Now Provo is the fastest-growing area of the Wasatch Front, with population numbers that increase at a rate that's twice as fast as Salt Lake City and the rest of the country. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Provo's population in 2006 was about 116,000, compared to Salt Lake City's population of about 179,000. But from 2000 to 2006, Provo's population increased by about 26 percent, while Salt Lake City increased by about 10 percent.

That growth is one factor that is transforming Provo into less of a stopping point for people on their way to the capital city and more of a destination for commuters who daily cross the divide of the Point of the Mountain.

"If you see what we have today, it's almost beyond belief how it's changed from a good old farming community to nothing but houses," McKay said. "It's really a change. It's hard to imagine. ... Now you look at the Point of the Mountain from either side and all you see is houses."

Provo, which has a pioneer heritage and a walkable downtown, doesn't have as much of a challenge claiming an identity like a number of other cities, says Gary McGinn, the city's community development director. But for other towns, it's a struggle. It takes effort.

Taylorsville, for example, only became a city in 1996. It's already built out to 96 percent of its growth, and because of its close boundaries to its neighbors, you might think you're in Kearns, Murray or West Jordan when driving through the city.

Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall says the city tries to set itself apart and establish its own positive identity. It's important for residents' morale, but it's also a marketing tool, Wall said.

"I would like for people in Taylorsville to know where they are," Wall said. "We take pride in our community. We like to think we're a unique and different and nice place to live. ... Cities will develop a reputation or a sense of identity, and if you don't choose to do it, it will get done for you."

Farther north, where Salt Lake County meets Davis County, the growth has started to reach little towns like West Point, where the population has doubled in less than a decade.

There, Mayor John Petroff can see the wave of growth threatening to wash over his town of 12,000 residents, but the city is already planning its personality — choosing street lights and developing a Main Street atmosphere that's distinct.

"I'm not sure if it's important to distinguish ourselves from our neighbors as to establish in the minds of the citizens a sense of ownership and belonging to their own community," Petroff said. "We don't think of ourselves as a suburb to anyone. ... I think of it as a little town that's growing closer to the others."

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