5 popular places to retire in Utah

Your employment years are over, and it’s finally your turn to fly the coop. Where should you go? Toward desert landscapes in southern Utah? Or amidst the pines along the Wasatch? Whether you want to buy a historical home or build one from scratch, we’ve got a list of our favorite places to retire in Utah.

St. George: Relax in paradise

Gone are the days of the rise and grind. It’s on to the rise and shine. St. George is a snowbird’s paradise, with sunshine nearly every day of the year. No wonder retirees flock here. 

The proximity to Zion National Park and Bryce National Park is appealing for those who want to hop in their RV and spend weekends (heck, weekdays even) trekking and sightseeing. The plethora of nearby golf resorts, spas and lakes to lounge in make this an ideal location for those ready to relax.

You’ll have plenty of friends since around 22% of the St. George area is retired — nearly double the rate in all of Utah! With plenty of areas in St. George under construction, you can build your dream home from scratch.

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Salt Lake City: Here for the hubbub

Say you’re over the suburban thing, especially if you lived in a smaller city, and now you’re ready for nights out on the town. Salt Lake City could be perfect for you. Activities may be a bit mellower than you would have enjoyed in your 20s, but there will still be plenty of entertainment. 

You mean you can be a 30-second walk from the foothills and a 5-minute drive to downtown?

Retire in a downtown condo or historic Avenues home if you’re a film lover, music lover, play lover or foodie. You’ll be within a 10-minute drive or Trax ride to Eccles Theater, Abravanel Hall, Red Butte Garden, the Gallivan Center, City Creek Center shopping mall … just to name a few.

You’ll also be 30-60 minutes from multiple ski resorts, so don’t worry that you won’t get any more powder days in!

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Park City: Mountain immersion

It’s only downhill from here! But not in a bad way. Nearly 20% of Park City residents are retired. And it makes sense why. The access to skiing and other downhill sports such as mountain biking is unparalleled. 

You know what IS parallel, though? Your skis. It’s time to live out your retired life making expert turns in the deepest powder. On a weekday, no less. Imagine living in a home near two world-class ski resorts. They’re so close together, you can slalom back and forth between them! That may be a slight exaggeration, but they’re still only a 5-minute car ride apart.   

Living next door to ski resorts? You're right, let's stay forever.

Buy a home near Main Street and never want for entertainment again. The walkability to resorts, distilleries, restaurants and art galleries would make anyone want to live there the rest of their life. But no matter where you buy your mountain home, you’ll be within five minutes of a trailhead any which way you look.

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Cache Valley: The quiet life

Things feel a little more calm here. Being less densely populated than the previously mentioned areas, retirees who are homebodies will thrive in Cache Valley. You’ll be further away from city amenities with plenty of room to roam, but the area still comes with plenty of charm.

You can find a close-knit community in this area, and fun events like the famous Cache Valley Cheese and Dairy Festival that brings people from all over. 

Living in Cache Valley gives you lots of leisurely time in nature. Buy a house in Logan to be a 90-minute drive from Bear Lake, the Caribbean of the Rockies. Cancun can wait!

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Heber: Slow things down

Life in Heber is simple, with less chaos and more relaxation. It’s appealing for those who want quick access to Salt Lake City or Park City, but wish for a little less day-to-day commotion. That could explain the influx of folks moving here.    

But that’s not to say there is no adventure. There are plenty of events in town to meet like-minded folks, and a growing downtown area for food and entertainment. Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoirs being nearby means water skiing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. Enjoy access to off-roading trails, camping and world-class fly fishing on the Provo River.  

Retire in Heber if you enjoy the quiet life, a sense of community and being surrounded by nature. It’s perfect for building a woodsy forever-home.

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Looking for a new house to buy or build now that you’re an empty nester? Browse KSL Homes to find the right abode.