We're planning to move to Utah or Colorado for skiing after we retire. Kid will be starting high school, and is a mean soccer player and swimmer.

I suspect Park City is just the ticket for non-Mormons, any other suggestions?

Gracias!

OOPS, I meant LEAST not lest, sorry.

Why don't you want to live near Mormons?

First time I saw this I had the exact same question as MikeT.

What evil disease or untoward behavior do you expect to catch from Mormons?

Tithing? education? ancestry?

Park City probably IS the best place for skiing and not-too-many Mormons. However, my son lives there (and he IS a Mormon). He and his two sons (ages 6 and 8) love to ski, so be careful lest you run into them. Were you to get hurt on the slopes, however, they'd probably be the first to see if they could help in some way.

If I ever move to Utah, I will look for a neighborhood with the most Mormons. The are generally honest, hard working people who not only take care of the homes, but their family and others in need. What's the matter, do you think they will cast a spell on you? No I'm not Mormon and I don't believe in their teachings, but that doen't mean they are not good neighbors.

Why in the world would you move to a state that has so many people that you don't want to live close to?

Maybe Gpaul meant it that since he/she is not Mormon (and not that there is anything wrong with that or being Mormon, I know many and they are lovely) his/her family would like to be in an area that is not overly populated so they don't feel like total outsiders. If they are the only non-Mormon family in town maybe they would feel a little strange, just as if they WERE Mormons and moved to a heavily populated area of people from another faith. Just my two cents but please-it's the freakin holidays and everyone is still harping on each other! WHERE'S THE SPIRIT PEOPLE!!!????

Gpaul, I was just poking gentle fun at you--and I DID answer your question. I never wanted to raise my Mormon family in Utah (too many Mormons!),and we raised them in Maryland, home of the beautiful Mormon Temple that is featured in every rush hour traffic report on Beltway traffic conditions.

Do you not know any Mormons, or did you have a bad experience with some? I hope it's not that you're getting an incorrect and negative picture of us from all the politics swirling around.

Incidentally, my son and his wife had some reservations about the school system, so you should look into that. They were concerned about a lack of advanced or GT programs starting in the first grade (for my brilliant grandchildren), and that's not where you're at with your son.

Good luck with your decision.

Firstly, MY SINCERE AOPOLOGIES for getting the wrong message accross. I do not dislike ANY faith, and in fact know and have had Mormon amistades. UTAH and SLC are top on the list because of the skiing, logistically closer to many other ski areas out-of-state than Denver, and not as cold! We've been there many, many times, all to ski, and have never been disappointed, au contraire, I'm a Utah "ambassador".

Abby43 hit it on the nail: it's a matter of being "accepted" and not feel like outsiders. We have no plans on becoming Mormons (for no other reason than we are catholic but not "religious"). Then again, the Lord works in strange ways and who knows, we may end up being the staunchest Mormons...!!!!

Xanthippe, all is well!

Okay, now that this is clear, can y'all suggest towns that we'd feel right at home, have good HS education, and hopefully Olympic Soccer Programs and good swimming teams? Within 30 minute drive to downtown SLC and those marvelous slopes.

Gracias!

Hey, leave Gpaul alone!!!! I can understand what he's saying.

He really doesn't want to have to see the horns each time they remove their hats in the ski lodge.

I am sorry but having grown up in a place with many of the LDS faith you will never be fully accepted perhaps in the way you might fantasize about.

When you fully understand the Mormon faith it will make more sense.

Why do you think they refer to us non-Mormons as "gentiles?"

Oh for heaven's sake, Myer, Gpaul has explained that he/she wants to live in a diverse community where his/her family doesn't feel like unaccepted outsiders.

Is Dukey's reply REALLY what it's all about?

I'm not worried about us old folk, but rather our son, who'll be 13/14 at the time...

I guess it is time to start doing LOTS of homework then.

A word to the wise; the religion is very into proselytizing and converting (to the extent of converting dead people), and once it's clear that you are not going to convert, all your new "buddies" will drop you like a hot rock. Esp. hard on kids, who want to belong. Yes, I speak from experience.

Sylvia3, whew! Tks for very enlightening reply.

BUT I really want to live in that region (for the skiing), so come on now, there's gotta be some town were we outcasts may be happy?????

Or just concentrate on Colorado....

There are indeed sizable populations of Mormons in all the Western States, but
I'm always slightly uncomfortable at the
intertwining of faith and Government as it occurs in Utah.
I'd say Colorado, gpaul, or come to Oregon where we like Mormons and Soccer(GO PILOTS!) and
Adult beverages

Bend would suit you just right, and Mt. Hood's open all year.

Basing a move to another state based on skiing might not be the best idea..most people figure that they want to be near the sort of climate they like, pasttimes they enjoy, and the ability to blend in with the rest of the community..a community that you would have something in common with.
If you are already thinking in terms of 'where can I live so I am not the only non-Mormon,' then I think Utah might not be the place for you.
Your son will definitely feel the change more than you will.

And WHATEVER you do, don't even THINK of moving to some parts of Idaho.

You have to accept the fact that this is the way the Mormons are. They do not mean to be unfriednly or uncivil but their religious upbringing and tenets are the drivers in this. They feel they are doing and practicing according to the latter day message from Christ.

It can be painful..very painful. I remember belonging to a religious organization while in undergraduate school. Ours, as did most others, had many joint functions with other religious college syudent groups. Unfortunately, the LDS kids never participated and for reasons already explained. Their religious beliefs guide their entire lives and outlook.

This is one reason why some so-called "right wing Christians" get nervous when they find out more about Romney's religious background.