Overview
Sandy is a lively city located in Northern Utah. Just minutes away from Salt Lake City, Sandy offers plenty of entertainment options, ranging from theater performances to nature hikes. With several shopping and dining options nearby, it’s no surprise that Sandy has become a popular retirement destination for active adults.
Climate & Geography
The climate of the Salt Lake City area is officially classified as a cold semi-arid climate, though due to the elevation and proximity to mountains the weather patterns are similar to a humid continental and mediterranean climate. This means the region experiences summers that are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. The city receives less rainfall than average, much more snowfall than average, and more sunny days per year than average. The rainiest months in Sandy are March through May.
Sandy is situated halfway on the slopes of the Wasatch Range on the east side, and halfway in the Salt Lake Valley on the west side, just 17 miles south of Salt Lake City. The East Jordan Canal and Salt Lake City Canal run through Sandy.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Active adults seeking outdoor adventure near Sandy are in luck. Locals can hike on one of the nearby trails, including Mount Olympus Trail and Bells Canyon Trail, to enjoy scenic views overlooking the area. Dimple Dell Regional Park offers opportunities for hiking and biking. Several golf courses in the area offer outdoor recreation for those interested in the sport.
Retirees interested in the performing arts visit the Hale Center Theatre for performances year round. During the summer months, locals can enjoy an outdoor concert at Sandy Amphitheater. Additionally, the area has several events and festivals to offer locals throughout the year. The Shops at South Town, a local mall in Sandy, is the destination for a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Downtown Salt Lake City is less than half an hour away, making it easy for active adults to explore city life when desired.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Sandy is higher than the state and national averages. This is mainly due to the higher cost of housing in Sandy, as utility, transportation, and grocery costs are all below the national average.
Utah is only somewhat tax friendly to retirees as all forms of retirement income including Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement savings accounts are subject to the state's 4.95 percent flat tax rate. Some residents may qualify for a $450 tax credit, but no other exemptions exist. Property taxes, on the other hand, are very low, and there is a homestead exemption and a Circuit Breaker program to reduce this cost even further for retirees who are eligible.
Health Care
Utah ranks extremely high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 5 states to live in the country. The Salt Lake City area ranks in the top 35 communities to live in the country.
There are several health care options in the Sandy area. Alta View Hospital is located within Sandy, and Lone Peak Hospital is located in nearby Draper. University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Utah by U.S. News. The hospital is nationally ranked in one specialty, and rated high performing in three specialties and seven procedures and conditions.