8 Best Places To Retire In Utah
Utah is home to some of the best towns for retirees who are seeking affordability, stunning natural surroundings, and a welcoming community atmosphere. While larger cities like Salt Lake City may draw attention, it's the smaller, more peaceful towns that truly shine for those looking to enjoy their golden years. Whether you’re after an outdoor adventure, vibrant cultural events, or a close-knit neighborhood, Utah's retirement destinations offer something special. From Cedar City to Spanish Fork, these towns combine scenic beauty with affordable living, making them ideal spots to call home in retirement. Discover the top eight towns in Utah that are a good place to retire.
Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain, a growing town in Utah County, offers a peaceful setting with a population of a little over 43,000. Known for its community-focused spirit, the city hosts various events, including the annual Pony Express Days during Memorial Day week, a beloved event featuring Family Fun Night, concerts, and more. Other family-friendly activities include the Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, Summer Concerts, Halloween Town, and Ties and Tiaras. Retirees can explore nearby attractions such as Saratoga Hot Springs, Camp Floyd State Park, Lake Mountains, and Eagle Mountain Bike Park. For golf enthusiasts, The Ranches Golf Club provides a scenic and challenging experience.
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) provides an express bus route (#806) into Eagle Mountain. Running exclusively on weekday mornings and evenings for commuters, offering convenient access to nearby areas. Dining options in Eagle Mountain are varied, with local favorites like Asian Café and Village Pizza offering delicious meals. For medical needs, seniors have access to Eagle Mountain Family Medicine & Urgent Care, as well as Holy Cross Hospital - Mountain Point in nearby Lehi. With all these amenities, the town has a median home price of around $512,603, which is a little lower than Utah state median home price.
Spanish Fork
Spanish Fork provides retirees with a warm and welcoming community filled with charm, history, and outdoor beauty. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, making it a must-visit for those seeking peace and spirituality. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Spanish Fork Canyon or enjoy a day at Adventure Heights Park and Canyon View Park. The town hosts five major annual events that keep retirees engaged: Fiesta Days, Icelandic Days, the Harvest Moon Hurrah, the Festival of Lights, and the colorful Festival of Colors. These festivities offer ample opportunities for retirees to connect with the community and enjoy local culture. The downtown area is a treasure trove of unique shops. At Confetti Antiques, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, while Segway of Utah offers an adventurous tour experience.
With a median home price of $495,479, slightly below the Utah state average, Spanish Fork offers affordability along with its beautiful surroundings. If healthcare is needed, Spanish Fork Hospital is nearby, and in-home senior health services are available through Senior Partner Inc. The Spanish Fork Senior Citizens Center provides a host of activities, while Legacy House of Spanish Fork offers senior living, ensuring retirees are well-cared for in this vibrant community.
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove provides retirees with an ideal blend of outdoor beauty, affordability, and local attractions. The town’s natural highlights include Battle Creek Falls Trail, a scenic waterfall hike, and Discovery Park, a large playground and green space perfect for grandkids. Manila Creek Pond offers peaceful fishing or paddleboarding adventures in the heart of nature. Each summer, Pleasant Grove comes alive with its Strawberry Days festival, a long-standing tradition that draws crowds from all over. The festival, held the third week of June, features a rodeo, parades, a carnival, pageants, and other community activities. This event offers a great opportunity for retirees to engage with locals and visitors alike, soaking in the town’s vibrant spirit.
Golfers can enjoy a day on the greens at Cedar Hills Golf Club, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Medical needs are well-supported by Prime Meridian Clinics and Timpanogos Regional Hospital. For seniors, Pleasant Grove Senior Citizen Center provides various services and activities, while Legacy Village offers assisted living options, ensuring retirees can enjoy a supportive and enriching lifestyle in this charming town.
Springville
With a population of just over 35,000, Springville provides retirees with a well-rounded community filled with artistic and outdoor experiences. Known as "Art City," it is home to the Springville Museum of Art, Utah's oldest museum for visual fine art, housed in a historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style building. The museum features works from both local and national artists, adding a rich cultural layer to the town. The town hosts several annual events, including Art City Days in early June. This lively festival features parades, hot air balloons, sporting events, and fireworks, making it a central gathering spot for residents. The Springville World Folkfest in July celebrates global folk dance and music at the Spring Acres Arts Park, while the Indian Festival of Utah showcases the rich cultural diversity of the South Asian community.
