Utah
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Utah's landscape is the perfect canvas for creating your own adventure. From five stunning National Parks, amazing world-class ski resorts, snow-peaked mountains, serene canyons, beautiful lakes, golf courses, Utah will surprise you with its variety. Whether you ski or snowboard "The Greatest Snow on Earth," mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, go white water rafting down Cataract Canyon, or visit the Old West, Utah has adventure waiting.
Utah is the 13th-largest, the 33rd-most populous, and the 10th-least-densely populated of the 50 United States. Utah has a population of about 2.9 million, approximately 80% of whom live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City.
The state is a center of transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, and a major tourist destination for outdoor recreation. According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, Utah is the second fastest-growing state in the United States as of 2013. St. George was the fastest–growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005. A 2012 Gallup national survey found Utah overall to be the "best state to live in" based on 13 forward-looking measurements including various economic, lifestyle, and health-related outlook metrics.
Utah is one of the best places in the country to live and work, not only for its great economic opportunities but also for its great weather, outdoor destinations, and culture. Utah has a much lower cost of living than other big cities and a strong economy that continues to grow.
Utah is rated #2 in the nation for business, based on a number of factors that take into account; low taxes, human resources, energy costs, economic incentives, and more.
Not only does Utah have great schools, but if you live anywhere from Ogden to Provo, you won't be far from a host of family activities, including water parks, a fantastic zoo, hiking, recreation areas, and a myriad of public parks. Salt Lake City is home to the Discovery Children's Center as well as a handful of art museums and great festivals that run all year long.
Because Utah has such a unique topography, it is an international destination for mountain climbers, hiking enthusiasts, photographers, mountain bikers, and skiers from all corners of the earth.
Utah is a great place to live if you enjoy experiencing every season. Summers are hot and dry without being scorching or parched. The falls are lovely for watching the leaves turn and noticing the ways the mountains change color. Springs are full of moisture and blooming flowers. But Utah has some especially great winters. Temperatures in the valley rarely go much lower than the teens. And you can expect lots of winter sun as you glide down the mountains of Utah's world-class ski resorts, located within minutes of downtown Salt Lake City.
Utah is growing fast. New housing developments are popping up all over the valley and the local government is keeping pace with the growth. Just a few years ago, the state installed a high-speed rail system that ran north of Salt Lake, and they are continually expanding their tracks systems within the city and to destinations south and west in order to improve traffic flow and offer more environmentally friendly options to commuters.
Utah has a unique social environment that will be hard to find anywhere else in the US. Mormons populated Utah back when it was part of the Mexico Territory, and the church is headquartered in Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City. Approximately 62% of Utahns are reported to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But at the same time, Utah is heavily populated with liberal adventurers who have come to take advantage of the great national parks and outdoor recreation. Throw in cowboys and an artistic community thriving in Park City, and you get quite a mix of people and cultures. Although once known as a close-knit and close-minded religious community, Utah has evolved into a progressive state that welcomes adventurers, conservatives, and entrepreneurs alike.