Utah is an amazing state located in the western United States, with a landscape that is both breathtaking and diverse. The Rocky Mountains offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks, while the valleys below are lush green pastures full of life. In addition to its natural beauty, Utah boasts some of the mildest weather, making it an attractive destination for people looking to get away from extreme temperatures.

The majority of Utah’s population lives in cities like Salt Lake City, St. George and Park City; however, there are many smaller towns scattered throughout the state that offer a unique way of life. These small towns often feature quaint main streets lined with local businesses and friendly neighbors who know each other by name. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city atmosphere or charming countryside living, there’s something for everyone in Utah!

Factors To Think About When Considering Living In Utah

When it comes to exploring the right place to call home in Utah, there are a few factors you should consider, such as:

Climate And Weather Conditions

The climate and weather conditions in each area of Utah vary greatly. Northern regions tend to be colder, with more snowfall during the winter months; southern areas are often warmer but can still experience cold snaps throughout the year. You’ll want to research average temperatures and precipitation levels for any place you’re considering living in order to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Housing Shortage In Utah

Utah is currently experiencing a housing shortage, which can make it challenging to find affordable housing in some areas. Before deciding on a place to live, research the local real estate market and look into any available housing assistance programs that may be available to you.

Proximity To Outdoor Recreational Activities

For those who love being outdoors, Utah is an ideal home. With its abundance of public lands and parks, you’ll never be far from the trails, lakes, or rivers that make this state so special. Consider how close a location is to your favorite outdoor activities before deciding where you want to live in Utah.

Cost Of Living And Housing Market

The cost of living in Utah varies depending on where you’re located, so it’s important to research any potential new home before committing. Additionally, look into the local housing market and find out what homes are going for in that area.

Quality Of Schools And Education System

When it comes to searching for a new place to live that offers great educational opportunities, Utah is a perfect choice. The state has some of the best public and private schools, including the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. In addition, several smaller colleges are scattered throughout the state, offering students many options for higher education.

Job Opportunities And Economic Stability

Utah’s economy is booming, with many industries offering job options in all parts of the state. Whether you’re looking for a career in tech, manufacturing, or something entirely different, research the local job market and see what positions may be available to you.

Community And Lifestyle

Consider the local community and culture of any place you’re considering moving to. Utah is a very diverse state, with many cultures represented in its population. Research the whole area to get an idea of what kind of lifestyle and cultural activities are available in that particular region.

Healthcare Facilities And Services

Healthcare is an important factor when it comes to choosing a place to live. Research the quality of local hospitals and doctors in the area, as well as any specialized services that may be available. In fact, the average annual per-capita cost of health care in Utah is $5,735, one of the most competitive values in the nation.

Transportation And Commuting

Another important factor to consider is the area’s transportation system and commuting options. Cities in Utah are connected by a network of highways, making it easy to get around. Additionally, many public transit systems offer efficient ways to commute throughout the state.

Safety And Crime Rates

No matter where you choose to live, your safety should always be a top priority. Most areas of Utah are considered safe, with low crime rates and little risk of violent crimes. The Utah Department of Public Safety provides an online map that outlines crime statistics for each area.

Future Development And Growth Potential

Utah is growing quickly, with many new businesses and developments popping up all the time. Research any potential area you’re considering to make sure there’s plenty of growth opportunity in that particular region. This will ensure that your investment won’t be adversely affected by changing economic conditions.

The Best Places To Live In Utah

After considering all these factors, here are five of the best areas to live in Utah:

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the state capital of Utah, is a thriving, multicultural city with something for everyone. It’s not surprising that this city remains one of the most sought-after places to reside in the state, given its thriving employment market and plentiful outdoor activities. 

There are so many activities to experience, from hiking in neighboring canyons to skiing in some of the top resorts in the world. Driving just a few hours south, hiking trails can be found near national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon, where you can explore towering cliffs and deep canyons.

Salt Lake City has an average home price of $523,590, which is slightly higher than the national average. The median rent for apartments is about $1,650 per month.

Park City

Park City is a beautiful mountain town located just outside of Salt Lake City. This ski town offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. The city also has a rich cultural scene with various galleries, museums, and live music venues.

