Unlike most Utah towns, Vernal was not settled by Mormons. In 1861, Brigham Young sent a scouting party to the Uintah Basin and received word back that the area was fit for nothing but nomad purposes, grounds for hunting Indians, and simply to "hold the world together." In the same year, Abraham Lincoln opted to set the area aside as a reservation for the Uintah Indians.
Vernal is the largest city in Uintah County, Utah, and lies 175 miles east of Salt Lake City and 20 miles west of the Colorado border. The city is bordered to the north by the Uintah Mountains, Blue Mountain to the east, and the interestingly named Book Cliffs to the south. Because of the town's roots within the Old West and also due to it being a large site for ancient dinosaur fossils, it additionally acts as a keen magnet for tourists and fans of the hit movie Jurassic Park. Vernal is popular among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the plentiful supply of hunting, fly fishing opportunities, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
Moving to Vernal
If you are planning to search for places to rent in Vernal, then you're in luck! The city, given its small size of 4.6 square miles, is relatively rich with rentals, and locating one-bedroom apartments for rent or a two-bedroom apartment does not pose a particularly arduous task. This does vary to some extent, however, and really depends more on your pot luck than anything else. As such, it's wise to leave at least four weeks to find something you really like.
What Do You Really Want?
Start out by considering what it is that you really want. Does the little house overlooking the prairie seem to be the perfect scenario? Or would an apartment rental in central Vernal be more appropriate? Plan ahead, and that will make your job of finding something suitable so much easier. Furthermore, consider what local amenities you'd like, if any. If you've got a pet or two, then a pet-friendly rental is definitely the way to go, otherwise, you'd have to do a sneaky to avoid the landlord ever finding out. Make a list of your must-haves and stick to it so as to avoid any disappointment.
What You'll Need
There are a few fairly basic documents that you'll probably be in need of when you begin your search. Chances are, you'll be asked for a copy of your credit report for starters. You'll also need a copy of your ID, some bank statements for the past few months, references, and proof of current employment and income.
Neighborhoods of Vernal
There's more than enough to do in and around Vernal. You might wish to go hunting, hiking, fishing, or out on a biking adventure, perhaps to explore caves and view some spectacular waterfalls. Or if you really wish to live it up, there's also the chance to partake in white water rafting down the Utah River. Do watch out for the sharks! Whatever your preference, you'll no doubt find it here in plentiful supply!
North 160 West 34: Just off U.S. Highway 40, North 60 West 34 offers a range of local amenities including no less than fourteen restaurants -- Tacos El Gordo, a Mexican establishment on East Main St, and Betty's Caf̩, which serves up traditional American and is located on West Main St -- are merely two examples of the fantastic food opportunities you'll find here.
South 980 West 350-1c: With no less than 12 restaurants in close proximity, South 980 West 350-1c affords a variety of property rentals.
West Highway 40: West Highway 40, other than being located just off one of the main roadways in Vernal, also provides its residents with a wide range of local amenities.
Living in Vernal
There's no end to the amount of activities on offer in and around the small city of Vernal. If you have a preference for tranquility, then head out to Sheep Creek Geological Loop, for the chance to take in some breathtaking scenery. This is a great opportunity for sightseers and geological rock nerds alike! If you'd prefer to take a trip back in time, check out the Dinosaur National Monument where you'll find the largest Jurassic period dinosaur in the world, no less!
For something a bit more energetic, then Utah River rafting could be your kettle of fish. You can even opt for a five to six day-long "holiday" expedition if you book with Holiday River Expeditions by either visiting their website or taking a short drive over to South 1500 East, Vernal. Truly, the world is indeed your oyster!
