If you look into the fifty states in the United States of America and individually scrutinize and assess them, you’ll find that Utah is one of the most beautiful natural states. There are deep canyons, well-preserved and beautiful national parks, and majestic mountains, to name a few. Open space isn’t limited, as there’s just so much room to move around sans the usual crowded and noisy busy city life.
Those are only a few of many potential reasons why, like many others before you, the thought about the possibility of moving to Utah is powerful. The drive is already there, but before packing and calling in thebigboymovers.com or any of your other trusted movers, it’s essential to take a balanced perspective, given how big of a change and decision this is. No state or place is perfect, so knowing the pros and cons can help you make an informed choice.
This article promises to help you with some of the most pressing advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros
It Is The Outdoor Recreation Mecca Of The USA
As you may already gather briefly from the introduction, you’ll never be short of outdoor recreational activities in Utah. Your weekends will never be the same again once you move. You can start listing what sort of activities you’ll do, and even if it’s just within the state, no weekend will be dull.
Given its natural beauty, there is no surprise that Utah consistently makes it on lists as one of the world’s top outdoor states. You name it, and you’ll have mountains, valleys, slopes, lakes, and trails, from simple hikes for beginners to more advanced ones. Adults and kids can join in, too, making it a family-friendly state.
It Offers An Unexpected Diversity Of Scenery
If you think Utah is all about canyons, deserts, and mountains, you are in for a surprise. There’s more to Utah than that, given the unexpected diversity of scenery it offers.
In the fall, Pando—a clonal aspen forest—is a spectacle. If you’re off to the northeastern part of the state, there’s Flaming Gorge, with its abundance of trophy fish and stunning views. As its name suggests, the Mirror Lakes Scenic Byway is a group of reflective lakes in the Uinta mountains.
As if those aren’t enough, there’s more, like:
- Snow-capped winter playgrounds in the canyons;
- Prehistoric dinosaur tracks;
- Towering red rock cathedrals;
- Scenic rivers with lots of wild salmon;
- Preserved ruins of the ancient Native American civilization.
The list can go on and on, so start planning your activities once the move is final.
Its Cost Of Living Is Competitive And Reasonable
Unlike some of the bigger and more modern states and cities in the United States, Utah has the most reasonable cost of living. This makes it ideal for families that are particular with their living expenses. The lower those are, the better, as this often translates to a better quality of life and financial stability.
This fact alone stands as one of the main reasons why moving to Utah is deemed an excellent idea. The key is to do the math yourself before proceeding. Compare it with what you’re typically used to now and see if such makes a significant difference.
The Cons
It Can Have Extreme Weather
Because Utah is predominantly a high desert, it can get scorching hot in the summer. On average, you’re looking at 80 to 90 degrees F, which can go as high as above 100. This is significantly truer in Southern and Central Utah.
Apart from the hot climate, there’s also the high risk of flooding brought about by thunderstorms. When lightning comes, summer wildfires may also arise. Then, there are occasional tornadoes and low-intensity earthquakes.
If you’re slated to move to Northern Utah, there’s another phenomenon known as winter aversion. This happens when the air quality reaches unhealthy levels due to pollutants trapped in the atmosphere. It can last for days at a time, often from December to February.
Besides that, as long as you don’t have problems tolerating a bit of summer heat, you’ll be fine in Utah.
It Can Get Crowded In The Summer
Utah offers year-round fun, primarily due to its abundance of national parks. To give you a gist of how many, there’s Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon. While it brings loads of outdoor activities for locals, don’t forget the crowd of tourists those national parks welcome, especially during the peak season, summer.
That said, you must be ready for several added populations, albeit temporarily, at least during those months. Those from highly urbanized states may not have that much of an issue about this, as they’re used to even more crowds. But, if you value your peace, you may have to be a bit more strategic about avoiding crowded places when summer comes.
Its Housing Cost Can Be Hefty
Compared to many other major states, most cities in Utah have quite a reasonable cost of living. But this doesn’t include the housing rates. A significant deciding factor you should consider is whether you can afford a home in Utah. And, when you finally do, when would that be?
The rising number of individuals and families moving to Utah also means the population is slightly increasing. This brings in quite a demand for properties, where homes are now short in supply.
However, don’t get disheartened, as it’s still possible to find homes in Utah. You have to be strategic when choosing a location to look for a new home. Park City metro areas, Salt Lake City, and Provo, have the most expensive homes. So, if you are on a tight budget, it is best to avoid those areas.
Takeaway
With Utah, you can either love the remote way of life or go crazy about it. The list above is meant to guide you to a better decision so that when you finally move to Utah, you know it’ll be the best choice. There’ll always be a few bumps along the way, that’s for sure. However, it depends on your circumstances, preferences, and drive to move. As long as the benefits of moving to Utah weigh heavier than the disadvantages, there’s no questioning this move to Utah.
