Overall
Utah, with a population just under 2.5 million in 2005, has the some of the world's greatest scenery. That, combined with its outstanding recreational opportunities and healthy economy, attracts a growing number of baby boomers to retire in Utah - the Beehive State. Salt Lake City is the capital and 88% of the state's population lives in this Metro along the Wasatch Range. Most of the rest of the state is unsettled. Utah's cost of living can vary a great deal - the Park City area tends to be much more expensive than other parts of the state. Utah was settled by the Mormons. They represent 62% of the population and are a major influence in most areas.
Utah has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The Wikipedia entry for Utah has more interesting facts.
The reviews on this site can help you narrow your choice about where to retire in Utah and other states - we have important information about real estate prices; what makes each community special and not so special; along with important facts about the cultural, economic, medical, and transportation infrastructure.
Utah Climate
The Utah climate is that of the steppe, characterized by aridity and an alititude above 3000 feet. Summers are hot and dry, there is plenty of sunshine. There is a lot of dry snow in the mountains.
Economy in Utah
Utah's per capita income at $26,600 is well below the U.S. average. Tourism and mineral extraction is important to the economy, along with hi-tech. The median home in the Salt Lake City area sells for $191,200 vs. the national median of $220,000; the cost of living index there is 94 (national index is 100). In St. George the median home goes for $229,400 and the cost of living index is 100. Homes in the Park City region can easily cost $1 million.
Utah Taxes
Utah has a 7% income tax. State sales tax is 4.75%. Total tax burden in Salt Lake City is above average, 9.2%, compared to the median rate for large U.S. cities. More tax information is available at www.tax.utah.gov
Certified Retirement Communities
Utah does not have a certified retirement community program.
Best retirement communities in Utah
Utah has only recently begun attracting retirees, mostly in the St. George and Park City areas, both of which tend to be more religiously diverse than Salt Lake City and other parts of the state. St. George, located in extreme southern Utah, is the fastest growing community in the U.S and has many planned retirement communities. It is only 30 miles from Zion National Park.
Park City, which was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics along with Salt Lake City and other communities, is a booming and wealthy 4 season resort based on an old and charming mining town. Utah powder is legendary and attracts skiers from around the world to the many resorts in its Wasatch Mountains. Ogden is also near Salt Lake City and offers outstanding outdoor recreation. Its nearby ski resorts were home to some events in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Cedar City, the "Festival City", is a lower cost town for retirement, also in southern Utah. Cedar City has an altitude of 5800 feet and has great skiing nearby.
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Utah retirement, check out the more than 200 listings on this site. Here is more inside information on retirement living communities in the neighboring states to help you retire in Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California,
and Colorado. These links provide insight and data into economic conditions, climate, top communities, and taxes.
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