Utah is a Ute Indian world meaning "home on the mountain top" and makes sense if you consider that Utah is the rooftop of the United States. The average elevation of the tallest peaks in each of Utah's counties is 11,222 feet above sea level, higher than the same average of any other state. Utah also has incredible deserts and plateau regions.
Visitors love Utah's extravagant landscapes...its awesome redrock canyons, lush emerald forests and flaming sunsets. There is nothing like making first tracks on fresh snow, flyfishing in a trout stream or just listening to aspen leaves whisper in a cool autumn breeze.
If you've never wrapped your lips around luscious Bear Lake raspberries, kicked back at the Snowbird Jazz & Blues Festival, grilled Wayne County trout over an evening campfire, joined the Antelope Island Buffalo Roundup or simply succumbed to the grandeur of Zion National Park, then you have so much to look forward to in Utah.
Utah's attractions include canyons, colorful towns and breathtaking national parks. The state capitol, Salt Lake City, with its international airport 11km (7 miles) west of downtown, is the world center of the Mormon Church. Salt Lake City surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, boasts historic buildings, churches, museums, science exhibitions, near-by ski resorts and arts festivals. Salt Lake City was the host for the 2002 Winter Olympics with the largest sport program in history.
Key Points
Utah is a wonderful place to live and work. Utah's economy, internationally recognized for its rapid job growth, low unemployment and increasing diversity, is as strong as it has ever been. Utah has a strong economy with above-average employment growth and continues a four-decade history of low unemployment. Most Utah sectors are thriving. Tourism has set visitor records and new construction has set all-time highs in total valuation. Utah's work force is outstanding and continues to earn national plaudits. Relative to the rest of the nation, Utah workers are younger, healthier, and the most educated and productive. Also, the state has become known for its friendly business climate, moderate business taxes, and solid utility, communications and transportation infrastructures.
The cost of living in Utah compares favorably with the region and the nation. The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers' Association's Cost of Living Index for Salt Lake City shows all items are typically at or below the national average. Housing costs in Salt Lake City reflect a strong economy and in-migration. Analysts believe housing costs began a moderation that brought them in line with surrounding Western cities during 1996.
Utah ranks among the leading states in the educational attainment of its population. The state's system of public and private education offers a high quality educational experience for the nearly one-half million students in elementary and secondary programs. Utah has six four-year, degree-granting universities and colleges, including four state institutions and two private institutions as well as five community colleges. The University of Utah, Utah State University and Brigham Young University are the largest institutions in terms of student enrollment, number of degrees conferred, and research and development expenditures. In recent years, more than one-quarter of all students either worked on graduate degrees or declared undergraduate majors in science, engineering, agriculture, natural resources, mining and minerals or medicine and pharmacy.
It's not hard to understand why Utah is experiencing such a rapid population increase. Utah is truly an incredible place to live. Utah's low crime rate and growing job market coupled with our beautiful surroundings, make it difficult to find a place more suitable to live and raise a family!