• The luxury ski hub of Park City is the most expensive city in Utah.
• It's home to world-class skiing, slope-side mansions, and five-star public bathrooms.
• I spotted signs of wealth all around Park City, from the downtown area to the ski slopes.

In Park City, Utah, large estates dot world-class ski slopes on epic mountain ranges, locals are decked out in expensive winter sports gear, and the richest of residents have spas in their houses and more bathrooms than bedrooms.

The 20-square-mile ski town east of Salt Lake City has 8,000 residents, many of whom live in luxury.

According to a Realtor.com study published in April, 84060 (Park City) is the most expensive ZIP code in the state, with a median listing price of roughly $3.5 million.

I spent one day in Park City in January to get a taste of how millionaires live and vacation in this popular ski hub. Wandering from the downtown streets to the slopes, I clocked five signs of wealth.

Perhaps the most obvious sign of wealth in Park City, Utah, is the ski-in, ski-out housing.

Park City's most expensive listing on Realtor.com is a $39 million mansion with 9 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and ski-in, ski-out access.

Real-estate agent Derrik Carlson, who has lived in Park City for over 20 years and began selling homes in the area in 2012, told me that many of his clients buy houses in the Colony and Deer Valley, as well as the Canyons, located in Park City's 84098 ZIP code. All three neighborhoods are popular choices for incoming residents who want direct access to the slopes.

"You just go right out the door and pop on your skis, and you're on the slopes," he said.

The luxury amenities in these homes go beyond skiing. Many have lap pools, spas with saunas and massage rooms, and even movie theaters.

It might not scream wealth like a fleet of fancy cars, but the free public transit felt like a luxury you wouldn't find just anywhere.

Living in NYC, free public transportation is a luxury I'm not used to. In addition to the city's free bus system, I found another costless ride that felt like an activity.

At the St. Regis Deer Valley, a free funicular takes patrons to the slopes at Deer Valley Mountain Resort. And you don't have to be a hotel guest to use it.

I marveled at the views as the wide-windowed car trekked up the mountain. At the top, there was an outdoor lounge overlooking the slopes. From the deck with firepits and glass walls, skiers sliding down the trails looked like toy action figures in the distance.

In downtown Park City, I found more upscale public amenities.

Downtown Park City was full of shops, restaurants, and public courtyards where I found large, electric lit firepits that were round and made of stone. Wide benches surrounded each pit.

It was a pleasant place to warm up and rest.

I also saw a public bathroom in downtown Park City — a rarity for a New Yorker. Although I didn't go inside, I checked Google Maps and found that most public restrooms in Park City have five-star reviews.

I also saw private dining globes on outdoor restaurant decks.

Winters are harsh in Park City, so it made sense to me that the wealthy would want to enjoy the views without the weather. Park City has many restaurants with private, heated igloos and Alpenglobes. These enclosed spaces are designed to give guests views of the mountains and night skies while feasting with friends and family.

The experience isn't cheap. The Alpenglobes I saw at Butcher's Chop House & Bar cost about $100 to book, with a minimum dinner bill of $500, according to the restaurant's website.

If dinner in a globe isn't your vibe, you'll find plenty of fine dining establishments along Main Street.

The downtown area also housed luxury boutiques and celebrity-loved shops.

The downtown streets were lined with art galleries and upscale boutique stores selling fashion lines from international designers, locally made goods, and luxury furniture and decor.

The store I instantly recognized was Kemo Sabe — a celebrity-loved western apparel brand with other stores in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Texas.

Kemo Sabe is best known for its hats that cost up to $900, as seen on icons from the Kardashians to Rihanna and Shania Twain. The hats can cost thousands with customizations like leather and diamond bands.

In Park City, it's almost impossible to forget you're in a wealth enclave.

After spending just one day in the affluent ski town, I found signs of wealth and luxury around nearly every corner.

EXCLUSIVE: As Republican state financial officers across the country move to rid the government of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social  and governance (ESG), Fox News Digital spoke to Utah’s state treasurer about the importance of bringing meritocracy and fiduciary responsibility back to markets and investments. 

"ESG introduces another motive or another motivation to address societal issues through the capital markets or through investment, and when you do that, you violate the fiduciary standards that all of us as financial officers are committed to," Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks told Fox News Digital at the State Financial Officers Foundation conference in Orlando, Florida. 

"And, so, because of that dual mandate, you really have problems when you're managing money for other people. If a single person wants to do it or a family wants to invest their money that way, that's their choice. But when you are managing money for other people, we don't have that choice. We have an obligation to do what's in their financial best interest."

Oaks has been at the forefront of the fight against ESG, an investing principle critics say companies and institutions utilize to enact "woke" agendas, authoring several letters on the subject. 

WHITE HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS OVER $2B IN SAVINGS FROM DEI CUTS DURING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S FIRST 100 DAYS

"When you talk about managing money for the benefit of other people, which is what a lot of state treasurers do, we have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the beneficiary," Oaks explained. "So, we have the duty of loyalty and a duty of care.

"And it is really focused on the financial outcomes for the beneficiaries. They are depending on this money for their retirement, and, so, it is our financial obligation or fiduciary obligation to act in their best interests."

Oaks said firefighters, teachers and police officers who depend on state pensions end up being harmed when states or companies are investing based on factors other than protecting investors. 

DEI IS DEAD. HERE'S WHAT SHOULD COME NEXT

"ESG introduces another motive or another motivation to address societal issues through the capital markets or through investment, and when you do that, you violate the fiduciary standards that all of us as financial officers are committed to," Oaks said. 

Oaks and the other Republicans at the SFOF conference have also been vocal opponents of DEI measures and praised President Trump for his efforts to roll back DEI in government. 

Oaks told Fox News Digital ESG and DEI are closely related and that his opposition to DEI also links back to the desire to do what's best for shareholders in his state.

"DEI — diversity, equity, inclusion — that's really the S portion, the social portion of ESG, and, again, it's important because a lot of the push by activist folks in the financial markets is to push an agenda onto corporate America, to have them adopt policies at companies that really are not in the best interest of the companies. And companies have a fiduciary obligation to their shareholders," Oaks said. 

"When they introduce things like DEI, you change hiring practices, not for merit-based, it moves to other discriminatory hiring practices and ultimately harms companies and their financial output. And, so, that ultimately harms the teachers, the firefighters, the police officers that you're trying to help with their retirement."

Oaks was one of two dozen state financial officers who sent a letter in March to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), asset managers, proxy advisors and public companies, sounding the alarm on the financial risk of prioritizing a political agenda, like DEI, over financial returns. 

Oaks told Fox News Digital that when DEI is introduced at the state financial officer level, "we are potentially introducing financial harm." 

"And we've seen that with companies like Target, like Bud Light, you know, other companies that have adopted policies that are not in the financial best interest of the shareholders. They have harmed the shareholder value, and that ultimately harms the outcomes that these hardworking public servants and teachers, et cetera, that have worked so hard, retire with the money that they need."

Fox News Digital's Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, introduced a bill aimed at criminalizing pornography and defining what is obscene and what is not.

Lee and Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) for all states, which, if passed, would make it illegal to transmit obscene content across state lines while also making it easier to prosecute.

"Obscenity isn’t protected by the First Amendment, but hazy and unenforceable legal definitions have allowed extreme pornography to saturate American society and reach countless children," Lee said in a news release. "Our bill updates the legal definition of obscenity for the internet age so this content can be taken down and its peddlers prosecuted."

The IODA attempts to clarify the definition of obscenity in all states and gives updated descriptions that are suited to modern content.

LAWS PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ONLINE PORN ARE WINNING IN SOME STATES AS ACTIVISTS PUSH NATIONWIDE SOLUTION

Specifically, the new definition removes the current law’s dependence on ever-changing and elusive public opinion and replaces it with practical standards that make obscenity identifiable, according to Lee’s team.

Lee and Miller could not be reached by Fox News Digital for comment on their proposed bill.

The current legal definition of obscenity originated from a 1973 Supreme Court case, and the standards are subjective and vague, making it difficult to apply to any material.

PORNHUB SHUTS DOWN WEBSITE IN TEXAS AFTER GETTING SUED UNDER AGE VERIFICATION LAW

Because the pre-internet standards are so vague, they often present challenges in court when it comes to defining what is obscene and ultimately allow "criminals to evade prosecution," the press release said.

Lee’s IODA defines "obscenity" within the Communications Act of 1934 and "appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion."

PORNHUB PARENT COMPANY SUED BY TEXAS AG FOR FAILING TO VERIFY USERS' AGES

The bill also "depicts, describes or represents actual or simulated sex acts" intended to "arouse, titillate or gratify" a person’s sexual desires. Adding to that, the bill identifies obscene material as that which "lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value."

The IODA also removes the "intent" requirement, which only prohibits the transmission of obscene material for the purpose of abusing, threatening or harassing an individual.

"The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act equips law enforcement with the tools they need to target and remove obscene material from the internet, which is alarmingly destructive and far outside the bounds of protected free speech under the Constitution," Miller said. 

"I’m proud to lead this effort in the House with Sen. Lee to safeguard American families and ensure this dangerous material is kept out of our homes and off our screens."

Two Democrat-run cities in the Rockies are skirting state laws dictating which flags can be flown on government property, according to The Associated Press – and are granting particular attention to the LGBTQ Pride flag.

Utah and Idaho both have laws on the books barring government buildings from flying most flags, save for a select few – like the American flag and military flags. Utah's law went into effect Wednesday.

UTAH BANS LGBTQ+ PRIDE FLAGS, MAGA FLAGS, OTHER UNAPPROVED FLAGS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, SCHOOLS

In an eleventh-hour bid to circumvent the coming restrictions, Salt Lake City adopted four flags Tuesday: its existing flag, as well as modified versions of the Progress Pride, Transgender Pride and Juneteenth flags – each including the city's signature sego lily. 

