We chose SW Utah. The west is about elevation. Cedar city where we live is around 5700 ft. South 45 miles, St George is about 2,900 ft. Any day st. george is about 15 degrees hotter than us. We can get over 10,000 feet just a few miles away. Thats like 20 degrees cooler at all times than us. You dont have to go far here to pick your temperature. Gun laws and permits are the best or next to it. The biggest draw for me is all the public BLM or forest service land in all directions. Our thing is trail riding with our ATV`s. Its probley known as the best in the lower 48.
I cant speak to the tax situation compared to other states. I never really researched all the states on that factor. The biggest thing we noticed after leaving southern california is going to the DMV or post office, or soc. sec office. Next to no lines, sometimes its like, where ya been? We been waiting here on ya. Once you get out of the towns its unpopulated and usually public land that you can walk on. I can be in the national parks of Bryce Canyon, Cedar Brakes or Zion in less than a hour. We are a hour and a half from the casinos in mesquite nevada or 3 hours to vegas. I dont need to mention the spectacular scenery.
I wouldnt want to be looking for a job here though. We dont have too much beach property here either.
Lack of beaches won't bother me, as I usually go away to get to them (Bermuda, Hawaii, Jamaica, etc...), but my wife won't want to be living too far from town.
