You can’t blame Silicon Valley tech workers who are fleeing California to states like Utah, where there families are safe, the air is clean, and they’re not forced to pay punitive taxation to a state government that cares more about its own political agenda than serving its residents. Jessica Flint explains in The Wall Street Journal why so many tech workers are flocking to Utah’s newly dubbed “Silicon Slopes,” writing:
The U.S.’s hottest job market in 2023 was Utah’s tech sector, nicknamed Silicon Slopes for its proximity to the Wasatch Mountain Range. Heavily concentrated in the state’s north region, startup and established tech companies run about 80 miles from Ogden to Provo, with Salt Lake City in the middle. Roughly halfway between Salt Lake City and Provo is Draper, a city that 30 years ago had a population around 8,500, according to census data. Today, with a population closer to 50,000, Draper has become a preferred place for tech workers to live. Companies in the nearby area include Adobe. “It blew up as a result of the pandemic and work anywhere lifestyle,” says Brett Sellick, an associate broker at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty. Draper has a suburban downtown, but a new multibillion-dollar project called the Point is being developed on 600 acres of state-owned land; it will mix office buildings, housing, retail, entertainment and more.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Draper has more than 6,500 acres of public open space, which equates to about one-third of the city’s total acreage. There are 146 miles of trails and the city maintains 44 parks. It’s also near ski resorts; Snowbird and Alta Ski Area are both only about 15 miles northeast.Top-Tier Schools
Draper’s public Corner Canyon High School is highly-ranked in Utah. Its football team has sent several alumni to the N.F.L. Draper’s excellent private Juan Diego Catholic High School is on a 60 acre campus that also has an elementary school, middle school and daycare.Commuting Convenience
The city has easy access to major roadways, making Draper a favorable crossroads for workers driving in all directions. Salt Lake City and Provo are a bit of a drive; both are about 30 minutes away.Who is buying
Draper is a draw for families who appreciate Utah’s active lifestyle, family values and conservative politics.What they’re buying
Many houses are greater than 4,000 square feet with two floors, a three-car garage and a nice sized yard. Houses are typically newer constructions, as a lot of development in Draper took place from the late 1990s until more recently. There aren’t a lot of modestly sized single family homes.
Action Line: It’s hard to argue that Utah isn’t a vast improvement for these families who work hard, want to keep their money, and want to keep their families safe. If you’re looking for a better America for your family, start your search with Your Survival Guy’s 2024 Super States. Utah is high on my list. In the meantime, click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter. Don’t stop there, though. Tell me about your plan for a better America by emailing me here.