They were presented by Mayor Erin Mendenhall for adoption via ordinance, explained her spokesperson, Andrew Wittenberg, to Fox News Digital. 

"My sincere intent is not to provoke or cause division," Mendenhall said, according to The AP. 

"My intent is to represent our city's values and honor our dear diverse residents who make up this beautiful city and the legacy of pain and progress that they have endured," she continued.

Violators of the Utah law, which Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, allowed to pass without his signature, can be fined $500 per day. The law's supporters maintain that it's a matter of institutions maintaining political neutrality.

STATE DEPARTMENT BLOCKS PRIDE, BLM FLAGS FROM EMBASSIES, OUTPOSTS WITH 'ONE FLAG POLICY'

"This law is about keeping government spaces neutral and welcoming to all," Republican House Speaker Mike Schultz said. "Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political theatrics."

Meanwhile, in Boise, Idaho, Mayor Lauren McLean issued a proclamation last week retroactively designating the pride flag as an official city flag.

McLean has maintained that the Idaho law is not sound – and has even flown the pride flag over City Hall after it was enacted.

McLean has yet to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

McLean and Mendenhall spoke Monday night to discuss their cities' respective plans, though Wittenberg stressed to Fox News Digital that there was "no prior or additional coordination" between the cities' officials.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

• US News & World Report ranked the best states to live in the US in 2025.
• It weighed 71 metrics across eight categories, including education, healthcare, crime, and nature.
• Utah was named the best state to live in the US for the third year in a row.

Where you live is one of the biggest decisions of your life.

People choose where to put down roots for all sorts of reasons — whether it's to cut costs, find better jobs, enjoy nature, or have greater access to public transportation.

Finding the right place isn't always easy, but data can make it a whole lot simpler. Each year, US News & World Report ranks all 50 states based on factors including their economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, crime, and their natural environment. Researchers considered 71 different metrics to rank the best state to live in.

In 2025, most of the best states to live in were in the Midwest and New England. Utah took the top spot for the third year in a row, with New Hampshire close behind at number two for the second straight year. Idaho moved up to third from its 2024 position, while Minnesota held steady at fourth. South Dakota was the only new addition to the top 10.

Despite the South's booming economy and long-standing reputation for affordability and job growth, Florida was the only southern state to make the list. This may signal a broader shift in the region's appeal, as market forces, as well as political and social shifts, continue to reshape the cost of living, school systems, and culture of the South.

Read on for more about the 10 best states to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. While each state has strengths and areas to improve, many offer good schools and hospitals, strong public safety, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

The population data is from the US Census.

10. Washington

Population: 7,958,180

Known for: Economic opportunities driven by Seattle's tech sector often draw new residents to Washington. The Pacific Northwest's ample landscapes and outdoor recreational activities are appealing, too.

Erin Sanchez said she found the best of both worlds in her Seattle suburb in a Business Insider essay published in December 2024.

"We live on a quiet street where the towns of Covington and Maple Valley meet, and suburban life blends with nature. We have ample space for a garden, and hiking and biking trails are minutes away," Sanchez wrote.

Ranked high for: Natural environment (7th out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Opportunity (40th out of 50 states)

9. Massachusetts

Population: 7,136,171

Known for: With major universities, world-class hospitals, and a bustling tech innovation sector concentrated in Boston, Massachusetts' economy is a major draw for residents.

In 2019, writer Jamie Evan Bichelman moved to Boston with his partner. He ultimately moved to the nearby suburb of Sudbury to save on housing. Boston's job opportunities were an important stepping stone.

"Despite the downsides we experienced, we have a lot to thank Boston for, too. We grew into adulthood and advanced our careers there," Bichelman wrote in a 2024 Business Insider essay.

Ranked high for: Healthcare (second out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Infrastructure (39th out of 50 states)

8. South Dakota

Population: 924,669

Known for: Affordable, family-friendly towns with unspoiled access to nature are a major draw for residents of South Dakota.

Single mom Kseniya Melnikova moved to South Dakota from New York City with her daughter in 2023.

"Nature here is less curated and more accessible. Parks are protected as wild zones rather than meticulously manicured gardens, fostering a more symbiotic relationship with nature and wildlife," Melnikova wrote for Business Insider in an essay published in April of 2024.

Ranked high for: Infrastructure (second out of 50 states)

Ranked high for: Healthcare (46th out of 50 states)

7. Vermont

Population: 648,493

Known for: Abundant space, small-town charm, and relatively affordable housing have attracted people to Vermont.

In 2024, Taylor and Tatum Barnes left their Brooklyn studio for a one-bedroom home on 2.6 acres in Hartford, Vermont, near Dartmouth College.

The millennial couple paid $160,000.

"Compared to New York City, the mortgage is half that of what we paid for rent," Tatum said.

Ranked high for: Opportunity (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Fiscal stability (41st out of 50 states)

6. Florida

Population: 23,372,215

Known for: Living in a tropical, palm-treed paradise year-round is one reason Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the US. Five of its metropolitan areas — including Orlando and Panama City — experienced some of the biggest population increases in the country last year.

Data analyst Allie Hubers and her husband moved from the Midwest to Destin, Florida. "We still can't believe we live 10 minutes from the ocean, let alone some of the best beaches in the US," she wrote in an essay for Business Insider published in April.

Ranked high for: Economy (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Opportunity (47th out of 50 states)

5. Nebraska

Population: 2,005,465

Known for: While Pawnee, Nebraska, recently announced a program that pays people to move there, other parts of the Cornhusker State need no such incentives.

Native Nebraskan Bill MacKenzie told Business Insider in 2024 that he and his husband looked at retiring to California, Florida Texas, and Arizona, but couldn't find a place that fit their budget and tastes. They chose to spend part of the year in Nebraska and part in Mexico.

Ranked high for: Infrastructure (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Economy (29th out of 50 states)

4. Minnesota

Population: 5,793,151

Known for: Being the "land of 10,000 lakes."

Amena Ahmed moved to Minneapolis from Ewing, New Jersey, in 2019 for college and stayed put after graduating. She found that she enjoyed hanging out at the lake more than at the beach.

"But I've grown to love these freshwater lakes way more than 'real' ocean beaches," she said in 2023. "The privacy and calm environment make the experience way more enjoyable than what I'm used to on the Jersey Shore, which feels less clean and more hectic."

Ranked high for: Opportunity (seventh out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Economy (28th out of 50 states)

3. Idaho

Population: 2,001,619

Known for: Idaho may be synonymous with potatoes to the uninitiated, but it has a lot more to offer. The state is climbing in favorability, up from the fifth spot on the 2024 list of best states to live in.

A family that moved from California to Idaho found it clean and quiet, with good school options for kids.

Ranked high for: Economy (fourth out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Education (29th out of 50 states)

2. New Hampshire

Population: 1,409,032

Known for: The "Granite State" has picturesque landscapes and relatively little crime.

Business Insider contributor Kelly Burch moved to rural New Hampshire after living in a Boston suburb and has found it a better place to raise her children.

"Our small town has a very close community made up equally of people who grew up here and transplants like us," she wrote in 2024.

Ranked high for: Crime and corrections (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Fiscal stability (37th out of 50 states)

1. Utah

Population: 3,503,613

Known for: Utah yet again took the number one spot as the best state to live, according to US News & World Report's rankings.

It has a range of places to live, from Salt Lake City, with a population of over 200,000, and more quaint towns like Midway, a popular ski destination.

A millennial mom who moved to Salt Lake City from San Diego said the costs of living and childcare were lower; she was drawn to Utah's natural beauty, safety, and family-friendliness.

Best at: Fiscal stability (first out of 50 states)

Worst at: Opportunity (19th out of 50 states)

• I've traveled to all 50 states and love exploring the country's lesser-known state parks.
• Letchworth State Park in New York and Matthiessen State Park in Illinois have gorgeous waterfalls.
• Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park feels like stepping into another world.

National parks have never been more popular, with record-breaking visitation in 2024. I understand why so many people flock to these iconic landscapes to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

However, after traveling solo to all 63 US national parks and all 50 states, I've discovered that some of the most stunning and underrated places aren't part of the national park system — they're state parks.

These hidden gems offer the same beauty, adventure, and solitude, often without the crowds, reservations, or permit hassles that come with national park visits. Here are some of my favorites.

Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin has something for everyone.

Despite being Wisconsin's most-visited state park, I find that many people I talk to don't know about Devil's Lake in Baraboo. However, it's my favorite of Wisconsin's 50 state parks.

In my opinion, the park's East and West Bluff trails offer some of the best panoramic views in the Midwest. Additionally, the massive rock formations — like Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway — make it a favorite for hikers and rock climbers alike.

Beyond the cliffs, the park offers kayaking, swimming, and peaceful lakeside picnic areas, making it a perfect year-round destination.

Letchworth State Park in New York is home to stunning waterfalls.

Often nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park is a natural wonder where the Genesee River carves through a deep gorge, creating three stunning waterfalls framed by towering cliffs.

With 66 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, Letchworth is a paradise for nature lovers.

The park is especially magical in the fall, with its vibrant autumn foliage, making it one of the most spectacular leaf-peeping destinations in the Northeast.

Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

West Virginia is another one of my favorite states for outdoor recreation. Its state park system is full of gems, but I always recommend visiting Coopers Rock State Forest.

I love hiking in this park or simply enjoying a sunset at Coopers Rock Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the Cheat River Gorge.

The park also has many unique rock formations scattered throughout the forest along the miles of scenic trails.

Matthiessen State Park in Illinois feels magical.

Matthiessen State Park is a hidden gem known for its dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls, and towering forests, creating a stunning, almost magical landscape.

