Summary
If you appreciate the outdoors, Alaska may initially appear to be an ideal state for residence. However, if you prefer milder temperatures, the adventurous state of Utah could be a perfect fit.
From Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park, Utah boasts an array of natural wonders. Furthermore, the state capital is named after one of these magnificent features: Salt Lake City.
Considering Utah as a location for residence presents numerous appealing neighborhoods, each characterized by distinct features and advantages.
Whether you are seeking a retirement home or a suburb to raise a family, certain essential factors remain consistent across demographics; aspects such as proximity to transportation routes, crime rates, and healthcare facilities must be evaluated when searching for a new residence.
To assist you in your search, we have compiled a list of the 15 best places to live in Utah based on criteria relevant to potential residents.
1. Park City
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Park City is the premier location on our list of desirable places to reside in Utah. While living in Park City, residents can enjoy stunning views of the Wasatch mountains and access to the local ski resort. The town provides a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, snowboarding, and hiking, along with numerous shopping options.
As you stroll through the town, you will be captivated by its exquisite art galleries and museums. With consistent favorable weather and low crime rates, Park City has emerged as a favored community for families. Here, relationships formed can last a lifetime.
The unemployment rate in Park City is recorded at 2.8%, well below the national average. Although the cost of living is approximately 86% higher than the national average, the exceptional views and safety available in Park City are unparalleled.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the noteworthy attractions in Park City include:
- Park City Mountain
- Deer Valley Resort
- Main Street Historic District
- Trove Gallery
- Canyons Village
- Kimball Art Center
- Park City Alpine Slide
- Outlets Park City
- Red Pine Adventures
- Egyptian Theatre
2. Fruit Heights
Source: Ntsimp / Wikimedia
Fruit Heights is a picturesque community that stands out as one of the premier places to live in Utah. Located just outside of Salt Lake City, residents enjoy stunning mountain views, a tranquil neighborhood, and ample opportunities to appreciate outdoor activities.
While residing in Fruit Heights, individuals will quickly observe the close-knit community spirit among residents, along with an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops. The local population appreciates its superior educational system, favorable climate, recreational options, and scenic environment.
The unemployment rate in Fruit Heights is reported at 2.5%, which is below the national average. Additionally, the cost of living is 31% higher than the national average; however, the warm community atmosphere and outstanding schools make this area highly desirable.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the notable attractions in Fruit Heights include:
- Lagoon Amusement Park
- Boondocks Food & Fun
- SeaQuest Utah
- Nicholls Park
- East Mountain Wilderness Park
- The Gailey Trail
- Station Park Shopping Mall
3. Greater Avenues
Source: lake.comewithme.us
Greater Avenues is an appealing neighborhood within Salt Lake City and ranks among the best areas to reside in Utah. Housing approximately seventeen thousand residents, this community offers a suburban atmosphere combined with a variety of urban amenities, including bars and restaurants.
The area is known for its excellent educational institutions, low crime rates, and is highly regarded as a family-friendly location for those considering a move. It boasts a wealthy demographic, with average home values reaching six figures or more. If you relish a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, Greater Avenues is an ideal choice.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the prominent attractions in and around Greater Avenues include:
- Temple Square
- Great Salt Lake
- Ensign Peak Nature Park
- City Creek Center
- Natural History Museum of Utah
4. Summit Park
Source: summitparkutah.net
Summit Park is a stunning mountain community and one of the prime locations to reside in Utah. This serene and picturesque town offers residents beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Residents engage in numerous outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding, often encountering wildlife like deer, elk, and moose along the way. With a peaceful small-town atmosphere, Summit Park is ideal for families due to its ample open spaces, parks, and an exceptional educational system. The unemployment rate here is 2.8%, with a cost of living approximately 58% higher than the national average; however, the natural beauty and recreational opportunities justify this investment.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities in Summit Park include:
- Woodward Park City
- Utah Olympic Park
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
- Park City Mountain
- Canyons Village at Park City
- Deer Valley Resort
- Park City Museum
5. East Bench
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East Bench is a residential neighborhood in Salt Lake City, recognized as one of Utah’s premier living locations. Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Range, East Bench is home to approximately seven thousand residents.
The neighborhood includes noteworthy facilities like the Salt Lake Country Club and Bonneville Golf Course, along with the Hogle Zoo, which features attractions such as giraffes and tigers—a wonderful destination for families.
Real estate prices in East Bench vary, offering options for various budgets. For those with higher budgets, Ambassador Way presents lavish four-bedroom, four-bathroom family homes valued at over a million dollars. Conversely, more modest options include cozy two-bedroom residences with sunlit gardens, priced slightly above the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some popular activities in East Bench include:
- Hogle Zoo
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Red Butte Garden
- Liberty Park
- Sugar House Park
6. Snyderville
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Snyderville is an expanding community located in the Wasatch Mountains, known for its beautiful landscapes. This town provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
Despite its size, Snyderville offers a wealth of local dining options featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. The town’s proximity to larger cities ensures that residents can conveniently access necessary amenities.
With its peaceful environment, Snyderville presents an ideal place for those seeking tranquility without the burden of overcrowding.
Entertainment & Activities
Some highlights in Snyderville include:
- Willow Creek Park
- Utah Outdoor Adventures
- Egyptian Theatre
- Park City Ice Arena
- High West Saloon
- Resort Center Ice Skating Rink
7. Kaysville
Source: Tricia Simpson / Wikimedia
Located north of Salt Lake City, Kaysville is a city appealing to music enthusiasts, known for its vibrant live music scene throughout the town.
