10 Best Places to Live in Utah, According to Real Estate Experts

There are two major reasons people move to—and stay in—Utah: the economy and the great outdoors. The Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index has repeatedly placed Utah at the top of the list of economic outlook, and it’s currently No. 3 for overall economic performance. You may have even heard the phrase “Silicon Slopes,” referring to the growing tech scene in Salt Lake City. 

And then there’s Utah’s legendary natural beauty. You’ve got the Mighty Five—Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park—at your doorstep, plus 15 different ski resorts to keep you busy during the winter. So why doesn’t everyone move to Utah? Well, there’s the cost factor. Utah currently has one of the most expensive housing markets in the country (although prices have remained relatively stable over the past few years). Still, if you’re looking to plant roots in the Beehive State, there are some pretty great places to live, whether you’re interested in a suburban home or a mountain escape. 

Read on the discover the best places to live in Utah in 2026, according to local real estate experts.

01 St. George

“Sunny St. George, Utah, located just four hours south of Salt Lake City, offers a delightful high-desert climate, providing a break from snowy Northern Utah. Ranked the No. 1 city in Utah to start a business, St. George has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, with a stable, youthful workforce fueled by Utah Tech University,” says Misty Murphy, an agent with Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International. “With world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking, St. George is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.” Not to mention, Zion National Park is just half an hour away. 

“Its quiet neighborhoods appeal to everyone—from retirees to young families—thanks to panoramic mountain views, an affordable cost of living compared to West Coast metros, and direct flights to major hubs like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Salt Lake City,” adds Eddy Ortiz, a Southern Utah-based real estate agent with Summit Sotheby's International Realty. Housing prices in St. George have plateaued over the past couple of years, but Zillow estimates the average home value is around $512,000.

02 Heber

“Heber is beautiful, surrounded by mountains, and growing fast. There is a ton of development happening, but it still feels small. You can be on a mountain bike trail or fly fishing within minutes, and skiing is close, especially with the new Deer Valley East Village going in about 17 minutes away,” says Abbey Drummond, an agent with Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International. “Heber is very family-focused, and with the median single-family home still under $1 million, families can enjoy the mountain lifestyle without paying Park City prices.” Heber City’s Niche.com report card reflects the family-friendly nature of the area, as well as its emphasis on outdoor activities and health and fitness.

03 Park City

“Park City is the ultimate four-season destination—over 400 miles of trails and two world-renowned ski resorts make it a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors, whether that's skiing deep powder in January or riding singletrack in July,” says Christine Grenney, a real estate agent at Summit Sotheby's International Realty. “Average home prices around $3.25 million reflect the area’s world-class amenities, top-rated schools, and its rare blend of luxury and laidback mountain living. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy true resort-level experiences while still feeling part of a tight-knit mountain community.” If it’s in your budget—Park City was recently named the most expensive ski town in the U.S.—you’ll enjoy all of the aforementioned features, as well as proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Drummond also credits the “strong community” and the impressive school district for Park City’s appeal. “With remote work becoming more common, people from all over the country have been moving in, driving prices way up. In 2024, the median single-family home price in Snyderville (which is part of Park City) is $2,392,500, and the median Park City limits home price is $4,075,000,” she adds.

04 Ivins

“Ivins is one of Southern Utah’s most desirable small towns, framed by the towering Red Mountain and dramatic lava-rock landscapes. Buyers are drawn to its quiet luxury, wellness-focused lifestyle, and access to world-class golf—including PGA and LPGA championship events at the Tom Weiskopf–designed Black Desert Course,” says Ortiz, who notes the 11,108-person town offers “a resort-like pace of life paired with breathtaking natural beauty.” Murphy also recommends Ivins, calling it “Southern Utah’s best-kept secret.” This type of lifestyle does come with a hefty price tag, though. According to Zillow, the average home value is $603,321, and Payscale has the cost of living in Ivins as 10 percent higher than the national average.

