Outdoor recreation biggest draw for tech workers moving to Utah
Jul 14, 2021, 7:36 AM | Updated: 12:18 pm
President Trump is calling for national parks to re-open, something Governor Gary Herbert supports if done safely and carefully. Meanwhile, local businesses and shops around the parks are eagerly awaiting the return of visitors. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
(PHOTO: Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — The numerous outdoor activities in Utah are the biggest reason tech sector workers are moving to the state, according to a new report.
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah conducted a survey of tech workers in 2021 who relocated to Utah and those who returned to the state after moving away. Nearly 80% say the great outdoors was the main attraction when deciding to move here. More natives who moved back to Utah, 85%, say biking, hiking, skiing, and camping were the precursors to coming home.
“Utah’s outdoors are important to tech sector employees. In fact, access to Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities and wilderness was the most important rated factor for locating or staying in Utah.” @KemGardnerInst https://t.co/VHJEqVGfuw pic.twitter.com/iAX2rr00qB
— Utah.gov (@UtahGov) June 1, 2021
Several respondents say outdoor recreation and access to the wilderness and/or public lands is more important than better pay. The report suggests employers use the appeal of Utah’s natural beauty when wooing prospective candidates from other states.
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