The ten Greatest Locations to Stay in Utah in 2024

When you’re planning on shifting to Utah, add these cities to your checklist.

Utah is an outside paradise stuffed with rugged mountains, excessive desert plains, and deep winter snow. Inside its three distinctive areas, the state gives a mixture of charming cities, wealthy historical past, and handy facilities, making it an ideal place to name house. Individuals are profiting from this, too; Utah was the fastest-growing state within the nation from 2010-2020, and it reveals no signal of slowing.

Pure magnificence is one in every of Utah’s defining options. The attractive Uinta Mountains and the canyons of Zion Nationwide Park draw guests from all over the world. Utah’s local weather can also be pretty nice. Steep mountain ranges defend Utah from most excessive climate, so dry, sunny climate is widespread. Precipitation turns into extra seemingly the upper and farther north you go, with most falling within the winter and spring.

Over 80% of Utah’s inhabitants lives within the Wasatch Entrance, a 150-mile valley house to cities like Salt Lake Metropolis, Provo, and Ogden. The valley is bordered by the steep Wasatch Mountains to the east and the enduring Nice Salt Lake to the west. Right here, city life blends seamlessly with out of doors recreation, providing one of the best of each worlds. 

However which cities within the Beehive State are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to reside in Utah, rating them on qualities comparable to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.

1. Salt Lake Metropolis, UT

Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah’s capital and largest metropolis, tops our checklist as one of the best place to reside in Utah. Ample entry to the outside, a comparatively reasonably priced value of dwelling, and aggressive housing market all contributed to its excessive rating. Town is situated within the coronary heart of the Wasatch Entrance and is understood for its dramatic mountain vistas, year-round out of doors recreation, and historical past. 

Among the best components of dwelling in SLC is its four-season facilities. The Utah Arts Pageant and Downtown Farmers Market are widespread choices throughout the hotter months, whereas snowboarding is a winter favourite. Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and 6 different world-class ski resorts are all inside an hour from downtown. No marvel the area hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. 

Salt Lake Metropolis additionally has a whole lot of native outlets and eateries. The King’s English Bookshop is a beloved impartial bookstore, whereas Eva’s Bakery and Caputo’s Market & Deli serve up scrumptious fare within the coronary heart of town. Historic Salt Lake Metropolis neighborhoods like The Avenues and ninth and ninth boast charming hotspots, together with the enduring Tower Theatre and rustic Pizza Nono.

Nonetheless, the area’s air high quality and water safety are rising points. Plus, as a result of area’s speedy progress, demand for water has skyrocketed. With nearly all of the state dealing with long-term drought circumstances, a rising portion of the water has come from the Nice Salt Lake, whose water ranges not too long ago fell to its lowest recorded ranges. This has had compounding results on the area’s already poor air high quality.

Salt Lake Metropolis houses on the market | Salt Lake Metropolis homes for lease | Salt Lake Metropolis flats for lease

2. South Salt Lake, UT

Simply south of Salt Lake Metropolis, South Salt Lake is the second metropolis on our checklist. What was a reasonably undeveloped a part of the SLC metropolitan space has change into a hip, bustling metropolis with its personal character and sights. Town’s affordability is one in every of its most important promoting factors; home costs in South Salt Lake are $200,000 lower than Salt Lake Metropolis correct.

South Salt Lake could be very handy for commuting into downtown SLC. TRAX, UTA’s gentle rail system, presents three strains into and out of South Salt Lake: the Pink Line, Blue Line, and Inexperienced Line. Trains run each quarter-hour and supply entry all through the metro space. Commuting by automobile would possibly take some time, although, particularly alongside Interstate 15.

South Salt Lake is house to fairly a couple of native hotspots, together with the Outdated Bridge Cafe, Pie Pizzeria, and King Buffet of Salt Lake. Chinatown Grocery store is very widespread amongst locals, with 30,000 sq. ft of genuine and distinctive Asian items. And for individuals who wish to spend a day on the greens, six golf golf equipment are inside strolling distance of town middle.

South Salt Lake houses on the market | South Salt Lake homes for lease | South Salt Lake flats for lease

3. Midvale, UT

Subsequent on our checklist is Midvale, a small suburb 12 miles south of Salt Lake Metropolis. Just like many suburbs within the area, Midvale boasts a extra reasonably priced value of dwelling than SLC, together with a extra relaxed really feel. Midvale developed individually from different cities and retains its historic downtown whereas additionally offering loads of new housing each east and west of Interstate 15. 

Most of what you want could be discovered alongside Foremost Avenue within the middle of city. Midvale Plaza is a well-liked shopping center, whereas Moochie’s Meatballs and Extra and the Midvale Mining Firm Cafe are beloved native eating places. Foremost Avenue is additionally being renovated to enhance pedestrian and bicycle owner security. Different Midvale hotspots embody The Outlets at Fort Union, and Gardner Village. 

