In a world increasingly driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and real-time analytics, data centers have evolved from tech-world infrastructure to global economic engines. As we move deeper into 2025, data center services are not only expanding—they’re reshaping entire regions, including unexpected places like rural Utah.
What Are Data Center Services?
At their core, data center services encompass everything from physical infrastructure (like power and cooling systems) to managed services that include storage, security, networking, and backup solutions. These facilities provide a centralized space for computing resources that power everything from banking systems to your favorite streaming platform.
Think of them as the beating heart of the internet.
Why the Explosion Now?
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AI & Machine Learning
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With AI models growing larger and more powerful, they require immense computing power and rapid data processing. That’s pushing demand for high-density, purpose-built data centers
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Edge Computing & IoT
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Devices are getting smarter and more distributed. Data centers are adapting by moving closer to where data is created—think smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and precision agriculture.
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Sustainability & Energy Innovation
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Green data centers are in demand. New builds are leveraging renewable energy, liquid cooling, and smarter architecture to cut emissions while maximizing uptime.
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Post-COVID Cloud Reliance
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Remote work, telehealth, and cloud-first strategies accelerated by the pandemic have permanently shifted how companies view physical infrastructure.
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Utah’s Surprising Role in the Data Center Surge
Millard County, Utah, recently made headlines after rezoning over 1,100 acres of agricultural land to heavy industrial use. Why? To accommodate what may become the largest data center campus in the U.S.
This trend isn’t isolated. Utah is emerging as a western data corridor thanks to:
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Affordable land
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Renewable energy sources
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Proximity to major western metros
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Tech-forward state infrastructure
Why This Matters to Investors, Developers, and Real Estate Professionals
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Land Use Is Shifting
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Watch for rezoning, especially near fiber hubs or renewable energy corridors.
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Industrial Demand Is Evolving
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Not just warehouses—tech infrastructure and energy redundancy are the new focus.
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Opportunity for Partnership
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From local utilities to site development firms, data center builds create ripple effects across sectors.
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Final Thought
Data centers are no longer the quiet giants in the background—they’re the main act. If you’re in real estate, investing, or tech development, it’s time to start paying attention to where the wires meet the world.
And if you’re looking to position yourself near the next big tech buildout, keep your eyes on places you’d least expect—like Utah’s open plains.
Curious about how data center growth might impact land values, zoning potential, or commercial investment strategy in your area?
Let’s connect.
Paula Higman Real Estate is the personal brand of Paula Higman, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty. All real estate services are offered through Coldwell Banker Realty, a licensed brokerage in the state of Utah. I'm sorry
