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Have you been considering Utah as a place of retirement? Utah is a great state with a lot to offer retirees, but there are also some things to consider before moving.
As with any place, there are pros and cons to retiring in Utah. Here are some things to keep in mind.
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Pros of retiring in Utah
Utah has excellent healthcare facilities
The quality of healthcare services in Utah is very high. Many hospitals and clinics offer excellent care.
Additionally, the state has many highly trained doctors and nurses. This means you can get the care you need if you have any health problems.
As we grow older, healthcare becomes increasingly important to us. Utah’s excellent healthcare facilities give retirees peace of mind knowing that they will be able to receive the care they need.
The cost of living in Utah is relatively low
While the cost of living in Utah is not as low as in some other states, it is still relatively affordable. This is especially true when you compare it to the cost of living in California or New York.
Retirees on a fixed income will find that their money goes further in Utah than in other states.
You’ll find that your dollars will also go further, and counting your pennies might not be as big of a concern if you relocate to Utah.
I wrote another article sharing how much money you will need to retire in Utah. If you have a second, you should check it out!
People in Utah are super friendly
Utah is well-known for its friendly residents and a strong sense of community. Most Utahns are Mormon, and the state has been ranked as the most generous in the nation.
Mormon doctrine emphasizes neighborly friendliness and love, encouraging residents to be kind and welcoming to others. Even if you don’t share the same beliefs, you will be impressed by how accepting and accommodating everyone is.
Utah offers both country and city living
When finding a place to call home, Utah offers many options. From the bustling cities of Salt Lake City and Park City to remote residences miles from any neighbors or towns, there is something for everyone in Utah. With the state’s diverse landscape, you can live in the mountains, desert, or anywhere in between!
This is also important for people who like to live in the city but enjoy going into the country for weekend getaways. You can have the best of both worlds when you retire in Utah.
Property taxes in Utah are pretty low
If you plan on owning your own home in retirement, you’ll be happy to know that property taxes in Utah are pretty low. As always, taxes fluctuate, and the rate today might not be the rate tomorrow, but in general, Utah has some of the best property taxes in the country.
So you can own a nice home in Utah and not worry about the taxman taking more than he should.
There are a ton of leisure activities to do in Utah
Utah is a state that offers a wide variety of activities that are perfect for seniors. The scenery is beautiful, the museums are fascinating, and there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.
Scuba diving, swimming, and hiking are just a few outdoor activities in Utah. Additionally, the state is home to five of the nation’s most pristine national parks. The Sundance Film Festival is also held in Utah each year, and it is an event that people of all ages enjoy.
If your grandkids come out for a visit, they’ll never be bored, either. You’ll be the cool grandparents living in a state with many fun things to do.
You get to experience all four seasons in Utah
Utah is a state that experiences all four seasons. In the winter, you can find yourself amid a fluffy snow day in the mountains or a chilly, crisp day in the valleys.
You may also enjoy a snow-dusted red rock desert or some of the world’s top skiing and snowboarding terrain.
You can appreciate the changing landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and changing leaves in the spring and fall.
Summers are hot and dry, providing some relief from the chilly winter days. Whether you’re looking to experience a different season or you want to visit both summer and winter in one day, Utah has it all.
Utah has one of the lowest crime rates in the country
Although Salt Lake City has a lower crime rate than most US cities, living in one of Utah’s rural communities is still statistically safer. This is because the crime rate in these areas falls well below the national average, making Utah one of the safest states to reside in. Utah is an excellent choice for seniors looking for a safe retirement place.
Not only will they be able to enjoy a low crime rate, but they will also be able to take advantage of the state’s many scenic attractions.
For a list of the top safest cities in Utah, you can see the article, 8 SAFEST CITIES IN UTAH (2022 UPDATE), from housgrail.com.
Utah has a robust economy
Utah’s thriving economy is one of the state’s best assets, and it’s a large part of what makes Utah a great place to retire. The state has a low unemployment rate, a growing number of tech jobs, and an expanding labor force.
These factors contribute to a strong economy, making life more convenient and affordable for residents. And because Utah is home to so many businesses and industries, retirees have plenty of opportunities to find work or start their businesses.
If you are considering starting a business or working part-time during your retirement, Utah is an ideal state to do so. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to succeed, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the state’s strong economy.
Utah has invested a lot of money in transportation
Transportation in Utah has vastly improved over the past decade, largely thanks to the state’s investment in its highway system. Utah now has a border-to-border highway system that enables quick travel between its major cities.
In addition, the state has two major motorways connecting it from both directions, making it possible to go from top to bottom in a matter of hours.
