- Senior Housing Options
- View Comments
- Treeo - Orem
Consistently rated as one of the best places to retire, Utah is quickly becoming a retirement destination for seniors seeking affordable living, financial opportunity, adventure, temperate weather, and culture. A study done by MarketSavingsPro.com found Utah ranked second behind Idaho as the best state to retire in due to life expectancy, tax friendliness, crime rate, and cost of living. Combine all of those practical considerations with the beauty of the state, its rich history, recreational and cultural opportunities and we couldn’t agree more.
Experience Leisure Care Senior Living
Benefits of Retiring in Utah
When it comes to asking retiring in Utah, the better question may be “why not?” Here are 10 reasons the state is drawing retirees from all over the world.
1.Longevity
Utah’s life expectancy is 80.2 years, higher than the national average of 78.9. Maybe it’s the clean, fresh air, the access to outdoor recreation, or the low cost of living leading to a low-stress lifestyle that increases life expectancy – whatever it is, we’ll take it.
2. Economic Growth
Forbes Magazine has named Utah as the best state for business. The state grew at an annual rate of 2.3% from 2006 to 2013, compared with the national average of 0.5% growth. This means that the state has opportunity and potential for retirees looking to continue to work in retirement.
3. Low Crime Rate
Retirees are often targeted as victims for crime. Utah’s exceptionally low crime rate of 215.6 crimes per 100,000 makes it a safe place for seniors to call home and trust their neighbors.
4. High-Quality and Affordable Healthcare
Utah has nearly 60 hospitals with four ranked as high quality from U.S. News and World Report. The number one hospital in the state, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, specializes in adult care – making access to world-class healthcare convenient for retirees whose needs may change over time.
5. Low Population
Utah is the 13th largest state in the country, spanning nearly 84,900 square miles and has less than 3 million people living in it. This makes it one of the least densely populated states, giving retirees an abundance of green space and recreational opportunities – with less traffic than other retirement destinations.
6. State Parks
Canyonlands, the Great Salt Lake, Lake Powell, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capital Reef, and Zion National Park are all in Utah. These national treasures provide stunning scenery and ample opportunity for exploring the great outdoors.
7. Sundance Film Festival
Spend the day at Sundance and you may just run into your favorite actor or producer. This world-renowned film festival is held in Park City, Utah every year and draws famous celebrities, filmmakers, producers, and movie buffs to the state.
8. World-Famous Skiing
Driving around Utah, you will see that many license plates say, “Greatest Snow on Earth” – and it’s no exaggeration. The state claims that the snow in Utah has been scientifically proven to be the perfect mix of powder and salt for the best skiing conditions, which may be why the U.S. Ski Team practices in Park City, UT. True or not, there’s no question that ski resorts throughout the state are a major tourist draw and a great opportunity for seniors to stay active in the winter.
9. Outdoor Concerts
It may surprise you to learn that Utah has a vibrant music scene with popular bands Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees calling the state home. Utah also has some incredible concert venues and the Salt Lake Arts Council hosts a twilight concert series every summer, gathering thousands of people in the park for some good music at a cheap price.
10.Stargazing
For retirees who want to enjoy the great outdoors and still have access to big city luxuries, Utah is it. Get away from the city lights to one of the many state parks to catch an amazing view of the night sky. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury.
Make Your Move
Now that you’ve picked your dream retirement state, what does it take to make it happen? First, comb through your current expenses and determine how much you spend each month that you may not have to once you move to a community because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. Consider how much is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the cost of senior living.
You will also want to think through what is included at the community you are considering. Many of our communities include a wide range of amenities including,
- Regular housekeeping and linen services
- True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
- Engaging activities and social events
- Home maintenance and yard work
- Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
- Language lessons
- Travel opportunities
- Assisted living and memory care services, if needed
Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment chosen.
The cost of senior living in Utah comes in at an average of $3,000 per month for assisted living care, slightly higher than the national average.
Your Dream Retirement on Your Budget
From traveling the world to exploring your own backyard, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer independent living and assisted living, services at our communities in Utah. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.
It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.
Find a Leisure Care Community
Better with age, exceptional with us! Come and see how Leisure Care communities are helping seniors rediscover (and sometimes reinvent) themselves.
About the Author
