Utah as a retirement state?

txhunter58

Long Time Member
Messages
8,499
How are the political winds blowing in Utah these days? Liberal or conservative or a mixture? How do the taxes compare? Retiring next year and have the opportunity to move somewhere. And how long do you have to be a resident to hunt as a resident?
 
Lots of people from California moving here. It’s Busy these days. Housing is expensive, Property taxes are going up like crazy. We have sales tax on everything including food. If you like alcohol our laws are weird, the state runs all the liquor stores. Rural areas are very conservative, salt lake county is quite liberal these days comparatively speaking. The wasatch front and Washington county are growing exponentially. Getting tags here isn’t the easiest anymore especially for deer. It’s still a great place to live but it’s not some utopia for the western hunter.
 
You have to live in UT for 6 consecutive months to gain residency.

“Resident means a person who has a fixed permanent home and principal establishment in Utah for six consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of a license or permit, and does not claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.”
 
How are the political winds blowing in Utah these days? Liberal or conservative or a mixture? How do the taxes compare? Retiring next year and have the opportunity to move somewhere. And how long do you have to be a resident to hunt as a resident?

Don't go. UT is going down the road to be purple before long.
 
Freeway speeds are 80 in most rural areas. That means some people go 89. A few go……

State taxes are higher than a lot of other States. Property taxes are lower than a lot of others

Most rural counties vote Republican
Two rural countries vote Democratist
Most urban counties vote Democratist
Drift is toward Demcratists, new move ins, fleeing Democrtist States being their socialist desires with them.

It’s cold or hot, depending which part of the State you’re in and what day you’re there. Rarely have good spring weather. Sometimes the fall weather persists into December but not always.

Housing is expensive, so is Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado. It’s a bit of a buyers market right now, compared to prior to the inflation effect. Hard to predict the next year when it comes future price of housing. Rural areas are cheaper than the cities. The more rural, the cheaper the property but still high compared to Texas.

I live in a town of 600+ M +/- It’s 2.5 hour south of Salt Lake. Demographic is typical to other rural towns, I think. 450 Mormons (approximately 300 of them attend Church at least once a month. 135 haven’t been in a Church of any kind in years. 15 even though they are still on the membership roll, dislike Mormonism and Mormon people.) The other 150 citizens are just like any other place, a mixture of different ideologies, most Christians but not all. Some of the 150 non-Mormons are great people, friendly, warm, welcoming and good friends with almost everybody. A few are loners, quiet, prefer to live out of sight other than a trip to the post office a couple times a week. (Of the 300 Church attending Mormons, a dozen are like any other demographic, odd and different from the other 290) Town has trouble getting people to run City Council, Council meeting rarely have anyone other the the Mayor and Councilors attend. It takes a major issue to draw more than two or three out to a meeting. Many twice every five years. I would suggest you look at it this way……… if you liked the people in the community your living in now, it’s very likely you’ll like it in a place like Utah. On the other hand, if you don’t care for the folks that live near you now, the folks that live here will seem self absorb and not very friendly either.
 
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Oops, hit the wrong button.

To continue:
I don’t buy alcohol but I over heard tours complain how expensive it is in Utah. Some say the drive to Arizona or Nevada to but their liquor. I’m guessing it is, the majority of the people in the State are into alcohol so when their looking of taxes in the Legislature, liquor take a hit.

Gasoline typically is cheaper in Utah than Calif, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Higher than it is in most other States. Darn sure higher in Utah than Texas, most of the time.

Mormon ideology has a heavy influence in Government and community regulations. It’s a fact, there is no reason to suggest it’s not. Most think that’s okay, others not at all.

News media tends to be more liberal, because National and Local news agencies tend to be more liberal in Utah, as it is in most States.

Geography in Utah is very very divers. Just about anything you want within 200 miles in any direction. National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks everywhere you turn. 69% of Utah is public Federal Land.

Crime, less than Calif more than Wyoming.

Utah is growing……. What isn’t? Lots of people dislike Mormons ideology’s and Mormon people. That make keep Utah from growing as fast as other western State. I guess time will tell.

If you like the out doors, a retired couple could spend many years visiting all the unique geology in the State. They claim the larger cities off a surprising amount of cultural entertainment, some rowdy and more refined. Not much of either in the rural areas however. Again, that seem consistence across the country, luckenbach, Texas being the exception.

I’ll let the hunting opportunities or the lack of them be dealt with by some other MM. Ny opinions a too jaded to offer an objective opinion.

Anything more specific you’re wondering about feel free to ask.
 
