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Best Places To Live in Utah

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Best Places To Live in Utah

Home to five national parks, Utah is the perfect home base for outdoor lovers. See what else the best cities in Utah have to offer.

By Livability on November 21, 2023

Are you interested in moving to Utah? The Beehive State is home to more than 3.3 million people across 29 counties, but this state’s highlight reel is less about the statistics and more about the landscape. The temperate and dry climate means you can indulge in all kinds of outdoor recreation through the entire year, ranging from cycling, swimming and hiking in summer to skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing during the winter season. Five national parks are located within the state, which aids in the state’s vibrant economy and jobs that run the gamut from cattle ranching and mining to technology and health care.

Logan

An evening view of storefronts along West Center Street in the downtown business district of Logan, Utah.

Why is Logan a great place to live in Utah?

Nestled among the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Logan, Utah is a city north of the state capital that offers an abundance of scenic views, outdoor recreation and educational opportunities. It is home to Utah State University (USU), a popular institution that offers a variety of programs in specialties such as agriculture, engineering, business and education. While the school’s presence understandably attracts a number of students, the city is also rich in performing arts, dining and local shopping. Young families often find themselves drawn to this growing city because of its steady economic growth with job opportunities in industries like health care, manufacturing and education.

Newcomers are often pleasantly surprised by the reasonable cost of living in Logan. Groceries and restaurants are in line with the national average, but mortgage costs and rental rates are generally lower than you would expect to pay in comparable cities around the country. 

What are some things to do in Logan?

Logan may be smaller than other major cities, but it doesn’t want for activities. Stroll through the historic downtown and peruse the local shops, attend one of the many live musical performances or get a bite to eat at popular restaurants such as Jack’s Wood Fired Oven or Le Nonne. Living here also puts you in proximity to a multitude of national parks, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons — not to mention the ample opportunities to lace up your shoes and explore the stunning Wasatch Mountains right outside your door.

Read more about living in Logan, UT.

Ogden

Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Ogden, UT, is home to Weber State University and world-class ski resorts.

Why Ogden is a great city in Utah.

Ogden, Utah has developed quite a reputation for its historic architecture, sweeping landscapes and association with Weber State University. Paired with its easy access to a wealth of outdoor recreation in the nearby Wasatch Mountain range and proximity to world-class ski resorts like Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, it’s easy to understand why people are flocking to this growing city north of the state capital. 

If you’re concerned about the cost of living in an area so rich with outdoor recreation and modern amenities, fear not. Ogden is known for having a more affordable cost of living than other larger cities in Utah, which makes it attractive to young professionals and families looking to get their foot in the door of homeownership. The affordability doesn’t mean you have to compromise on activities either. There are several family-friendly amenities in the city, such as parks and playgrounds, as well as galleries, museums and a host of festivals and events that cater to residents of all ages.

Is Ogden a good place to live? 

If you want to live in an area bursting with outdoor recreation, spectacular mountain views and four distinct seasons, you will likely enjoy living in Ogden, Utah. The affordable cost of living makes it an appealing place to purchase a home, and the balance between the small town atmosphere and proximity to larger urban areas appeals to people who want to enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle without sacrificing the amenities of the city, making it one of the best places to live in Utah.

Read more about living in Odgen, UT.

Orem

A view of the lighted fountain outside the University Mall in Orem, Utah. Orem is a best place to live in Utah.
iStock/Aaron Hawkins
A view of the lighted fountain outside the University Mall in Orem, Utah.

Why is Orem a great place to live in Utah?

Tucked in the northern region of Utah County and named after Walter C. Orem of the Salt Lake and Utah Electric Interurban Railroad, Orem, Utah is part of the Provo-Orem metropolitan area just south of Salt Lake City. Living here offers several advantages, especially if you’re a student. Orem is home to Utah Valley University (UVU), an increasingly popular choice among students throughout the state and surrounding region, and is just a short drive from the well-known Brigham Young University. 

Given its association with major educational institutions, you can expect to find a lot of students, professors and administration living in the area. But you won’t be outnumbered if education isn’t the reason you want to put down roots here. The city has a reputation for being family-friendly and provides a convenient location near the stunning Wasatch Mountains and all the outdoor activities it has to offer, such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking and camping. Residents of all ages can also enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a wealth of local coffee shops, restaurants and craft breweries. With amenities like these, it’s easy to see why Orem is not only one of the bset places to live in Utah, it’s also among the Top 25 Best Places To Live Out West.

What are the major industries in Orem, Utah?

Orem is home to several major employers, but Utah Valley University is one of the most prominent in the city. You can often find job openings in education, administration, research and support services. Because Orem is located in the technology corridor of the state, the area is also home to numerous software development companies, IT firms and tech start-ups, all of which contribute to the area’s growing nickname of “Silicon Slopes.”

Read more about living in Orem, UT.

Park City

An aerial view of downtown Park City, Utah, during the fall. Park City is one of the best places to live in Utah.
iStock/Sean Pavone
An aerial view of downtown Park City, Utah, during the fall.

Why Park City is a great place to live in Utah.

Known for its stunning beauty and popular location in the mountains, Park City, Utah is nestled in the northern part of the state and is rich in outdoor recreational opportunities. The area has become a sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike due to its renowned skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking, fly fishing and hiking in the summer. It’s also home to three major ski resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and Canyons Village. 

Living in Park City comes at a price. Some estimates suggest that the average cost of living in Utah is around $34,000, while Park City comes in closer to $42,000 by comparison. The host of luxury housing and vacation rentals mean housing costs are higher than most other cities in the state, but many residents find that the resort atmosphere and its countless amenities justify the expense. After all, living here means you don’t have to go far at all to take advantage of year-round outdoor recreation, as well as world-class dining, shopping and a multitude of annual events and festivals. 

