Why Moving to Utah Could Be the Best Decision You’ve Ever Made

Why Moving to Utah Could Be the Best Decision You’ve Ever Made

If you’re looking to relocate, you should definitely consider how moving to Utah could change your life for the better. Utah is ranked as the happiest state! It’s known for many things that make people happy and increase their quality of life. It has amazing outdoor activities, good opportunities, and lots of jobs. Discover why Utah is a great place to live!

1. Updated Transportation and Roads

Utah has a good transportation system, with the Salt Lake City International Airport recently renovated. The UTA TRAX system has expanded with more stops over the years, making it easier to travel between cities. There’s also the Frontrunner, another public transit option that runs across the Salt Lake Valley. Moving to Utah means you can rely on their award-winning public transportation to get around safely and quickly.

2. Beautiful National Parks

Utah has five stunning national parks that will leave you breathless. Arches National Park showcases natural bridges and towering sandstone arches. Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands offer opportunities for hiking or horseback riding into the sunset over rugged sandstone canyons.

Capitol Reef features the Waterpocket Fold, a massive geological formation spanning over 100 miles. Zion, Utah’s oldest national park, impresses with its steep red cliffs, the Virgin River, and serene spots like the Emerald Pools. Utah’s natural beauty is truly remarkable and a unique feature of the state. 

3. Strong Job Market

The unemployment rate in Utah is remarkably low. Utah placed second in a national ranking of state job creation. All of these statistics are the result of Utah’s diverse economy. Utahns work in a variety of fields, from hospitality to software management to coal mining. Since it has a strong job market, Utah is ideal for recent high school or college graduates.

It is also a hub for entrepreneurs who are looking to start their businesses. In recent years, the Silicon Slopes area has generated thousands of jobs in the economic and technology spheres.

4. Rising Housing Market

If you’re moving to Utah, It’s important to learn more about how you can better tackle the rising home prices and housing inventory. Compared to the national average, Utah’s median home price is still relatively low. This housing market is causing many to look in various areas outside of Salt Lake City, including newly developed neighborhoods throughout Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, and southern Utah County.

The good news is that Utah has many great apartments for rent that could be perfect for you. There are also affordable housing opportunities for those who qualify. Search for affordable apartment options in Utah now!

5. No-Nonsense Taxes

Utah’s tax system is fairly straightforward to understand, which is a positive. It operates on a flat tax rate of 5% for income, meaning everyone pays the same percentage regardless of their earnings. Property taxes are also low on average, and there are no estate taxes to worry about when inheriting property.

While Utah taxes Social Security benefits and retirement account withdrawals, similar to many states, the rates here are reasonable. Overall, the taxes contribute to funding state services like highways and public transportation.

6. Good Colleges

Utah has many colleges and universities, both public and private. If you want to continue your education or looking for your future college, consider one of Utah’s world-renowned schools. For a good mix of school and city life, think about the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. It offers urban experiences and incredible education opportunities. If you prefer a private school, Brigham Young University is highly ranked with lower tuition costs.

Keep in mind it’s a religious school with strict rules and conservative views. Utah State University and Snow College are also great options for those looking to pursue further education. Utah offers a variety of schools, whether you’re looking for a four-year university or a two-year program.

7. Great Opportunities for Creatives

Salt Lake City is a top city for young professionals, especially those in creative fields. The job market here is growing for graphic designers, social media managers, and more. Utah also hosts the Sundance Film Festival, which is the biggest independent film festival in the US. It happens annually in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Resort in Provo.

Whether you’re into graphic design or screenwriting, Utah’s lively cities are great places to kick-start your creative career. With a plethora of job opportunities, you can chase your creative spark and find the right fit for you.

8. Fun Specialty Foods

Utah has a lot of dining spots you’ll love, and a food scene that features a variety of cuisines. Skip the national chains and go straight for Crown Burgers, a Utah staple since 1978 known for juicy quarter-pounders. Swing by Iceberg Drive Inn for one of their famous thick milkshakes.

You can also find great food in rural areas such as Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder. Utah also has many breweries and a lively bar scene life that you can explore. 

9. Low Crime Rate

Utah stands out as one of the safest states in the U.S., with a particularly low rate of violent crime. Many places in Utah are very safe and extremely family-friendly. Whether you’re moving with young children or sending someone off to live independently, Utah offers peace of mind with low crime rates overall.

