utahredrocks.com

Westward bound

Any "hints" for one wishing to move to SE Utah. Blanding, Monticello etc.
We currently live in the mid-west and have wanted to move to the "area"
for about 5 years.
Any "pitfalls"/issues that you have experienced and learned from that you would care to share with a couple of "new comers" would be most appreciated. We intend to purchase/build a home and wonder how that process might be different from what we know here, as well as how the
realestate market fares in SE Utah.
On a different note, we have "lived' through your wonderous photographs for some time and they have been a joy for our eyes at every viewing!

Thank you for the "views",
Westward bound

Storm Rider

It is a great place to visit, but are you sure you want to live there? Far away from family? Desert climate? Few biting bugs? Low humidity? Few relatives visiting you? No major airport nearby? Very little snow to shovel? Wait a minute, you may have a good idea there. It sounds better and better!
It is difficult to offer much advice when little is known about what you are coming from. For example you mentioned the real estate market. Compared to what? Small farming towns or large metro suburbs? Needs and expectations for entertainment, hobbies, sports, fine dining, shopping, medical, etc. Don't let this discourage you tho. Go for it!!

Westward bound

Dear Storm Rider,
You sold us! We are quiet by nature and are self starters/entertainers. The "trappings" of the city can be had in same when one needs a "fix".
We currently reside in a VERY isolated area, so this will be much the same. Medical is a concern, but that must be "obtainable" at some level.
The "realestate" question was sparked by our observing the local realestate publication, and the fact that many properties seem to stay listed for YEARS. Anything to that? The "relocation guide" put out by San Jaun county seems to show an economy in "park". What would your observations be?
Thank you for your time,
"Westward bound"

Robert · Site Admin

Westward...

Since I live in Moab I am in Grand County. Basically, I chose Moab because I wanted to be surrounded by the Red Rock scenery that I love. The towns of Monticello and Blanding do not provide that type of experience, however eye popping scenery is less than an hour away.

You mentioned that properties stay listed for years in San Juan County. I suspect the reason is very similar to the reason that many properties in Moab are listed for a similar length of time. Here in Moab the average house sells for about $125,000. My wife and I looked at homes a few years ago and we were shocked at what was available in the $150,000 range. One such house consisted of a 30 year old trailer with a couple of extra rooms tacked on. The trailer was not on a foundation and the floors were all uneven. Come on, $150,000! In our opinion this place was nearly worthless. Anyway, that’s an extreme example but the quality of many of the houses that stay listed for years perfectly explains why they don’t sell. However, in spite of those dumps there are many nice homes to choose from. Here in Moab most of the new home construction is going on south of town in Spanish Valley. Of course, if you are building your own home you don’t have to worry about existing homes.

The rest of this applies specifically to Moab, but it may be helpful none-the-less…

I really love living in Moab. I have always lived in large cities, and the small town atmosphere of living here is fantastic. We quickly adapted to the necessity of 200 mile roundtrip drives to Grand Junction Colorado for supplies. In fact, we look at it as a beautiful drive (along highway 128). The small town atmosphere really hit home when my wife Rhonda underwent major surgery 2 years ago. The outpouring of support from this community was unbelievable. People we barely knew came forward with genuine offers of help. This community’s help was beyond words. I am still completely overwhelmed by it. I really love the people here. We have more close friends than we ever had in any city that we have ever lived before. That says a lot.

This brings me to healthcare. My wife and I have a bit of experience there. The current hospital in Moab is well suited for emergencies and routine procedures. When my wife’s aneurysm struck the EMS services were great, and when her CAT scan in Moab revealed she was bleeding within her brain, she was quickly transported to Grand Junction via Life Flight. Living in a remote community you have to accept the necessity of Life Flight for life threatening situations. They are simply not set up for major procedures locally. They also are not set up for many routine procedures. I needed an MRI last year for a back problem and I had to wait until the monthly portable MRI truck stopped by the local hospital. Much of the therapy my wife needed after her surgery wasn’t available locally, so we drove 200 miles round trip to Grand Junction twice a week for several months. However, after living through a serious medical incident, I still have no reservations about living here.

Let’s see. Weather in Moab is quite nice. July and August are hot – typically over 100 but the humidity is extremely low. December and January are cold – typically in the 30s although last year we had too many weeks in the 20s. We get a few snow storms that dump several inches, but it often is completely gone in a few days. Now, this is where Monticello is quite different. It’s located at a much higher elevation (7,000 feet) and they receive a lot more snow. I don’t have exact numbers but it seems that every time I drive through there in the winter it’s snowing. (Of course, I come from Buffalo NY so I’ve had my fill of snow.) Blanding however, I would think, is similar to Moab.

I hope some of that helps!
- Robert

Westward bound

Thank You Robert,
All in all, it sounds pretty good. People, medical, QUIET, weather -- Where we live now, -20 and 4 FEET during a storm are not uncommon. The heat is ok (again, lived in a hot climate before too). Ditto on DISTANCE for supplies as well. So far, so good. How about High speed internet connections? Are they available in San Juan and Grand counties -- (Now we are getting down to the nitty-gritty right?). Is cable TV (Cable is how we are connected now) available in same? Maybe DSL? It shows my weakness--
NO MORE DIAL-UP EVER!
How is the economy doing in the area? Is the population growing quickly or staying about the same ( A bit hypocritical I grant you for a couple of people asking relocation questions) but weakness #1 is a desire for a lower population density and an emphasis on the "Great out-of-doors" and "what life is all about" in our eyes. Again, much to what Robert said about supplies is great by us. A "trip to the city" for anything past the usual will only reinforce in us why we live there as opposed to a metropolitan area.
Robert, do you think we would find a "similar" environment in Blanding / Monticello (with regard to the "locals") as have you in Moab? That was one thing that lives on in our memory when we recollect our visits -- The people are so decent. Much the way we remember "the way it used to be" when people still cared. We cannot wait!

"Westward bound"

Westward bound

No hints hunh?

Westward Bound

Robert · Site Admin

Westward Bound,

Sorry for the delay of this response - I've been out of town for the past week.

As far as Moab goes, high speed internet is available - DSL and cable. I have a T1 connection at work. I'm not sure about Monticello and Blanding. I'll check into it for you.

Oops....gotta fly right now. We still have some unpacking to do! I'll answer some of your other questions tomorrow.

- Robert

Westward bound

Thank you Robert,
Wonderful! This is one "weakness" that I must see to. We are "remote viewing" a couple of spots around Monticello and Blanding (out of town)
and this is a BIG question. Where PV would solve the power question, I am "hooked" on the net.

On another note: We can't wait! We should be in the area in the next 60 days (barring any unforseen issues with our closing here) looking for a rental or purchasing a piece of property or home so wish us luck!

Thank you for not only the time, but the venue to ask our silly questions.

Westward Bound