With 961 homes currently for sale, potential buyers can choose from homes ranging in price from $25K up to an impressive $50M. The city offers a variety of different styles of homes, from historic Victorians to modern suburban homes. There is further planning for development in the nearby area, which will improve Park City’s infrastructure and provide new housing, jobs, and amenities over time.

Provo

Located in the Utah Valley, Provo is a great place to live. Boasting an impressive job market and being close to Salt Lake City, this city has something for everyone. There are plenty of outdoor activities in this area, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and skiing resorts.

Provo has an average home price of $519,41, and the median rent for apartments is $1,380 per month. Provo offers a variety of housing options, from condos and townhouses to single-family homes.

Ogden

Ogden is a charming town located just north of Salt Lake City. The city provides a variety of activities, from outdoor recreation to art galleries and museums. Ogden is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country with its extensive trails and paths.

The average home price in Ogden is $467,276, with the median rent for apartments being $1,255 per month. Ogden has a variety of different types of homes available, from small bungalows to large Victorian-style houses.

Highland

Highland is a small city located just east of Salt Lake City, and it offers plenty of outdoor activities for its residents. Currently, the average home price in Highland is $467,276. This is a 28.4% drop from the previous median price of $644K in previous years. This decrease in median price offers potential buyers a great opportunity to purchase a home in Highland.

The median rent for apartments is $1,200 per month. Highland provides many different types of housing options, including townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. The city has plenty of trails and parks that offer stunning views as well as recreational activities such as hiking and biking.

​​Comparison Of The Best Places To Live In Utah

The following table provides a head-to-head comparison of the five best places to live in Utah. 

 

AspectsSalt Lake CityPark CityProvoOgdenHighland
ClimateFour-season climateFour-season climateFour-season climateFour-season climateFour-season climate
Outdoor ActivitiesAbundance of recreational opportunities, hiking, skiing, boatingRenowned ski resorts, hiking, biking, golfingProximity to outdoor activities, hiking, fishingOutdoor activities, skiing, hiking, mountain bikingProximity to outdoor activities, hiking, biking
Cost of LivingRelatively higher cost of living compared to other areas in UtahHigher cost of livingAffordable cost of livingAffordable cost of livingModerate cost of living
EducationVariety of educational institutions, including universities and collegesGood educational institutionsStrong education system, Brigham Young UniversityEducational institutions, Weber State UniversityGood educational institutions
CommunityDiverse neighborhoods, vibrant city lifeCharming small-town atmosphereStrong sense of communityHistoric charm, revitalized downtownResidential, suburban lifestyle
Job OpportunitiesAbundance of job opportunities, diverse industriesSeasonal tourism-related jobsGrowing job opportunitiesJob opportunities, diverse industriesCommute to nearby cities for job opportunities
Housing OptionsVariety of housing options, including apartments, condos, and single-family homesLuxury mountain properties, upscale housing optionsAffordable housing optionsVariety of housing optionsSpacious homes, residential neighborhoods
AmenitiesWide range of amenities, cultural attractions, shopping, diningVibrant arts and entertainment sceneAccess to amenities, shopping, diningRevitalized downtown, shops, restaurantsAccess to amenities, suburban comforts
Natural BeautySurrounding mountain ranges, proximity to national parksScenic mountain views, natural beautyProximity to scenic areas, mountain viewsMountain views, outdoor beautyScenic surroundings, natural landscapes

 

Which Utah City Is Best For You To Live In?

It can be difficult deciding which Utah city is best for you, but with its wide array of activities and affordable housing prices, there are a variety of great options available. Ultimately, the best place for you to live is dependent on your unique lifestyle, budget, and the activities and amenities you like.

Park City tends to stand out among the other cities in Utah. This ski town offers plenty of outdoor activities for enthusiasts of all kinds, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and biking. With its stunning natural beauty, booming job market, and attractive housing prices, Park City is an ideal place to live in Utah.

Find Your Perfect Place With Ski Resort Property Group!

At Ski Resort Property Group, we take pride in offering our customers a variety of all-inclusive real estate options in Utah. We have access to a range of houses in Park City and its neighborhood to accommodate all interests and budgets. We have something that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for a primary dwelling or an investment property.

We strive to provide the best possible real estate experience, which is why we are committed to keeping up-to-date with market trends and offering personalized services for each of our clients. Contact us today to find the perfect place to live in Utah!