Looking for things to do this Fall? Check out these events in your local area to get started!

2022 Cross E Ranch​ Fall Festival

Enjoy the fun of a fall farm. Visit the pumpkin patch, explore a corn maze, and enjoy a variety of fall games! On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the Country Store for grass fed beef, fall decor, and apparel. 

When? Dates vary between 09/23/2022 - 10/29/2022 at 10:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Where? 3500 North 2200 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

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2022 Fear Factory

The Fear Factory is up and running! Discover one of the top haunted houses in the world right here in Salt Lake City.

When? Dates vary between 09/09/2022 - 10/31/2022 at 6:45 PM - 11:59 PM

Where? 666 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

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Venetian Masquerade Ball

Gather to the Utah State Capitol and travel back to a time when Masquerade Balls were all the rage! Sign up now to enjoy a night of formal attire, exotic masks, court jesters, and more!

When? Sat, October 8, 2022 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM MDT

Where? Utah State Capitol, 350 State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84103

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An October Evening

An October Evening is one of Salt Lake City’s favorite cult Halloween Shows. Sign up to watch them make a grand return this season!

When? October 22, 2022; 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM

Where? Salt Lake Masonic Temple 650 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84102

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Salt Lake City Halloweekend Hangover Bar Crawl

Get freaky this Halloween at Salt Lake City’s Halloween Hangover Weekend Bar Crawl! Sign up to enjoy a night of scares and fun now!

When? Sat, October 29, 2022 ; 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM MDT

Where? Salt Lake City (Various Venues) BEST BARS IN SALT LAKE CITY Salt Lake City, UT 84101

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Stranger Strings

See where Stranger Things meets the Salt Lake String Quartet! Enjoy featured works by Philip Glass, Metallica, and more at this epic concert now.

When? Thu, October 27, 2022 ; 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM MDT

Where? The Art Castle - Utah Arts Alliance 915 West 100 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104

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2022 Monster Mash Dash

Participate in Salt Lake’s Third Annual Monster Mash Dash from your own home! Register now to get started.

When? Sat, Oct 22, 2022, 7:00 PM –Mon, Oct 31, 2022, 7:00 PM MDT

Where? AROUND THE WORLD Participate from home! Salt Lake City, UT 84199

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Karaoke Night at The Pines

Take your karaoke skills to new levels every Thursday night at the Pines! Click below to register now.

When? Every Thursday at  9:00 PM

Where? The Pines SLC 837 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111

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Fall in Love with Decoupage

Create your very own fall decorations at Mulberry Paper this October!

When?  Sat Oct 15, 2022 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where? Mulberry Paper and More, 76 South Orchard Drive, North Salt Lake, United States

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HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY 2022! Best Witch Costume Contest!

Be the best dressed witch in the room at this Halloween Costume Party!

When? Sat, Nov 5, 2022, 6:00 PM MDT

Where? 7700 S Redwood Rd., West Jordan 7700 South Redwood Road West Jordan, UT 84084

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Fall Market

Feel the essence of fall by visiting our local Fall Market. Enjoy high-end vendors, fall attire, beauty products, and more!

When? Tue, October 11, 2022 ; 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT

Where? The Primrose Room at The Azalea 11274 Kestrel Rise Road South Jordan, UT 84095

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2022 Bountiful Farmers Market

From food artisans to bakers to artists, the Bountiful Farmers Market provides the perfect ambiance of fall! Learn more to join in the fun!

When? Every Thursday 3pm-until dark; Starting June 16 ending October 13, 2022

4pm to dusk

Where? Bountiful Town Square 100 S 100 East, Bountiful, UT 84010

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Witchstock Festival 2022

Ogden’s favorite Witchstock Festival is back! Sip The Witches Tea and show your best moves at The Monster Bash Dance Party here!

When? 10/22/2022 from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Where? 343 East 25th Street , Ogden, UT 84401

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Harvest Festival

The Mountain view Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Festival full of games, prizes, crafts, and more! Register now.

When? Sat, October 8, 2022 ; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM MDT

Where? Mountain View Baptist Church 2585 East 3000 North Layton, UT 84040

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OWL-oween at the Wetlands

Welcome to the perfect family halloween activity! See live owls, take a spooky nature walk, and enjoy fun games and crafts at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center!

