Reader comments
Happiest place? Survey says … Utah!
87 comments | Read story
I love Utah | 5:51 p.m. March 11, 2009
I love Utah and I live in another state! We have lots of unhappy people here.
party crashers | 6:08 p.m. March 11, 2009
Looks like the "unhappy" in the state are already out on the message
board. I don't put a lot of stock in these type of polls and surveys
(especially when there is so little variation in their "happy score"
across states), but I have noticed that Utah is full of people who seem very
happy with their lives... much more so than other places I have lived.
Holy... | 6:15 p.m. March 11, 2009
Sour Grapes!
Comments continue below
OK I ribbed Utah for the Porno | 7:13 p.m. March 11, 2009
ranking and have heard of the past pill usage but I will switch gears and give
credit where it is due . . . happy place? Absolutely, in fact I always wonder if
all these problems that the haters in Utah experience are really true or just
disgruntled folks who have nothing better to do.
Fact is I do not fall in the predominant religion but by in large have always found the LDS to be friendly. Additionally I have found my community of Protestant's to be very friendly as well.
I do agree that people probably feel more pressure here and as much good as there is because of the nature of the state and the religion people definitely jump all over it if we mis-step (see Porn issue).
All that said I love this state and enjoy the outdoors. I do not presribe to any health code but do my best to exercise and limit alcohol consumption which regardless of what faith you are is wise advice.
So as one who enjoys ribbing Utah I have to be one to chime in and SAY CONGRATS UTAH, I'm glad you are happy because I am as well:)
Fact is I do not fall in the predominant religion but by in large have always found the LDS to be friendly. Additionally I have found my community of Protestant's to be very friendly as well.
I do agree that people probably feel more pressure here and as much good as there is because of the nature of the state and the religion people definitely jump all over it if we mis-step (see Porn issue).
All that said I love this state and enjoy the outdoors. I do not presribe to any health code but do my best to exercise and limit alcohol consumption which regardless of what faith you are is wise advice.
So as one who enjoys ribbing Utah I have to be one to chime in and SAY CONGRATS UTAH, I'm glad you are happy because I am as well:)
Move | 7:14 p.m. March 11, 2009
It's amazing to me that as soon as a positive story comes out about Utah
there is a line of cynical and jaded people that can't wait to add their
sarcasm to the mix. If Utah is such a miserable place to live because of the LDS
influence (which founded the state) why not move to a more "enlightened
place like San Francisco etc. I lived in a place I didn't like so I moved.
No one is forcing you to stay. I say Move or move on.
Soul | 7:16 p.m. March 11, 2009
I am extremely happy living on the west side of Salt Lake City. My family,
friends and neighbors, likewise are satisfied with their lives.
I enjoy working hard, dedicating long hours to worthwhile endeavors, and overcoming negative social conditions, financial shortages, or other challenges without alcohol or drugs.
Your reap what you sow!
I enjoy working hard, dedicating long hours to worthwhile endeavors, and overcoming negative social conditions, financial shortages, or other challenges without alcohol or drugs.
Your reap what you sow!
Brooks' talk | 7:59 p.m. March 11, 2009
I was not at the BYU forum given by Arthur Brooks mentioned in the article, but
heard it on the radio later in the week. I was just changing stations, but the
talk was so good that I just sat there and listened to the whole thing. It was
very inspiring, regardless of your beliefs and I highly recommend it to all.
Anonymous | 7:59 p.m. March 11, 2009
When is being known nationally for scandal grand?
I didn't realize til i left | 8:31 p.m. March 11, 2009
I went to BYU but moved to New York for grad school. I didn't realize how
nice of a place Utah was until I left. It is a very clean and safe state.
There is a ton to do outdoors in all seasons and most people I ever met were
nice and fun. New York is very different. You can't leave or enter a
school building without having to walk through a gang of smokers, most of my
neigbors smoke and that makes everything reek, the taxes are outrageous and are
mostly used to fund the social welfare programs (a lot of people are on welfare,
food stamps, etc.), no good skiing at all, people are hands down not as nice
here (it might be an east coast thing), and the list goes on. I look forward to
moving back to the West as soon as i can to a state like Utah.
True | 8:53 p.m. March 11, 2009
I miss Utah. I moved to the Midwest several years ago. I want to move back to
Utah. All of you unhappy trolls -- feel free to leave. The rest of us plan to
be happy in Utah.