What is Park City known for? 

Aside from its innumerable outdoor activities, Park City is famous for hosting the annual Sundance Film Festival. This annual event, which was established in 1978, attracts filmmakers, industry professionals and movie enthusiasts from all over and is considered one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world. Many locals enjoy attending the screenings, panel discussions and variety of workshops and special events each year. 

Read more about living in Park City, UT.

Provo

An aerial view of Provo, Utah, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Provo is a great place to live in Utah.
iStock/Davel5957
An aerial view of Provo, Utah, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Why Provo is a great city in Utah

Located around 43 miles south of Salt Lake City, Provo, Utah is the third largest city in the Beehive State and known for being home to Brigham Young University. This iconic research university is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and is one of the largest private religious universities in the country. The school plays a significant role in the city’s culture and economy (it’s considered one of the best college towns in the country), with several attractions tied to the Mormon faith as well as employment opportunities at the school. You can also find a surprising number of technology jobs thanks to the area’s growing reputation as the “Silicon Slopes.” 

As far as activities are concerned, life here won’t leave you bored. The outdoor recreation is unparalleled, and there truly is something for everyone regardless of skill level. Bridal Veil Falls is a local favorite with options to hike up to the waterfall or enjoy the view from the base. Provo River Parkway Trail offers walking, biking and jogging opportunities. You can even hop in the car and simply enjoy the stunning views of the canyon, river and mountains along the Provo Canyon Scenic Byway.

Is it expensive to live in Provo?

The cost of living in Provo is about 4% higher than the national average, although utilities and health care often come in lower when compared to what you would find in other comparable states around the country. While this isn’t the cheapest city in Utah, it is certainly more affordable than Salt Lake City, which many consider a boon.

Read more about living in Provo, UT.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city in Utah.

Why Salt Lake City is a great city to live in Utah.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the towering Wasatch Mountains and nearby national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches. This understandably makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the year-round opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. Recent years have seen an increasingly diverse and growing economy, as well. This is particularly true in the tech arena, which is why Salt Lake City and its surrounding cities are often called the “Silicon Slopes.” 

The city is deeply associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), but it still has a lot to offer non-members. Salt Lake City hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, and you can find a wealth of museums, live musical and theatrical performances, and top-notch restaurants and breweries. The University of Utah is downtown, as well as a variety of parks, playgrounds and other attractions that have made the city increasingly attractive to young families. Salt Lake City often lands on Livability’s annual list of the Best Places To Live in the U.S.

What are the major industries in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City boasts a diverse economy with a multitude of major industries that contribute to the area’s continual growth and development. A few of the primary players include technology and software, health care and research science, financial services, outdoor recreation and sporting goods, and manufacturing. You can also find an abundance of retail and tourism-related positions thanks to the ski resorts. 

Read more about living in Salt Lake City, UT.

Sandy

Sandy is a city in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, located in Salt Lake County, Utah.

Why is Sandy a great city to live in Utah?

Sandy, Utah provides a convenient blend of suburban comfort and outdoor recreation, making it an attractive place to put down roots if you want to live in Salt Lake City without paying downtown prices. The city is located within the Salt Lake Valley, just south of Salt Lake City, and offers easy access to major highways and, consequently, many neighboring cities. The housing market is influenced by the city, but you can find a pleasant mix of single family homes, townhomes and apartments for reasonable prices compared to other comparable cities around the country. 

Outdoor recreation is a huge draw for new residents. Sandy is surrounded by the stunning Wasatch Mountains, which provide year round entertainment in the form of hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, boating, fishing and other water sports. The district is also known for its quality schools and plenty of employment opportunities, which make it an appealing home for young professionals, growing families and those wanting to retire in an area that has plenty of leisure activities.

What is Sandy known for? 

Home to about 95,000 people and sitting at an elevation at just under 4,500 feet, locals occasionally refer to Sandy as the “Heart of the Wasatch” because of its multitude of attractions within the valley, including Sandy Amphitheater, Real Soccer Stadium, Mountain America Expo Center, Hale Center Theatre and The Shops at South Town. Living here also gives you easy access to local gems like Alta Ski Area, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, and Jordan River Parkway Trail. 

Read more about living in Sandy, UT.

St. George

St. George, Utah, is a great place for retirees and young families alike.

Why St. George is a great place to live in Utah.

Retirees often flock to St. George, Utah, due to its favorable climate, outdoor recreation and reasonable cost of living compared to other popular retirement destinations. While it does offer a lot of opportunities for seniors to soak up the sun and make the most of their golden years, this beautiful city also attracts young professionals and families with its ample sunshine, educational opportunities and low crime rates. 

Tourism is an important part of the economy and culture of St. George, and for good reason. The city’s proximity to natural wonders such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park make it an excellent home base for anyone wanting to explore multiple parks on an extended vacation. The city itself also has hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as a wealth of iconic red rock formations that are popular with rock climbers. 

Is it expensive to live in St. George?

The cost of living in St. George is around 1% lower than the state average and 2% lower than the national average. Coupled with Utah’s relatively low state income tax when compared to others in the country, this makes St. George an appealing destination for newcomers on a budget. As far as earning a living goes, average salaries run around $45,000 per year with 75th percentile numbers coming in around $67,000 per year.

Read more about living in St. George, UT.

Interested in Moving to Utah?

Choosing where to live in Utah doesn’t have to be hard. We have more resources for moving to Utah as well as other best places to live in the West. No matter where you want to be, we can help you decide where to move and learn about other best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places to Live Near Utah

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