With peaceful trails and fewer crowds than nearby Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen is a must-visit for nature lovers in the Midwest. I especially love visiting in the fall to enjoy the changing foliage.

Visiting Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park feels like stepping into another world.

When visiting Utah, many travelers aim to see one (or all) of the state's "Mighty Five" national parks. However, Utah is also home to 46 state parks — my favorite being Kodachrome Basin.

Just over 20 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin feels like stepping into another world entirely.

The less-crowded landscape is a stunning mix of red, orange, and yellow hues, and striking "sand pipes" — tall, thin spires of rock that the park is known for.

Hike, camp, or drive through the rock formations of this hidden gem park for a peaceful adventure.

Eldorado Canyon is one of my favorite state parks in Colorado.

With four major national parks and over 40 state parks, Colorado is known for outdoor recreation. However, I've found that, outside of the locals, many people don't know about one of my favorite places to visit — Eldorado Canyon State Park.

Just 9 miles outside Boulder, the park is known for its dramatic canyon views, rock climbing, and scenic hiking trails. Its towering golden sandstone cliffs make it one of the top climbing destinations in the US, with over 500 routes.

Visitors can also choose to cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter months.

• Carrie Kirby, now 51, is married but opted to celebrate turning 50 with a girls-only trip to Utah.
• They went canyoneering and horseback riding — two things her husband has no interest in.
• Having traveled with her husband for three decades, she now sees the benefits of taking separate trips.

As newlyweds in our 20s, my husband and I backpacked from Beijing to Paris, spending 14 weeks riding trains, buses, and boats. We were good travel partners. But as we've grown older, our travel desires have diverged: I itch for more adventure, while he prefers vacations spent reading and sketching.

For my 50th birthday, instead of coaxing my husband to join me on a hiking trip to a national park, I invited our 20-year-old daughter, who loves active adventures as much as I do. We also brought along a family friend — who, like me, left her husband behind.

The three of us headed to Utah to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. Along the way, I sent my artistic husband plenty of photos of the red cliffs against the blue sky.

He would have hated it all

When we won the permit lottery to hike up Zion's 1,488-foot rock formation, Angels Landing, I knew going with the girls had been the right choice — my husband has always been scared of heights. With narrow paths and sheer drop-offs, Angels Landing is considered one of the most terrifying hikes in America.

The four-hour trek to Angels Landing begins with Walter's Wiggles, a series of strenuous switchbacks. Once we entered the formation's upper section, we scrambled over rocks and tiptoed down paths only a few feet wide. The river snaking through the canyon below looked like the view from an airplane.

I have to admit I was a little shaky when I came to the short sections with no chains to clutch. My husband wouldn't have been scared at all — because he'd have turned back miles earlier.

We also signed up for another of my husband's most hated activities: horseback riding. We descended into the Bryce Canyon on mules and ponies, hoping they wouldn't lose their footing as we enjoyed intimate views of the park's famous hoodoos.

We went canyoneering as well, donning harnesses and helmets to rappel into otherwise inaccessible slot canyons. Stepping backward off a cliff edge to walk our way down, "Spider-Man" style was a lot of fun for us girls. For my husband? Canyoneering would have been another huge nope.

Breaking routines and learning new skills

During our adventures, the girls and I laughed and told stories nonstop. Although I love my husband, my spirit basked in the pause from everyday squabbles and responsibilities. Had he been there, I'd have put a full dinner on the table nightly. But with just us girls, we ate hummus straight from the container for dinner when we felt like it.

I married at 24 and have been a wife for more than half my life. One thing that happens when you couple young is specialization. When we travel together, my husband does most of the driving. On this trip and a few others, I've been able to improve my driving skills, although I still need to learn to change a tire on my own.

Now that our three kids are teens or young adults, my husband and I are discovering what great travel companions they are — each one shares different interests with us, including some we don't share with each other.

Last month, my husband took the two younger kids to visit our oldest in her college town for a hockey game — something that would've bored me to tears, but they all loved it.

Traveling separately has not only let us each pursue what we truly enjoy without guilt, but it's also practical: I'm self-employed with flexible time, while he has limited vacation, and with two kids still in high school, solo trips let one of us travel during the school year without leaving them alone.

It has strengthened our relationship

When friends and family find out one of us isn't coming on a trip, they often ask "Why?" I'm sure some worry that our separate wanderings mean we're headed for divorce.

In reality, our his-and-her trips have been a relationship boon. After 27 years of going through the same daily schedules together, we don't usually have a lot to say that the other hasn't heard before. Travel gives us new stories to share.

The night my daughter and I got home from our Utah adventure, my husband had a hot meal on the table and was excited to sit down and view photos.

"You have got to see this!" I found myself saying as we shared the view of Zion's towering walls. I told him how good the icy Virgin River water felt on our bare feet near The Narrows, and he said he'd love to experience that.

And maybe next time, we'll travel together. We could sign up for a bike tour — his favorite active pursuit — and skip the steep hikes.

Do you have a story to share about celebrating your 50th birthday? Contact the editor at [email protected].

I'm not a mom, but that doesn't stop TikTok and Instagram from thinking I am, or at least assuming I'm interested in what moms are doing. I scroll past a day in the life of a wealthy stay-at-home mom in New York City shuttling kids around Manhattan or moms of multiples corralling triplets into matching outfits and then into car seats in minivans — cribs, bottles, onesies, all in threes. Parents hold newborns up to the camera; the babies are captivated by their own image in selfie mode, staring with big, glassy eyes as their moms talk to their followers.

Family and child influencers, which grew from the original online network of mommy bloggers in the 2000s, are constantly finding their way onto For You pages. The influencer economy is worth $250 billion, and parent and child influencers claim a sizable slice of that pie. Top earners like Ryan's World — the channel of a YouTuber who rose to fame at age 3 unboxing toys on camera — have raked in as much as $35 million a year. In a 2023 Morning Consult survey, 57% of Gen Z respondents said they wanted to be influencers.

The trend of kids playing influencer has gotten so unwieldy over the past two decades that lawmakers across the country are stepping in and attempting to regulate it. The trend started in 2023, and since, California, Utah, Minnesota, and Illinois have passed laws that mandate kids receive compensation in a trust if they appear in about one-third of someone's monetized content or if the poster hits a certain income threshold from their content. Some give the children the right to demand the content be deleted when they become adults. Half a dozen or so more states are drafting their own bills. It's a move that recognizes content creation as labor and not amateur home videos capturing kids being kids.

The laws are bolstered by the most heinous examples of parents abusing the children they force to perform in monetized videos. Shari Franke's recently published memoir, "The House of My Mother," is a look inside one of the most insidious cases of a parent exploiting children in a drive for online fame, one that involved abuse and the introduction of an abusive life coach into their family in Utah (her mother, Ruby Franke, is serving prison time for four counts of aggravated child abuse). Their family's story became a major driving force behind the Utah law, which is set to take effect in May. Some parents have sold photos of their children in revealing outfits to men online, running Instagram accounts for their young daughters. A new Netflix docuseries, "Bad Influence," alleges that the "momager" Tiffany Smith became verbally and physically abusive and forced preteens to work alongside her daughter for long hours to create YouTube content. (Some of the other former stars involved in the content settled a $1.85 million lawsuit with Smith last year. Smith's daughter, Piper Rockelle, has denied the claims that her mother was abusive, and Smith said the docuseries showed a "false narrative.")

For all the good intentions the laws bring, they lack teeth. There's no enforcing body, critics say: The kid-fluencers would need to first know the laws exist and then have the resources to sue for their money once they turn 18 if their parents didn't set up trusts. The laws require people to keep records of the content they created, compensation received, and what they deposited into accounts for their children. Even if there's recourse to sue your parents, it's likely to make coming home for the holidays more than awkward, and grown children of influencers may take these steps only in the most extreme circumstances. Even as the trend shows lawmakers want to do something about child influencers, they largely don't address questions about whether children can or should consent to spending hours in front of a ring light or unboxing toys.

"It's so tricky because on the one hand, these children are engaged in labor and deserve to be compensated for their labor," Sara Petersen, the author of "Momfluenced," tells me in an email. "But on the other hand, should these children be engaged in such labor?"

Petersen says the laws could normalize child labor and pave the way for children to be seen as employees of their parents, which could lead to more harm. As natural as influencing may look to the viewer, Petersen says, it's really "the performance of a self," which blurs the line between public and private aspects of life, even for adults. "I don't think children are capable of the kind of psychological compartmentalization necessary in professional influencing, nor do I think they should be asked to be," she adds.

Illinois was the first to pass such a law, which took effect in July, quickly followed by California. They take similar approaches: Content creators must set aside portions of earnings from content in which children appear and put it into a trust for when the kids turn 18. They're modeled largely on the Coogan Law, which mandates child actors' employers keep 15% of the kids' income in a trust their parents can't touch (some of the state laws use this 15% figure, while others require more income to be set aside). Utah passed its own law in March, which stipulates children receive pay for the time they're featured if the accounts rake in more than $150,000 in a year. Utah has been a hub for mom influencers and tradwives. Women there, many of whom are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, show an idealistic version of home life and traditional gender norms, sometimes as a way to subtly evangelize their faith online, but also to monetize their roles as homemakers. Now the state is pivoting toward regulating how children use and are seen on the internet — both with the new kid-fluencer protections and with a new ban on smartphones and smartwatches in schools.

The biggest swing among the laws comes from Minnesota, where children under the age of 14 won't be able to "work" in content come July. The new law there defines working as appearing in more than 30% of compensated content; if parents break this rule, children are entitled to sue for all the money made from the content. Those 14 and older who make their own content get to keep all the money under the law. The feasibility of the laws will be put to test in the courts if children grow up and do bring lawsuits, but Allison Fitzpatrick, a partner at the New York law firm Davis+Gilbert who represents brands that hire influencers, says "parents better start following these laws," adding: "At some point, their child can sue them if they do not take these steps."

