Utah...

...gets a bad rap sometimes.  I am sad to say that it is probably the most misunderstood state in the US.

But I love it.

Sure, it has it's quirks.  But what community doesn't?  I feel like it's pros out weigh the cons.  For example:

1) The people here are (mostly) nice.  I mean, you get your bad eggs anywhere you go, but on the whole people here rock.  Neighbors know each other.  They bring you diner when you are sick.  They watch your kids when you need a break.

2) There is a lot of emphasis put on  being environmentally friendly.  I didn't realize this until I lived somewhere else.  We are very aware of our environment here, and take good care of our MANY national and state parks.  On that point, there are sooooo many national parks and outdoor recreation areas and green spaces.

3) The terrain is super diverse.  We have everything here, from the high desert, to the Uintas, to the red rock in the south.  (Personally, southern utah red rock deserts are my favorite...)

4) One thing that really surprises people about Salt Lake City in particular is the diversity.  It is this super liberal island in a sea of conservatives.  I find the contrast fascinating, and refreshing.  It's nice to know that, for the most part, people with such different values can coexist in relative peace.

5) There is a large movement of natural, local, sustainable agriculture.   My neighbors, for example, over at Utah Natural Meat raise free-range, hormone-free cows, chickens, and pigs.  There are farmers markets all over the place.  Salt Lake City gives you a tax credit if you raise your on garden and/or chickens.  It is relatively easy to get your hands on healthy food.

6) Fry Sauce...enough said.

7) The Arts here are really great, considering the size of the city.  We have great museums (The Leonardo, the U of U Art museum, the Natural History museum, the gallery tour and the arts festival every year), great theatre (Hale, Pioneer, the Egyptian, and various community theaters), great music (the Depot, the State Room, the Venue, great local bands), and really good 'high art' (the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, great choral music in the Salt Lake Choral Artists and the Tabernacle Choir).

8) People care.  More people do volunteer community service here than in any other state.  My neighborhood just did a community yard sale to help a special needs girl in the area get a new bike...tons of people donated stuff and it all started with one Facebook post from this sweet girl's mom.  With in 10 minutes this event was already in the works...amazing.

9) There is a very diverse minority population.  Ok, I know what you are thinking but hear me out!  It is true that Utah is a shockingly white state.  But when I lived in Pennsylvania, everyone was either white or  African American.  Here, I know African Americans, Polynesians, Burmese, Thai, Latinos, Native Americans, Iranians, Afghanis, and Somalis.  There are so many cultures represented in our communities.

10) As someone who has absolutely NO sense of direction, I have to say the grid system of streets in Salt Lake County pretty much is amazing.  I can always find where I am going (or at least orient myself and find my way back to where I started).

And that is why I love my home state!