Dan M | 9:05 p.m. March 11, 2009
So Utah has a higher number of its people on anti-depressants, so what? I doubt
any one of you criticizing that fact can offer one good reason why that would
make any legitimate difference in this poll. I'm sure gallup knew full well
that Utahns were on anti-depressants, they did poll on that too a few years
back.
I absolutely enjoy Utah, its pleasant enough even for me to just disregard the trite comments posters like BeeGee constantly place every chance they get.
I absolutely enjoy Utah, its pleasant enough even for me to just disregard the trite comments posters like BeeGee constantly place every chance they get.
Alex Dubois | 9:26 p.m. March 11, 2009
Are we talking about fake smiles? I sure hope so, because most Utahns I interact
with, once you get to know them you'll realize that their smiles and happy
lives is just a front!
GeeBee | 9:34 p.m. March 11, 2009
Oh, sorry Dan M to offer dissenting viewpoints. I know folks like you love to
savor your myopic worldview, but the world doesn't work that way.
Utah's great, but stop trying to make it a bubble of perfection, which it
clearly has proven not to be. Self-deception and delusion does not equal
happiness.
most depressed or happiest? | 10:17 p.m. March 11, 2009
A few months ago, there was a survey everyone was talking about that told how
Utah was #1 in depression, now this, what is going on?
M | 11:02 p.m. March 11, 2009
I've been away from Utah for a decade or so. Recently moved back and will
never move away again!
I've been other "happy" places, but I've also seen VERY unhappy ones. I'll take Utah ANY DAY!!!
I've been other "happy" places, but I've also seen VERY unhappy ones. I'll take Utah ANY DAY!!!
Iron Man | 11:27 p.m. March 11, 2009
Man, I love this state! It's a great state! I'm an immigrant from the
Pacific and I love this place absolutely 100%. I see happy people every where
and I love the 4 seasons baby!
I think its really a fine place to raise children and develop family values in but horrible as far as pay scale for employment is concerned.
I am proud to represent this great state and especially BYU!
I think its really a fine place to raise children and develop family values in but horrible as far as pay scale for employment is concerned.
I am proud to represent this great state and especially BYU!
Mostly happy | 11:39 p.m. March 11, 2009
I like it here except for the nasty snippy people who keep saying "if you
don't like it move" if you suggest in any way that this isn't a
perfect paradise. No place is a perfect paradise, and there are lots of nasty
snippy cliquish bully type people ready to snark and attack if you dare say a
peep about it.
Larry | 11:50 p.m. March 11, 2009
There appear to be many who are not happy living here, sorry about that. I have
lived here since 1998 and love it. What a great place to live. Sure there are
problems but most people I know are doing their best to help others. I am as
happy as I have ever been, not without problems, but happy nonetheless.
moss in wash | 12:38 a.m. March 12, 2009
I have lived in a lot of states and countries. Utah is the best place in my
book. I can't wait to retire and move back to Utah.
Those who rip on Utah should go elsewhere and be unhappy with a lot of other people.
Those who rip on Utah should go elsewhere and be unhappy with a lot of other people.
Nick Malan | 3:08 a.m. March 12, 2009
I am from Europe and I am not LDS, I want to let you know that the time I spent
living in Utah as student was one of the happiest time of my life. I love Utah
and its friendly and happy citizens. For Utahs happiness is their main goal and
they work very hard to achieve it.
Parkite | 4:48 a.m. March 12, 2009
Research brought to you by the Utah Travel Council.
Dancer | 5:41 a.m. March 12, 2009
Why is it, whenever you read an uplifting article, there always seems to be
person that ccmments about something negative?
I don't live in Utah but I am very happy that their hard work has earned them the position that they have.
Congratulations Utah! May your happiness become infectious.
I don't live in Utah but I am very happy that their hard work has earned them the position that they have.
Congratulations Utah! May your happiness become infectious.
Lindy in Illinois | 5:58 a.m. March 12, 2009
Another reason that the western states scored higher could be the amount of
sunshine. Living in Illinois where is is often cloudy and there is lots of rain
have made me long for the sunshine and dry air of the mountain west!
Joe | 6:40 a.m. March 12, 2009
Every time something that could be viewed as bad comes out on Utah, people blame
it on the church... So why not this?? I don't hear the haters talking
now.
Lets just admit it, Utah is the happiest place because so many Mormons live here!!
