to update my mental model periodically. All of Utah is higher COL than it used to be, from what I gather. I used to feel strongly Provo should be cheap because it's not a huge metro area and it's not like a resort town for billionaires. Now, Provo is quite crowded and truth is, it is also a beautiful place. It's not that crazy it would cost a lot to live there.

(Consider, too, how many people have lovely memories of Provo who then go on to create a new generation of 4-8 kids who also have a high chance of loving Provo or wanting to live there. It makes sense.)

Still, anything that artificially restricts supply or raises prices earns my suspicion. If it were up to me, BYU would secretly buy all the land in Provo and just run the whole place. As an institution, BYU always treated me as well or better than most landlords, neighbors, municipal workers etc.