Lifestyle
If you love the great outdoors, you can’t beat Utah retirement. There are plenty of beautiful parks and scenic locales, along with snowy winters and hot summers. You’ll also find a relatively low cost of living, including more affordable healthcare than other areas of the country. Learn more.
Stephanie Faris
Published February 16th, 2022
Updated December 8th, 2022
Stephanie Faris
•
Published February 16th, 2022
•
Updated December 8th, 2022
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
With beautiful mountain views and plenty of rivers and lakes, Utah is a popular place for retirees.
Utah can be more expensive than other states, especially when it comes to taxes on retirement earnings, so it’s important to note affordability when looking at various areas to live.
The best cities in Utah to live have access to shopping, dining, and healthcare while also offering affordable housing.
If you love the great outdoors, you can’t beat Utah retirement. There are plenty of beautiful parks and scenic locales, along with snowy winters and hot summers. You’ll also find a relatively low cost of living, including more affordable healthcare than other areas of the country.
But when many people ask is Utah a good place to retire, they’re considering taxability. Utah isn’t the most tax-friendly state, with income tax on Social Security and pensions. Even the sales tax is higher than many other areas of the country. Still, if you can find an affordable city filled with reasonably priced homes, you might come out ahead.
Lehi
CITY POPULATION: 69,724
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 5.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $29,203
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Those looking for retirement communities in Utah should check out Lehi, which has plenty of active adult neighborhoods throughout the area. Access to the Utah Lake and nearby mountains make it one of the best places to retire in Utah.
Providence
CITY POPULATION: 7,780
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 4% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $32,799
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
In addition to being one of the best places to live in Utah for families, Providence has a sizable 65+ population. It features a suburban life with a large selection of homes and easy access to the nearby city of Logan.
Salt Lake City
CITY POPULATION: 200,567
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $36,779
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
It may be surprising, but the best place to live in Utah for non-Mormon retirees is the one best known for its Mormon roots. Salt Lake City has a Mormon population of less than half, but you’ll also get breathtaking views and all the perks of big-city living.
Syracuse
CITY POPULATION: 31,458
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $31,241
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Whether you’re looking for the best places to live in Utah 2020 or the best places to retire in Utah 2018, Syracuse was probably on the list. For retirees, Syracuse Parks and Recreation hosts activities for seniors, including bus trips and book clubs.
St. George
CITY POPULATION: 89,587
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 22.7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 5% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $28,507
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Golfers gravitate toward St. George for its many courses. But that’s not the only reason it’s one of the best places to live in Southern Utah. As one of the most affordable places to live in Utah, St. George has a little bit of everything.
Eagle Mountain
CITY POPULATION: 38,391
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 2.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $21,406
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Those looking for the charm of a small town without giving up amenities will find Eagle Mountain one of the best towns in Utah to live. With plenty of parks and Lehi nearby, this town often tops lists of the best towns to live in Utah.
Orem
CITY POPULATION: 97,828
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 10.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $25,600
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Another town that’s among the most affordable places to live in Utah is Orem, a midsized town with low prices. But it’s also one of the best cities to retire in Utah because of its many restaurants, shops, and healthcare options.
Provo
CITY POPULATION: 116,618
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 6.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $20,792
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Not only is Provo a most affordable place to retire in Utah, it’s also a thriving suburban area, with a robust economy and plenty of amenities. Provo is home to Brigham Young University, so there is a solid Mormon presence in the town.
Farmington
CITY POPULATION: 25,339
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 8.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $36,115
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Known as a best place to live in Utah for families, Farmington is also a great fit for retirees. Some think it’s the best town in Utah to live because of it has views of the Wasatch Mountains, a massive amusement park, and shops and restaurants.
Grantsville
CITY POPULATION: 12,064
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 7.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $24,904
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Some find Grantsville the best city to live in Utah for retirees due to its close proximity to Salt Lake City. But the town has plenty to offer on its own for those who can afford the higher cost of living.
Bottom Line
From the best places to retire in Utah 2016 to the best places for your 2021 retirement, not much changes. The state is full of picturesque towns with plenty to offer. Since no two people have the same retirement needs, though, it’s important to look at your own unique situation when deciding where to retire. Retirable can help you put together a plan customized to your own individual finances and preferences.
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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Northeastern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Southern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Midwestern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Western U.S. Best Cities To Retire
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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