What Makes it Sweet?
According to the U.S. 2010 census, Utah was the second fastest growing states at 23.8%. More than 60% of its population defined themselves as Mormons, which has a very strong presence here, and it is home to Brigham Young University, which was founded by the early Mormon leader of the same name. However the state also boasts secular schools such as Utah State University and the University of Utah and people of all faiths and creeds are welcome.
Also known as the Beehive State, as a tribute to it’s early pioneers’ perseverance and productivity, Utah is considered one of the most beautiful places to live in the western United States. With its four season’s climate, Utah offers its residents and visitors fabulous warm and sunny summers providing the perfect boating setting, whitewater rafting and canoeing along its many lakes, hunting, fishing and mountain hiking. In the winter, world-famous white powder snow reaches depths of 10 ft or more at its outstanding Wasatch Mountain ski resorts in Alta, Brighton, Park City, Snowbird and Solitude. Spring is always delightful, and fall is filled with gorgeous red, orange and yellow autumn leaves.
Utah also offers residents and visitors the opportunity to explore its five national parks, the beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park and the absolutely amazing Zion National Park, along with seven national forests, and six national monuments, as well as numerous state parks and, of course, the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Utah’s business-friendly atmosphere, warm and inviting family environment, great schools and many cultural activities and festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival, some truly outstanding golf courses. The housing market in the state was not nearly as damaged by the Great Recession as many other places around the country, resulting in a healthy local market. The affordability of Utah homes plus its relative proximity to other extremely popular tourist destinations such as Grand Canyon and Las Vegas are just some of the many reasons why Utah attracts so many people that want to call it home.
Utah Cities that Made the “Top” List
Logan, St. George, Salt Lake City and Orem all made Relocate America’s ‘2011 Top 100 Cities to Live In’, while CNN Money’s 2011 100 Best Cities to Live ranked the following Utah cities: Farmington #12, North Salt Lake #23, North Logan #63, Lindon #81 and Draper #85. These cities were largely chosen for their family-friendly, safe and quiet atmospheres.
- Farmington is located 20 minutes from Salt Lake City’s job market and cultural events. Home styles range from turn of the Century styles to modern affordable homes with an average three bedroom home around $180,000.
- North Salt Lake is located in South Davis County and has a community feel, 63% job growth in the last 10 years, a large industrial areastraight from the source, lots of recreational activities and diverse Utah homes ranging from high rent to affordable.
- North Logan is a serene and friendly place with homes on large lots. Utah State Univesity is the largest employer in the town. Surrounded by mountains, with a slightly isolated feel, North Logan is two hours north of Salt Lake City. Home prices range around $200,000 for a three bedroom home to $1,000,000+.
- Lindon is a suburb located 15 minutes from Provo near Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. It is known for its country feel and large lots. Median home prices are around $250,000. Manufacturing is the main source of jobs as well as some tech jobs, including Symantec. The town offers an aquatics center and a senior center for its growing community of retirees.
- Draper is located an hour from Salt Lake City. It is famous for hand gliding and paragliding, 70 miles of biking and hiking trails and it has a new outdoor amphitheater which provides shows and concerts. Residents can enjoy the view of the Oquirrh Mountains. Local employers include Ebay and Edwards Lifesciences.
With so much to offer its residents, including a great variety of communities and housing types [http://kelhigg.posterous.com/condo-vs-single-family-home-deciding-what-is], from condos to single family homes, Utah is the perfect place to call home. Its diverse cultural attractions, recreational sports and high quality and standard of living, high ranking schools and universities, together with its robust and growing economy, make Utah one of the most desirable places to live, work and play.
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