As you consider a move to Utah and joining Waterford’s teaching faculty or staff, we can help highlight some important factors to examine. Rest assured that the Waterford School human resources and school leadership are here to help you and your family every step of the way in the transition to Utah.
According to the most recent census data, Utah ranks number 9 on the list of states with the highest percentage growth. From 2022 to 2023, Utah grew 1.1% year-over-year. There are a variety of reasons that families are flocking to the Beehive State. Whether it is for job opportunities in Utah’s growing economy or to have immediate access to the outdoors, the Wasatch front provides a robust and fulfilling lifestyle.
Utah’s state motto, “industry,” was officially adopted in 1959, and the motto still rings true today. Not surprisingly, Utah ranks #1 in US News’s state economy rankings. Waterford employees may find themselves among many moving to Utah for job opportunities. With a favorable business start-up environment, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the greater Salt Lake area.
Waterford’s campus is centrally located in Sandy. Waterford attracts employees and families from the reaches of Farmington in the north, Park City in the east, and Utah County in the south. As an independent school removed from district lines, Waterford celebrates the richness in diversity of students coming from various places.
In 2023, Utah was ranked as the happiest state in the United States. It is no surprise, given the vast opportunities for outdoor recreation. Utah boasts 5 National Parks and 15 world-class ski resorts, and Utah snow is known as “The Greatest Snow on Earth” by ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Within the state, Utah remarkably has over 20,000 miles of mapped, hikeable trails. From hikes to river rafting to cross-country skiing, there is a hobby for everyone.
Situated at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Waterford’s campus enjoys a stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. In fact, you’ll hear members of the Waterford community refer to the Wasatch Mountains as an extension of our campus. And rightfully so—Waterford students participate in Ski and Ride programs at Snowbird, and the Middle and Upper School Outdoor Programs set off on regular excursions in the mountains. Even the Murray Science Center is intentionally designed in parallel harmony with the mountain range, serving as a visual reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the land. You’ll find many members of our faculty and staff possess a profound passion for the outdoors and have developed hobbies that allow them to immerse themselves in the adventurous outdoors when not on campus.
Utah has a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theater, concert venues, sports venues, and festivals taking place throughout the year. Perhaps the most famous is the Sundance Film Festival, which attracts artists, creatives, and film enthusiasts from around the world. Utahns can enjoy a basketball game with the Utah Jazz, a soccer match with Real Salt Lake, or a baseball game with the Salt Lake Bees. Looking toward the future, there’s movement toward a Salt Lake MLB team and NHL team. Salt Lake City is also slated as a preferred host for the 2034 Olympic Games.
In the tradition of the liberal arts, Waterford students partake in the richness of Utah’s cultural offerings as they study performing arts, visual arts, athletics, science, math, and the humanities. It would not be unusual to see a Waterford student leaving the photo lab dark room, with a lacrosse bag on one shoulder and their violin in the other hand. Waterford is a place for students to dive into the liberal arts and expand their curiosity.
If you have questions about a professional opportunity currently available at Waterford School or would like to learn more about the stunning and rapidly growing city of Salt Lake, feel free to reach out to our Director of Human Resources, Hallie Carpenter.