Influencing has ballooned in the past decade and become a way to get work outside the traditional market. Before the last century, children always worked — first in agriculture or as apprentices to family businesses, and then in factories. Then we decided as a society that they shouldn't be clocking in and out. Aside from carve-outs for child actors, some top-tier athletes, and after-school gigs, the US mostly outlawed child labor. But in recent years, there's been a rise in states attempting to roll back some child labor regulations, and child labor violations have jumped. The proliferation of family influencers created a harder industry to regulate because so much of it takes place at home, in cars, or during daily life. "You went to the factory, you went to the coal mine, and you got the kids out of there," Hilary C. Robinson, a professor of law and sociology at Northeastern University, says of past child labor crises. Now "work is kind of everywhere and nowhere," she says, adding: "Anybody with a device has already been experiencing that since the era of the smartphone."

There are shocking stories of exploitation, but most families don't have anything close to a horror story unfolding out of frame. There are kids and teens who want to express themselves online and have broken through, connecting to their peers in huge ways. There are others pushed by their parents to do so. "It is difficult for any brand, or for any agency, to really understand what goes on in the four walls of a family home," says Nick Walters, the president of SuperAwesome, a firm that represents brands and child influencers. Walters says his firm stays in close contact with families and will sever ties with those who don't put children's best interests first, perhaps by prioritizing content creation over schoolwork. He says he largely doesn't see the regulations as a hit to the influencer business: "Sensible, common-sense regulation that recognizes that young people are going to be in these spaces, and make sure they are dealt with fairly and responsibly and in a way that is in their best interest — we are a huge supporter of that."

Even as more people question whether and how children, or even themselves, should appear online, there's a massive demand for family vlogging content. People simply can't look away. "I don't see these laws stopping the momentum that has taken place in the industry with respect to child influencers," Fitzpatrick says. Some of the viewers are fans, but some are rage-watching. After several big-name influencer families moved out of California in quick succession, viral rumors circulated on social media that they were fleeing to avoid the state's new law in February. It was largely a hoax, Rolling Stone reported at the time; some influencer families had left California but did so for personal reasons. "TikTokers' outrage at parenting influencers isn't actually about protecting children or ethics in content creation, it's about pushing a moral panic for clicks and views — ironically the exact thing that they criticize influencers for," the tech journalist Taylor Lorenz wrote recently in her newsletter, User Mag.

All this regulation is focused on the concept that influencing is labor and the kids doing the work deserve a slice of the pie. There are still questions for all of us to answer about how children appear online, and what can be done to protect their privacy. In Europe, there are stronger protections, like the "right to be forgotten," that allow people to demand their images and data be removed from platforms (France passed a child influencer law in 2020, becoming a global pioneer in regulating the hours kid-fluencers worked and what happened to their compensation and enshrining a right for them to demand the deletion of videos they appear in).

For now, most Americans don't have those privacy luxuries against Big Tech. These laws are one of the first steps in recognizing that people are going to post. If they're lucky enough to strike gold, at least the kids propelling them to the top will see a cut.

Amanda Hoover is a senior correspondent at Business Insider covering the tech industry. She writes about the biggest tech companies and trends.

As the Trump administration pursues an "all of the above" energy strategy, hydrogen experts welcome the new attention and are advancing efforts to make it a top, domestically-produced power source.

The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, one of seven "hubs" nationwide, partners with tribal, public and private concerns to build hydrogen production projects throughout their region.

"Hydrogen has a lot of dexterity as a molecule, and it can be used for a host of different things," PNWHA president Chris Green told Fox News Digital.

Hydrogen can be a power source, but it more so is utilized as an energy carrier due to its periodic makeup.

"It is a carrier of electrons and can store energy in that regard. But as a fuel, it's just like any other fuel. It can be used to propel machinery, equipment and industrial processes, those kinds of things. And so it's another sort of energy commodity product that we can make here at home domestically," Green said.

Hydrogen also has a dual role in agriculture, he said. 

Fertilizer – of which much has been historically imported from now-war-torn Russia and Ukraine – is hydrogenic in makeup. Ammonium nitrate – a key ingredient – is hydrogen sourced. If the U.S. can bolster its hydrogen production, it can rely less on unreliable or adversarial economies, especially amid new tariffs.

And its power-sourcing and energy-carrying nature can power equipment, mills and more.

NIKOLA CEO: WE'RE THE ONLY ONES SELLING HYDROGEN TRUCKS IN THE COUNTRY

With all of these important uses, Green said the U.S. has a chance to "leap ahead of everybody else if we can build out all this infrastructure."

Beginning in the aughts, there had been talk of hydrogen-powered vehicles. But the extremely flammable nature of hydrogen has kept it from being a ubiquitous fuel source like petrol.

One company investing big in hydrogen, particularly in the West, is Chevron. The company said hydrogen may appeal to those worried about the energy sector’s environmental footprint.

The Texas-based energy giant is "leveraging [its] strengths to safely deliver lower carbon energy in a growing world," according to a statement.

"Hydrogen can play a key role in delivering large-scale lower-carbon solutions especially where electrification of demand is not feasible," the statement said, adding it is confident hydrogen’s prominence will grow in the near-term.

Hydrogen is also used in processed foods, metallurgy and other areas.

In Utah, Chevron entered into a venture with Mitsubishi called ACES Delta or "Advanced Clean Energy Storage [of] Delta [UT]."

By harnessing the naturally protective state of an enormous subterranean salt cavern, the ACES Delta project currently under construction aims to produce up to 110 tons of hydrogen daily and store it at "utility scale" in the environmentally safe confines of the cavern.

AMAZON SIGNS HYDROGEN SUPPLY DEAL

Chevron expects the ACES Delta project to provide "delivery-scale" amounts to the Intermountain Power Agency – also based in the Beehive State – in the near term.

The company also boasted of the accessibility of the hub – which is located along U.S. 50, a highway that cuts a 3,000-mile swath through the center of the country from Sacramento, California, to Washington, D.C., and on to Ocean City, Maryland.

That hub also has the regional potential to power the world’s fifth-largest economy: California, which has otherwise driven out most fossil fuel refiners and producers.

In his interview, Green also noted the demand for cleaner-burning jet-fuel alternatives and suggested that rather than replacing oil, it is a greener complement to sweet crude.

"Sometimes, don’t think about hydrogen as replacing a bunch of other things as much as we think about it complementing and then nurturing or supporting or boosting some of these existing supply chains," he said.

"[I]f you produce a lot of it, then you've got optionality to support a host of different industry verticals that could benefit from it."

Hydrogen has earned rare bipartisan support, bridging a divide where the right typically resists renewables like wind and solar, and the left often opposes "Big Oil."

"Central Washington is leading the way in the all-of-the-above approach needed to achieve American energy dominance," said Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.

"I am working with the Trump administration to ensure we protect the domestic resources we are building here at home."

Newhouse told Fox News Digital that PNWH2 has made "huge strides" in advancing technology toward safe and clean energy that decreases foreign reliance.

"Supporting the hub means new jobs, new investments, and stronger domestic supply chains that fall in line with the administration’s bold energy agenda," Newhouse said.

On the left, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said in June that PNWH2 "is poised to play a leading role in growing America’s green hydrogen economy."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"Investments in hydrogen have the potential to reduce emissions from the most difficult to decarbonize sectors," added Sen. Jeffrey Merkley, D-Ore.

"[W]hen done right, hydrogen can help us solve hard problems and decarbonize sectors of the economy."

In terms of agriculture’s interest in a hydrogen future, the Washington State Potato Commission told Fox News Digital that as a cornerstone of the Evergreen State and others’ economies, agriculture drives innovation and growth.

"The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub will play a crucial role in securing a local hydrogen supply for fertilizer production, helping to mitigate supply chain disruptions and rising costs that challenge the industry," an official said.

"Beyond fertilizer, hydrogen presents an opportunity to potentially fuel agricultural machinery, such as tractors and trucks. Washington’s potato farmers are committed to supporting hydrogen production in the Pacific Northwest, strengthening the future of agriculture in our region."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Energy Department for comment.

• Wealthy individuals are moving to luxury estates in Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Park City, Utah.
• Both areas offer privacy, nature access, and proximity to business hubs.
• I visited both and found there were also key differences. Only one would suit my lifestyle.

From the "Beverly Hills of Arizona" to Utah's Silicon Slopes, the most expensive cities in these states have one thing in common: rich people are flocking to their luxury mountain estates tucked away next to business-booming capitals.

Paradise Valley, Arizona, which earned its Beverly Hills nickname by attracting high-profile residents, is the most expensive city in Arizona, according to Zillow's home value index. Meanwhile, Park City, a ski resort town in Utah's tech hub, is the most expensive place to live in Utah.

I'm a New Yorker who visited both millionaire hideouts — Paradise Valley in April 2024 and Park City in January 2025.

I'm quite fond of the bustling lifestyle my city offers, so I didn't expect to leave either place with the thought that I'd consider moving there someday, but one of these towns felt like a place I could call home in the distant future.

Paradise Valley and Park City are wealthy areas on the outskirts of major cities.

At the bases of the Camelback and Mummy mountains, Paradise Valley sits on roughly 15 square miles of land between Phoenix and Scottsdale. It's about a 20-minute drive to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

On 20 square miles along Utah's Wasatch Front, Park City is conveniently located near Salt Lake City and the tech-centric suburbs of Draper and Lehi, among others. Park City is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City International Airport by car.

Paradise Valley has been a residential enclave since its inception in the 1960s.

