A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Utah

 

Plan Your Next Steps at Utah Retirement Communities

The affordability and diversity of regions in Utah make it a favorite among 55+ active adults.

Utah experiences all four seasons, with overall mild weather year-round. Humidity is low, and most days are sunny, even well into the winter. Seniors can try winter and water sports, with outdoor options to stay active 12 months a year!

The state’s parks are well-suited for hiking and mountain biking. Most of Utah is mountainous, offering adventurous retirees a chance to try rock climbing. Fishing and hunting are two of the most popular outdoor activities throughout the year.

Where Utah shines is in its communities! The state has historical connections to colonial populations predominantly made up of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons. However, over the years, the Church has developed both religious and ethnic diversity and acceptance. This change has only amplified its cultural scene and positive community spirit.

Many retiree-friendly neighborhoods in Utah have a small-town feel. Community events like farmer's markets and concerts help bring neighbors together. In the summer you can watch theater performances. Senior communities even host events so newcomers can feel welcome right away!

In Utah, 55+ active adults looking to retire will find single-story homes in centrally planned, age-restricted, and low-maintenance communities. Neighborhoods are designed with active seniors in mind, offering communal facilities like a clubhouse and fitness center.

 

The Diverse Areas for Seniors in Utah

Utah’s central location in the Intermountain West means its geography is mountainous and rugged. The regions in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau encompass many national parks. Other areas, like the Salt Lake City Empire, have a more urban feel.

Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area

Utah’s Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area surrounds its capital city, Salt Lake City, known locally as Salt Lake or SLC. The Metropolitan Area is the biggest hub of entertainment and shopping venues in the state and is home to many suburbs perfect for the active adult lifestyle. 

The western suburbs of SLC are home to towns like Herriman, West Valley City, and Magna. These communities have quiet neighborhoods with access to hiking trails and downtown SLC. South Jordan has a large Mormon population with two Latter-Day Saints temples. The golf course community of Stansbury Park is a master-planned masterpiece that acts as a gateway to the fast-growing western suburbs. 

South SLC consists of the southern suburbs of Bluffdale, Riverton, West Jordan, Sandy, Murray, and Holladay. Sandy is a forward-thinking community, perfect for the active older adult who wants to live in a community that has incorporated a safe trail system and encourages its residents to use public transportation.

North Salt Lake City shares a border with the Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Area. The most popular suburbs for retirees are North Salt Lake City and Woods Cross. 

Ogden-Clearfield

The Ogden-Clearfield Metro area is north of the Salt Lake City Metro area. Retirees seeking tight-knit communities and an affordable cost of living need to look no further than Ogden-Clearfield! 

Heading north up the I15, the first community to consider is Centerville. Staying on the I15, the historic town of Kaysville is loaded with charm. Just east of Kaysville is the Fruit Heights community, nestled in Thurston Peak's foothills. Layton brings you closer to the center of Clearfield, while Syracuse lies to the west.

Clinton is a fast-growing golf course community just north of Clearwater. Roy has a variety of neighborhoods for all ages to choose from. South Ogden is known for its cultural diversity and churches. The rugged geography of Ogden is suited to outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking. North Ogden is more metropolitan, with many historic buildings. To the west of North Ogden, the suburb of Farr West offers active older adults the opportunity to live affordably in a manufactured home community. 

Logan Metropolitan Area

The Logan Metropolitan Area is the northernmost metropolitan center in Utah. It’s surrounded by farmland and sits at the foothills of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.  North Logan is the perfect spot to retire in a safe, comfortable manufactured home community. 

Provo-Orem

Heading south down the I15, Utah’s Provo-Orem Metropolitan Area is the northern gateway to Utah’s famous “Canyon Country”  and the state’s national parks. Lehi is at the in-between mark of the two metropolitan areas. It’s one of the fastest-growing communities in the area and is home to Utah's tech industry. The I15 and SR89 converge in American Fork, making it the region's shopping center.

Saratoga Springs is to the west of Utah Lake and is famous for its namesake hot springs. Its spa culture gives the entire town a laid-back atmosphere. Eagle Mountain is a fast-growing,  modern, planned community of all ages communities. 

Pleasant Grove and Orem are on SR89 and benefit from a slower lifestyle. Vineyard is tucked between Utah Lake and Orem, while Provo sits a bit further south and enjoys all the amenities of a university town.

At the southern end of the Provo-Orem Metropolitan Area, active older adults will find quality living in Springfield, Spanish Fork, Payson, and Santaquin suburbs.

St. George

Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation in the St. George region! Cycle the canyon roads of Zion National Park, or head to the less populated North Rim of the Grand Canyon for hikes of whatever length you choose. Brian Head Ski Resort is perfect for a day trip in the winter, while Las Vegas is just a few hours south down the interstate. 

