Provo Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Provo Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Provo in no time. Top employers in the city include Bingham Young University, Nu Skin Enterprises, Vivint, Missionary Training Center, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Provo School District, Novell, Utah County, Ancestry.com, City of Provo, and Utah State Hospital.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Provo is four percent below the national average, with housing and utility expenses being the most affordable at 16 and 12 percent less than average. Healthcare and grocery costs are just below average as well. However, transportation costs are about nine percent greater than the typical rate.
If you are planning on renting in the city, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $510 a month, and a two-bedroom will rent for about $631 depending on location, size and amenities. If you plan to buy, the median home price in the city is $190,000.
Provo Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Provo that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Provo Transportation
If you will moving to your new city without a vehicle or with limited access to one, you will be utilizing Provo's extensive mass transportation system. The Utah Transit Authority operates the public bus service, which has been rated third-best in the nation by the Brookings Institution for commuters.
Amtrak provides rail service from Provo station via the California Zephyr line. Trains run daily in both directions-- to Chicago and Emeryville, California. You can also access UTA's light rail service FrontRunner from the Provo Intermodal Hub. The terminal is located adjacent to the Provo Amtrak station, and connects Frontrunner with the local bus routes.
Inter-city bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Provo is a scenic city with beautiful outdoor attractions as well as a variety of fascinating museums and cultural sites.
Enjoy hiking and gorgeous scenery at the Bridal Veil Falls; be adventurous and raft along the rapids at High Country Adventure on the Provo River; fish, swim or boat on Utah Lake; or get a little exercise climbing and hiking along Rock Canyon.
If you're a lover of science, two must-sees after you relocate are the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum and the BYE Museum of Paleontology. If you have an appreciation for the printed word, you may enjoy the Crandall Historical Printing Museum, which chronicles the history of the moving type and houses the only working replica of the printing press.
Residents enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Riverwoods, a sprawling plaza of stores, eateries and entertainment located at the mouth of Rock Canyon.
Great kid-friendly recreation sites include Provo Beach Resort, an indoor fun center including bowling, mini-golf and laser tag; the Seven Peaks Resort Water Park; and the Max Zipline at Rock Canyon.
Provo Relocation Tips
- Bring a varied wardrobe. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with frigid temperatures often dropping below freezing in the winter and very hot summers with highs reaching the 90s. Pack warm sweaters, coats, scarves, hats and snow boots for the winter months and shorts, sandals and T-shirts for the summer.
- Make sure you extensively research any moving company you are considering for hire. Begin by comparing quotes from several movers that can service your move to Provo, then perform a background check by reading reviews, checking references, and verifying the company's DOT number on the FMCSA website.
- Save money on your move by downsizing your belongings before you relocate! The less you hail with you, the less you will spend, so be sure to sort through your possessions and donate, sell, or give away whatever you can do without.