Paradise Valley was developed for residents craving an escape from the fast-paced lifestyles in the neighboring cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, according to the town's website.

Today, Paradise Valley remains mostly residential, save for a few resorts and businesses on the town's borders.

According to World Population Review, Paradise Valley has roughly 12,400 residents and a median household income of $236,250.

Shawn Shackleton, a local real-estate agent, told Business Insider that Paradise Valley has had a primarily luxury market since she began selling homes there more than 20 years ago.

Park City grew into a ski town over the last century.

Park City wasn't always a luxury ski hub. When the city was established in 1884, it was known for its silver mining industry, according to the town's website. In 1930, when a ski jump was built on a mine site on top of a pile of wasted rock, Park City began to transform into a skier's paradise. During the 2002 Olympic Games, the town hosted ski jumping and bobsledding events.

The town has grown a lot since then, and it's gotten more expensive, local real-estate agent Derrik Carlson told BI.

Today, Park City has about 8,100 residents with a median household income of $140,875, according to World Population Review.

Billionaires, celebrities, and wealthy Californians buy homes in Paradise Valley.

Shackelton told BI that larger lots and lower taxes have drawn affluent residents to Paradise Valley, from entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to medical professionals and retirees.

AZ Central reported that high-profile people, from musicians Alice Cooper and Alicia Keys to Campbell Soup heir Bennett Dorrance and pro athletes including Michael Phelps and MLB Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, have purchased homes in Paradise Valley.

Park City draws a mix of backgrounds; about half of incoming residents live there part-time.

From California to New York, Florida, and Chicago, techies, business owners, CEOs, and retirees are starting over in Park City, Carlson told BI. About half of Park City buyers are in the market for a vacation home and only reside there for about three months a year.

Curbed reported that A-list celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, have lived and vacationed in the private and exclusive Colony neighborhood.

Park City is more affordable than Paradise Valley.

If I consider moving elsewhere, I have to be realistic about the cost of living. So, when I returned home from both trips, I looked at the numbers using Payscale's cost-of-living calculator, which factors in prices for housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and healthcare.

Paradise Valley's cost of living is 123% higher than the national average, while Park City's is 66% above the national average.

In both cities, housing is the driving factor for the high cost. Paradise Valley's home expenses cost 521% more than the US average, while Park City's are 268% above the national average. You'll find cheaper groceries and utility bills in Park City, while healthcare and transportation cost less in Paradise Valley.

The luxury market dominates Paradise Valley real estate.

Paradise Valley has a median listing price of $5.2 million, according to Realtor.com.

On the high end of the market, custom homes costing around $30 million are sprawled across vast, private properties in various architectural styles, from Southwestern adobe to modern luxury.

While exploring Paradise Valley, I noticed the more affordable homes were at the town's lowest elevations. As I approached the streets leading up into the mountains, I saw nothing but luxury estates.

"When you get up into the higher price points, many of the houses in Paradise Valley are individually gated," Shackleton said. "Some like the feeling of being their own private estate."

Park City has a wider range of price points.

According to Realtor.com, Park City has a median listing price of $2.2 million, with more listings available for under $1 million than in Paradise Valley. Seeing slightly more affordable homes on the Park City market made living there seem more attainable than in Paradise Valley.

Still, the most expensive homes on the market cost up to $50 million for ski-in, ski-out mansions — some built in traditional mountain cabin style and others boasting modern architecture with flat rooftops and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Like in Paradise Valley, the price point seemed to rise with elevation. The most modest homes I spotted were at the bottom of the mountains. To see the mega-mansions, I went up to a ski resort deck and peered over the ledge. Estates sat on the edges of trails dotted with skiers. I imagined residents gearing up and sliding into the action from their front doors.

Only Park City has a downtown area with walkable streets.

As a New Yorker, having a downtown neighborhood in whatever city I live in is important to me. And as someone who doesn't drive, walkability is also crucial. So, I was excited by Old Town, Park City's downtown area, where there are homes, restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and even ski lifts.

"Downtown is designed to be walkable to get to Main Street or skiing," Carlson said.

On Zillow, only a few condos under $1 million are listed in this neighborhood — even the smallest houses cost seven digits.

Paradise Valley is about 10 to 15 minutes from shopping in Downtown Scottsdale by car, depending on the neighborhood, but you can't beat the convenience of walking.

Both cities support active, outdoorsy lifestyles, but the weather is drastically different.

Paradise Valley and Park City are both scenic locations immersed in nature. I'm sure I'd be happy to wake up to either mountain landscape each morning. Residents of both towns said they appreciate outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and mountain biking.

But the seasons have completely different weather patterns.

When I visited Paradise Valley in the spring, it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt perpetually sweaty, and I couldn't imagine doing any strenuous activities outside in the summertime when it's often in the 100s. But I'm sure I'd spend all winter in nature, enjoying sunny, breezy days in the 70s.

Winter weather in Paradise Valley is summer weather in Park City. And Park City winters are crisp and frosty. Growing up in Connecticut, I know the challenges of months of snow — bitter walks against the wind, ice soaking my socks, and endless shoveling.

But there's also something magical about a city feeling like a completely different place for a portion of the year. I loved spending entire days shoveling my friend's backyard pond in ice skates just to glide around for an hour before sundown and do it all again the next day. And when the snow melted, I was so grateful for the spring and summer months.

I'm sure winter weather would feel even more magical in Park City if I took up skiing or snowboarding. I thought having another hobby I could only enjoy in the coldest months would make me look forward to the winter.

I could see why wealthy people are moving to both locations — but I'd only consider Park City.

Paradise Valley and Park City are both naturally stunning and provide opportunities for active lifestyles, large-scale living, and convenient city access. But Park City's walkable streets, seasonal variation, and more affordable real estate made me think it could be suitable for me someday.

Utah became the first state to prohibit LGBTQ+ pride flags from being flown at government buildings and schools in a move that also bans political flags such as those with President Donald Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again."

Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, announced he was allowing the ban on unsanctioned flag displays to become law without his signature. Although he continues to have serious concerns about the policy, the governor chose not to reject the proposal because the Republican-controlled legislature would likely have overridden his veto.

The ban will go into effect on May 7, when state or local government buildings will be fined $500 a day for displaying any flag other than the American flag, the Utah state flag, military flags or a handful of others approved by lawmakers.

FORMER GOP REP. MIA LOVE DEAD AT 49 AFTER BATTLE WITH CANCER, FAMILY SAYS

Political flags supporting a candidate or party, including MAGA flags, will be prohibited under the law.

The new law could put the state and its largest city, Salt Lake City, at odds. City buildings in the city typically honor Pride Month each June by displaying flags that celebrate its LGBTQ+ population.

Local leaders in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County have illuminated the city and county buildings with rainbow lights each night since the bill was sent to Cox's desk in protest of the legislation.

LGBT AMERICANS REACH RECORD NUMBER, MORE LIKELY TO BE DEMS, GEN Z: GALLUP POLL

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's office said their attorneys are reviewing the law, but the city does not yet have details on what it will do when the law takes effect.

The bill’s sponsors, Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay, both of whom are Republicans, said the measure aims to encourage "political neutrality" from teachers and other government employees.

Opponents argue that the law seeks to root out LGBTQ+ expression and remove authority away from cities and towns that do not align politically with the legislature's GOP majority.

Cox said in a letter to legislative leaders explaining his decision that he agreed with the "underlying intent" of the bill to make classrooms politically neutral but believed it went too far in restricting local governments. The governor also highlighted that the law, since it narrowly focuses on flags, does not ban other political displays such as posters or lighting.

"To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult," Cox said.

"Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times and I know we've had our disagreements," the governor continued. "I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state. I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, died on Sunday at the age of 49, according to her family.

Love, who was the daughter of Haitian immigrants and the first black Republican woman elected to Congress, "passed away peacefully" surrounded by family.

"With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today," Love's family said in a statement posted to X. "She was in her home surrounded by family."

FORMER GOP REP. MIA LOVE'S BRAIN CANCER NO LONGER RESPONDING TO TREATMENT: DAUGHTER

"In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward," the family continued. "We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences. We are taking some time as a family and will provide information about funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the days to come."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Love had been undergoing treatment for brain cancer, but her daughter said earlier this month that the former congresswoman's cancer was no longer responding to it.

• Park City's 84060 ZIP code is the priciest in Utah, with a median home value of over $2 million.
• Celebrities and millionaires hide out in the luxury ski hub's private, slopeside neighborhoods.
• I recently visited Park City and discovered why it attracts the ultra-rich.

Welcome to 84060 — the most expensive ZIP code in Utah, home to the luxury ski hub of Park City. In the wealthy hot spot, you'll find modern slopeside mansions and private neighborhoods where millionaires and A-listers hide out.

A November 2024 study by Zillow found that 84060 had the highest median home value in the state, sitting just above a cool $2 million — nearly double what it was five years ago.

I spent three days exploring Park City's multimillion-dollar neighborhoods. Here's what I learned about how the ultrawealthy live and vacation in this rich winter wonderland.

Park City is a skier's utopia where home values have been increasing for decades.

According to World Population Review, the roughly 20-square-mile ski town has about 8,000 residents.

Real-estate agent Derrik Carlson has lived in Park City for over 20 years and began selling homes in the area in 2012. He told Business Insider that the town has grown significantly since he first moved in — and so have market prices.

"Prices have continued to increase and hold strong. I ran a report last month on a couple of homes that had traded twice within 12 to 18 months, and they were up anywhere from 8 to 12%," he said.

From tech and finance bros to retirees, Park City draws an eclectic demographic from US cities and coasts.

Carlson said about 25% of his clients move from California, and the rest come from New York, Chicago, and Florida. The city is a part of the Silicon Slopes — a fitting nickname for a stretch of land along the Wasatch Front that's grown into a tech hub over the past two decades.

