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Show I L : Also i e Lifestyl in this section: Landers E4 Weddings E6-- 7 Sunday Sept. 15, 1991 El "4 Herald Staff 6mm& iwiMtg9? 5 bM( report the number of requests have escalated from requests per By SHARON HADDOCK Herald Staff Writer 45-6- These days, the phones are ringing and the Chamber of Commerce mailbag is filled with requests for information about the ProvoOrem area. Since "Money" magazine named the ProvoOrem area number one for liability, television programs and newspapers have been busily broadcasting information about the local sister cities, but it's apparently only whetted the appetite for more. Secretaries at the chamber office month to as high as 0 77 in a single day. There's a definite hum of serious business in the office. The letters want information on everything from job opportunities and taxes to pet ordinances and street jangs. "I want to take my kids away from city life," writes one man. "Tell me about the schools in Provo." Many are from senior citizens who want a quiet, safe place to retire. They want information on mobile home PhUBriaa Tregaskii senior citizen programs, medical and the weather. "How much snow do you get?" asks a letter. "How is the skiing? What's the humidity?" The cost of living is of concern, as are Siarks, rent and real estate averages along with the amount of sales tax charged. One woman wants to know the date of the last earthquake in the area. Many want to find clean air, a ful environment and opportunities to fish, hunt and boat. They're looking for a place to live surrounded by panoramic views like the one above of Utah Valley, taken from Squaw Peak Trail east of Provo. "Send me any and all information you have," demanded one inquirer. "What about the bus system? Are there facilities for the handicapped? Do you have a VA hospital? How are the malls?" read the letters. They come from as far away as Tokyo, Japan and recently most heavily from East Coast cities. People want to know if the area can live up to the reputation it's been given on television and "how far is it from Dallas?" One elderly woman wrote that her years in Florida had been disappointing. "I go to church and just want to feel happy in a small town again," she said. "We value education. We're interested in safe neighborhoods. Do you have any state or junior colleges in your area?" asks a Chicago couple. According to chamber director Steve Densley, the letters are being answered as quickly as possible with information, e brochures and one of three videos corn-Se- LIVABLE, Page E2 Havingfun is easy for Utah County residents Educators wishing for crystal ball By BOB HUDSON Herald Sports Writer When Utah Valley residents of want to have fun, there are plenty of ways to do so. Among nearby recreational facilities are such things as Deer Creek and Strawberry reservoirs, Utah Lake State Park and U.S. Forest Service campgrounds By SHARON HADDOCK Herald Staff Writer A crystal ball that told the future would help local school districts plan for incoming families. Without one, Provo and Alpine School Districts are left to "do what they've been doing" and just cope with the variables as best they can, said Michael Robinson, throughout Utah County. Residents can fish, hunt, boat, and enjoy a wide varii ety of outdoor activities. While many residents leave Utah County to hunt or fish, it; isn't necessary. A wide variety of game is available in the hills and valleys around Provo, Orem and : the surrounding smaller commu-- ; nities. water-sk- See RECREATION, Page E2 public relations director for Alpine. Dr. Kay Laursen, superintendent of the Provo School District, said planning for the education of children whose parents may move to the area, would be a great deal easier. "I wish I had a crystal ball to See SCHOOLS, Page E2 V. ; A l"V Herald Staff PhotoPatrick J. Krohn First and second graders play during noon recess at Rock Canyon Elementary School in Provo. Valley scores highest in economy, lowest in arts Provo and Orem are "sister cities where the living is easy, taxes are moderate and the economic engine is running on all cylinders," according to the lead story in the current issue of Money magazine. The article ranks American cities in nine categories. Surprisingly, ProvoOrem came out on top of the list of 300 despite a low rating of 1 in the arts category. a 90 The local area scored the highest in economy, followed by ratings of 84 for housing and 82 for transit. In the health category, ProvoOrem scored a 76, followed by a 51 for the weather and nearly matching scores of 34, 32, and 32 for crime, education and leisure categories. ProvoOrem scored tops overall but failed to achieve top rating in any one category. Bremerton, Wash., the cumber one city Housing, traffic woes face area Valley offers bustling arts scene last year, was tops in the leisure category. for Billings, Mont., is the high a booming housing market. Boise, Idaho, is point-gett- : er the highest in the health category. Austin, Texas, was rated best for its arts. If an area lacked a big-cit- y symphony or a pro team, it rated poorly in arts and leisure. ProvoOrem may have been established by Mormon pioneers migrating from the East, the magazine said, "But today's newcomers to Utah County often come from the opposite direction. They are Californians fleeing high taxes, water shortages, freeway been a congestion and crime. There hasn't 4 murder in Provo since 1989." It may be the county in the nation with 94 percent of local youth graduating from high school. The area is home to more than 80 computer software companies. Orem is the retail center with a smaller population of 67,561 and more rural area, much of it planted in fruit orchards. ; Provo is the seat of county government. Its population is 86,835. v While many transferring into Utah County worry about the LDS Church or Mormon dominance, a corporate official quoted in Money says, "The new family in Provo often feels strange at first, and they put in for a transfer back hone. By the time it comes through, they don't want to leave, especially if they're into athletics." best-educat- & It " , Herald Staff PhotoJason Olson Kathy Matson and Cheryl Harper jog near Orem city cemetery. |
