SLC or Ogden

So to preface, I lived in SLC from 2002-2007. I am considering moving back to the area, but am looking at Ogden for the cost of living difference. Also, I see they have opened a new climbing gym since I last lived in Utah. What would be some of the pros and cons of each?

I would assume that traffic is not as bad in Ogden, and that the inversion isn't as bad either. How is the climbing close to town? Also, how is Snowbasin?

I don't think the inversion is any better in Ogden. The Front gym is nice but if you like routes and not just bouldering the Momentum gyms in SLC are hard to beat (especially the new Millcreek location!). I have only bouldered at the quartzite blocs right on the edge of town, which provide interesting problems on slippery rock and are good the winter. I haven't climbed routes there but looks similar to stuff found in Big Cottonwood. You are obviously looking at quite a drive to the granite crags of LCC which is some of my favorite before/after work climbing nearly year round. Snowbasin is awesome and might be the biggest upside to Ogden, much different feel than the Cottonwood resorts, with awesome terrain, ridiculously nice facilities, and virtually no crowds compared to the Park City mayhem. On the plus side you are 45 minutes closer to northern destinations in Wyoming, etc (city of rocks less than 2 hours) but 45 minutes further from Moab, Zion etc. It's really a win win!

Thanks for the feedback.

It really depends on your priorities. Virtually everything will be less crowded in Ogden, and you can live much closer to recreation access for a lot less money. There are areas with literally no approach and areas with an hour of boulder hopping. Both locations of The Front (SLC and Ogden) have route climbing, so I don't know what that guy from Oregon was talking about. Oh and snowbasin is not the best O-Town has to offer. Any idea where you'll be working?

I will be working from a home office, predominantly, so that isn't an issue. I lived in Midvale from 2002-03, WVC from 2003-05, and Sugarhouse from 2005-07. I feel that Ogden would be more affordable overall. I have had season passes to brighton and solitude, but have never been to powder mountain or snowbasin.

Again this is just my opinion but I grew up in Ogden and moved to SLC for work. Snowbasin and PowderMtn are great resorts that tend to be much less crowded than Snowbird or Alta. I feel there is more to climb in BCC and LCC than what is available in the Ogden area. I also prefer the Momentum gyms over the Front but that's my personal experience. Traffic can be bad in Ogden during rush hour just as in SLC, especially near the University and hospital area. Inversion is about the same in both places. The main difference is the cost of housing, a nice house on the SE bench of Ogden is much less than a nice house on the East bench of SLC.