6 Budget-Friendly Towns in Utah for Retirees

No one wants to work forever, and many have a hard and fast plan for what their retirement years will look like. More freedom, less stress, and plenty of opportunities to explore those interests that the typical working grind kept just beyond reach. With so many hours in the day and at least 60% of that taken up by the everyday responsibilities of life, retirement can be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

If relocating after fleeing from the workforce is the plan, choosing the right town requires a series of essential variables that must be considered before pulling up stakes and heading toward a final home in those twilight years. Median home prices, proximity to medical care, and the percentage of activities for retirees are chief among them. Not to mention availability to pursue that which has been put off.

Finding the right balance of economy, demographic cohesion, and ways to fill the hours must be factored in. Fortunately, Utah is a haven designed for these needs, wants, and desires. With all four seasons, topography that goes from desert to mountains to grasslands, and a population of friendly conservative people, many retirees are ready to call Utah their home.

Cedar City

Just an hour north of the southern border on Interstate 15, Cedar City has all the small-town charm with the amenities retirees can undoubtedly appreciate. The town is only a few square miles, giving easy access to cultural centers, late-life schooling options, and highly-rated medical centers.

Weather and temperature are not a concern in Cedar City, where the temperature ranges from 78 at the summer high to 48 in the winter months. What snow that does dust the area melts quickly, and road crews keep everything tidy and danger-free. This is good news for retirees who like to motor around or take walks, enjoying the natural beauty of Utah.

Cedar City is also known as Festival City, USA. Year-round events enchant citizens of all ages, starting with free music festivals, rolling into parades like the fun and clever “Sheep parade”, and rounding out with a yearly bike race. And for those who wish to walk, sightsee, and shop, local shops abound, the proprietors always giddy to greet new residents as well as loyal customers.

Nephi

An hour and a half south of Salt Lake City, Nephi is always on the short list of safest places to live in Utah, and for good reason. Nephi is not just a group of citizens but more a community of neighbors. The town’s population is only about 6400 loyal and happy people who love to call this simple, wonderful townhome. With mountains on one side and valleys on the other, they are enthusiastic about more than the view.

Nephi will cater to the homebodies, but it speaks to the adventurous spirit of a more outdoorsy retiree. Nephi City Park and Canyon View Park are favorite destinations for their peaceful beauty, whereas Devil’s Kitchen, near the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, is best for those who seek a gorgeous scenic drive. Hitting the links? Canyon Hills Golf Course will challenge even the most gifted golfer.

Nephi also has a small classically styled movie theater, a step away from the megaplexes, for a more intimate viewing experience. New restaurants pop up monthly before exploring the many historical museums, or perhaps visit the LDS church and marvel at the brilliant lines and lovely architecture.

St. George

Right on the Utah-Arizona border at the base of Interstate 15, many retirees choose to settle down in St. George for its warm climate with very mild winters, its spectacular topography, and its relatively low cost of living. The housing value is slightly higher than the national average, but groceries, utilities, and basic services are very reasonable.

Retirees who crave the outdoor lifestyle will bask in the warmth of the sun for 300 days a year, giving them ample opportunity to explore many local natural wonders such as red rock mesas, lush waterways, and with a short drive, even the spectacular marvel of Zion National Park. For art lovers who can’t get enough of desert cultural expression, the Kayenta Art Village is a must-see.

St. George is considered to be one of the fastest-growing towns in Utah. For retirees, this can be a fantastic opportunity to get in on the ground floor of such aggressive expansion. Growth means new activities, such as the Topgolf Swing Suite, a larger population will need more medical care facilities, and new shops and restaurants will want to strike while the iron is hot.

Syracuse

Moving away from the more rural options, Syracuse, Utah, is a stone's throw from Layton, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, keeping it close enough to the metropolis for those who have concerns about rural medical care and limited recreation for those not interested in sightseeing and outdoor adventure. In this, they are correct.

Syracuse indeed has a bustling outdoor draw, but many retirees have found it much slower, calmer, and accommodating for those seeking a simpler path. Syracuse has lots of book clubs, museums, indoor community events, and tours, most of which are entirely indoors.

If a retiree does have a penchant for sightseeing, bus tours run almost daily to many historical locales such as Waterfall Canyon Trail, Henry Blood House, the John M Browning Firearms Museum, and for stretching those little legs, the South Ogden dog park and beach. When the grandkids visit, Beus Pond Park is an excellent calm spot to teach them how to fish or take them to the Classic Fun Center.

Moab

Secluded, popular, and geared largely toward outdoor enthusiasts, Moab is such a lovely location, that anyone who hasn’t visited is missing out. Its only fatal issue is, as with all tourist attractions, the cost of living is a little higher than other towns in Utah. However, what a retiree would have to sacrifice in traditional expenses, they will more than make it up in an elevated lifestyle their family will want to experience.

Rarely during our working life do we get to bask in the glory of an incredible sunset. In Moab, the sunsets with a backdrop of red rocks have a muted pink coloration, one of the very few places in the world that has this and worth witnessing. See it after a leisurely hike through Arches National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park.

Moab has several wellness centers and a regional hospital that is designed and staffed to accommodate the 3 million annual visitors. Most of their injuries are head or adventure-related, but they can handle any malady for all age groups. Tourism is constant, so retirees who hate traffic, you are in luck; Moab has free public transportation.

Spanish Fork

Whether moving to Spanish Fork or just visiting, one significant event that everyone should absorb is the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony and Military Tribute. The government deems a flag that is too heavily damaged to be destroyed respectfully. At this hallowed event, flags are disposed of with reverence by burning, a dignified act when done correctly.

Retirees, especially those with military background or children currently serving make a great effort to participate in this event, which is held in concert with Fiesta Days, another yearly event. Both of these speak to the rich history, culture, and respect Spanish Fork has for the nation, and the principles we all hold dear.

Spanish Fork is the largest of these six towns and has the most features that a retiree might deem necessary for a prosperous and efficient lifestyle in the last chapters of their story. Medical centers, all the major shopping destinations, and plenty of exciting and engaging activities will gladly accept new visitors. Not forgetting the grandkids, Spanish Fork is dotted with more parks than anyone could ever visit, filled with fun options.

Retire in Utah with Confidence

The two most concerning thoughts on any retiree’s mind are how to pay for their lifestyle and how to fill the hours. When a steady income stream and a lifetime of hard work are a constant, figuring out how to balance a new lifestyle can be daunting. Utah is ready to help alleviate those concerns. With a reasonable cost of living, plenty to see and do, and a terrific and eclectic retirement community, a retiree will be hard-pressed to run out of ways to entertain their mind, their body, and their spirit.