7 Best Places to Live in Utah

Utah is a diverse region in the United States featuring different communities filled with unique character and charm. Utah is popular for its natural beauty; it’s home to 5 national parks and even more state parks. The outdoor recreation in Utah is insane (in a good way!). To top it off, Utah has a strong economy with a low unemployment rate and a crime rate that is lower than the national average. If you’re not a fan of outdoor recreation you can still enjoy many shopping malls, theater productions, or a Utah Jazz game while living in Utah!

Best Places to Live in Utah

Here are some of the best cities in Utah that are popular with residents and visitors alike

1. Salt Lake City

The state capital and largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City is a great place to live with thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a number of world-class ski resorts in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Living in a metro area in the Salt Lake valley means easy access to shops, restaurants, reputable schools, and outdoor activities. Salt Lake City is part of Salt Lake County. Other cities in the county are West Jordan, South Jordan, West Valley, Sandy, Herriman, West Valley City, and Draper among others. The average sold price for residential real estate in Salt Lake County in 2022 was approximately $564,614. So, if you like quick access to the city’s conveniences but also want easy access to biking trails, ski resorts, and water recreation, Salt Lake City may be the perfect place for your new home.

2. Park City

Located just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is part of Summit County and a popular ski destination. Park City boasts a lively downtown area and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Park City has a strong economy with a mix of tourism, real estate, and tech industries. Accordingly, Park City has a low unemployment rate and a diverse job market. Additionally, Park City has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is also home to the popular Sundance Film Festival, an annual film festival, which takes place in January. It is the largest independent film festival in the United States. It attracts filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world. Park City boasts the highest housing costs in Utah with the average sold price for residential real estate in Summit County in 2022 being $1,955,771.

3. St. George

Located in the southwestern corner of the state and part of Washington county, St. George is known for its mild climate and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. You can enjoy golf, hiking, and rock climbing in St. George. Sand Hollow state park is a nearby popular spot for kayakers and cliff divers. St George is also only a short 33 miles to Zions National Park. Additionally, many Utah residents retire in St. George due to its warmer climate, increasing number of retirement communities, and opportunities for recreation. The average sold price for residential real estate in Washington County in 2022 was $655,564.

4. Moab

Located in the eastern part of the state, Moab is part of Grand County, Utah, Moab is well known for its stunning red rock landscapes and outdoor recreation. You can enjoy mountain biking, river rafting, and rock climbing. To top it off, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park are all within 30 miles! Moab has a high quality of life, a low crime rate, and great schools. And of course, as mentioned, the close proximity to a great variety of outdoor recreation can’t be beaten. Perhaps even better, Moab has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community and a number of local festivals and events throughout the year. The average sold price for residential real estate in Grand County in 2022 was $707,483.

5. Ogden

Located about 45-50 minutes north of Salt Lake City, Ogden is part of Weber County. Ogden is a hidden gem if you ask me! It is a growing city with a thriving arts and culture scene and a number of outdoor recreational opportunities in the nearby mountains. Given the rise in home prices in recent years, if you’re looking for housing that is more affordable, Ogden may be a good place for you. The average sold price for residential real estate in Weber County in 2022 was $482,987.

South Ogden and North Ogden are also nearby with a more residential feel, whereas Ogden has more of a city feel with a booming downtown area on historic 25th street. Other cities in Weber county include Roy, West Haven, Harrisville, Marriott-Slaterville, and Plain City. Ogden is located in the Wasatch Mountains and is also a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. It is also home to the Ogden Nature Center, which offers hiking trails and educational programs.

6. Kaysville

A quick 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City international airport, Kaysville is part of Davis County and a great place to live. It offers a small-town atmosphere with easy access to amenities. Kaysville has a high quality of life, with a low crime rate and good schools. It also has a welcoming community and a number of local festivals and events throughout the year. Kaysville is located in the Wasatch Mountains, though it’s also expanding to the west side of Davis County. As is the rest of the state, Kaysville is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking.

Kaysville is also home to a number of parks and trails. The cost of living in Kaysville is generally lower than the national average. This can make it an affordable place to live for those looking to purchase a home. The average sold price for residential real estate in Davis County in 2022 was $555,870.

7. West Point

Last but not least, my hometown of West Point. West Point is located in west Davis county about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. With a population of around 9,500, West Point is one of the best small towns in Utah, and one with a strong sense of community.

West Point is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to recreational opportunities. It is a short 5-10 minutes to the great salt lake, Antelope Island, and several golf courses. West Point has a high-rated school system, with a number of public and private schools serving the community. It is also home to a number of local festivals and events throughout the year, including the city’s annual West Point Days celebration on July 4th the best celebration in the county in my opinion! If you’re not a fan of living in a larger city and you’re looking for a smaller town with open spaces and a manageable commute, West Point may be the perfect place for you!

Ultimately, the best place to live in Utah will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and your stage of life. Consider factors such as location, local schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and access to recreational activities when deciding where to live in the state. If you need guidance with buying a home in Utah, I would love to be a resource!

Which do you think is the best place to live in Utah? Should I add more to the list? Let me know in the comments!