WELCOME TO UTAH

Welcome to Utah! If you haven’t already done so, take a moment to look around and enjoy the view. From towering mountain vistas and fiery red rocks to scenic overlooks and grand panoramas, Utah’s natural beauty is second to none — and it’s just one of the many reasons to love the Beehive State. LIVE

Utah is a great place to call home. In 2018, Wallet Hub ranked Utah the fourth safest state in the nation, and according to U.S. News and World Report, Salt Lake City is the fifteenth best place to live. Young or old, everyone can find what they’re looking for, from outdoor recreation and high-quality education, to a strong economy, thriving neighborhoods and world-class healthcare. Top-notch hospitals and medical facilities are located throughout the state, including the nationally-ranked Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital and University of Utah Health. For the past nine years straight, University of Utah Health has ranked in Vizient, Inc.’s Top-10 for quality healthcare among leading academic medical centers. Utah is also home to Intermountain Healthcare, the largest healthcare provider in the Intermountain West. If you’re a newcomer to the state, you’ll find it easy to get around. Utah streets are set up on a grid system, with all addresses emanating from a single point. There’s also a comprehensive public transportation system that includes light rail, buses and a commuter rail system that runs through three different counties along an 89mile corridor, extending to the north and south of downtown Salt Lake City. WORK

Employees in Utah enjoy some of the shortest and easiest commutes in the country, and the number of jobs in the state is increasing at a steady pace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah’s economy added 47,400 jobs between July 2018 and July 2019, tying it with Nevada for the top spot in the nation when it comes to percentage of jobs gained. If you’re an engineer or other tech knowledge worker, you’re in especially high demand, thanks to Utah’s Silicon Slopes — the technology corridor located in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. The many tech start-ups and the constant need for skilled workers means there’s even a chance to get in on the ground floor with what may become a hot company. Other top industries in Utah are aerospace and defense, health technology, sporting goods, natural products, renewable resources and travel/tourism. COST OF LIVING

Even though Utah is among the top states in terms of job growth, residents still enjoy the benefits of a lower cost of living. Although housing prices have risen in recent years, those costs are somewhat offset by a lower cost for goods and services. According to the Tax Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, the real value of $100 in Utah is $103.09. Essentially, for $100, Utah residents can purchase goods and services that would cost $103.09 in a state whose prices are at the level of the national average. LEARN

Utah is the perfect place for lifelong learning: the state boasts eight public universities and colleges in the Utah System of Higher Education, including the University of Utah, Utah Valley University and Utah State University. There are also 21 private universities and colleges, including Brigham Young University and Westminster College, as well as several vocational schools from which to choose. PLAY

People in Utah know how to have fun. The state is essentially one big outdoor playground. There are 15 ski resorts, 5 national parks, 7 national monuments and 43 state parks at your disposal. If there’s an outdoor adventure you want to try, you can likely do it here: hike, bike, rock climb, ski, camp, boat, fish, kayak, river raft, snowmobile, snowshoe, hang glide and more. If you’d rather spend your time in the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some shopping, dining and culture, downtown Salt Lake City has you covered. The city offers a multitude of places to dine, from fine cuisine to more casual eateries. Likewise, there are plenty of places to quench your thirst; be it a bar, brewpub, brewery, distillery, winery or restaurant — there is no shortage of excellent options. If your taste leans more toward the cultural variety, check out one of the many art galleries or live music venues in town. You also have the option of enjoying an opera, a symphony or a ballet — Salt Lake is one of the few major metropolitan cities that still has all three. If you’re a fan of art, don’t miss the Utah Arts Festival; it’s held in downtown Salt Lake City each year at the end of June. Artists and art connoisseurs travel from across the country to buy and sell original works of art. This popular outdoor festival also features live music, performers and culinary delights. CLIMATE

For the most part, Utah has four distinct seasons. Autumn boasts pleasant, moderate temperatures, and canyons that are ablaze with color. Winter is cold, but often sunny, and much of the snow stays in the mountains, making for perfect ski conditions. Spring is unpredictable: it can be warm and sunny one minute, with snow flurries the next. Summer is warm, dry and absolutely perfect! So, whether you’re here to visit, or here to stay: Welcome to Utah — where we work hard and play harder. We’re glad you’re here!