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So, you’re thinking about moving to Utah from out-of-state and you’re not a member of the Mormon Church?  Probably the first thing you’re asking (and probably the first thing your friends are asking you) is “what about those Mormons?”

Yes, there are certainly plenty of Mormons or more formally, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living in Utah and particularly Utah County. Mormons settled Salt Lake City in 1847,  moved South to Provo in 1849 and still make up the majority of the population in the Utah Valley today. Nonetheless, as more and more businesses locate to Utah and as more and more people move in from other states, Utah’s population continues to become more religiously diverse.

If you are wary about moving to Utah because of the higher concentration of Mormons, ease your worried mind.  The fact is, you’ll probably find that Mormons are not that different from you. They are very mainstream American.  They are just family-centered, honest people who make great friends and great neighbors.

Practicing Mormons avoid working and recreational activities on Sunday, the traditional Christian Sabbath.  Because of this, you may find some local restaurants, stores and recreation facilities closed on Sundays.  National chains like Wal-Mart or Albertson’s remain open all week long.

Practicing Mormons also abstain from alcohol and tobacco, thus affecting Utah’s liquor laws.  Utah is one of the 18 “control states” that work together to promote responsible moderation in drinking. But laws promoting responsible moderation will not keep you or any adult from finding a drink in Utah.  Utah Liquor Laws

In most states, including Utah, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater is illegal. Also, the legal age to buy cigarettes in Utah is 19.

 Of course, Mormonism is not the only faith practiced by Utahns and you’re sure to find members of your own faith congregating here as well.   Other than getting used to a few new words such as “ward” (a neighborhood congregation), “stake” (a grouping of several wards), “Relief Society” (the women’s organization of the ward) and “Bishop” (the unpaid leader of the ward) you won’t find Utah much different than where you are moving from.

In fact, to many the most surprising difference in Utah is how family friendly the community and merchants are.  Since Utah has the largest family sizes of any state in America, almost all businesses accommodate large families by offering family pricing, seating and friendliness.  Many offer special “family night” specials on Mondays, the traditional evening for Mormon families to not schedule anything except for being together.