UT is a little less expensive than AZ. Quite a bit more than NV. I could never even consider living in the Ogden/Salt Lake/Provo megaglopolis. If there wasn't the Legacy Parkway or 215, I wouldn't even drive thru the state!!!

I've always loved the parks, forests, and Moab type experiences. As we get older, it pays to look at doctor and hospital features and services. I could live in Mesquite NV, and go into St George if I needed any "city stuff"!!!
 
This place used to be great, I never thought about leaving… Now I can’t wait to get out of here… 15 long years left…
My sentiments exactly. This place has gone downhill fast. State government is a joke. Too many people and it is liberalizing. Sadly there's only a couple places left that are any better these days.
 
don't be a douche
The first real job I had out of college was for a Mormon owned firm, and we could do a payroll deduction tithing to your Stake. There was a box on our check stubs just like payroll taxes.:oops:

I’ve never not lived around Mormons and don’t suppose I ever will. But you can’t deny that The Church has considerable influence.
 
And you have increasing rates of Cancer with the ongoing drought. “
In a groundbreaking study, Kevin Perry, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Utah, collected 16,000 soil samples from the lakebed. The results are chilling. They indicate a high concentration of nine toxic metals including arsenic.

The toxins appear in areas associated with anthropogenic activities such as the discharge of industrial and agricultural effluents. A study by the school of medicine at University of Utah, found that arsenic and lead have significantly increased in the lakebed sediment due to drying up the lake since the 1980s.

These toxins are carcinogenic. They had been covered or dissolved in the lake’s water. With the lake’s shrinkage, these toxins are getting exposed. Winds that commonly blow toward the south and southeast of the lake carry toxic particles previously buried in the lake’s basin and dump them on the capital of Utah.“ https://www.deseret.com/opinion/202...ater-receding-toxic-metals-arsenic-dust-strom
 
I would personally not move anywhere close to the big population centers of this state, sadly I live in one now and my job tends to tie me to places that have a lot of industry......

Move out to the Uintard basin and start having beers with Bess, you can go do the years "after the hunt" scouting trip on the books and see all the forkies.
 
Utah needs to recognize this and changes its retirement and tax laws to save itself or become another Calilorado state. No guff!!! Votes have consequences and there is still hope for Utah.

Speaking from experience, NM used to be a decent state. It's the devil's retreat now...
 
Here’s an idea that might help you decide about Utah tx.

Something that might be helpful. I own a tiny and I do mean tiny cabin 480 sq feet, in South Central Utah. It’s at 9000 feet above sea level, (if elevation is an issue) with a paved highway a hundred yards from the front door. Some what off the beat’en path but with in easy driving distance from 3 national parks and a bunch of State Parks.

If you are seriously interested in Utah, spending a few weeks here, looking around, visiting town/cities, talking with people, checking out the cost of living, medical access, etc etc getting more than a passive feel for the place seems like it might be worthwhile. Relocating at our age is something that making a serious mistake about could be a significant disaster. Who wants to be miserable during the “Golden Years”

As long as you don’t need me to wash your sheets and haul your water, I would be happy to allow you to use it for a few weeks during the summer, to check the State out.

Let me include this disclaimer. This offer is limited to txhunter58, other inquiries will be ignored, at best.
 
Oops, hit the wrong button.

To continue:
I don’t buy alcohol but I over heard tours complain how expensive it is in Utah. Some say the drive to Arizona or Nevada to but their liquor. I’m guessing it is, the majority of the people in the State are into alcohol so when their looking of taxes in the Legislature, liquor take a hit.

Gasoline typically is cheaper in Utah than Calif, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Higher than it is in most other States. Darn sure higher in Utah than Texas, most of the time.

Mormon ideology has a heavy influence in Government and community regulations. It’s a fact, there is no reason to suggest it’s not. Most think that’s okay, others not at all.

News media tends to be more liberal, because National and Local news agencies tend to be more liberal in Utah, as it is in most States.

Geography in Utah is very very divers. Just about anything you want within 200 miles in any direction. National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks everywhere you turn. 69% of Utah is public Federal Land.

Crime, less than Calif more than Wyoming.

Utah is growing……. What isn’t? Lots of people dislike Mormons ideology’s and Mormon people. That make keep Utah from growing as fast as other western State. I guess time will tell.

If you like the out doors, a retired couple could spend many years visiting all the unique geology in the State. They claim the larger cities off a surprising amount of cultural entertainment, some rowdy and more refined. Not much of either in the rural areas however. Again, that seem consistence across the country, luckenbach, Texas being the exception.

I’ll let the hunting opportunities or the lack of them be dealt with by some other MM. Ny opinions a too jaded to offer an objective opinion.

