Discover the Best Utah Communities
With a mix of new and well-established upscale residential communities, Utah has become a choice destination for retirees. In fact, recent studies by Bankrate, WalletHub and Kiplinger have all ranked Utah among the Top 10 best states in the nation for retirement.
The Utah lifestyle is appealing for many reasons, including:
- Utah is generally tax-friendly for retirees.
- The overall quality of life, including access to health care services, is high.
- Outdoor activities and cultural events in Utah are a year-round delight
Utah Taxes
Property taxes in Utah are among the nation’s lowest, with an average effective property tax rate of just 0.58% or about $580 for every $100,000 in home value. All residents can claim a homestead exemption for up to 45% of their property’s value, while qualified seniors age 66+ are eligible for additional property-tax abatements.
Utah has no estate or inheritance taxes, but does tax most kinds of income at a flat rate of 4.85%. That includes income from Social Security, retirement savings plans and pensions, but qualified seniors can apply for tax credits to reduce the total amount.
Combined state/local sales taxes in Utah are around 7%, which is near the national average. However, prescription drugs and medical equipment are exempt and groceries are taxed at just 3%.
Utah Quality Of Life
Utah residents enjoy an exceptionally high quality of life, especially when it comes to their health: A 2017 United Health Foundation report concluded that Utah is the nation’s fourth-healthiest state and a 2018 survey by WalletHub found that it has the lowest heart-disease rate in the U.S. Overall healthcare costs are below national averages, while top-rated senior medical services are available through the Intermountain Healthcare network statewide and the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. Â
In addition, overall costs of living below the national average, crime rates among the lowest of any state and convenient access to numerous outdoor recreation destinations make Utah a happy and healthy home for residents of all ages.
Utah Recreation And Culture
Utah’s distinctive geographical regions give retirees a choice of lifestyle. Southern Utah is a semi-arid region much like Arizona, with 300+ days of annual sunshine and generally warm temperatures with low humidity. That’s perfect for year-round golf, tennis and pickleball, which are favorite activities in the thriving upscale retirement communities around St. George. Water sports and fishing at Lake Powell are popular, but the area’s real jewels are its “Mighty 5” national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. All of them offer spectacular wilderness scenery with awesome hiking and biking trails.
Higher elevations in Northern Utah have a more moderate climate, with mild and sunny days for much of the year to enjoy that region’s parks and lakes. Significant snowfall is expected during the winter, but that’s just fine with visitors to Utah’s 15 destination ski resorts, including Alta, Snowbird and Park City. The latter also hosts the Sundance Film Festival, just one of many cultural and recreational events that delight Utah residents and visitors alike. The same folks have also found lively arts and entertainment attractions in Salt Lake City, which features museums, theaters, galleries, fine-dining restaurants and nightlife venues that make it one of the West’s cultural hubs.
Research and Explore the Best Utah Communities
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following Utah communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Make Your Plans
With retirement communities that offer a luxurious amenity-rich lifestyle, Utah is a state awaiting your discovery. After a virtual tour online, plan a visit when you’re ready to find your new and inviting hometown in Utah.