10 Best Utah Towns For Retirees

Retiring in Utah offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Utah continuously ranks high for safety with lower crime rates and friendlier communities. The state offers retirees a lower cost of living on average especially when retirees choose smaller towns outside major cities. Utah retirees enjoy accessible, high-quality health care and a truly four-season state. Utah provides plenty of natural areas for outdoor activities whether it’s spring, summer, winter, or fall. However, although the state offers tax credits for seniors, it does tax retirement distributions and Social Security. Let's visit the 10 best Utah towns for retirees.

Panguitch

Panquitch city offers retirees a wide variety of outdoor activities year-round. Panquitch is small, but it offers retirees access to several major national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. Additionally, retirees can access the Dixie National Forest. Ride an OHV on trails, fish, boat, swim, and ride horseback on trails all around town. Find community at the local Panguitch Senior Center as well as an active community calendar of events. Attend the Quilt Walk Festival, the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally or the Big Fish Fishing Tournament.

Health care is available in town at the Intermountain Health Center at Garfield Memorial Hospital. Panguitch offers retirees several types of housing options. There are some assisted living and independent living communities in town. The median housing price for July 2025 is $204,000 which is lower than the US National Average.

Big Water

Lake Powell, which straddles Utah and Arizona, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the US, and the tiny town of Big Water is not too far away. It hosts the Big Water Visitor Center, which includes a dinosaur exhibit. Big Water is the perfect retirement location for retirees who enjoy Lake Powell for camping, boating, or houseboat living. The Glen Canyon Dam is nearby (across the border in Arizona) for those hoping to snag the biggest fish.

Retirees looking to live near the lake or in a tiny town love Big Water. The community offers plenty of access to outdoor activities. However, retirees must consider that Big Water does not have a dedicated health care or senior city in town. Retirees comfortable with driving 25 miles to 50 miles for health care will thrive in Big Water. The nearest health care services are nearby in Kanab or St. George. There are numerous retirement living options also located in nearby Kanab or Cedar City. For retirees looking to live in town, the median home price within Big Water is a reasonable $260,000 as of July 2025. Be sure to check the houseboat living options available on Lake Powell as an additional option.

Cedar City

Cedar City is a top retirement location for retirees looking for a mix of mountains and active farmland. Cedar City is near Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Sand Hollow State Park, and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The parks offer outdoor recreation and fascinating geologic scenery with hiking, biking, and camping. Cedar City provides access to nearby trails as well as scenic city parks to take in nature without leaving town.

Retirees in Cedar City enjoy a cost of living that’s 2% lower than the US national average. The lower cost of living often applies to car insurance, utilities, and property taxes, too. Seniors enjoy community activities and access to services at the local Cedar City Senior Center. Health care can be found locally at the Intermountain Health Center Cedar City or the Cedar Valley Medical Clinic. Retirees can find housing at several retirement housing communities and senior apartments. The median home price in Cedar City as of July 2025 is a reasonable $403,000.

Orderville

Orderville is a tiny town on the eastern side of Zion National Park. The town is surrounded by outdoor activities and red rock formations, petroglyphs, and natural beauty. For retirees looking to live in a small community near a variety of national and state parks, Orderville meets the need. Get coffee and breakfast at the Rock Stop on State Street before heading out on the trail. Retirees who enjoy hiking amongst red rock trails will love The Belly of the Dragon trail with its trailhead in Orderville or the Red Hollow Canyon Trailhead nearby.

Orderville is also home to the East Zion Resort with swimming, pickleball courts, and high-end cabins for a luxurious stay. Seniors looking for community activities can find them at the Long Valley Senior Center. Attend events, participate in programs, or join an exercise class or sports group. Health care is available not too far away at Kane County Hospital in Kanab. For retirees, housing options within senior communities exist in nearby Cedar City. The median home price as of July 2025 is a reasonable $337,000.

Marysvale

Marysvale is the ideal retirement destination for retirees who love the desert mountains and rugged landscape of central Utah. Marysvale surrounds residents with mountain views mixed with lower valley deserts. Modern Marysvale offers seniors who love the outdoors, nearly endless trails for hiking, biking, and off-roading. Take the ATV up to the famous Paiute ATV Trail. Enjoy water activities including fishing in the Sevier River. Marysvale’s mining past can be viewed along the Miner’s Park Historical Trail and includes more than 16 displays of mining equipment, cabins, and reconstructed work sites.

Marysvale attracts retirees looking for a lower cost of living and reasonably affordable housing. The rural location lowers the overall cost of living for healthy seniors. Marysvale does not yet offer seniors the services of a local senior center. Seniors looking for community and services can drive to either nearby Fillmore or Richfield. There is no local health care, but there are multiple options available with a 25-mile drive. The Intermountain Servier Valley Hospital in Richfield is the closest full-service hospital system. There are limited senior housing options in town but are available in Fillmore or Richfield. The median home price as of July 2025 is reasonable at around $400,000, depending on one's sources.

