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Imagine waking up to an eternal holiday with sun-kissed springs and breathtaking sceneries to kick start your days, would you pass up the chance?
If you would not, here’s to waking up and embracing a serene retirement life in Utah. A haven for natural beauty and a close-knit community, Utah is an offering for older adults who seek an adventurous retirement! Let’s discover why the heart of Utah can be your home away from home!
Why must you consider retiring in Utah?
- Beautiful scenic views and an outdoor paradise for seniors.
- Home to Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Salt Lake City!
- The great outdoors means a healthier lifestyle.
- Excellent economy with tax benefits and wonderful retirement communities!
- Access to quality healthcare, including hospitals like Utah Valley Hospital, University of Utah Hospital, and Intermountain Medical Center.
Retiring in Utah pros and cons
While there are plenty of advantages for retirees to live out their golden years here, they should also be aware of the drawbacks of retiring in the Beehive state!
The best parts
- An abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventures and an active lifestyle against a backdrop of scenic beauties.
- Utah’s pledge to safety and low crime rates provide retirees with a safe and secure environment.
- Seniors can enjoy the beauty and mixture of all four seasons, each bringing out the state’s charm.
- Utah has a strong sense of community; the people are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature.
- Utah offers tax benefits for retirees, including a favorable tax structure and exclusions for Social Security benefits.
The problems
- Utah can have extreme weather. The climate can bring severe weather temperatures and dry conditions, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- While Utah’s cost of living is relatively moderate, some areas, particularly highly popular cities, have higher housing and living expenses.
- Utah has a conservative culture, which may result in limited nightlife options for seniors.
- Altitude can be a problem since Utah’s higher elevation can pose challenges for older adults with certain health conditions or respiratory issues.
- Though it is not a deal-breaker, the predominant religious culture in Utah, primarily related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, may not align with everyone’s views.
What to expect if you retire in Utah
Essentially, all senior living or active adult communities offer their residents the same basic facilities or services. Listed below is what you can expect retirement communities and senior care services to provide:
- Personalized care plans tailored to individual requirements.
- Assistance with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, medication management, and IADL.
- Nutritious meal planning, guidance on meal types (keto diet for seniors), and preparation, including dining choices.
- Social and engaging outdoor/indoor programs to promote an active and engaging lifestyle.
- Transportation services for medical appointments and excursions.
Depending on the requirement, different requirement communities offer the following care types to seniors.
- Assisted living: Here, such communities provide support with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and medication management.
- Independent living: Offers a residential community with amenities and services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation.
- Memory care: Provides specialized care for people with cognitive health problems like dementia (dementia care) or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Nursing home: Seniors suffering from some physical issues or requiring constant assistance will have 24-hour care by trained nursing professionals.
- Home care: For seniors who wish to be taken care of and assisted in the comforts of their homes. Home care entails assistance with ADLs, medication management, companionship, and even a level of care.
The best cities to retire in Utah
Here are some of the best locations in Utah regarding retirement living. If you are a senior looking for the best cities to retire to, the following 5 are great places to start!
Salt Lake City
If you are looking for the best place to retire in Utah, and won’t settle for anything less, then Salt Lake City is the place to be! The vibrant capital city comes with a mix of urban amenities and ample opportunities for activities with sightseeing options that seniors will love.
Brigham City
Brigham City is located in the northern part of Utah and is home to a rich cultural background. There are plenty of art galleries and museums seniors can visit to enjoy the day.
Lehi
Lehi is an affordable retirement destination with a mild climate and a low cost of living. This means retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Provo
Provo is considered to be one of the best cities in Utah to retire in for seniors. Why? Rich with an arts and cultural scene, Provo is known for its friendly, close-knit atmosphere that will make any retiree feel at home!
Sandy
There are a significant number of retirement communities in Sandy. Sandy makes it one of the best cities on our list because of its natural beauty. Seniors who can find retirement in Sandy will find it an excellent place for stimulating outdoor activities, especially if they are into hiking!
Top 10 retirement communities in Utah
7 Best places to retire in Utah
Today we have compiled some of the best retirement communities in great Utah for you to retire in! Check out our top 7 picks when it comes to being some of the best options across Utah when it comes to the ideal retirement homes!
Legacy Village Sugar House – Salt Lake City
Capitol Hill Senior Living – Salt Lake City
Valeo Home Healthcare Services – Salt Lake City
Courtyard At Jamestown Assisted Living – Provo
Sagewood At Daybreak – South Jordan
Sunrise Of Sandy – Sandy
Covington Senior Living – Orem
3 Honorable mentions
The top 7 we have picked are based on the list of facilities being provided and the number of reviews/ratings it has received. But there are so many other extraordinary retirement homes, each with unique merits, making great communities!
Here are some of the hon’ mentions we also had to include!
Gables Of Brigham City – Brigham City
Highland Cove Retirement – Salt Lake City
Sunrise At Holladay – Salt Lake City
The average cost of retirement in Utah
The cost of affording a retirement life in Utah can vary depending on many factors, such as location, services required, and chosen lifestyle. Seniors can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 monthly for retirement living. For example, the hourly rate of private home care services goes for around $32 (2023), be it for home care or home health aide.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Assisted living: $3,713
- Home care: $5,968
- Nursing home (private): $9,681
- Nursing home (semi-private): $7,615
It is important to note that luxury retirement will be relevantly high than general types of senior living homes! It is always good to save up and have a robust financial nest egg in store for a comfortable retirement! Read the following articles to learn more!
Final thoughts
Now that we have come to an end, what do you think? Can Utah be one of your ideal retirement destinations? Because if retirement is a journey, then it is best experienced against the backdrop of a tranquil, vibrant setting!
Give Utah a chance and see the positive changes the retirement life here can breathe into your life and the lives of your loved ones! It can be the sweetest change and can only be tasted in the Beehive State!
While you ponder over the content of this article, why not read the following, too, just for fun?
- Best strength exercise for older adults
- Find inner peace with meditation
- Fitness for seniors with yoga
- Martial arts exercises for seniors
FAQs
Is Utah a good state for retirees?
Utah is one of the best states for retirees not because of its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, a strong sense of community, and tax benefits but for the incredible yet affordable range of retirement communities in particular.
How much money do you need to retire in Utah?
The money you need for retirement varies based on individual circumstances, including lifestyle choices and location. However, having at least 20 times your annual expenses in savings is generally reasonable. For retirement in the Great Salt Lake state, $500,000 – $700,000 is a good amount for retirement.
What are the benefits of retiring in Utah?
Some of the benefits of retiring in the Beehive State include:
- A mild climate, with most areas in Utah having good weather.
- Affordable cost of living.
- A wide selection of outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy.
- Exceptional and cost-effective retirement communities.
- A strong economy where the cost of significant necessities is low.
- Friendly people and a close-knit community in most cities.
What is Utah ranked for retirement?
Utah is constantly ranked as one of the top states for retirement. The state has many quality medical facilities with quality healthcare, safety, and abundant recreational opportunities, regardless of season. Retirement in Utah can lead to a better retirement life and overall well-being for seniors.