And for those who don’t want to drive or don’t have a car, the state’s public transit system is also very efficient, with light rail and bus routes connecting all major cities.
As a result, Utah is now an effortless state to get around in, regardless of how you choose to travel.
Cons of retiring in Utah
Utah is growing rapidly
In recent years, Utah has experienced a population boom as people from all over the country move to the state in search of a better quality of life.
This influx of new residents has transformed Utah into the “Silicon Slopes” as the state has gained recognition in the tech sector.
The state’s development is expanding at a rapid pace, and new businesses are popping up all over. While this growth is exciting, it also challenges the state’s infrastructure.
For example, traffic is becoming increasingly busier in Utah’s cities, and housing prices rise as demand outstrips supply. However, Utah’s leaders are working hard to address these challenges and ensure that the state can continue to thrive in the years to come.
It can get cold and snow a lot in the wintertime
Utah is a state that experiences harsh winters. The snowfall is often heavy, and the temperatures are often in the 20s. The hilly regions are much colder than the rest of the state.
If you don’t like the cold, you might want to cross Utah off your list. Even if you don’t mind the cold, you might want to reconsider living in Utah. The winters could be long and difficult to get through. You might find yourself spending more time indoors than you would like.
Air quality could be an issue
Utah’s poor air quality is becoming an issue in certain regions, particularly in recent years. Salt Lake City is located in a bowl-shaped valley that traps an air layer over it, keeping all of the city’s pollution inside.
During winter, the city may be covered by an inversion layer for weeks, with daily air quality declines.
Your ability to breathe may be impaired at these times if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions.
Even in the summer, there are times when the inversion will appear. The state of Utah has implemented a few different programs to help improve air quality, but more needs to be done to solve the problem.
Utah has wacky alcohol laws
Utah’s alcohol laws are some of the most bizarre in the nation. You can only purchase alcohol through a liquor store – no grocery stores or gas stations here!
And if you want to drink on a Sunday, you’re out of luck, as relatively few places sell alcohol, and all liquor outlets are closed.
But it’s not just about buying alcohol – the alcohol content of mixed drinks is also restricted in Utah. If you order a cocktail, it will only contain half as much alcohol as it would in any other state.
Wide distances separate many communities
As you travel across Utah, you’ll notice a lot of emptiness. This is because the state is mostly rural, with large stretches of land separating the various communities.
While some people may view this as a disadvantage, it can also be an advantage. The wide open spaces provide a sense of peace and tranquility, and they offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
In addition, the lack of development means that Utah’s natural beauty is more readily apparent. So while it may take a little longer to get from one place to another, the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination.
Housing prices are rising rapidly
In recent years, Utah has experienced a boom in development and population growth. As a result, housing prices have risen sharply, and retirees on fixed incomes are finding it difficult to keep up with the increases.
While some argue that housing is still reasonably priced in Utah, the reality is that rising GDP, population, and employment markets are putting upward pressure on prices.
And if you don’t take immediate action to secure your housing situation, you could find yourself priced out of the market in the coming years.
Utah can get super hot in the summer
Utah is a state that is known for its beautiful scenery, ranging from the snow-capped mountains in the north to the red rock canyons of the south. However, it is also a state with a wide range of climates, and summers in Utah can be blisteringly hot.
In southern Utah, temperatures regularly reach 115 degrees during the summer months. This is not the place for anyone who can’t stand the heat! The dry air makes the heat even more intense, and there is little relief in the shade.
The taxes can be quite a burden
As anyone who has ever filed a tax return knows, taxes can be a significant burden. For residents of Utah, this burden is especially heavy, as the state has some of the highest tax rates in the nation.
The average tax rate in Utah is 7.10%, with a base sales tax of 6.10%. This may not seem like much, but it quickly adds up compared to other states.
Conclusion: Utah has Much to Offer Retirees
So, is Utah a good place to retire? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re searching for an affordable place to live with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, Utah may be a good fit. However, you may want to look elsewhere if you’re not a fan of the heat, the taxes, or the alcohol laws.
Utah has a lot to offer retirees! Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision. When choosing a retirement destination, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences.
It’s a good idea that you visit Utah before deciding whether to retire here. That way, you can get a feel for the state and see if it’s a good fit for you.
Remember, there’s no place like home, so make sure you choose a place you’ll be happy to call home for the rest of your life.
Feel free to comment below with your thoughts or experiences of living or retiring in Utah!
Disclaimer:
We hope the information in this article provides valuable insights to every reader but we, the Biesingers, are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance decisions, research multiple sources and/or receive advice from a licensed professional. As always, we wish you the best in your pursuit of financial independence!