Lets just admit it, Utah is the happiest place because so many Mormons live here!!
pepperoma | 7:12 a.m. March 12, 2009
Not much of a spread between the top and the bottom. Methinks this is much ado
about not much.
This sort of survey seems to play to the competitive aspect of human nature. "We're happier than you are. Neener, neener." But seriously, 7 points to cram in all 50 states? I think there's still hope for being happy no matter where you live.
This sort of survey seems to play to the competitive aspect of human nature. "We're happier than you are. Neener, neener." But seriously, 7 points to cram in all 50 states? I think there's still hope for being happy no matter where you live.
Anonymous | 7:28 a.m. March 12, 2009
Utah has a lot going for it. But these kinds of studies are not very relevant.
I am from Utah, but there are friendlier places, especially towards outsiders or
strangers. In many respects, Utahns are out of touch and isolated. Larry King
said Mormons are clannish, and he is right (I'm LDS). Utah has the same
problems as everywhere else, but many Utahns think they are
"different," which they are not overall. It could be that they hide
from life's problems more than other places, which might explain the
pill-porn-etc. issues that are so serious in Utah.
Anonymous | 8:29 a.m. March 12, 2009
* Utah ranked seventh in total prescriptions overall. This indicates that
Utahans are heavier than average users of all prescription medications.
* Utah also ranked high in use of penicillin, insulin, thyroid hormones, antirheumatics, and anticonvulsants.
* Idaho and Arizona, the two other states in the "Mormon Corridor" with large LDS populations, did not rate high in antidepressant use.
* Utah does not rank high in prescription of stimulant medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
* Utah also ranked high in use of penicillin, insulin, thyroid hormones, antirheumatics, and anticonvulsants.
* Idaho and Arizona, the two other states in the "Mormon Corridor" with large LDS populations, did not rate high in antidepressant use.
* Utah does not rank high in prescription of stimulant medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
George | 8:48 a.m. March 12, 2009
Maybe we are just happy because we are laughing about the ridiculous post
printed here.
wow | 8:51 a.m. March 12, 2009
nothing like positive news to bring out the haters
I like utah - I just tire of the hypocritical critics who would whine if you handed them a $1000 bill. They would be unhappy anywhere
I like utah - I just tire of the hypocritical critics who would whine if you handed them a $1000 bill. They would be unhappy anywhere
S Ahiwlsa | 9:05 a.m. March 12, 2009
happy
happy
joy
joy
joy
Utah is a fabulous place to live. The mountains are continually awe-inspiring. The people basically friendly and I met my beloved here, so what's not to be happy about? Even lake stink reminds me that I have a fully functioning probiscus.
Join me now, "I love the mountains. I love the rolling hills. I love the fountains. I love the daffodils. I love the fireside when the lights are low. . ."
happy
joy
joy
joy
Utah is a fabulous place to live. The mountains are continually awe-inspiring. The people basically friendly and I met my beloved here, so what's not to be happy about? Even lake stink reminds me that I have a fully functioning probiscus.
Join me now, "I love the mountains. I love the rolling hills. I love the fountains. I love the daffodils. I love the fireside when the lights are low. . ."
Why Not? | 9:08 a.m. March 12, 2009
Simple minds are easily amused.
Fredd | 9:13 a.m. March 12, 2009
Utah is in my top 2 states I would live.
Frank Azaria | 9:15 a.m. March 12, 2009
I moved to Utah from the south and Love it here, particularly because I dont
have to take pills anymore. Allergy pills.
However my past experiences with the U might entice me to try another state, for spite.
However my past experiences with the U might entice me to try another state, for spite.
?? | 9:18 a.m. March 12, 2009
Maybe this will mean every one in utah is happy happy. keep that to your self.
Ernest T. Bass | 9:22 a.m. March 12, 2009
Of course we are happy. Just look at all of the prozac Utah consumes.
Utah | 9:25 a.m. March 12, 2009
people working together. Utah what a great place to be. It's the land that
I love. It's the land from above. This is the place!
Naysayers | 9:27 a.m. March 12, 2009
Hey all you naysayers if you dont like Utah feel free to leave! Or is the church
forcing you to stay? Give me a break people, no one is perfect so stop disecting
all the people you haven't even meet here! This state rocks, best skiing,
best hiking, best fly fishing, hot ladies, beautiful sunsets and the list goes
on! If you haven't found these things out for youself then maybe
you've been to busy nitpicking every negative flaw, and cant see the real
fun in this state!
