Thinking of making a move from California to Utah this year?
Whether you’re retiring and wanting to build your forever home in a luxurious residential community or if you’re looking for a great place to start your family, Utah is undoubtedly an incredibly attractive location. After reading this blog, you’ll see why!
Let’s quickly run through 9 things you can expect before making a move.
#1. Less Congestion
Sick of sitting for hours and hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic at basically any time of the day in California?
According to the CBS News list of the 50 worst cities for traffic, three of the top five cities are in California, with nine cities on the list. Salt Lake City is the only Utah city to make the list, coming in at 39.
While Utah definitely has its hot spots for the hustle and bustle (after all, it is called the “Beehive State”) in places like Salt Lake City, one thing you can expect is much less congestion and traffic.
Yes, that’s right. You can still say goodbye to regularly wasting hours and hours sitting stuck on the freeway.
To whet your appetite for much faster travel times, go ahead and take a peek at the beautiful flow right now provided by UDOT.
#2. California to Utah Means Lower Taxes
Moving from California to Utah also brings about some financial benefits.
California tops the list with the highest income tax rate of 13.30%, whereas Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%.
Combined State and local sales tax rates for California come in at 8.82%. Utah’s combined tax rate is 7.19%.
#3. Scenic Views
There’s no doubt about it: California has its beautiful coast and some pretty sights. But you won’t be leaving that behind moving from California to Utah. The Beehive State is also home to some of the most coveted outdoor wonderlands in the nation.
With sights to see like Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, as well as numerous other State Parks, you’ll have endless activities and memories to make.
#4. Different Political Climate
Moving from California to Utah, you may notice a shift in the political climate, and here’s why: Historically speaking, California is a blue state, and Utah is a red state.
According to research done in 2014 by Pew Research Center, 30% of the population in California lean Republican, and 49% lean Democrat.
In Utah, that is closer to the reverse. The same research shows that 54% lean Republican, and 30% lean Democrat.
#5. Healthy Living
Both states enjoy their fair share of healthy living. Specifically, healthy-conscious restaurants and eateries and an abundance of outdoor activities and fitness facilities throughout them.
United Health Foundation used a variety of factors to determine the healthiest state for seniors. These factors include behaviors, community & environment, clinical care, and policy.
According to their research, Utah was ranked #2 in the nation.
#6. Some of the Best Snow in North America
Calling all ski, snowboarding, and winter sports enthusiasts: Utah is known for having some of the best snow in North America.
That’s right, Utah’s famous ski resorts (like Alta, Snowbird, & Brighton) top the lists of several snow and resort review sites.
So whether you’re an avid skier or just looking to have some fun with the family this winter, know that you’ll be playing in some of the best snow on this continent!
#7. Utah’s Small-Town Charm
According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2019, the population in California is 39.51 million, and the population in Utah is 3.206 million.
These stats may not seem as much of a surprise, considering California is a much bigger State, but population density helps complete this story a bit.
California’s population density is 251.3 per square mile, ranking it 11th in the country.
Utah, on the other hand, has a population density of 33.6 per square mile.
With incredible, luxurious communities like Summit Creek tucked in the shadow of the Wasatch Front, you’re sure to relish in a “small-town charm” while still being close to modern life conveniences.
#8. Top Performing Economy
Despite its small-town culture, Utah is home to strong economic growth.
Earlier this year, Axios reported that the city of Provo was ranked #1 as having the best regional economy, knocking San Francisco out of the top spot.
#9. A Focus on Family
With numerous national parks and outdoor activities and spacious housing and conservative values, Utah is an incredibly family-friendly atmosphere
In addition to the National & State Parks mentioned above, Utah also provides a bunch of fun outdoor and indoor facilities for families and children, including places like Thanksgiving Point (outdoor and indoor farm, garden, and museum complex), Splash Summit Waterpark, Cowabunga Bay, Evermore Park, as well as endless parks, splash pads, hikes, and even scenic trails in the canyon.
For the perfect example of luxurious and spacious housing, look no further than Summit Creek. Designed and built in harmony with nature, and located above the crowds, Summit Creek provides the ideal residential living. And all just moments from charming small-town culture and conveniences of modern life.
The Ins & Outs: Moving From California to Utah
There you have it! With its small-town charm, mountainous landscapes, robust economy, and conservative values, it’s hard not to love Utah.
The change of pace and overall atmosphere are part of the incredible formula that makes Utah the perfect spot for living a life full of memories.
