Utah was recently named the Best State in America by U.S. News for the third year in a row. As someone who’s chosen to make Utah home — and helps others do the same — I couldn’t help but read the article with curiosity. Do the data-driven rankings match what locals love about living here?
The short answer: Yes. And then some.
Let’s unpack why Utah continues to top national lists — and why this matters if you’re thinking about buying a home or investing in property in Park City.
A Culture of Community and Responsibility
Utah is nicknamed “The Beehive State,” a nod to its early Mormon settlers who valued hard work and unity. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) still plays a big cultural role, today less than half of the state’s population identifies as Church members.
What stands out is how the values of community support and responsibility remain strong. The Church’s influence extends into social programs — filling in some of the gaps typically handled by government in other states.
Fiscal Smarts and Efficient Government
Here’s something I personally love: Utah’s State Legislature only meets 45 days a year. That’s it. The goal? Limit career politicians and encourage people with real-world experience to serve. Most legislators have day jobs or businesses, and that time crunch helps prevent legislative bloat.
It’s no surprise, then, that Utah is ranked among the top states for fiscal responsibility.
Tech Growth and Economic Opportunity
Utah has the second-lowest poverty rate and ranks high for income equality. At the same time, we’re not immune to the affordability challenges facing the rest of the country. U.S. News ranked Utah 25th for cost of living and 36th for housing affordability.
Part of the reason? The explosive growth of “Silicon Slopes” — a tech corridor running along I-15 from Salt Lake City to Provo. This area has brought in major companies, high-paying jobs, and a surge of entrepreneurial activity.
What the U.S. News article didn’t mention, but I think is important, is the influence of luxury resort markets like Park City and St. George on overall housing costs. These premium lifestyle markets naturally drive up averages.
The Great Outdoors (With a Caveat)
Utah ranked a puzzling 48th for environment. That’s likely because of the air quality issues in the Salt Lake Valley due to winter inversions. Growing up in Los Angeles, I’m no stranger to smog, but it still surprises me given Utah’s abundant natural beauty and access to recreation.
Here in Park City, we’re surrounded by world-class ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, and easy access to state and national parks. California and Alaska may beat us in sheer number of national parks, but Utah is a close third, with five incredible parks all within a day’s drive.
Why People Are Moving Here
Just last week, I chatted with a client who decided to make Utah his full-time home after owning a second home here for a few years. His reason? “The numbers make sense.” Utah has a flat 5% income tax and a primary property tax rate of just 0.55%. Compare that to many high-tax states, and you can see why folks are relocating.
And let’s be honest — beyond the tax savings, there’s the lifestyle. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or just enjoying the clean mountain air, Utah offers a quality of life that’s hard to match.
Thinking of Making Utah Home?
If you’ve been considering buying a home or second home in Park City, now’s a great time to take a closer look. The same qualities that earned Utah top marks — economic strength, outdoor lifestyle, and smart governance — make it an exceptional place to live, invest, and build lasting memories.
And if you’re curious about what living in Park City might look like for you, let’s talk. I’d love to help you explore your options.