Stay up Utah | 9:29 a.m. March 12, 2009
I practice posetive thinking. Everyone working together doesn't leave room
for a negative attitude. Stay up Utah.
Utex | 9:33 a.m. March 12, 2009
Utah is a great place. I grew up there and would love to live there if the
teaching jobs paid better. Utah people are the most loving of any people I have
lived by. I have lived in Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Texas. Utah is a great
place!!!
Land of the moutains high, Utah I love Thee
Land of the sunny sky (in the summer), Utah I love Thee!
Land of the moutains high, Utah I love Thee
Land of the sunny sky (in the summer), Utah I love Thee!
lol | 9:45 a.m. March 12, 2009
Of course, Utahns are happy.
We're living life elevated.
heheh
We're living life elevated.
heheh
Cats | 10:00 a.m. March 12, 2009
This is SOOOOOO funny. All these miserable people like GeeBee who can't
stand the fact that everyone else is so happy. It's just too funny! All
these people who have nothing else to do but sit in their basements in their
jammies and attack Mormons and Utah.
The fact is, Utah is a wonderful and happy place, overall. I lived in the east for a long time and I loved it. But, Utah is the most wonderful place in the world. Why? Because of good poeple here who have beliefs and standards they try to live.
Are we perfect? Of course not. We are human and have problems the same as anyone else. But, having faith, trying to live standards, helping others and living a healthy lifestyle are the way to solve our problems and find true happiness in this life.
You haters out there can go on being just a miserable as you want to for as long as you want to. BUT, You know, you don't have to be. There is actually a way to find true happiness. Give it a try. You won't be sorry.
The fact is, Utah is a wonderful and happy place, overall. I lived in the east for a long time and I loved it. But, Utah is the most wonderful place in the world. Why? Because of good poeple here who have beliefs and standards they try to live.
Are we perfect? Of course not. We are human and have problems the same as anyone else. But, having faith, trying to live standards, helping others and living a healthy lifestyle are the way to solve our problems and find true happiness in this life.
You haters out there can go on being just a miserable as you want to for as long as you want to. BUT, You know, you don't have to be. There is actually a way to find true happiness. Give it a try. You won't be sorry.
Happy camper | 10:14 a.m. March 12, 2009
If you chance to meet a frown do not let it stay, quickly turn it upside down
and smile that frown away. Brought to you by the Utah Chamber of Commerce, the
Happy Campers Society, and the Good House Keeping seal of approval.:)
Love Utah!!!!
Happiness is a choice!
Love Utah!!!!
Happiness is a choice!
Nancis | 10:21 a.m. March 12, 2009
I won a tee-shirt from a radio contest quite some time back that said:
Utah - Hike it, bike it, float it, boat it... love it. Outdoor paradise.
How true, and the 4 seasons -- we have it all!!! I am not a winter person, but love how gorgeous everything looks right after a snow storm.
I love the fall leaves -- and wish autumn would last longer.
And spring and summer ... the best. But the people are more friendly, and actually make eye contact and even.... talk to you!!!
There is a certain pride (a good pride) in where we live, and we should be enjoying where we are ... so don't worry .... BE HAPPY!!!
and no.... I'm not on a pill. I just chose to have a good outlook on life.
Utah - Hike it, bike it, float it, boat it... love it. Outdoor paradise.
How true, and the 4 seasons -- we have it all!!! I am not a winter person, but love how gorgeous everything looks right after a snow storm.
I love the fall leaves -- and wish autumn would last longer.
And spring and summer ... the best. But the people are more friendly, and actually make eye contact and even.... talk to you!!!
There is a certain pride (a good pride) in where we live, and we should be enjoying where we are ... so don't worry .... BE HAPPY!!!
and no.... I'm not on a pill. I just chose to have a good outlook on life.
perspective | 10:33 a.m. March 12, 2009
My grown son lived in Eastern Europe for a while (no one smiles there) and then
worked in Las Vegas. He then began working and going to school in Utah. One of
the first things he said to me was "Mom. Everybody is so happy and they
smile all the time." You don't notice it as much until you
aren't around it. We don't live in Utah, by the way.
pce | 10:54 a.m. March 12, 2009
So, to all the people who love to criticize Utah......why do you still live
here????? Utah is one of the most beautiful states ever..we have mountains
deserets, 4 wonderful seasons. Maybe you should learn to smile and enjoy what
you have instead of looking for the for the worst in everything!