Anything more specific you’re wondering about feel free to ask.

You some kind of a Baptist Minister or something? These two posts seem pretty "preachy"...
 
Here’s an idea that might help you decide about Utah tx.

Something that might be helpful. I own a tiny and I do mean tiny cabin 480 sq feet, in South Central Utah. It’s at 9000 feet above sea level, (if elevation is an issue) with a paved highway a hundred yards from the front door. Some what off the beat’en path but with in easy driving distance from 3 national parks and a bunch of State Parks.

If you are seriously interested in Utah, spending a few weeks here, looking around, visiting town/cities, talking with people, checking out the cost of living, medical access, etc etc getting more than a passive feel for the place seems like it might be worthwhile. Relocating at our age is something that making a serious mistake about could be a significant disaster. Who wants to be miserable during the “Golden Years”

As long as you don’t need me to wash your sheets and haul your water, I would be happy to allow you to use it for a few weeks during the summer, to check the State out.

Let me include this disclaimer. This offer is limited to txhunter58, other inquiries will be ignored, at best.
It's a rough neighborhood up there.
 
As long as you don’t need me to wash your sheets and haul your water, I would be happy to allow you to use it for a few weeks during the summer, to check the State out.

Let me include this disclaimer. This offer is limited to txhunter58, other inquiries will be ignored, at best.
...and here I thought we were friends! LOL



We need to chat sometime about where your cabin actually is. We might not be too far away based on your vague description if you're in the FL area.

I also need to get back down to your neck-o-the-woods and meet you in person. (NO, you don't owe me money and I'm not looking for anything from you except a little BS session. haha)

Zeke
 
...and here I thought we were friends! LOL



We need to chat sometime about where your cabin actually is. We might not be too far away based on your vague description if you're in the FL area.

I also need to get back down to your neck-o-the-woods and meet you in person. (NO, you don't owe me money and I'm not looking for anything from you except a little BS session. haha)

Zeke
Ha……. We were gonna meet at BigJohn’s and eat his steaks but we never did get that one done Zeke, I still thinks it’s a great idea.

My cabin is at Sleepy Hollow, approximately 3 mile west of Fish Lake, on the south side of the highway. Second
A-Frame from the east, seaform green metal roof.

We are friends Zeke, virtual for now but hope springs eternal that we can share a campfire someday. :)
 
Some big mud tires and you could get to your spot before everyone else on opening day!! Oh wait, we already do that, with $50K side by sides!!!
 
Ha……. We were gonna meet at BigJohn’s and eat his steaks but we never did get that one done Zeke, I still thinks it’s a great idea.

My cabin is at Sleepy Hollow, approximately 3 mile west of Fish Lake, on the south side of the highway. Second
A-Frame from the east, seaform green metal roof.

We are friends Zeke, virtual for now but hope springs eternal that we can share a campfire someday. :)
Ours is just west of the Mytoge Road turn off.
My hell, we’re neighbors!!!

As their realtor/dad, I sold it to my daughter and son in law since we have one at Tibble Fork up AF canyon so that’s only 25 minutes from home.

Yessir, I can see us making an effort to have an outing with JT somewhere up there!!!!

Zeke
 
Ours is just west of the Mytoge Road turn off.
My hell, we’re neighbors!!!

As their realtor/dad, I sold it to my daughter and son in law since we have one at Tibble Fork up AF canyon so that’s only 25 minutes from home.

Yessir, I can see us making an effort to have an outing with JT somewhere up there!!!!

Zeke
The only one I remember being for sale over there . Was the one on top of the hill with the porches all the way around. Is that you ?
 
The only one I remember being for sale over there . Was the one on top of the hill with the porches all the way around. Is that you ?
Zeke, BJ……. the Hansen’s had a cabin for sale, just west of the Mytoge turn off, a few yards south of the highway. The fire that went through there a few years back did some damage to it and they fixed it up pretty nice and put it up for sale. Is that your cabin Zeke?
 
Born in what was the onion capital of the world Syracuse. Davis county was about as rural as rural gets. A kid in the 80's we routinely rode our bikes with shotguns from field to field to hunt pheasants and doves.

Everyone I knew was a Mormon, either practicing or jack. And everyone had 5,6,7 kids. Funny thing about having all those kids, now folks ***** about growth, I guess those kids were supposed to leave the state.

Reading Lumpy post, and his knowing the numbers and what they do, reminded me of the downside of rural, that being folks in everyone's buisness.

The state was AG and extraction, which meant poor, and real poor. The tech explosion meant kids could be born here, and stay here, and the majority do.