Kaysville is characterized by its picturesque setting, recreational opportunities, and favorable climate. The city’s unemployment rate is recorded at 2.1%, ensuring considerable job opportunities for incoming residents.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best attractions in Kaysville include:
- Cherry Hill Water Park
- Kaysville Theatre
- Barnes Park
- Get Air Trampoline Park
- SeaQuest Utah
- Heritage Park
- Layton Commons Park
8. Yalecrest
Source: Ken Lund / Flickr
Yalecrest is a historic area in Utah, just a few miles from downtown Salt Lake City. This neighborhood has gained popularity for its highly sought-after real estate and warm community atmosphere.
As you explore Yalecrest, you will encounter tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors, along with community parks that encourage social gatherings. The neighborhood’s proximity to Salt Lake City is a significant advantage that residents cherish.
If you are contemplating a move to Yalecrest, this charming area may be an excellent choice that you will appreciate.
Entertainment & Activities
Highlighted attractions in Yalecrest include:
- Brighton Resort
- Liberty Park
- Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
- Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Lagoon Amusement Park
9. Wasatch Hollow
Source: www.slcgov.com
Situated south of Yalecrest, Wasatch Hollow is recognized as an exemplary suburban neighborhood ideal for purchasing property in Salt Lake City.
With growing popularity among millennials seeking first-time homeownership, demand and property values are on the rise.
Wasatch Hollow is characterized by its traditional American tree-lined streets, quaint detached homes, and a friendly neighborhood feel. While the median home value is above the national average, higher-value properties frequently become available.
Entertainment & Activities
Some recommended activities in Wasatch Hollow are:
- Heber Valley Historic Railroad
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Church History Museum
- Jordanelle State Park
- Memory Grove Park
- Cascade Springs
10. North Logan
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North Logan, located in Cache County, is home to approximately eight thousand residents. The area offers stunning mountain views and an array of outdoor activities such as fishing and camping.
Known for its attractive scenery and recreational opportunities, North Logan features a diverse economic landscape. The unemployment rate is just 2%, significantly lower than the national average, while the cost of living is about 7% higher than average—a reasonable trade-off considering the beautiful mountain vistas from homes.
Entertainment & Activities
Some notable attractions in North Logan include:
- Cache Valley Fun Park
- Elevation Rock Gym
- Zootah
- Utah State University
- Elk Ridge Park
- Logan Canyon
11. Highland
Source: Edgar Zuniga Jr. / Flickr
Highland, located east of Provo, is also among the best places to reside in Utah. The city features significant landmarks such as Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
Characterized by its scenic landscapes, educated populace, and potential for job growth, Highland maintains an unemployment rate at 2.5%, well below the national average. The cost of living here is approximately 57% higher than average; however, the picturesque setting of Utah significantly enhances the living experience.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in Highland include:
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
- The Ninja Playground
- Highland Glen Park
- Moyle Park
- Ghost Falls Trailhead
- Farm Country
- Evermore Park
12. Farmington
Source: BrandonEvansPhotographer / shutterstock
Farmington is a smaller city in Utah with a population nearing eighteen thousand. Residents here can relish endless outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing.
Farmington is notable for housing some of the state’s most highly rated private and public schools. If you seek tranquility, Farmington is undeniably one of Utah’s most appealing places to live.
With its scenic beauty, recreational resources, and favorable climate, Farmington has an unemployment rate of 2.5% and a cost of living approximately 26% higher than the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some engaging activities in Farmington include:
- Lagoon Amusement Park
- Station Park Shopping Mall
- Cherry Hill Water Park
- Cinemark Farmington Movie Theater
- Forbush Park
- SeaQuest Utah
13. Cedar Hills
Source: www.utahrealtygroup.com
Cedar Hills, located to the west of Highland, is a peaceful and cozy suburb with a population of over ten thousand residents, whom pride themselves on a strong small-town atmosphere. Although it is theoretically a suburb of Salt Lake City, Cedar Hills maintains its unique identity.
Family-oriented, this area offers numerous opportunities for families to bond. Community events, often centered around local faith institutions, promote interactions among residents.
Cedar Hills is home to a plethora of public schools, numbering seventy-eight, contributing to its reputation as one of the state’s leading educational districts.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in Cedar Hills include:
- Heritage Park
- Harvey Park
- Discovery Park
- The Grid Go-Kart Track
- Snuck Farm
14. Foothill/Sunnyside
Source: www.weichert.com
Foothill/Sunnyside is a tight-knit community boasting a population of just over one thousand residents, making it the safest neighborhood in Salt Lake City. Residents are well-acquainted with one another, often creating a familiar atmosphere.
This suburban enclave offers no compromises regarding convenience; top-notch schools and seamless access to the city for employment are significant advantages of residing here. Although median monthly rents are just below $1,000, home prices are above the national average, requiring a more substantial investment.
Housing options are diverse, ranging from five-bedroom family homes to charming three-bedroom condominiums.
Entertainment & Activities
Recommended activities in Foothill include:
- Hogle Zoo
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Red Butte Garden
- City Creek Center
- Liberty Park
- Clark Planetarium
- Utah Olympic Park
15. North Salt Lake
Source: www.nslcity.org
Considering Salt Lake City as the hub of activity in Utah, it is only fitting to conclude our list of the 15 best places to live in Utah with a nearby suburb, North Salt Lake.
This community is as appealing as previous locations described, home to eighteen thousand residents, creating a tightly-knit small-town atmosphere. The median home value in North Salt Lake is reasonable, and many properties offer views of Rotary Park.
Increasingly attractive to millennials seeking their first homes, North Salt Lake is emerging as a noteworthy area; future residents should monitor its progress in subsequent years.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in North Salt Lake include:
- Temple Square
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
- Thanksgiving Point
- Eccles Theater
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts
- Delta Center Arena