But it's not just techies making their way to Park City.

"One of the most enjoyable things about working up here is everybody has a different background," he said. "You have the tech people, the finance people, the CEOs, and small business owners."

From New York City laundromat owners to Midwestern factory owners, Carlson said people of all ages are starting over in Park City.

"It's not like you can just go after a specific type of buyer because it's pretty mixed out here," he added.

About half of Park City buyers are part-time residents.

Carlson said Park City is a popular place to own a second home, especially for retirees. He added that roughly 50% of Park City's incoming residents are vacation home buyers, though the demographic makes up about 85% of his client base.

"I work a lot in the second home frame. It's people who have worked really hard to be where they're at today and now have the means to come out here," he said. "They're here for one to three months out of the year."

Location is a large pull for incoming residents.

Carlson said he moved to Park City because of its stunning natural landscapes and location near the well-connected Salt Lake City International Airport.

"One of Park City's big draws is having an international airport 30 to 45 minutes away, depending on where you are in town," he said. "With Salt Lake being so close, whether going to the airport or running to Costco, you have all the options you want."

The town's amenities are another big draw.

Park City's public amenities, including public restrooms downtown and a free bus system, have been around since Carlson first moved to the area.

The private amenities have expanded since Carlson moved in, from improved ski slopes to affluent golf clubs.

"It's a great life out here. It's a time to really unplug, and you have all the amenities you need," he said.

During my trip, I visited the St. Regis Deer Valley, which gives guests access to the slopes at Deer Valley Mountain Resort. I wasn't a hotel guest, and I was surprised to learn that anyone can take the hotel's free funicular up to a patio at the top of the slopes.

I appreciated watching skiers glide down the mountainous winter wonderland without paying a cent.

There are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from, including the walkable Old Town.

Carlson said some clients opt for Old Town, the bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and ski access. I found a ski lift right in the heart of it.

"Downtown is designed to be walkable to get to Main Street or skiing," he said, adding that there's always something going on in Old Town, from summer concerts to the winter Sundance Film Festival.

I noticed a mix of mansions and more affordable real estate here. Current Zillow listings range from $690,000 to $28 million.

The ultrawealthy tend to move to neighborhoods with ski-in and ski-out access, like Deer Valley.

Many of Carlson's clients move to Deer Valley, the Canyons — which is in the 84098 ZIP code but still a part of Park City — and the Colony. The neighborhoods are known for direct access to skiing from residential properties.

"You just go right out the door and pop on your skis, and you're on the slopes," he said, adding that these areas are coveted and real estate comes at a high price.

According to Realtor.com, the most expensive home on the Park City market is a 13-bedroom, 18-bathroom mega mansion in Deer Valley listed at $50 million.

Curbed reported that A-list celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, live and vacation in the private and exclusive Colony neighborhood.

Other pricey neighborhoods have private golf clubs.

Golf is a popular pastime for Park City residents when the snow melts. Carlson added that neighborhoods dotted with multimillion-dollar homes like Tuhaye and Promontory are known for their exclusive, members-only golf clubs.

The most expensive Zillow listings in Promontory exceed $18 million, and Tuhaye listings on Christie's cost nearly $12 million.

Unlike many tourist destinations, Park City has designated resort communities.

Park City is a popular luxury skiing destination for second homeowners and visitors alike, and its tourism areas are classified as such. For example, Deer Valley is a resort mecca with a slew of accommodations lining the slopes. Meanwhile, short-term rentals are only allowed in certain zones.

"Where you can and can't have nightly rentals in Park City is really well-defined," Carlson said of the restrictions. "That matters for people looking to move here full-time so they know what will be around them in the future."

Park City's market growth has some moving to nearby suburbs.

According to the Park City website, the luxury ski town needs more affordable housing to keep up with demand.

Carlson said that nearby suburbs are a great option as an affordable alternative to Park City.

"The Heber Valley and the Kamas Valley are a 15 to 30-minute drive from Park City," he said. "Everybody would love to live ski-in, ski-out at a really low price, but that's not how beachfront properties can operate either."

Both suburbs have plenty of listings on Zillow costing less than $1 million for those who aren't ultrawealthy but crave a slice of the luxurious lifestyle.

With the opportunity for a diverse and balanced lifestyle, it's easy to see why people around the US are starting over in Park City.

Utah's most expensive ZIP code offers walkable strips and public transportation — must-haves for city dwellers like me.

It also offers isolated homes and a range of outdoor adventures. It's a place where you can ski in the winter, golf in the summer, or go to a concert after a scenic hike.

With the blend of lifestyle options in Park City, it makes sense why people would look to the destination for an escape.

• I visited Midway, which is nicknamed Utah's "Little Switzerland."
• I saw snowcapped mountains that reminded me of the Alps and charming chateaus with European flair. 
• While I thought the town could use more Swiss cuisine, it made up for it in European architecture. 

For a week in the spring of 2022, I drove across Utah. I explored red rocks in the state's Arches National Park and spotted skyscrapers in Salt Lake City.

I drove through deserts, salt flats, and ghost towns.

Then, I ended up in Switzerland.

Well, technically, it was the town of Midway, which has aptly earned the nickname Utah's "Little Switzerland."

Nestled along the Wasatch Mountains, known as "Utah's Swiss Alps," is a town splashed with European influence and Germanic heritage.

Hence its nickname "Little Switzerland." Altogether, Midway is home to about 6,100 people and located south of Park City.

The tourism site for Heber Valley, where Midway is located, said Swiss settlers arrived in Utah in the 1850s, and, upon seeing the mountains, were reminded of the Alps' lush valleys and snowy caps.

I was lucky enough to view the Swiss Alps a few years ago and saw the resemblance. Both ranges had green rolling hills that eventually turned into snowcapped mountain peaks.

The mountains, similar to those in Switzerland, are also what make Midway a popular ski destination in the winter.

On the outskirts of town, the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center offers cross-country skiing in the colder months. It was also where a few of the Winter Olympics events were held in 2002.

A sign marks the entrance to downtown Midway. It displays children in traditional lederhosen attire along with "welcome" in German.

With the sign in my rearview mirror, I passed homes with varying architectural designs.

Some were modern homes with sharp edges, cement exteriors, and unique shapes.

Other homes had a strong Swiss influence with chalet-style exteriors, gabled roofs, and ornate overhanging eaves.

My first stop was the Blue Boar Inn, an Alps-themed chateau, where I spent the night.

The cozy chateau at the base of the mountains was the most European part of my stay.

The inn had a restaurant and pub with dark, wooden paneling, fireplaces, and a cozy atmosphere.

Inside my room, the Alps theme continued with ornate furniture, a stone fireplace, and vintage snowshoes above my bed.

After some rest, I woke up the next morning itching for Swiss baked goods or a Swiss-inspired brunch, such as a rösti, a shredded potato dish.

I ventured to the Zermatt Utah Resort and Spa, one of the town's most well-known resorts, and grabbed a chocolate croissant at the traditional European bakery.

Still hungry, I headed to Midway's Main Street, hoping to stumble upon more restaurants and cafés selling traditional Swiss dishes.

Instead, I spotted a doughnut shop and an Americana-themed café among the main street's stores and businesses.

Even after researching Midway's restaurant scene, I didn't find many restaurants dedicated solely to Swiss food. Midway Mercantile, a New American restaurant, had cheese raclette on its menu, along with fish tacos, pizza, and burgers.

I did spot plenty of Swiss details sprinkled throughout downtown. For example, murals of men and women in traditional Swiss attire were sprawled across a physical therapy office.

And a local cabinetry shop was decorated with stone, wood, chiseled brackets, and whimsical overhanging eaves.

Even chain stores like the Chevron convenience store had an Alps theme.

The town hall reminded me of a fairy tale. Every hour, a wood-carved Glockenspiel popped out to announce the time.

As I learned more about the town, I discovered that each Labor Day, its main street fills with people celebrating the town's annual Swiss Days Festival.

A Swiss-themed parade marches down the street, and locals and visitors alike enjoy a market, food vendors, races, and performances.

I made a note to make it back one day — either for the festival or skiing — and wrapped up my stay in Midway. While I didn't find Midway an exact replica of Switzerland, I did find a little European oasis worthy of a stop.

• On a winter trip, I explored Salt Lake City, Park City, and surrounding suburbs in Utah.
• It was my first time visiting the area, and I regretted booking my trip during peak season.
• I made other mistakes, like packing too light and missing out on winter activities.

In January, I flew from my home in NYC to Denver and hopped on a 15-hour Amtrak train to Utah's Silicon Slopes — a tech hub lining the Wasatch Front that includes Salt Lake City, Park City, and the surrounding suburbs.

I spent three days exploring the luxurious wealth enclave amid ski season and made four mistakes I'm still mulling over two months later.

My first mistake was booking my trip in the peak winter season as a non-skier.

As a first-time visitor to Salt Lake City and Park City, I thought seeing the mountains blanketed in snow would be nice — and it really was.

I knew it would be a popular time to visit Utah since it's a ski hub, but I didn't realize just how busy it would be. Park City was packed with winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders roamed the sidewalks of traffic-filled streets in downtown Park City all suited up — some with gear in tow.

I stopped by the slopes at Deer Valley Resort and spotted long lines of skiers waiting for lifts. I waited in lines to ride a funicular up and down the mountain.

Maybe seeing the snow was worth the crowds — I won't know for sure until I visit during another season. But had I realized I'd be visiting during the busiest time of year, I would have likely pushed my trip to the spring during shoulder season.

I didn't pack enough clothing.

Overpacking is a common mistake when traveling, so I go to great lengths to avoid stuffing too many outfits into my bag. But this time, I overcorrected.

