Did you know that roughly 35.5 million Americans move each year? If you’re ready to pack your bags and find a new place to call home, you have a big decision to make. There are plenty of wonderful places to settle into, but there’s a handful of reasons why you should consider moving to Utah.
Whether the Beehive State was always on your radar or you’re open to the idea, this guide will help you decide if Utah is the next place you’ll call home.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
1. Unbelievable National Parks
You don’t need to be a nature lover to appreciate all of what Utah has to offer. Utah has five national parks that will impress everyone who steps foot in them. You can go to Arches National Park, which features natural bridges, mountains, and impressive sandstone towers.
There’s also Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands for anyone who is a big fan of the Grand Canyon. You’ll love traveling by horseback to catch the sunset over the water.
If you’re a fan of history and the outdoors, enjoy the views from Utah’s oldest national park, Zion. There are steep cliffs and Emerald Pools to enjoy.
2. Updated Transportation System
If you don’t want to depend entirely on a car, then you’ll love Utah’s updated transport system. From Salt Lake City, you can access all of the other main cities in the state using the light railway system. Utah has award-winning local public transport as well.
You’ll be able to get in and out of Utah quickly and travel around the cities safely and efficiently.
If you decide to drive, there’s an excellent highway system and interconnectivity that makes it easy to get around.
3. Stable Economy
Utah’s economy is one of the best in the U.S., second only to Colorado and ahead of Washington. There are job seekers from around the country that move to Utah for its diverse economy.
There are plenty of industries thriving in Utah. This includes agriculture, tourism, mining, information technology, and petroleum. Additionally, there are a large number of companies moving to Utah.
The technology industry, in particular, has flourished thanks to the state’s highly educated talent pool. Outside of more prominent corporations, there are plenty of small businesses that have set operations in this state.
The state’s economy ranks second-best in the country, second only to Colorado and ahead of Washington, as per the latest rankings of U. S. News and World Report. According to the same report, it scores high in fiscal stability, too, ranking 5th highest.
4. Capital of Adventurous Sports
As great as the economy is, some people are looking for a place that appeals to their hobbies and interests. If you’re an outdoor sports lover, then you’ll love Utah.
There are a variety of activities that the varied terrain lends itself to. This includes hiking, horse riding, backpacking, climbing, cycling, camping, and scuba diving.
Winter sports lovers will love spending their days skiing and snowboarding. Once you’re ready to call it a night, you can head into town and enjoy the wonderful nightlife that Utah has to offer.
5. Great Job Market
Utah’s unemployment rate is the second-lowest in the country. The national average is 3.7%, while Utah boasts 2.8%. With the population being sparse compared to its size, there is no lack of jobs.
Job hunters move to Utah for all of the lucrative business opportunities in a variety of sectors. As mentioned earlier, this is particularly true for technology-related jobs.
If you’re looking to move to Utah as a first time home buyer, but worried about employment opportunities, then you can take a deep breath; there’s plenty of work available.
6. Straightforward Taxes
Utah has a flat state income tax of 5%. This is great for people who are a fan of flat taxes.
If you’re moving from a state with no income tax, this can take getting used to. Property taxes in Utah are relatively low, and sales taxes are around the U.S. average. There is no estate tax for Utah.
7. Hard to Beat Colleges
There are several colleges and universities in college that are great for furthering your education. You can have the ideal school-life balance with the University of Utah, which offers students a taste of city life and plenty of opportunities.
If you’re looking for private schools, you can look into Brigham Young University. Not only is tuition low for a private school, but it is also located in Provo, Utah, where housing costs are affordable. Be aware that this is a religiously affiliated school.
Regardless of what type of education you’re looking for, Utah has enough options to fit your needs.
8. Specialty Food
It’s no secret that every state has its specialty food, and when you’re living in Utah, that’s no exception. Look for some hometown favorites, such as funeral potatoes made of cheese, hashbrowns, and corn flakes.
Skip the national fast-food chains and head toward Crown Burgers for a real taste of what Utah is cooking.
Salt Lake City has a thriving food scene, and you can find anything your heart desires. It’s a common misconception that Utah doesn’t drink much, but there are plenty of breweries for your sipping pleasure.
9. Historical Equality
While Utah may be a predominantly conservative state, it has landmark protection laws for the LGBTQ community. In 2015, Utah passed a bill that banned discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.
This bill protects anyone from the community from being discriminated against when they look for housing or employment. A good amount of politicians stood in support of this bill.
Reasons for Moving to Utah
There’s a reason why Utah is known as one of the happiest states in America. Not only does it have beautiful scenery, but there are plenty of job opportunities. It makes sense why so many people want to move to Utah.
If you’re on the fence with planning a move to Utah, then hopefully this guide helps make the decision about moving to Utah easier.
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