The 10 Best Places to Retire in Utah—And Why St. George Isn’t One of Them
When determining the best places to retire in Utah, SmartAsset.com considered several factors: tax burden, access to healthcare, recreation options, and the presence of retirement communities. They also looked at how popular these cities are among retired people by factoring in the percentage of senior residents.
This is the TOP 10 places to retire Utah:
1. Park City
Park City tops the list with excellent healthcare, offering 10.93 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Though it has a high tax burden at 21%, Park City's vibrant culture and outdoor recreation make up for it. Known for the Sundance Film Festival and its proximity to Wasatch Mountain State Park, it's a great spot for those who enjoy both art and nature.
2. Nephi
Nephi offers retirees the lowest tax burden at 19.6%. It leads in the number of retirement communities but ranks lower in healthcare, with just 1.65 medical centers per 1,000 residents. Though it lacks recreational centers, Nephi’s location near Manti-La Sal National Forest provides plenty of outdoor opportunities.
3. Price
Home to Utah State University Eastern, Price strikes a balance with a tax rate of 19.9% and solid healthcare access, offering 4 medical centers per 1,000 residents. It also has 0.35 retirement communities per 1,000 residents, making it a good option for seniors seeking community and culture. Nearby attractions like Nine Mile Canyon make this town perfect for sightseeing.
4. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, the state capital, offers a well-rounded retirement experience. With 4.58 medical centers per 1,000 residents and 1.22 recreation centers, it's ideal for those who value healthcare and social activities. The city's tax burden is higher at 20.1%, but its vibrant cultural scene and outdoor opportunities make it a popular choice.
5. Providence
Located in northern Utah, Providence provides a mix of healthcare and outdoor recreation. It offers 3.12 medical centers per 1,000 residents, with a moderate tax rate of 19.9%. The town is near wildlife areas, making it a great option for retirees who love the outdoors.
6. Bountiful
North of Salt Lake City, Bountiful combines outdoor adventure and healthcare access, with 3.05 medical centers per 1,000 residents. The town’s tax rate is 20.1%, but its proximity to hiking and mountain-climbing opportunities is a major draw.
7. Ivins
Ivins stands out for having the highest percentage of seniors, at 23.8%, and offers a low tax burden of 19.6%. Though healthcare options are limited, with just 0.41 medical centers per 1,000 residents, Ivins' artistic culture and scenic beauty make it an appealing option for retirees.
8. Hurricane
This southern Utah town offers outdoor activities near Sand Hollow Reservoir. Hurricane has a tax rate of 19.6% and is popular with seniors, who make up 18.5% of the population. Though healthcare access is limited, it provides a slower pace of life with local events like Peach Days.
9. Brigham City
Located near the Great Salt Lake, Brigham City provides access to water sports and history, with its proximity to the Golden Spike National Historic Site. The town offers moderate healthcare options, with 1.58 medical centers per 1,000 residents, and a tax burden of 19.8%.
10. Richfield
Rounding out the list is Richfield, a rural town near Fishlake National Forest. With a tax rate of 19.9% and 2.38 medical centers per 1,000 residents, it’s a solid option for nature-loving retirees. While it has fewer retirement communities, the peaceful surroundings make it attractive for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Shockingly, St. George did NOT make the top 10 for best places to retire! I think we're all okay with being one of the best secrets in the entire country, however!