3 Convincing Reasons Utah Might Be the Best Place To Live for Retirees

Retirement looks different to us all. For instance, my grandparents moved from New York to Florida to access warmer weather and for its proximity to the beach. Others prefer to consider affordability and cost of living when planning a destination to thrive during their golden years.

If you’re of the latter, then Utah might be the place for you. In a recent study, Finance Buzz named not one but two Southwestern destinations in Utah (Ogden and Cedar City) where folks can retire on a budget of under $2,000 per month. Naturally, these affordable destinations are standouts for retirees on fixed incomes. Sure, the two towns might be the best places to retire in Utah, but there are more reasons for retirees to fall in love with the Beehive State. 

Why Choose Utah as Your Retirement Destination? 

I can provide lots of reasons to live in Utah. Personally, I think the state has one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, arguably the world. Utah’s natural beauty stretches far beyond its Big Five National Parks. The quiet corners are brimming with slot canyons, alpine lakes, vast desert landscapes, and dreamy night skies. So, if you enjoy the outdoors, you will thrive here. 

Beyond its beauty, Utah is great for retirees who don’t mind having all four seasons. They enjoy the low humidity, sunny days, and milder winters in southern cities like St. George. The small city is also known for its planned retirement communities. 

Places like the Retreat at SunRiver and Ovation Sienna Hills, with daily activities, access to golf courses, and outdoor trails, make it easy for folks to find their community and feel at home. It’s no wonder that the life expectancy here is higher than the national average. With Southern Utah offering close-knit retirement neighborhoods, great weather, climate, and natural beauty, seniors are falling in love with this emerging desert retirement destination.

Utah Hits the Jackpot on Affordability and Cost of Living

Perhaps the number one reason to choose Utah is affordability. While the cost of living is increasing due to inflation, overall, the state remains attractive to folks in their next chapter of life. In fact, Finance Buzz ranked Utah second as the best Western state for retirees to have financial abundance, and where social security income stretches the furthest. 

The reasonable healthcare costs and affordable homes in Ogden and St. George allow retirees’ dollars to stretch far in Utah. Plus, with its extremely low property taxes (less than 0.5 percent) and tax credits on Social Security income, the state is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. This means senior residents can look forward to a wonderful quality of life without heavy financial burdens. If you ask me, that’s a win if you choose to live in Utah!   

Quality of Life in Utah Is a Big Win

Utah is one of the healthiest states for older adults. So, as far as quality of life goes, retirees will have much to look forward to. Aside from having few financial worries, the state promotes an active lifestyle and lots of social connections. Moreover, Utah’s low crime rates make it one of the safest states in the country. Not to mention the high life expectancy (around 80 years) due to healthy choices like low rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. 

Mature folks are happy in Utah. The state offers a slow-paced lifestyle with ample opportunities for social interaction. Folks enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and golfing, and many also volunteer their time to help others. I think a wonderful quality of life is one of the most important factors to consider in the golden years, and Utah has that covered. 

Is This Underrated Southwestern State for You?

Utah remains under-the-radar as a prime destination for retirees. Oftentimes, the Beehive State is overlooked for sunny beachside destinations. But Utah shines in its own way, offering retired residents a fairly low cost of living, immense natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. 

If you’re near retirement age and open to stepping outside of the norm, I encourage you to visit Utah and see all that it has to offer. Chances are, you might even fall in love with the state and decide it’s the best place to live during this exciting phase of your life. 

Read more about St. George and discover why we chose this underrated city as Utah’s rising star. And for more inspiration, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to find more places in Utah to love.