After spending 5 years covering 35 different states and then going back to most of them again, there was simply no place that had it all. But Utah comes very close. Utah finished #1 in 6 out of twelve categories. #2 in 5 more making it a clear winner.

But even though southern Utah was among the fastest growth areas in the US in 2024, it is possibly the most overlooked state for many who are solid conservatives looking for a good alternative to Washington.


Lets look at the six categories where Utah excels. There may be no other state that offers the climate choices available here. The Northern areas are 4 seasons very much like Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The southern areas are more like Arizona but 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the summer and slightly cooler in the winter. Little to no snow south, but loads of snow north. Many have called southern Utah the ideal climate and we tend to agree. But if four seasons are your choice that is readily available. 


As a matter of fact you can go from desert heat to snow skiing in 90 minutes.


That brings up the next two winning categories. If you are active, young or a little older, Utah is for you. It’s #1 in winter and summer activities from skiing to hiking, as well as being the off road mecca for 4x4s, Side by Sides, and motorcycles. Golf courses are plenty and very high quality. Hunting, fishing and camping are huge here. You name it, and you will find your favorite activities. The people here are big on fitness and nutrition as well. Which brings us to the next top spot. Healthcare.


Utah has won many awards for its healthcare quality and availability. The I 15 corridor provides a conduit for leading healthcare facilities North to South. We have personally experienced this system and it is truly the best we have encountered. The locals say the same.


Housing costs vary from area to area, but the sheer numbers of choices, particularly on the affordable side,  is second to none. Not 100’s but 1000’s of units are built or in process. Many priced under 400k. There are even more in the 400 to 600 range. If you like luxury the number of multi million dollar homes is staggering. So much so, that the annual tour of homes is now a national showcase attended by people from across the US and Europe.


The sixth category that Utah wins is roads and transportation. When you drive a 40 foot motorhome you quickly get a feel for road quality. Utah has some of the best ( and most scenic) in the nation. The airports are modern and rail and bus service in the greater salt lake area is the envy of many big cities.

A bonus round is culture, arts, music and sports. Utah is big on culture/arts and what it lacks in sports is less than two hours away in Vegas. Which brings us to Utahs biggest win of all. Proximity

For people that still have friends and family in Washington,  proximity counts. Idaho wins that one, but it takes a slightly different meaning in Utah.

Yes, Utah is not that far from Washington but is the proximity to everything else that makes it so unique.

Southern Utah is particular centrally located to many amazing places. Lets take a look at the things that are one days drive or much less.


National Parks

Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyon lands,Arches, Capital Reef and the Grand Canyon are all relatively short drives.

Big Water

Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Havasu and many others are close by. Here is the amazing one. Ocean beaches (California) are under 6 hours away making them closer than any other of our other top  states. Same for major cruise ports.


Cities and towns of interest

Las Vegas ( 2 hours)

Park City

Moab

Salt Lake City

Escalante

Anaheim (Disney parks , etc)


Winter Sports

Park city

Eden

Brians head ( 90 minutes)

Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Steamboat springs, and more  are all a short hop..



So, as you can see, everything is close by. If you want to go further, many other great states are just a few days out from this very central location. Utah not only has great national parks but the state parks are equally impressive, and unlike Washington, are fully funded and considered high priorities.

Last but not least is the most incredible municipal parks you will see anywhere in nearly every city and town. For active people you simply can’t find this variety and quality anywhere else. The proximity to Las Vegas alone is priceless, with arts and entertainment, shopping, gaming, and air travel to the rest of the world.