I'm a jack Mormon, descended from a group that rolled in with Brigham. The cultural influences of Mormons are great. Hard working, charitable, family oriented.

Utah is the scam capital of America though as Mormon scammers use the "secret handshake" to take advantage.

The liquor laws aren't that big a deal. There's a few silly remnants of the old days(can't buy beer through a drive up window?) but it's not what it was a decade ago.

The hunting isn't what it was, but that's mostly a growth of population thing. Again, big families=huge growth.

Mormon Republicans are a real strang breed. A staunchly morally conservative state, but run by squishes and Rino's.

We tax social security. We tax pretty much everything (again Mormon conservatism?)

We are experiencing winter again, after years of not really having it. What Lumpy said about the seasons is dead on.

Personally I'm fine if folks want to drive through on there way to live in Wyoming or Colorado.

Realize if you do move here, you'll have to listen to the ID, WY guys ***** about Utah drivers. Odd, since they seem to be in Utah a lot. I'm fine if they stay home too, but the cost of rural, means if you need world class medical, either cancer, pediatric, or anything else, you come to Utah from those other states. If you have a wife, she's in Utah, because there is shopping.

Utah is a lot like Idaho and Wyoming only with less wack jobs(Idaho) and fewer meth hoes.
 
Brought a lot above Cedar City on top looking to sell that one and have a piece of a 160 ac over by Blanding hoping to build on this property soon.
 
Brought a lot above Cedar City on top looking to sell that one and have a piece of a 160 ac over by Blanding hoping to build on this property soon.
Cool, soon to be neighbors. 30 miles as the crow flies around here is pretty close.
 
Hey Hossy!

You Forgot a Couple!

You'd Best Get Your Truck Tuned If You Plan On Running Up Front!

If you've Got a Speed Limiter Don't Even Try!
 
Brought a lot above Cedar City on top looking to sell that one and have a piece of a 160 ac over by Blanding hoping to build on this property soon.
Here you go Gator.....
 
I’ve retired in Utah Not going anywhere else (maybe Texas in the winter)

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Here you go Gator.....
You can see my house on that map :)

Thats a pretty pricey piece of dryland -especially with no McMansion.

I always love trailcam pics with feeders in them. Nice bulls out there for sure.
 
Utah:
Pros: My best friend is planning on moving there around the same time (He is a non-hunter). Warm climate for the most part.
Cons: Mostly desert terrain in the South West where we would be living. Heard it has a higher cost of living.
 
Ha……. We were gonna meet at BigJohn’s and eat his steaks but we never did get that one done Zeke, I still thinks it’s a great idea.

My cabin is at Sleepy Hollow, approximately 3 mile west of Fish Lake, on the south side of the highway. Second
A-Frame from the east, seaform green metal roof.

We are friends Zeke, virtual for now but hope springs eternal that we can share a campfire someday. :)
I know that cabin.
I am always so jealous when I drive by it.
Actually, jealous of everyones cabins up there.
Love the area!
 
Move out to the Uintard basin and start having beers with Bess, you can go do the years "after the hunt" scouting trip on the books and see all the forkies.
Come if you're conservative, unless you'll let Mittens fool you. If you plan on needing any kind of medical care, Uintah Basin is a bad idea.
 
I own property in California and Utah.

Resident of California, spend about half my time in one place or the other.

In general better people in Utah.

Stay far away from Salt Lake Area.

I just pumped gas ($3.36) ,,, then walked in and paid for it “ after pumping”.

Just bought a new $45,000 truck in Utah,, paid $150 for tags.

Just called the DMV,,, an actual person picked up right away ,, “Hello Utah DMV, how can I help you”

Shopping for a new tractor awhile back. Sales man saw that I liked one,, tells me I will run it out to your place (50 miles away).
Says you try it out for a couple of weeks, if you don’t like it call and we will pick it up, if you do like it come on down and we will do the paperwork. And he did just that, just on a hand shake.

Grand kids live in California so I live in limbo.
 
It’s working on it up there this year. Finally. I’m just messing with ya. Here’s a more realistic view of the cabins.

C1EE2166-9B1A-4971-B3B9-2A58DE1E8F10.jpeg


B78689CE-CC4B-485C-9002-CCDA6AC197EB.jpeg


4B3CFE39-DD54-4AE1-8330-633192E2E03F.jpeg
 
Haha, that’s better!

Here’s a security cam pic from the cabin today. Steps to the deck, most of the railing are under snow.

I hope all the snow we’ve been receiving will melt slowly this spring so we can utilize it instead of having it flood homes and property!

Zeke

8C71B54E-1143-4B68-AB84-22E7FED8F9B1.jpeg
 
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