Why Utah Was Named the Best State in America—Again

If you live in Utah, this headline won’t shock you:

🏆 U.S. News & World Report just ranked Utah the #1 best state in the nation—for the third year in a row.

From the red rocks of St. George to the snowcapped Wasatch, we already know Utah’s a great place to live, raise a family, and build a future. But now the nation is catching on, too—and it’s not just because of our good economy. It’s because of who we are.

“In a politically divisive era, people [in Utah] actually talk to each other and try to work through issues,”

– U.S. News & World Report

Read the full article here

 

The “Utah Way”: It’s a Real Thing

U.S. News calls it “The Utah Way”—a culture of service, community, and respectful dialogue. Around here, people still sit down together to solve problems, whether it’s over a kitchen table or on the Senate floor.

Governor Spencer Cox put it plainly:

“There’s just so much that the government can’t do, and you need that fabric… It’s why Utah is different. It’s why Utah continues to do well, and it’s special.”

– Gov. Cox, via U.S. News

In his 2022 State of the State address, Cox went even further, saying:

“Utah is the last great hope of America.”

Read the speech on KSL

That might sound bold—but when you look at how Utah handles tough issues, it starts to make sense.

 

Where Values Meet Progress

Utah has found ways to bridge deeply held beliefs with real-world solutions. One standout example? The state’s unique approach to LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom.

Back in 2015, Utah passed landmark legislation that protected both LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and safeguarded religious institutions—an achievement that made national headlines and earned Utah praise from both sides of the aisle.

“It was a very Utah solution,” said Equality Utah policy director Marina Lowe.

Learn more about that law here

In 2020, Utah followed that with a ban on conversion therapy for minors—another bold move in a state known for its conservative roots.

It’s Not Just About Politics

Yes, we’re a state where Republicans and Democrats still talk—and often agree more than you’d think. But Utah’s top spot also comes from hard numbers:

• 🧑‍🎓 Top-tier education
• 💼 A booming economy
• 💰 Second-lowest poverty rate
• 🤝 High income equality

Still, Utah isn’t perfect. The report noted we’ve got some work to do on housing affordability and pollution-related concerns. But the overall takeaway is clear: Utah’s strengths come from a shared commitment to something bigger than politics—our people.

Celebrating the Utah Spirit

After the ranking was released, state leaders across the board celebrated—not as a personal win, but as a reflection of the people who call Utah home.

“Being No. 1 isn’t about crossing a finish line — it’s about continuing to improve.”

– Senate President Stuart Adams

“This ranking is a reflection of the people who live here.”

– House Speaker Mike Schultz

 

Here in Southern Utah, We Feel It Too

In St. George, we see the best of Utah every day—neighbors helping neighbors, businesses investing in the community, and families building something they’re proud of. The state’s top ranking isn’t just a feather in our cap—it’s a reminder that what we’re doing here matters.

We listen. We serve. We care.

That’s the Utah way. And the rest of the country is finally catching on.

 

Brought To You By: Rylan Pinarelli RP Real Estate