So is Idaho now. North Carolina, South Carolina or Texas looking better and better. The problem is that these ridiculous real estate and rental costs have an effect on jobs, like teachers. Not everyone can or wants a job in the software industry, and telemarketing companies are having their run right now but as AI continues and the kids taking those jobs get older these companies will move away.

Maybe not in the next 3 to 5 years, but Utah is in for a major reality check by 2025-2027 if the Real Estate values continue to rise. It will drive away many of the younger generations. It will raise taxes and the resistance Utah voters have to pay teachers, teachers will continue to get employed in other states. We may be top 10 in real estate values but we're a lot lower in terms of education. There are many other issues with rapid growth, such as infrastructure.

Not sure there really is anything the government can do about it. I've lived in Utah most of my life but the appeal of cold winters, crappy air quality, traffic jams, overpriced real estate, and crowded canyons is losing quickly any appeal. Moving isn't so easy, but it's something I'm actively searching. My brother lives in North Carolina and loves it. Another brother is moving to Florida or Texas soon. I have a sister in New Hampshire and she makes a great service related income and lives in a nice place.