05 Salt Lake City

Utah’s biggest city is also one of the best places to live in the state. “Salt Lake City offers city living while still keeping you connected to the outdoors. Mountains surround the city, so the views are amazing, and you can easily access the ski resorts in both the Cottonwood Canyons and Park City in about 30 minutes,” says Drummond. She also notes the metro area has “walkable neighborhoods, good restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries,” and you can even find older homes and tree-lined streets in many of the nighborhoods. “The University of Utah adds a college feel, along with fabulous hospitals and medical facilities,” she adds.

Cost of living in Salt Lake City is 8 percent higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a driving factor (they’re 27 percent higher than the national average). If you’re buying a home, the median price falls around $659,000, while the median rent is $1,980.

06 Brian Head

Utah ski towns like Park City and Alta may have the name recognition, but they’re not the only places where residents can enjoy mountain access. “Brian Head was once just a sleepy mountain town in Southern Utah, but has grown into a sought-after destination for skiers and snowboarders in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer,” says Murphy. “Brian Head Resort runs year-round, providing lift service for both winter enthusiasts and thrill-seeking downhill mountain bikers.” Plus, she says, it sits at 10,000 feet, so it “gets its fair amount of Utah’s famous powder,” and it’s the “perfect getaway in the hot summer months.” It’s certainly more of a remote destination, but if that’s your ideal type of place, you won’t have to spend too much to call it home. The average home value is just north of $223,000.

07 Hurricane

“Hurricane is emerging as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, golfers, and adventure seekers drawn to its proximity to Sand Hollow Reservoir, championship golf communities, and world-class ATV/UTV sand dunes and trail systems,” says Ortiz. “Its expanding tourism economy and growing residential developments have created strong housing demand while maintaining price points below many national outdoor and adventure-town markets.” You’ll have the same access to Zion as nearby St. George, but home prices are slightly more affordable; Zillow estimates the average home value in Hurricane is $500,011. “With its mix of recreation, affordability, and significant investment in infrastructure and resort-style neighborhoods, Hurricane is quickly becoming one of Utah’s most exciting places to live, explore, and grow,” Ortiz says.

08 Logan

If you’re looking for affordability in Utah, consider Logan, a small city in Cache County. “Logan is calmer and more budget-friendly than the other options. It is a true college town, centered around Utah State University, and has a slower pace that many people appreciate,” says Drummond. “Logan Canyon is beautiful, and the mountains surrounding the valley make it feel peaceful and scenic. It is a smaller, safe community that appeals to students, professors, and anyone looking for a more affordable place to live while also being close to the outdoors.” The average home value in Logan comes in on the lower end, in Utah standards, at $382,080.

09 Washington

You’ll find the 35,501-person city of Washington between St. George and Hurricane. “Washington City has quickly become one of Southern Utah’s most popular suburban hubs, celebrated for its new developments, strong public schools, and access to regional shopping and recreation,” says Ortiz. “Its steady population growth reflects increasing demand for neighborhoods that feel modern, family-friendly, and more attainable than many fast-growing Western markets.” He also shares that the city has “extensive biking trails, parks, and quick access to St. George, Zion National Park, and the interstate,” so its residents get a nice balance of nature and amenities. 

Housing prices are, unsurprisingly, comparable to its neighbors, Hurricane and St. George. Redfin describes the real estate market as “somewhat competitive,” and, as of Dec. 2025, Zillow has the average home value sitting at $539,621.

10 Midway

Not finding anything in Heber City? Start looking right down the road in Midway. “Midway feels like a mountain town pulled straight from a postcard—quiet, scenic, and full of small-town charm—yet it’s just 20 minutes from Park City and ski resort access,” says Grenney, who calls the 6,064-person city “one of Utah’s most underrated lifestyle gems.”

“With homes averaging around $1.35 million, it appeals to those looking for a slower pace and a friendly, walkable community without sacrificing recreation,” she says. As a resident, you’ll be surrounded by natural hot springs, trails, golf courses, and, of course, gorgeous mountain views.

Source: Travel+Leisure