Outdoor recreation is readily accessible at Wayne Bartholomew Family Park and Clint's Reptile Room. For a glimpse into motor history, the Legends Motorcycle Museum is a must-visit. With a median house price of $487,410, Springville remains more affordable than the state average, making it a practical option for retirees. Healthcare is also accessible, with Utah Valley Hospital nearby, ensuring retirees' needs are met.
Riverton
Riverton, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of community parks, creates an ideal environment for retirees seeking an active and engaging lifestyle. With 33 parks, including the iconic Old Dome Meeting Hall at Riverton City Park, there’s always a nearby green space to relax or explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy Riverton City Park, Wardle Fields Regional Park, Western Springs Park, and even visit the whimsical Real Life UP House. Riverton brings the community together with various events like the Mission Slim Possible Weight Loss Challenge, Riverton Half Marathon & 10K & 5K, and the Memorial Day Program, ensuring there’s always something to keep residents involved.
For retirees, the Riverton Senior Center offers a wide range of activities, from ceramics, pottery, and lapidary to fitness classes like yoga, line dancing, and senior ballet. The center also provides plenty of ways for adults aged 60 and over to stay physically and socially active, making it an excellent place to meet others. For any healthcare needs, Intermountain Riverton Hospital is close by, offering quality care.
Bountiful
Bountiful, nestled in the heart of Davis County, has a welcoming environment. This picturesque town is perfect for retirees seeking both cultural and outdoor experiences. The Bountiful Davis Art Center offers vibrant arts programming, while the stunning Bountiful Utah Temple stands as a serene and beautiful landmark. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail provides excellent hiking with sweeping views, and Creekside Park is ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
Book lovers will find the Davis County Library’s South Davis Branch to be a haven with its vast selection of good reads. Golfers can tee off with peers at the Bountiful Ridge Golf Course, known for its scenic beauty and challenging holes. Creekside Assisted & Senior Living is a great option for those seeking senior living services in a warm, caring environment. If medical care is ever needed, Lakeview Hospital is nearby, offering excellent healthcare to the community.
Tooele
Small, quiet, and surrounded by natural beauty, Tooele is perfect for retirees who prefer a laid-back atmosphere over bustling city life. The town is home to one of Utah State University's regional campuses and the stunning Deseret Peak Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retirees looking for outdoor activities can enjoy relaxing visits to Settlement Canyon or exciting trips to the Utah Motorsports Campus. History buffs will appreciate the Tooele Valley Museum and Historical Park, as well as the Tooele Pioneer Museum, which offers insights into the region's rich history.
The Tooele Arts Festival, an annual three-day event, brings the community together with one-of-a-kind artwork, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, and sculptures. The festival features live musical entertainment and children's activities with no admission fee, making it a perfect outing for retirees and families. Golf enthusiasts can stay active at Oquirrh Hills Golf Course or The Links at Overlake, both offering scenic and challenging courses. Mountain West Medical Center provides quality care for healthcare needs. When it’s time to eat, Jim’s Family Restaurant and Vista Linda are local favorites.
Cedar City
Cedar City, nestled in southern Utah, is a treasure trove of outdoor beauty and cultural events. With Zion National Park just a short drive away, retirees can easily access breathtaking hikes and scenic vistas. Closer to town, the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum and Southern Utah Museum of Art offer enriching experiences that bring history and the arts to life. For wine lovers, the I/G Winery & Tasting Room is a delightful spot for tastings. Besides these, the striking Cedar City Utah Temple stands as a peaceful landmark.
The town is also home to the famous Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Summer Games, and the Simon Fest Theatre Co., ensuring there's never a shortage of entertainment. For retirees wanting to get around easily, Cedar City is served by a local bus system, providing convenience without the need for a car. The median listing home price in Cedar City is $401,759, significantly lower than Utah’s state median of $516,153, making it a more affordable option for those looking to settle down in a vibrant yet peaceful environment.
Utah is a fantastic place for retirees who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, tight-knit communities, and quality healthcare. Towns like Pleasant Grove, Spanish Fork, and Cedar City boast beautiful surroundings, cultural events, and affordable living options that cater to retirees. Whether you're hiking trails, exploring local parks, or attending art festivals, Utah’s charming towns offer a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle, all within reach of top-notch medical care. With affordable housing prices compared to state averages, these towns provide both value and a high quality of life, ensuring that retirees can truly enjoy their golden years.