Moracle | 10:59 a.m. March 12, 2009
Most Depressed wrote: "A few months ago, there was a survey everyone was
talking about that told how Utah was #1 in depression, now this, what is going
on?"
This is what's going on: When miserable people find themselves around so many happy people, it can be very depressing to them, and often, they complain.
It's a truly sad paradox that so many empty souls have to live in the midst of so many happy people.
There is a way out, for you: Find a way to help and build others up, rather than tear down; Find a purpose greater than yourself; Find God and His Truth -- there you'll find happiness.
This is what's going on: When miserable people find themselves around so many happy people, it can be very depressing to them, and often, they complain.
It's a truly sad paradox that so many empty souls have to live in the midst of so many happy people.
There is a way out, for you: Find a way to help and build others up, rather than tear down; Find a purpose greater than yourself; Find God and His Truth -- there you'll find happiness.
Utah Bliss without Pills | 11:07 a.m. March 12, 2009
I have lived in PA, OH, AZ, TX, CA, ID and now UT. I absolutely love Utah the
most! I never want to live anywhere else. The people are wonderful. The pace
is humane. The cities are clean and fun. Communities are caring. Education is
great. Mountains are gorgeous and a great place to escape. Every evening we
enjoy the most gorgeous of sunsets. Who needs prozac, living here is therapy
enough!
Sunshine and Smiles | 11:23 a.m. March 12, 2009
I live in Europe and have lived in other states, but I grew up in Utah.
I'm currently living in a beautiful city full of history and charm, but
seeing the sun is a rare thing. I long for the sunshine and outdoor sports of
Utah...especially the winter sunshine. I can go up to 3 winter months here
without seeing the sun. The people are different. Here, people walk around in
a bubble, as if they don't even see the people around them. There is little
to no eye contact, and a general chill from most people. People here know that
this is the way others see them, and they make no effort to change this image.
They are warm and friendly once you know them, but trying to break in is not
easy. When I visit Utah now, the first things I notice are the friendly faces
and "hello's" from complete strangers. It is a beautiful thing
to see people smiling just because they like to. I love Utah. It is not
perfection, but there are some wonderful things about it that I miss dearly.
Yay for Utah!
jogger | 11:38 a.m. March 12, 2009
I love Utah and attended college there, but now I live in another happy state -
Colorado! I do love it here, but hands down, Utah has better skiing. Most of my
family and a lot of my best friends still live in Utah, so I find the people to
be great as well. It is an awesome place to visit and I wouldn't mind
living there again some day.
Kit | 11:40 a.m. March 12, 2009
I grew up in California and then moved to Utah a few years ago. I love it herer.
The only thing I hate about utah are the people who hate Utah. I've never
seen such a group of whiners. Other than that Utah is a wonderful place to live.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Tabernacle Choir, Brian Stokes on TV 1:09 p.m.
- Nature's Way leaving Utah County 1:03 p.m.
- Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals 1:01 p.m.
- Senate working weekends on bill 1:00 p.m.
- Stock falls as investors worry 12:54 p.m.
- 2 steal man's car in gym parking lot 12:53 p.m.
- Valentine not joining race in 2010 12:52 p.m.
- Ways to motivate young athletes 12:17 p.m.
- The easily offended 4-year-old 12:16 p.m.
- Button battery can look like a treat 12:14 p.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
888 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime480
- Max Hall issues apology346
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal217
- BYU is champion of the state140
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies120
- Cave to be sealed with body inside116
- Utes won't respond to Hall110
- Rivalry Week is highly profane91
- Hall's legacy measured today80
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
Latest comments
That's the difference. Utah players talk on the field, and say nothing off...
Lose the Bowl game if that's what it requires. Having your star player say...
Throwing beer is assault genius!
WAS THERE A GAME SATURDAY?
I'm sorry your tender feelings got hurt. After so much trash talk for the...
maybe Huntsman can help now that he is in China
Parents have a responsibility to monitor the types of programs that their...
Let's get real here, when I heard Max's comments the first time, I was...
Ok - let him get reprimanded (do something) and let's move on. Enough of...
When we lived in Utah I never ceased to be amazed at how many BYU haters...
Advertisements