One of many advantages of dwelling in Midvale is its quiet comfort: You may get pleasure from every little thing SLC has to supply, with out the hustle and bustle. Outside recreation isn’t far, both. It’s simple to drive out to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Trailhead, Heughs Canyon Path, or Nice Salt Lake State Park for a enjoyable day outdoors. You too can simply head into downtown SLC for an evening in town utilizing the TRAX Blue Line, or drive 17 miles south to the Shops at Traverse Mountain.

Midvale houses on the market | Midvale homes for lease | Midvale flats for lease

4. Orem, UT

Orem is available in because the third-best place to reside in Utah. A suburb of Provo about 40 miles south of Salt Lake Metropolis, Orem is understood for being a reasonably reasonably priced school city. Leases specifically are fairly reasonably priced, with lease costs $600 under the nationwide median. Utah Lake borders town to the west, whereas 10,000-foot mountain peaks are simply two miles to the east. The scenic Provo Canyon is situated within the easternmost a part of town limits.

You could find most of what you’ll want in Orem alongside State Avenue (SR 89), which runs by way of the middle of city. Eating places like Pitada Brazil and Lomito’s, procuring locations like Orem Plaza and Asian Market, and native sights just like the Hale Middle Theater can all be discovered alongside a one-mile stretch of the highway. Strolling round State Avenue could be troublesome, however the metropolis authorities is working to rework the boulevard right into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Commuting into Salt Lake Metropolis could also be a problem should you don’t use public transportation. For instance, driving into Downtown SLC utilizing Interstate 15 can take nicely over 40 minutes, longer relying on visitors and climate. However, The FrontRunner, UTA’s regional commuter rail, runs straight by way of Orem into SLC and generally is a stress-free solution to commute. This route takes round an hour, however the time is far more dependable.

Orem houses on the market | Orem homes for lease | Orem flats for lease

5. Murray, UT

Situated simply north of Midvale, Murray (formally Murray Metropolis) is available in at quantity 5 on our checklist of one of the best locations to reside in Utah. Murray is a historic metropolis with roots in mining and smelting (particularly gold, silver, and lead) and nonetheless retains its rustic industrial really feel. Historic sights embody the 170-year-old Wheeler Historic Farm, which gives training and summer season camps, and the Carlisle Household Monument.

Regardless of its shut proximity to town middle, Murray retains a definite sense of tranquility. Tree-lined streets and spacious parks provide residents ample alternatives to unwind and benefit from the attractive Utah surroundings. Probably the most widespread out of doors spots is the Jordan River Parkway Path, which parallels the Jordan River for 45 miles and gives a paved and equestrian path. Murray Park is one other native favourite, with athletic fields, an ice skating rink, and an amphitheater. 

As with most suburbs within the Salt Lake Valley, facilities are clustered round State Avenue. The Desert Star Playhouse and the Paradise Buffet are enjoyable spots to go to. The Ivy Place Procuring Village is widespread, too.

Murray houses on the market | Murray homes for lease | Murray flats for lease

6. St. George, UT

A historic farming city turned out of doors paradise, St. George is the seventh-best place to reside in Utah. Situated on the Colorado Plateau in southeastern Utah, St. George is house to famend pure magnificence, historic structure, and plentiful out of doors recreation. Because of its nice local weather and site close to public lands, it’s additionally one of many fastest-growing cities within the nation. The price of dwelling is pretty excessive, nonetheless, and wages sit nicely under the nationwide common. 

Layers of purple rock, slim canyons, mesas, and volcanic lava flows dominate the panorama, whereas 300 days of sunshine makes it simple to rise up and discover. St. George’s proximity to pure wonders like Zion Nationwide Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and the Pink Cliffs Nationwide Conservation Space gives alternatives for mountaineering, climbing, and extra.

One other plus about St. George is its air high quality, particularly in comparison with the Salt Lake Valley. In reality, town has the Tenth-cleanest air within the nation for year-round particle air pollution.

St. George’s local weather is markedly hotter and drier than cities additional north, with common summer season temperatures topping 100°F and little or no winter snowfall. Its local weather is usually dry year-round, with most rain falling within the winter and late summer season. Because of this dryness, water insecurity is a significant situation, particularly as its inhabitants booms.

St. George houses on the market | St. George homes for lease | St. George flats for lease 

7. Millcreek, UT

Sandwiched between Salt Lake Metropolis and Murray, Millcreek is an upscale suburb identified for its quiet streets, mountain views, and lovely parks. Jap Millcreek extends into the Wasatch Mountains, offering ample alternatives for exploration and enjoyable. The Mount Olympus neighborhood, for instance, is inside one mile from Millcreek Canyon, Neffs Canyon, and the Mount Olympus Trailhead.