When packing for a trip that's less than a week long, I typically only bring layers that can be worn all at once when needed or that I can mix and match. Since I was traveling in winter, I brought a couple of extra shirts, one additional pair of pants, and zero extra outer layers.

But in January along Utah's Wasatch Front, when temperatures ranged from 24 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit, I needed to wear most of my layers daily.

After bundling up for a flight and a train ride, I felt desperate for fresh layers when I arrived in Salt Lake City.

Doing laundry at the hotel was another mistake.

What do you do when you need clean clothes on the road? Utilizing the hotel's laundry services seemed the most straightforward solution, but I regretted it.

That night, I stayed at the five-star Grand America Hotel, where laundry services were top-tier. My shirts and sweaters were returned to me on hangers in individual hotel-branded bags. Smaller items were wrapped in paper in a cardboard box.

I felt like I was opening a present as I sorted through my clean clothes. It excited me — until I saw the receipt.

I paid $115 for three shirts, two pairs of pants, one hoodie, six undergarments, and one two-piece blazer. It was certainly the most luxurious laundry service I'd ever experienced, but for the same money, I could have bought a whole new outfit — and what a great excuse it would have been to treat myself.

I should have made time for winter activities aside from skiing and snowboarding.

I didn't consider the other winter activities I could have enjoyed that weren't skiing and snowboarding.

I wish I'd taken time to tour Utah Olympic Park in the snow and get a feel for what it was like during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

After my trip, I learned that Park City offers mountain-top snowshoe yoga classes, which I would have loved to try.

Next time I travel to the Silicon Slopes, I'll pack enough clothing and make use of the season's offerings.

As Democratic congresswomen are reportedly planning to wear pink to President Donald Trump's joint address Tuesday to protest in support of women's rights, one Republican senator is reminding them what their party voted against Monday.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., told Time on Tuesday that dozens of her Democrat colleagues will show up to Capitol Hill to wear pink for Trump's speech to "signal our protest of Trump's policies which are negatively impacting women and families."

"Pink is a color of power and protest," Fernández told the outlet. "It’s time to rev up the opposition and come at Trump loud and clear."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In response to this news, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, called out the party for its reported protest attire for women just one day after Senate Democrats voted unanimously against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

"When you see Democrats wearing pink for the TV cameras tonight, remember that 45 of them voted for men to invade women’s sports just yesterday," Lee wrote in response to the Time article on X. "It’s all an act."

TRUMP ADMIN PROBING SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL EVEN AFTER CHANGING POLICY TO FOLLOW EXEC ORDER

The bill failed to clear the key procedural hurdle by a vote of 51-45, along party lines. All Democratic senators voted against the motion to proceed, with the exceptions of Sens. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Peter Welch, D-V.t., who were absent.

So the bill was filibustered and is presumed dead, unless it is re-introduced at a later date. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., did not just vote against the bill, but she also made a mocking "thumbs down" gesture while she voted no. 

Many Democrats have since faced a flury of online backlash for voting against the bill.

Meanwhile, Trump passed an executive order to keep trans athletes out of girls' and women's sports on Feb. 5, which has been widely praised by women's rights groups. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love’s family is focusing on enjoying the time they have left with her after her cancer stopped responding to treatments, the Utah Republican’s daughter, Abigale, said Saturday. 

"Hello Friends, I’m Mia’s daughter Abigale. Many of you are aware that Mom has been fighting GBM brain cancer," Abigale wrote on her mother’s X account. 

Love was diagnosed in 2022 with glioblastoma, a brain tumor, and revealed her diagnosis in August 2023. 

Abigale added, "Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing. We have shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her." 

KAT TIMPF REVEALS BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS WHILE ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF HER SON

Love became the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress when she won a redrawn district near Salt Lake City in 2014 that had previously been represented by a Democrat. She was also the first Black Congress member from Utah. 

"I wasn’t elected in Saratoga Springs because of my race or my gender or my heels," Love said in 2013 of her time as mayor of the Utah city. "I was elected by the people there because I had a plan and a vision to get us financially stable."

The 49-year-old served two terms in Congress, working on the Financial Services Committee, and she was the only Republican in the Congressional Black Caucus.

She was defeated by a Democrat in 2018. 

COMMON CANCER TREATMENT CAN HAVE THIS PAINFUL SIDE EFFECT

Love last posted about her diagnosis in May, writing, "These past few years have not been easy, but I have found strength and solace in my faith and constant support and love in my family. Together, they have given me hope! Whatever challenges you are facing now, keep fighting and know that there is hope."

Love told a church youth group in 2023 that when she went on a vacation in 2022, headaches she’d been having started to get worse. 

"As soon as we landed, I felt a headache come on," she told the group, according to KSL Radio. "When we went to the beach, the reflection of the sun on the water made the headache worse. My husband took me to the hospital." 

Doctors found a tumor, and she underwent surgery to remove 95% of it.

After the tumor was revealed to be malignant, Love began chemotherapy, radiation treatments and, eventually, immunotherapy. 

Love, who had previously converted from Catholicism to the Church of Jesus Church of Latter-day Saints, told CNN last year she was "looking for a cure in my faith and science." 

Late Sen. John McCain was also diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2017. He died in 2018. 

Despite her diagnosis, Love remained politically engaged over the last election cycle, denouncing an assassination attempt on President Trump in July on X.

"Political violence is despicable," she wrote. "There is not, nor will there ever be, a place for it in our Republic. If you find yourself supporting or wishing for violence, know you are wrong. May we recommit to civility, reasonable discourse, and proper civil engagement rather over anger and hatred."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A week later, she posted, "After this past week, I’m all in on team Trump/Vance! They have a passionate vision of an American revival that enables all Americans to pursue their dreams." 

After her daughter's announcement Saturday, Love received an outpouring of support. 

"Mia Love is a dear friend. I pray for her and her family," Sen. Mike Lee of Utah posted on X. 

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote, "Mia Love has served Utah with integrity, and her strength and grace continue to inspire us. Our hearts are with Mia and her family during this difficult time. Utah stands with you."

"I’m so sorry," Love's former colleague, former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, wrote. 

• I visited Utah's Silicon Slopes in January 2025. I toured tech offices and chatted with locals.
• One office has cool features, including a gym, pickleball court, and mountain bike rentals.
• Employees also rave about the dining options that they can order using an app.

If you're even remotely involved in the tech world, you've probably heard the buzzy term "Silicon Slopes." It refers to a stretch of land in Utah's Wasatch Front region that's grown into a hub for the tech industry.

When I visited the area in January, I realized it wasn't always this way. After touring modern tech offices and speaking with longtime locals, I learned exactly how this once-rural area became the Silicon Slopes.

I also saw firsthand why it's top-rated for its work environment. One of the offices I toured came with really cool perks, such as being able to rent a mountain bike to use on the campus' nearby trails.

The Silicon Slopes is a place where techies collaborate in modern, glass offices with a mountain backdrop.

The roughly 50-mile area, including Salt Lake City, Park City, Draper, Provo, and Lehi, among other towns, is home to over 1,000 tech companies.

Longtime Utah residents say they remember a very different Wasatch Front.

Saul Andrade, BambooHR's senior events manager, told Business Insider he's lived in Utah for about 30 years and has spent the past decade living in the Silicon Slopes. Driving to Salt Lake City as a kid, he said the area was mostly farmland before the boom.

"Nowadays, when my wife and I drive by, we look over, and we just cannot believe how much it's grown," Andrade said. "There was a time when we got pumpkins at this farm. There's no farm now — not even a trace of the farm. It's all living accommodations and complexes."

Mark Overdevest, a Sotheby's real-estate agent, moved to the Wasatch Front in 2004 when "property values were very low."

"It seemed like a great place to invest," he told BI. "And to have access to such great skiing, I just felt like it was too good to be true."

Over the years, he's seen many modern luxury homes with glass and steel architectural designs pop up in Salt Lake City as residents have moved in from California, Texas, and Illinois.

Hosting the 2002 Olympics pushed Salt Lake City infrastructure forward, putting the Wasatch Front on everyone's radar.

When Michelle Ercanbrack, a lifelong Utah resident who has spent her entire career working in tech, found out that Salt Lake City would be hosting the 2002 Olympics, she remembers her grandma saying, "The secret's out," in reference to Utah's beautiful landscapes and world-class skiing getting global attention.

The tech boom started with a startup acquisition in 2009.

In 2009, Adobe purchased the Utah tech startup Omniture for $1.8 billion and built a campus in Lehi, which opened three years later.

Ercanbrack said that a company as well-known as Adobe was a big deal for Utah.

"The Omniture acquisition was the tipping point in my mind for when the tech space, the innovation space, and overall the economy of Utah began to shift," she told BI. "That showed an investment in our state and in the potential innovation of the people that lived here."

To Ercanbrack, the Adobe campus is "the heart of the Silicon Slopes." She added, "Everything is congregated or radiated around it."

Other big companies followed.

Utah drew tech giants with its tax incentives for businesses. In 2020, the state loosened its licensing regulations, making it one of the easiest states to launch a new business in.

Companies including Google, PayPal, Overstock.com, and Goldman Sachs, among others, now have a footprint in the Silicon Slopes.

A decade after Adobe's acquisition, the pandemic drove up wealth and population.

The pandemic furthered Utah's growth as more Silicon Valley tech companies moved to the state.

"Remote work opened up a lot of opportunities for people to move around, but also, the pandemic was when a lot of economies were struggling, and Utah's economy remained exceptionally resilient," Ercanbrack said. "So people were willing to relocate for jobs."

Overdevest said the wealthy have gotten wealthier since then.

"Their wealth has just ballooned with the pandemic," he said, adding that many of his clients in Salt Lake City are young techies and entrepreneurs.