Kanab

Kanab is a popular town for retirees. Kanab is located along the Arizona state line. Retirees enjoy bird, bunny, horse, dog, and cat watching at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Book a tour or be a volunteer to help take care of the wild variety of animals at Best Friends. Retirees in Kanab can access the nearby Zion National Park or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Take a trail on foot or by bike. Try The Bunting Trail for a 4-mile trail with exceptional views of the Vermillion Cliffs.

Kanab is a rural town perfect for seniors looking for community. Find community at the Kanab Senior Center or meet up at the local businesses like the Kanab Creek Bakery or the Rocking V Cafe. Health care is available locally at the Kane County Hospital or at Revere Health Family Medicine. Kanab includes several independent and retirement communities. The median housing price as of July 2025 is $429,000.

Nephi

Nephi is a popular city for retirees. Nephi is only a 90-minute drive to Salt Lake City. Retirees living in Nephi enjoy the small-town feel and more affordable cost of living. At the same time, they are close to the big city amenities of Salt Lake City. Nephi has a low tax rate and provides a lower-than-average cost of living. For seniors looking to buy a home, the median home price as of July 2025 is $443,000.

For a smaller town, Nephi offers seniors access to outdoor recreation as well as a tight-knit community and a thriving downtown center. Retirees looking to enjoy nature can access the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Adventurous retirees can take to the skies at Skydive the Wasatch or take in a game of golf at the Canyon Hills Golf Course. For a quieter experience take a long walk at Nephi City Park. Take a drive down the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway or play in the dunes at the nearby Little Sahara Recreation Area. Seniors can find community and resources at the East Juab Senior Citizens Center. Health care is available locally at the Central Valley Medical Center.

Providence

Providence is a small, welcoming community that sits not too far away from the Millville Face Wildlife Management Area and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. The Wellsville Mountains frame Providence. Retirees choosing Providence can explore the Wellsville Mountains including 17 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Deep Canyon to Coldwater Canyon Loop is an exceptional and challenging trail that brings hikers up to the summit of several peaks.

Providence is near Utah State University, making it the optimal place for retirees, students, and university staff. The university adds opportunities for seniors looking for employment or a place to volunteer or learn. Health care is available in town at several locations including South Cache Valley Clinic and Health West - Providence Clinic. Seniors may want to consider looking into housing at the new Providence Springs 55+ plus community. For more housing options, visit nearby Logan for more options. The median home price as of July 2025 is high at $504,000.

Syracuse

Syracuse is perfect for retirees looking for a small-town community with access to the outdoors and still near enough to Ogden and Salt Lake City to take advantage of amenities. Syracuse sits nearby the Great Salt Lake itself with miles of trails for any experience level. Retirees in Syracuse enjoy the peace and quiet of a rural town that’s safe and friendly. Seniors take advantage of book clubs, local museums, lakes, ponds, and enjoyable city parks.

Health care is available in town at Intermountain Health Syracuse or at the Tanner Clinic. Seniors can find community, programs, and focused recreational programs nearby in the city of Clearfield at the North Davis Senior Center. For retirees not on a budget, Syracuse offers small town living without missing the added benefits of being near a larger city. The proximity to city living raises the median home price in the area to $580,000. The city does offer several assisted living and retirement community options.

Farmington

Farmington is a picturesque town that offers wonderful views of the Wasatch Mountains and sits between the large cities of Ogden and Salt Lake City. The proximity raises the quality of life, access to amenities, and unfortunately, increases the cost of living. Retirees with a healthy or above-average retirement income find the beauty and peacefulness of the area worth the price. Enjoy festivals in town, such as Farmington Festival Days, and see why this is such a welcoming and friendly community.

The community is mature and offers retirees plenty of space and neighborhoods lined with mature trees. The center of town provides shopping and local restaurants, including Vessel Kitchen and Bartolo’s Station Park. In town is also the Lagoon Amusement Park for visiting grandchildren or seniors looking for a summer swim. Seniors can get outdoors on a variety of nearby trails and bird watch, ski, fish, or enjoy the colorful daily sunset. Seniors can utilize the services and programs at the city’s Active Aging program for seniors aged 60 and above. Local health care options are available at the University of Utah Farmington Health Center. Retirees can choose from a variety of senior housing options, like independent retirement communities or assisted living options. The median home price in Farmington as of July 2025 is high at $679,000.

Retiring in Utah has several advantages, including accessible and affordable health care, especially in these 10 best Utah towns for retirees. The cost of living varies depending on the city’s size. Seniors looking for more affordable housing will find plenty of rural and small towns that offer lower-than-average rent or home prices. Retirees looking for big city amenities must plan to pay for a higher cost of living. Utah is a wonderful retirement location for retirees looking for easy access to a variety of outdoor activities and a peaceful but connected community.