The 6 Best Perks of Living in Utah
Are you wondering what it would be like to live in Utah?
We hear so much about Colorado, New Mexico, and California but never about living in Utah.
What makes the Beehive State great?
More people are moving to Utah than almost any other state. It ranks 4th in the country for growth, boasting an annual increase in population of 1.6%.
We’ll take you through some of the most compelling reasons to live and work in Utah.
1. National Parks
Whether you’re looking for a solo hike or a family-friendly day trip, Utah national parks have got you covered.
The Mighty Five refers to The Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, The Capitol Reef, and Zion.
They are open year-round to the public and you won’t have to fight off crowds the way you would in California or New Mexico.
Utah is also home to the All-American Road Scenic Byway 12, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Lake Powell.
Exploring all of the natural beauty that Utah has to offer could take years.
2. Strong Job Market
Looking for a new job or Utah rent to own homes? You’re looking in the right state because Utah has the second highest employment rate in the entire country.
Every major city in Utah makes the top 10% of employment figures, and Salt Lake City recently ranked as the 13th best city to start a new career.
SLC also ranks second in the country for small businesses. If you’re starting a new career or a new business, you might want to give Utah another look.
Overall, the job market is predicted to remain strong, and home values — an average of $230,000 — are on track to keep rising 7.5% each year.
3. Outdoor Sports
If you like to fish, hunt, or camp, then you will love Utah. Utah has more unexplored, uninhabited land than any other state.
In fact, 80% of its inhabitants live near Salt Lake City, and local guides offer frequent trips to the backcountry.
You can rent an RV, take a tour on a horse, or stay at a campground.
Utah offers hiking and camping trips during all four seasons, making it a desirable destination for winter campers and skiers.
What is Utah like? It’s a sports lover’s paradise.
4. Small Town Living
Logan recently won second place in a study of best college towns.
It offers a wide range of outdoor sports, free public transportation for college students, and an energetic student body.
Provo is also a college town and continues to attract students looking for a relaxed, friendly pace of life.
The city recently won a spot on a list of the top 10 cities for career opportunities.
Brigham Young University and Utah State University have a fierce sports rivalry, and once you move to Utah you’ll have to pick your team.
5. Fry Sauce and Green Jello
Every state has its own special foods, and Utah is no exception.
Its population consumes the most Jello per person in the entire country. In 2016, Jello was selected as the official state snack of Utah.
Fry sauce is also popular. It’s a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise and is served in restaurants around the state.
You can make your own, but it’s more fun to try different versions when you go out to eat. Sometimes, fry sauce is made with pickle relish and a variety of spices.
It’s always fun to try new foods! Utah is also famous for something called funeral potatoes, but you’ll just have to try that once you get there.
6. Sundance Film Festival
Every January, the Sundance Film Festival screens new and promising movies from all around the world.
They have more than 40,000 attendees every year and they’re the largest independent film festival in the country.
Utah residents make up about one-third of the total ticket sales. There can be competition to get tickets so it’s important to plan ahead.
If you love independent movies, living in Utah will seem like a dream.
The festival is credited with launching the careers of Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez.
More Perks of Living in Utah
Utah continues to rank in the top 10 in safety, employment, small town living, and education.
It has a booming economy and is staunchly Republican. But don’t worry: even if you’re a card-carrying Democrat, people won’t fight over politics.
Utah’s economy includes tourism, agriculture, and mining. It’s supportive of creative people like writers, artists, and musicians.
Utahns have a deep love for researching their family tree and learning more about their ancestors.
Utah natives are credited with inventing the first television prototype and the Frisbee. Salt Lake City was also the first city to sell Kentucky Fried Chicken.
If you live in Utah, you’ll also be close to the Bonneville Salt Flats, a popular destination for car aficionados.
In fact, the record for the longest continuous skid mark — six miles long — was set at the salt flats by a racer who lost control of his jet-powered car.
Should I Visit Utah?
If you’re considering moving to Utah, take a week or two and go visit! Explore the national parks, take a drive along a scenic highway, and try some fry sauce. Just make sure you don’t put any on your Jello.
Utah has something for everyone: college students, sports fans, campers, and travelers.
You can schedule your trip to overlap with the Sundance Film Festival! You may be able to meet some Hollywood stars and new talent.
If you’re considering retiring to Utah, check out some rent-to-own homes and drive around a few neighborhoods to see what you like.
Do some camping, fishing, or hunting. Living in Utah can be quite an adventure!
Utahns are a caring group of people with a deep love for the outdoors. They love cooking, camping, and keeping in touch with their families.
See what’s happening in Salt Lake City, and travel outside of the urban areas to some of the most pristine land in the United States.
Take the time and look deeper. Utah will surely surprise you. Drop us a line and send us your favorite Utah attractions!