During my recent trip to the Silicon Slopes, I got an inside look at what the tech scene is like today.

In 2024, WalletHub ranked Utah's work environment the best in the country.

After touring a modern tech office building in Draper, which sits between Salt Lake City and Lehi, it was easy to see why.

"I think Draper is such a growing location because it's right between those two major business hubs," Ercanbrack said. "It connects Lehi to what's happening in Salt Lake."

The building is owned by the online education company Pluralsight.

In 2020, Pluralsight built the corporate campus, which houses several other tech companies.

The human resources software company BambooHR is also headquartered in the building.

Pluralsight rents out a portion of the building to BambooHR. I toured offices for both companies, which offer hybrid work environments for their employees.

Most of the building's first floor is a communal space. One side is filled with dining and refreshments.

From a coffee shop and soda fountains to premade meals and restaurants with cooked-to-order food, there was no shortage of breakfast and lunch options for employees.

Employees can order on an app or use one of the smart tablets set up in the café area.

The other side is a coworking space filled with long tables, cozy nooks, and plenty of natural light.

"The common area is a great place to mingle with some of your coworkers that you may not see because they work on a different floor or people from the other companies," Andrade said. "I get to network and create new connections."

Pluralsight product marketer Austin Bagley agreed.

"It's fun to be in a place where it's vibrant, it's bright, and I can talk to people," Bagley said.

There's also a communal gym, a pickleball court, and rentable mountain bikes for employees to use on the trails just outside the building.

All the employees I spoke with described Utah as an active place and said they feel like their campus reflects and supports that lifestyle.

Bagley said that he bought a bike after joining Pluralsight to ride the nearby trails with other employees in the summers.

Both offices had open-concept floor plans.

Bagley has been at Pluralsight for six years and said the new office has a different feel than their old one.

"The first office was similar but a lot smaller," Bagley said. "It felt like every day, you'd walk in, and there'd be less space from desks and things getting crammed in."

Bagely said in this new building, he gets to enjoy the open-concept floor plan.

"It makes it a little bit more of a community versus just hanging out in the office all day by yourself," he said, adding that he likes having the option of moving from his desk to comfy couches around the office.

Both offices also have single and group-sized meeting rooms.

Employees book blocks of time for the rooms. At Pluralsight, room availability varies, Bagley said.

"I have a number of colleagues here, but I also have people on my team in Florida and Pennsylvania, and so a lot of the work we do is still remote," he said. "This office will go from being fairly quiet to then having weeks where you can't find any meeting room because we have a lot of people who travel and spend time here on-site."

Employees at each office had fun, unique ways to take breaks.

From pool and shuffleboard to arcade games and ping-pong tables, there was plenty to take a break within these two offices.

BambooHR was especially impressive with its golf simulator.

"Sometimes you see amenities in an office, and they just sit there like show and tell," Bagley said. "I'm impressed that people here actually use it."

Employees at both companies seem motivated to collaborate in person

"The first thing that strikes me about Pluralsight is how collaborative it is," Bagley said.

At most jobs, Bagley said he's talked to co-workers across two to three different functions within the company. At Pluralsight, he said he communicates between 15 to 20.

"You get to connect to a lot of different people and understand a lot of different contexts that move the work forward," he said, adding that an additional perk is "you end up becoming friends with a lot more people."

Andrade, who goes in most days of the workweek, said he, too, appreciates the workplace environment at BambooHR.

"The flexibility where you can work remote and then come into the office and be able to build those relationships with some of your coworkers doesn't compare to working remotely full-time," he said. "And doing it in a beautiful building in a centralized location makes it even better."

Growth has come with some challenges, but locals predict that the Silicon Slopes will continue flourishing.

Ercanbrack and Overdevest both think the Silicon Slopes will continue to grow.

"Just driving along the interstate, you'll see the amount of building that's happening — and a lot of it is housing," Ercanbrack said. "The amount of apartments and condos has been significant, and it's been needed because, like everywhere else, there's an entire generation of millennials that need a place to live."

Ercanbrack remains hopeful that although growth has caused housing costs to skyrocket — in 2022, ABC4 Utah reported that housing was 200% more expensive than in 2000 — Utah will still be a great place to live and work.

"I just have this sense that communities are like plants — they're either growing or dying," she said. "And I'm grateful to live in a place that is experiencing such growth."

• As a travel writer who's visited all 50 states, I have many spring-break recommendations.
• Consider heading to Montana or Utah for the spring ski season.
• Snowbirds looking for sunshine should consider visiting Hawaii or Florida.

As a travel writer who's been to all 50 states, I have many opinions about the best spring-break spots.

Whether you're looking to hit the slopes or sunbathe on the beach, you can find a spring-break destination in the US that'll make you wish your trip would last forever. Or, at the very least, a getaway that can tide you over until Memorial Day.

Here are some of the best states to visit for spring break and what to do in them.

Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Montana's Big Sky Resort offers 5,850 acres of skiable terrain that's perfect for a spring day full of long runs. Peak season is late December and early January, but the mountains still tend to get snow later in the season.

If you're looking to try something new, consider Nordic skiing, which has a free heel bind and is popular throughout the region. 

Visiting Big Sky in the spring also gives you an opportunity to enjoy the Shedhorn Ski Mountaineering Race. The endurance competition is open to experts and novices alike, but you can also watch the race as a spectator. 

When I was in Big Sky, I stayed at Lone Mountain Ranch, a property that's over 100 years old and sits just north of Yellowstone National Park. 

It was a true immersion into the wild, as the ranch offered horse-drawn sleigh rides to log cabins beneath the stars. My stay enabled me to fully embrace my inner cowboy and appreciate the majestic American West. 

Many think Montana's outdoor activities are limited to skiing until summer, but that's not the case. The state is home to some of the world's best fly fishing, and March is ideal for anglers looking for early-season catches.

Hawaii is a great warm-weather option with amazing volunteer opportunities.

Spring break is one of the most appealing times to visit Hawaii. After all, who doesn't long for a trip to tropical islands when temperatures drop at home? 

While there, I suggest looking into voluntourism — giving back to the place you visit while you're traveling there.

Travelers should always leave a place better than they found it, and with the introduction of Malama Hawaii in 2020, they can do their part to uphold the islands' beauty and cultural heritage. 

The initiative connects tourists with organizations that offer volunteer opportunities in return for special deals, such as a free one-night stay at specific resorts.

There are many ways to get involved, whether you're interested in beach cleanups, reforestation, or wildlife preservation.

I participated in these efforts during my last spring break on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, and the experience deepened my appreciation for the islands' spectacular history and culture.

Louisiana is brimming with cultural events in the spring.

New Orleans is a party whenever you visit.

If you're looking to enjoy Bourbon Street's raucous parties and the Garden District's refined charm without sweating through your clothes, then spring break is the perfect time for a trip to The Big Easy.

Most people are familiar with Mardi Gras, which happens in March, but the celebrations and events don't stop when the festival ends.

The annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which usually takes place in April and May, is one of my favorite musical events.

If you have an interest in literature, check out the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane or the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, both of which are also in the spring. 

There's plenty to do in Utah on and off the slopes.

Close out the spring ski season in style in Park City, Utah.

The slopes tend to be less busy in March and April, so you're usually able to enjoy the sweeping vistas and downhill terrain away from crowds. 

Park City also has entertainment for every type of traveler in the spring, whether they're looking to rock out or sing the blues.

Check out Park City Powderfest, a concert and parade that fundraises for cancer research, and enjoy the Spring Concert Series at Canyons Village. 

The Pond Skim is particularly entertaining, as wildly costumed skiers and snowboarders attempt to traverse a 100-foot-long pond. It's the perfect spectacle to enjoy with a hot toddy (or three).

Florida feels like a true warm-weather escape.

A trip to the Florida Keys is an unsurprising choice for spring break, but the 125-mile-long island chain really offers an escape from daily life. 

The tropical islands aren't far from Miami, but their laid-back energy makes them feel galaxies away from the rest of the US.

You can spend your days sunbathing, taking boat rides, and enjoying epic sunsets.

On a recent spring break, I relaxed in Islamorada and partied in Key West, returning home from the Sunshine State feeling rejuvenated and sporting an epic tan.

Idaho has some of the best skiing in the country.

Many people overlook Idaho. It's often overshadowed by popular mountainous destinations like Colorado or Wyoming, but Sun Valley has some of the best spring skiing and snowboarding in the US.

In the spring, you can observe the experts at work at The Dollar Holler, a big-air exhibition.

Visitors of all kinds will enjoy the Baldy Bash spring party, an end-of-ski-season celebration filled with live music and costumes.

California's deserts have a lot of festivals and activities that line up with spring break.

If you're looking for a reprieve from the bitter cold, look no further than the California desert. 

Palm Springs' midcentury modern architecture and dramatic San Jacinto Mountains make it a popular year-round destination. But spring break is the perfect time to visit for travelers interested in music and art. 

Most people already know about the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, but it isn't the only festival lighting up the California desert in the spring.

If you're looking for a culture fix while also trying to beat the spring-break crowds, consider the La Quinta Art Celebration or the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival.

Maine is as magical in the spring as it is in the summer.

Many people associate Maine with summer, and it is undeniably gorgeous when the wildflowers are in bloom. However, winter and spring are equally enchanting here, as Maine is often filled with snowcapped mountains and dense forests.

I didn't expect to hear a ton of reggae music when I was in New England, but the annual Sugarloaf Reggae Festival is one of the best, most underrated ski parties I've been to on this side of the Atlantic. 

Music lovers can also check out live performances at Widowmaker, a restaurant and bar at the top of a base lodge in Carrabassett Valley, in the final months of the ski season.