Utah is known for its beautiful scenery, high quality of life, and low crime rates. It’s also the second happiest state in the US, bested only by Hawaii. One thing you can expect moving to Utah is welcoming people; Utahns are some of the friendliest neighbors you’ll ever meet. Contrary to common belief, Utah is also progressive and liberal. One of its major cities, Salt Lake City, has one of the largest LGBTQ populations in the country.
If you’re considering moving to Utah, knowing what to expect can make your decision easier. So we’ve compiled this guide on moving to Utah and what to expect to help you prepare for your move.
Outdoor Paradise
There’s a reason why Utah is dubbed the adventure sports capital of the US. With an average snowfall of 48 inches, Utah has some of the best snow. Winter sports, especially snowboarding and skiing, are huge in the Beehive State and are some of the best things to expect when moving to Utah. It makes up a big part of the state economy. People from all over the country come to Utah to experience the winter season, and you can expect plenty of work opportunities in the mountains.
Utah boasts of breathtaking national parks and forests that provide off-road exploration, camping, and hiking opportunities. You can explore Utah’s famous stunning rock formations like Arches National Park’s natural bridges, sandstone towers, and mountains with open-air arches. Or go stargazing at Bryce Canyon National park and enjoy an unobstructed view of the skies.
If you’re into water sports, Utah has beautiful rivers and lakes that you can explore and go canoeing or kayaking. You can canoe down the Virgin River to the Emerald Pools and enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and the hanging garden.
Strong Economy and Job Market
An important consideration when moving to Utah and what to expect is how well the economy is doing. Despite the pandemic’s effects, Utah’s economy is remarkably performing well and currently ranks at #2 on the US News & World Report Economic Rankings. It also has an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is way lower than the national average of 6.7%. However, the state has a federal minimum wage limit of $7.25/hour.
Utah has a diverse economy with some of the top industries, including Information Technology, Renewable Resources, Health Technology, Aerospace and Defense, Travel and Tourism, Sporting Goods, and Natural Products. Vast job opportunities coupled with low unemployment rates and a strong economy means what to expect moving to Utah are excellent job opportunities.
Housing & Taxes
While Utah is sparsely populated, its population is also steadily growing. One thing to expect when moving to Utah is a rising housing market, which contributes to Utah’s high cost of living. Utah’s median home value is currently at $338,200, which is higher than the national average of $227,700. But if you’re moving from a place like New York City or California, you’ll find it’s much cheaper than those parts of the country.
The housing prices are expected to continue to increase, so chances are, you’ll get a great return on your investment. If you aren’t looking to buy a home, renting is an excellent option. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges between $766-$930 and $941-$1148 for a two-bedroom apartment. Housing is much cheaper in smaller cities and suburbs.
Despite the high housing costs, Utah’s property taxes are pretty low, and there are no estate taxes. The state’s sales tax isn’t far off the national average, and the income tax is a flat rate of 5%. However, the state taxes Social Security benefits and withdrawals from retirement accounts. So if you’re considering retiring to this great state, you know what to expect moving to Utah.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to cover absolutely everything on moving to Utah and what to expect, the points we’ve covered here can serve as a starting point. When you move here, you’ll meet friendly people, have access to more employment opportunities and get to enjoy Utah’s natural scenery. Contact us today for a quote and to get started on moving to Utah!
