Provo, UTBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Provo’s natural beauty and sweeping mountain views are unparalleled. With several renowned universities, diverse outdoor activities and a strong economy, Provo offers a high quality of life at an affordable price.
More About Living in Provo
Provo, UT, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
If you’re dreaming of moving to the mountains, you might want to head to Provo, UT, before everyone else does. It’s no mystery as to why Provo has landed a title as one of the best places to live in the U.S. — just look at a picture of the city, which is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains and near Utah Lake.
Beyond its picturesque setting (and ample skiing opportunities), Provo is becoming quite the tech powerhouse and is part of the greater Silicon Slopes area.
Provo is also incredibly safe for a city of its size. In fact, it’s one of the safest metropolitan areas in the country. It also lives up to its nickname as the “Happy Valley,” and residents have a high overall state of well-being. They can participate in a laundry list of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, climbing, rafting, fishing and skiing. Additionally, the third-largest city in Utah is incredibly family-oriented and is an excellent spot for young families to put down roots.
Provo, UT Quality of Life LivScore
Provo, UT Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Health
Provo ranks highest for housing, transportation and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Provo, UT
Summers are hot and dry, while winters are snowy and cold. The average highs and lows are 91°F and 58°F (summer) and 42°F and 24°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Provo is around 45 inches a year, which provides plenty of fresh powder for those looking to hit the slopes.
The average annual rainfall in Provo is 16 inches, and the city has a relatively low number of rainy days, averaging just 84 per year.
Provo averages 222 sunny days a year.
What isn’t there to do outside in Provo? There’s hiking in the Wasatch Mountains, skiing at the nearby Sundance Mountain Resort, and cycling in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.
Provo Weather
22 days
Average Annual Sun
16 inches
Average Annual Rain
45 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Provo, UT
Though Provo has abundant free outdoor activities, Bridal Veil Falls takes the cake as the most picture-perfect hike thanks to its stunning waterfalls.
Stomp over to the Museum of Paleontology at BYU, which features dinosaur fossils from digs in Utah and surrounding states.
Communal offers the perfect dining experience for friends: All of its Utah-inspired cuisines are served family-style, which is ideal for ordering for a crowd.
Looking like a shop straight from a Wes Anderson film, Rugged Grounds is the perfect place to relax and order an espresso on a snowy Provo day.
The Local and State Economy in Provo, UT
Provo is home to a diverse range of job industries, including technology and software development, education and health care.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Provo is 7.25%.
Yes, Utah has a state income tax.
Provo has several hospitals, including Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital and Utah State Hospital.
There are several colleges and universities in Provo, UT, including Brigham Young University, Provo College and AmeriTech College.
Quick Facts About Provo, UT
- Median Household Income
- $54,664
- Median Home Value
- $460,929
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,967
- Total Population
- 120,909
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,056
- Average Commute
- 15.35 minutes
Safe neighborhoods, affordable housing and a low cost of living all contribute to ranking Provo as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about living in Provo, or consider other affordable cities in Utah. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.