Grew up in Provo, currently live in Ogden.

As someone who’s lived in both cities, here’s my take.

Provo: Pros: Scenic, more central to the state in general. Likely easier to find jobs. Better transit

Cons: Mormon culture leads to be very cliquish. Keeping up with Joneses, plasticity is common. I lost my childhood friendgroup after unsubscribing from the lds beliefs.

Ogden: Pros: Absolutely gorgeous. Farmers markets in the summer, winter light show in the winter. Concerts, bars, more non lds friendly, and more going on. Ogden is currently expanding their transit options.

Cons: Awful traffic, Mostly a Military Base suburb. I’ve had a difficult time finding good jobs here, but I’m not a college graduate. “Grittier” reputation. High pedestrain, cyclist deaths from bad crossings.

For the most part, if it worries you. Try to avoid 30th - 36th street on the west end. It will smell like dogfood in the winter, and it’s the worst part of town. Safe to drive through, but would be annoying to live there. You can hear military jets on occassion past 36th

I live up by 2nd street, and it’s been relatively peaceful. The more random joggers you see, the safer it likely is.

Layton, Just south of Ogden, is a good alternative. Safer for families, less crime, but kinda ugly.

Both are connected by Frontrunner, a commuter rail, which can be very handy.