Utah’s low crime rate is backed by strong community policing and neighborhood watch programs. Programs like the “SafeUT” app offer residents mental health support and anonymous crime reporting, improving community safety. Utah also focuses on youth programs and education, preventing crime by involving young people in positive activities.

10. Historical Equality

It may be surprising that a conservative state has landmark protection laws for the LGBTQ community, but they do! Utah lawmakers passed a bill banning discrimination against LGBTQ members. The bill protects the LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment and housing.

A majority of Utah politicians supported this bill, surprising the country and thrilling Utahns! Whether you are part of the LGBTQ community or want to live in a state that treats everyone equally, moving to Utah may be a great choice!

11. Winter Sporting Opportunities

Utahns are crazy about winter sports, with an average snowfall of 48 inches. Whether you ski, snowboard, or enjoy tubing down snowy hills, Utah is a snow lovers paradise. Winter sports play a big role in Utah’s economy, drawing visitors from all over the country and creating additional job opportunities.

If winter isn’t your thing, Utah offers a balanced mix of all four seasons, with warm, dry summers just around the corner. 

12. Healthcare & Wellness

Utah has a strong healthcare system with hospitals, clinics, and award-winning medical centers across the state such as Intermountain Healthcare, the University of Utah, and Primary Children’s Hospital. Residents of Utah have access to a variety of healthcare services, from regular check-ups to advanced treatments. In this state, you can rest assured that you will have a wide range of healthcare options to support everyone’s well-being. 

Utah’s healthcare system focuses on wellness and preventive care. Intermountain Healthcare’s LiVe Well program offers community classes on nutrition, fitness, and mental health. The University of Utah’s Health Sciences provides cutting-edge research and treatments, advancing medical science.

13. Family Friendly Environment

Utah is a great place for families, with safe neighborhoods, good schools, and a lot of fun things to do for both kids and parents. Families can have fun at events, parks, and places to play. Whether you’re visiting museums, hiking, or going to local events, Utah is a friendly place where families can enjoy time together and make happy memories. There are also plenty of apartment communities that are ideal for kids!

14. Environmental Sustainability

Utah works hard to protect nature and keep the environment healthy. The state has implemented various energy sources like solar and wind power and takes care of its diverse plants and animals. People in Utah also make it a priority to recycle and help clean up to make less waste. The majority of people in Utah want to keep their apartments eco-friendly.

Utah’s commitment to environmental sustainability shows in its ambitious renewable energy goals. The state aims to increase the percentage of its energy from renewable sources. Programs like the Utah Clean Energy initiative work with local governments and businesses to promote energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

15. Limited Alcohol Consumption & Gambling

Utah has stricter alcohol sales regulations and limited gambling options compared to other states. Liquor stores in Utah are state-controlled and have restricted hours. Beer in grocery stores and restaurants is limited to 5% alcohol by volume. This system promotes responsible drinking and reduces alcohol-related issues.

Gambling is almost non-existent in Utah because the state prohibits casinos, racetracks, and other forms of traditional gambling. The only exceptions are bingo and raffles by charitable organizations. This limited gambling environment makes Utah one of the few states with strict regulations, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

Potential Utah Drawbacks

Living in Utah has its challenges to think about. One issue can be the weather, especially in winter when heavy snow can make it hard to travel and do daily activities. Another thing to think about is air quality, especially in big cities like Salt Lake City, where winter and summer can bring pollution problems. The air quality has gotten particularly worse over the last couple of years.

The cost of living also changes depending on where you are in the state, with some places having higher housing costs and rental expenses. Living in Utah, you will have to properly calculate how much you should spend on rent so that you find the right apartment.

Utah’s social and political views are usually conservative, which might be hard for people with different opinions. However, many people still love Utah for its beautiful nature, outdoor fun, and a strong sense of community.

The Happiest State In America

You can contribute the happiness of Utahns to various reasons. The state has stunning nature and lots of outdoor things to do, which help make people healthy and active. People in Utah also have strong connections with each other and value families, which helps them support their community.

There are also chances to grow personally and in your career, thanks to a low unemployment rate and a good economy. All these things make Utah a great place to live! Find your dream apartment or townhome in Utah now and enjoy the happiest state in America.

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Categorised in: Apartment Living, Apartment Search, Apartment Tips

This post was written by Isabella Housel

Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.