The Huge Cottonwood Regional Park, Parleys Historic Nature Park, and Scott Avenue Park are nice open areas inside metropolis limits. After spending a day outdoors, locals like to eat at eating places like Provisions, Roots Cafe, and Eggs within the Metropolis. 

One of many newest and best sights to open in Millcreek is Millcreek Frequent, the brand new coronary heart of town. The Frequent is house to the New Individuals Worldwide Market, the model new Millcreek Farmers Market, and dozens of occasions all year long. There’s additionally a climbing wall, ice skating rink, splash pad, and low store.

Like many cities within the Western United States, particularly round Salt Lake Metropolis, most neighborhoods are managed by a Owners Affiliation (HOA). HOAs can closely regulate your own home’s upkeep and look and affect your high quality of life. Take this under consideration should you’re planning on shopping for a home within the space.

Millcreek houses on the market | Millcreek homes for lease | Millcreek flats for lease

8. Provo, UT

House to Brigham Younger College (BYU) and a wealthy Mormon historical past, Provo is the seventh-best place to reside in Utah on our checklist. Located alongside Utah Lake 45 miles south of Salt Lake Metropolis, Provo is a hip school city with an energetic out of doors tradition and close-knit group. A giant plus is town’s affordability, particularly for renters. Nonetheless, many residents nonetheless spend greater than 30% of their revenue on lease. The federal government has been working to enhance the scenario. 

4-season recreation is round each nook and inside minutes from town. The Y, Provo Peak, and Rock Canyon trailheads are all a mile from downtown and provide beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. To the west, Utah Lake gives house for boating, swimming, and paddleboarding, though the water high quality is variable. The Provo River Path, Paul Ream Wilderness Park, and Provo Recreation Middle are widespread spots within the middle of city. 

It’s additionally simple to study concerning the area’s Mormon roots. The Museum of Mormon Mexican Historical past and Museum of Mormon Historical past of the Americas showcase the realm’s historical past, whereas BYU hosts occasions and talks year-round. Quite a few temples are scattered all through town, too.

Provo houses on the market | Provo homes for lease | Provo flats for lease

9. Taylorsville, UT

Simply west of Murray, Taylorsville is available in at quantity eight on our checklist. Affordability is without doubt one of the prime promoting factors of Taylorsville, with median sale and lease costs 6% and 13% decrease than Salt Lake Metropolis. As with most Valley cities, although, commuting generally is a problem, and most errands require a automobile. TRAX doesn’t function in Taylorsville, however quite a few bus routes run all through town. The Taylorsville Temple is a regional landmark.

Taylorsville is laid out on a grid bisected by Redwood Street, the Taylorsville Expressway, and 5400 S, which is the place you’ll discover most shops, eating places, parks, golf programs, and extra. Pink Maple Chinese language and Nice Harvest Bread Co. Bakery & Cafe are widespread eateries, whereas Vista Park, Gary C. Swenson Valley Regional Park, and two golf programs present house for a enjoyable time out. 

Additional outdoors town, the Utah First Credit score Union Amphitheatre gives house for large-scale live shows and comedy reveals. The Mid-Valley Performing Arts Middle is nice for extra intimate performances. 

Taylorsville houses on the market | Taylorsville homes for lease | Taylorsville flats for lease

10. Sandy, UT

Sandy, UT rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to reside in Utah. Situated on the southeastern fringe of the SLC metro space, Sandy is a reasonably costly suburb surrounded by mountains, parks, and extensive open streets. Conventional cape cod and farmhouse houses line the quiet roads, together with well-paved sidewalks and huge bushes. And regardless of the place you reside, you’ll have views of Lone Peak, White Baldy, and even Flat Prime Mountain to the west on a transparent day. 

There is no such thing as a most important avenue in Sandy, with most facilities as an alternative located in mini-malls. Little Cottonwood Middle, Union Sq., and Excessive Level Middle are widespread. The biggest park within the space is Dimple Dell Regional Park, which presents miles of trails, together with one which runs by way of a gully. Stopping at Dawn Level on a brisk, sunny morning is a favourite pastime amongst locals. 

Commuting into SLC from Sandy generally is a problem. The TRAX Blue Line stops in west Sandy, however as a result of native public transportation is proscribed, you’ll seemingly have to make use of a automobile to get to the station. If this isn’t an possibility, you possibly can drive into the massive metropolis alongside I-15 or State Avenue, however this will take upwards of an hour relying on visitors and climate. Usually, Sandy could be very unfold out, and it may be arduous to get round and not using a automobile. Nonetheless, enhancements are underway to assist promote pedestrian security and navigability

Sandy houses on the market | Sandy homes for lease | Sandy flats for lease

Methodology

Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to reside. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or higher had been thought-about for our Utah checklist. Extra details about our methodology could be discovered right here.

Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.