Utah is often celebrated for its unique combination of stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and quality of life. But now,we have some received some new accolades from the from Best States Rankings in U.S. News and World Report.

Utah was ranked number one in Best States Overall. Several metrics were used in coming up with the overall rating.

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Utah preformed best in economy and fiscal stability, coming in first in those categories. Utah ranked fourth in infrastructure, fifth in education, seventh in health care, fifteenth in crime and corrections and at number twenty in opportunity.

The report showed that Utah had a GDP of $248 billion.

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The only category where Utah wasn't in the top twenty was natural environment, where Utah came in at a puzzling number forty six. The category is ranked based on air and water quality and overall pollution.

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Utah is home to several world-renowned national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. These parks showcase a diverse range of geological formations, from towering red rock cliffs to delicate arches and intricate canyons.

Visit Cedar City.com / Dan Ransom
Visit Cedar City.com / Dan Ransom
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The state offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and more. The diverse terrain provides opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all levels.

Courtesy Utah Highway Patrol via Facebook
Courtesy Utah Highway Patrol via Facebook
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Utah boasts numerous scenic byways that wind through breathtaking landscapes, offering travelers picturesque drives through canyons, mountains, and deserts. The most famous of these is the Scenic Byway 12, which passes through some of the state's most stunning areas right here in our backyard in southern Utah

Many residents and visitors find that Utah's communities are known for their welcoming and friendly atmospheres. This sense of community is often attributed to the state's strong family values and cultural influences.

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While these are just a few factors, Utah's charm lies in its ability to provide a diverse array of experiences, from breathtaking outdoor adventures to cultural enrichment, making it a state that many find pretty great to explore and live in.

And now U.S. News and World Report says we're the best.

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