Did you know that approximately 40 million Americans make a move each year?
Moving is an exciting experience, offering the chance to start over new and embrace a new city. At the same time, it can introduce moments of stress. By doing your research on the state that you’re moving to and getting the help of professional interstate movers, the process can be quick and easy.
The Pros of Living in Utah
The state of Utah is a beautiful one, attracting countless visitors every year. Some are even inspired to move to Utah. Here are four pros of living in Utah.
Great Education Opportunities
On average, schools in Utah receive average or above-average grades. The state is ranked in the top 10 for quality of education. This ranking is determined by educational attainment, graduation rates, pre-K enrollment, and public high school graduation rate.
If you’re considering growing your family, then Utah is a great choice. There are also great college and university options after high school, such as The University of Utah and Brigham Young University.
Stunning Outdoors
Utah boasts a breathtaking natural landscape made up of mammoth canyons, sweeping mountains, and deep ridges. All of these natural wonders are on the doorstep of cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and St. George.
If you love outdoor adventures, then Utah will keep you busy. From the Wasatch Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park, and more. All that’s left to do is pack your hiking boots and charge your camera.
Growing Economy
Together with Nebraska, New Hampshire, and South Dakota, Utah has one of the lowest unemployment rates. Utah’s economy is stable and lined up to thrive, with an unemployment rate of less than 3 percent.
Not only is the unemployment rate low, but Utah is also positioned as one of the best states for business. For example, the state’s GDP growth rate was higher than the national average. In this way, Utah offers economic stability and the potential to grow.
Low Crime Rate
Nobody wants to live life looking over their shoulder or worrying about the safety of their kids. While Utah is not immune to crime, it has one of the country’s lowest crime rates. Violent crimes in Utah are 40 percent lower than the national average, and crime rates in rural areas are 80 percent less than the national average.
Salt Lake City, the most populated area, has the highest crime rate. As a result, the state average has hiked up slightly.
The Cons of Living in Utah
With all of its benefits, there are a few cons to consider about living in Utah.
Extreme Weather
Depending on how you and your family are affected by the weather, this may not be as big a con as others. The summers experience sweltering heat, sometimes rising to 115 °F. During winter, the temperature can drop to a freezing 20°.
The range in temperature demands preparation. An effective heating and cooling system in the home and a well-kitted wardrobe is essential to endure the extreme weather in Utah.
Unfriendly Tax Structure
Paying taxes contributes to the smooth running of the state. Even so, high taxes are not appealing. Unfortunately, Utah has one of the highest tax costs when compared to other states. This includes income tax, property tax, and ‘sin tax’.
On the plus side, Utah doesn’t have the highest tax rate in the country. Utah is ranked in the middle of the list of state tax burdens, between Oregon and Nevada.
Rising Price of Homes
Depending on where you’re moving from, you may be slightly taken aback by the cost of homes in Utah. To put it into perspective, the national average cost of a home is just over $231,000. The average price of a home in Utah is above $338,000.
Considering the growing GDP and thriving job market, the cost of homes is only expected to rise. Make sure that you include this factor in your budget when browsing for your new home.
Strong Presence of Religion
More than 60% of people living in Utah are Mormons, making it the state with the highest number of Mormons. The Mormon community arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The community has settled and grown significantly since then.
On its own, this isn’t necessarily a con. However, if you are averse to religion, or practice a different religion, you may find this situation intimidating or uncomfortable.
Ready to Move to Utah?
Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a fresh start, or moving closer to family, Utah is a fantastic state to live in. Take advantage of a reliable and efficient moving company like Sterling Interstate and get a quote online.
