UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Provo, UT is the #87 Best City to Live in the USA
| Provo, UT Quality of Life Liv Score 601 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 73 |
| Demographics | 34 |
| Economy | 75 |
| Education | 53 |
| Health | 55 |
| Housing | 58 |
| Infrastructure | 49 |
| Amenities | 48 |
Why Provo is one of the best cities to live in
Nestled in the picturesque Utah Valley, Provo, UT, is the state’s third-largest city. Provo lives up to its nickname as the “Happy Valley,” with an overall high state of well-being and remarkably beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Speaking of surroundings, residents here can participate in various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, climbing, rafting, fishing, skiing and many other activities. Another reason Provo is one of the best places to live in the U.S.? The city is family-focused, making it an excellent spot for young families to put down roots. Kid-friendly amenities abound, like the Provo Beach indoor theme park and Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, to name a few. An added bonus? Locals like to say that ice cream shops outnumber bars.
There are tons of jobs available, as well, thanks to Provo’s high-performing economy and reputation as a hotspot for technology and research companies. The city is also the home of Brigham Young University, which attracts students from all over the world.
Provo is home to a variety of manufacturers, communications firms, and marketing and retail organizations. And, of course, Provo is a college town after all, so one of the city’s top employers is Brigham Young University.
Brigham Young University, Provo College & AmeriTech College
Provo experiences all four seasons, with summertime highs averaging around 93 degrees, winter lows averaging near 21 degrees and 43 inches of snow a year.
Not many hikes end with a 607-foot-tall, double-cataract waterfall, but the Bridal Veil Falls trail in the Provo canyon does. The trail is accessible year-round, but you might need to slip into snowshoes during the winter months.
Provo, UT is Remote-Ready
As a state, Utah is financially incentivizing companies to hire more remote positions. Provo has low crime rates, a young demographic, and an overall healthy place to live – there are lots of outdoor activities and fresh dining options. Most people rent in Provo, but the median cost of groceries and utilities is lower than the national average. With plenty of third spaces and lots of outdoor activities, Provo frequently scores high on the overall well-being of its residents.
What Locals Love in Provo, UT
As Utah’s largest independent bookstore, Pioneer Book is the perfect place to browse through new and used titles all day.
If you are looking for ways to beat the heat on a blistering summer day in Provo, head underground. Guides lead visitors through the 1.5-mile cave tour trail at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Be sure to bring a light jacket. The caves stay at a chilly 45 degrees year round.
BYU offers several free art, life, science and dinosaur museums. The most popular are the BYU Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, the BYU Museum of Art and the BYU Museum of Paleontology.
Satiate a sweet tooth at Waffle Love. While the eatery also serves savory waffles, the sweet waffles are the favorites. Possibly the most popular is “The Dulce,” which is dusted in cinnamon and sugar and topped with “fried” ice cream and dulce de leche.
Stop by Swig for a “Dirty Soda” – diet cola topped with coffee creamer – a beloved local favorite. Trust us, it’s a thing!
A strong job market, a high-performing economy and plenty of kid-friendly amenities make Provo a best place to live in Utah.
Thinking of Moving to Provo?
Located 45 miles south of bustling Salt Lake City, Provo is one of the best spots to settle in fast-growing Utah due to its staggering-low unemployment rates, pleasant family-friendly lifestyle, and gorgeous surroundings. Provo, UT real estate is a rapidly-changing, competitive market, with high demand for housing and no immediate signs of decreasing home prices. The homes for sale in Provo have a median price of $515K and stay on the market for around 37 days. Provo, UT has 35 well-established neighborhoods with the largest proportion of single-detached homes located near downtown and most condos available in Carterville, adjacent to Brigham Young University. Ready to relocate? With the help of a Provo real estate agent, you can find the perfect home in Utah.
Quick Facts About Provo, UT
- Average Commute
- 15.35
- Median Home Value
- $460,929
- Med. Household Income
- $54,664
- Total Population
- 120,909
- Walk Score
- 46
- Median Property Tax
- $1,967