The little town of Hurricane is located near Sky Mountain Golf Course, while nearby Virgin offers convenient access to the Virgin River and Zion National Park. 

Wasatch Range

If your retirement dream includes living near world-class ski resorts, the Wasatch Range is the place to be! Park City is the best-known town in these mountains. For a quieter lifestyle, consider Heber, Heber City, and Hideaway. 

 

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle in Utah

Utah’s parks, peaks, and lakes make it easy to keep active during retirement. It’s beloved by retirees for the endless ways you can spend your days outdoors, from adventures in the wilderness to golf courses and shopping malls.

Activities Within Utah’s 55+ Communities

Community pools are often indoors, offering year-round access to swimming and water aerobics. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the community trails for walking and biking.

If you love playing golf, Utah has 144 golf courses to play. They range from below sea level to alpine altitudes. When the forecast doesn’t include one of the 238 sunny days, some 55+ communities in Utah offer the amenity of an indoor golf simulator!

Visit the Clubhouse

If you want to stay active at a senior community, you’ll likely spend time at the community clubhouse. The clubhouse typically has game rooms and club meeting areas where you can get involved with your community. Spend time in fellowship with your neighbors while keeping up with your hobbies!

Work Out

Active lifestyle communities have fitness centers where you can maintain a senior-friendly workout routine. Many have fully modernized equipment like rowing machines, treadmills, and free weights. You can even join a senior aerobics or yoga class.

Hit the Pickleball Courts

Play a few rounds of pickleball at your community’s indoor or outdoor courts. Pickleball lets you stay active with a fun sport that is easy on the joints for seniors. The courts can also double as a place for a game of badminton and tennis.

Live Amongst  Utah’s Best Destinations

Utah’s state and national parks are ideal venues for all outdoor activities. They have mountain bike trails and rock climbing for especially adventurous, active adults. More laid-back activities include hiking in the foothills, sailing,  and bicycle visits to local farms.

Spend time learning about Utah’s diverse culture as well. Visit art and history museums with rotating exhibits. Utah has a history that matches the vibrancy of its landscapes. The theater is alive and well in even the most minor metropolitan areas. Of course, the Utah Jazz is everyone’s favorite team. 

Try Water Sports

Spend the day on the shores of one of Utah’s rivers or lakes. Water sports are common in Utah, with senior-friendly options, including boating and sailing. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular among retirees.

Go Fishing and Hunting

Freshwater fishing is popular in Utah. If you prefer to hunt, you can find big game, such as bighorn sheep, alongside more common species such as deer and elk.

Enjoy the State’s Winter Sports

After the season’s first snowfall, Utah becomes a winter sports wonderland! Skiing and ice skating are top-rated. Snowmobile transportation is essential in the snowiest communities. 

 

Why Retire in Utah

One of Utah’s biggest draws for retirees is its outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. Its mild four seasons mean you can spend the whole year outside, staying active with winter sports alongside warm weather activities.

Utah is also desirable thanks to its affordable cost of living and top-notch healthcare. The state has a low crime rate, makes it an ideal location for empty nesters looking for a peaceful place to retire.

 

Senior Communities Within Utah

Are you planning on retiring to a single-story bungalow in a golf course community? Or you want to downsize your living space with a manufactured home.

However, if you plan to spend your retirement, check out Utah’s 55+ communities that promote active living for seniors!

Age Restricted Communities

If you don’t want to be bothered with disruptive parties and noisy neighbors, consider retiring to the laid-back neighborhoods of Utah’s age-restricted communities. These communities are often gated and offer senior-friendly activities and events.

Luxury Apartments

Luxury rental apartments in Utah have modern appliances and finishes, plus private patios or balconies! They also provide ways for seniors to stay active, like fitness centers, pools, and golf simulators.

Condominiums

Condominiums are well suited to empty nesters looking to downsize or “right size” during retirement. Many of Utah’s condos are within a few miles of metropolitan areas with access to healthcare facilities nearby.

HOAs cover exterior needs and snow removal, allowing for a low-maintenance lifestyle during retirement.

Low Maintenance Homes

Avoid laborious tasks like snow shoveling and lawn care in low-maintenance homes. These are master-planned communities fit for 55+ active adults who want the convenience that comes with minimal or no required property maintenance.

 

Stay Healthy in Utah

Seniors who retire in Utah will enjoy access to caring providers at Intermountain Healthcare and the academic healthcare system of the University of Utah Health. There is also MountainStar Healthcare around the Salt Lake City region.

The multi-state organization of Molina Healthcare operates within Utah for retirees in need of insurance.