When? Sat, October 15, 2022, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM MDT

Where? George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center 1157 South Waterfowl Way Farmington, UT 84025

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The Addams Family Performances- SPOOKY CAST

The Clearfield Community Arts Center is hosting a showing of The Addams Family this October. Save the dates now!

When? Fri, Oct 21, 2022, 7:00 PM MDT

Where? Clearfield Community Arts Center 140 Center Street Clearfield, UT 84015

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Mommy & Me Fall Harvest Class

Make some fall sweets at the Spoon and Spatula cooking school! The treats you will be making will include Mini Cream Pies, Apple Pie Pops, and more.

When? Sat, Nov 12, 2022 ; 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

Where? 1867 Skyline Dr, South Ogden, UT 84403

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Pumpkin Train Heber Valley Railroad

Take your kids for a ride on the Pumpkin Train! Enjoy the 40 minute ride, eat a yummy pumpkin cookie, and pick a pumpkin from their Pumpkin Patch to take home. 

When? October 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 2022; Departures at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm & 5pm

Where? 450 South 600 West Heber City, Utah 84032

Little Haunts at This is the Place Heritage Park

From story-time to trick-or-treating and pony rides, Heritage Park provides endless Halloween activities for your little ones. Get your tickets today!

When? October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2022 ; 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Where? 2601 East Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Gardner Village Witches

Join in on a night full of witches, scavenger hunts, and fun at Gardner Village! Don’t forget to snatch a magical souvenir on your way out!

When? September 17-October 31, 2022, runs daily, Monday-Saturday. 

Where? 1100 West 7800 South - West Jordan, Utah 84088

Cornbellys

Stroll through Utah’s original corn maze, and relish in a variety of popular fall activities this season! 

When? Monday-Thursday from 4-10PM; Friday-Saturday from 10-12AM. Closed Sunday. 

Where? 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043

Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point

The autumn colors within the Ashton Gardens are breathtaking this fall. Walk through the gardens and witness a wide variety of scarecrows created by the community!

When? October 10th – 15th at 9 am – 6 pm; Late Opening: October 15, 10 am

Where? 3900 N. Garden Drive Lehi, Utah 84043

Rowley's Red Barn

Taste fresh fruit, homemade ice cream, salsa and more at a cute barn in Santaquin, Utah! Plus, don’t forget to find your way through the corn maze!

When? Open 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday

Where? 901 South 300 West Street Santaquin, UT 84655

Wilkerson Farm Fall Fair

Peek into a cute fruit and vegetable farm in Orem, Utah! Plus, enjoy a fall carnival and a corn maze!

When? September 9-November 5, 2022; Open 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday

Where? 710 West 2000 South, Orem UT 84058

Festival Transylvania | Millcreek Gardens

Looking for a not so horrifying halloween adventure? Festival Transylvania is for you! Enjoy a night of comedy and take a blissful walk through Transylvania.  

When? October 13th through October 29th ; Weekdays: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm ; Closed on Tuesdays & Sundays

Where? Millcreek Gardens, 3500 S 900 E Millcreek, UT 84106

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Corn Maze on the Farm

Find your way through the corn maze, visit the pumpkin patch, and play the giant lawn games!

When? September 23 - October 29, 2022 ; Monday-Thursday 5 p.m.-10 p.m. ; Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m. ; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m

Where? American West Heritage Center in Wellsville

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Scarecrow Walk

Take a stroll through the USU Botanical Gardens and see the scarecrows you find!

When? September 8-18, 2022

Where? USU Botanical Gardens in Kaysville

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Black Island Farms

Discover Syracuse’s largest corn maze in Utah along with a variety of other fall activities!

When? September 17-October 29, 2022

Where? Black Island Farms, 2075 S 4000 W, Syracuse, UT, 84075

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Pack Farms

Slide down the BIG PVC Roller Slide, play Pumpkin Tetherball, and try more of their fun fall activities at Pack Farms!

When? Only $4/person and 3 and under are free. September 23-October 29, 2022; 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday – Saturday; Closed Sunday

Where? Farmington, Utah

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Pumpkin Days

Slide down the BIG PVC Roller Slide, play Pumpkin Tetherball, and try more of their fun fall activities at Pack Farms!

When? September 23-October 31, 2022; Monday-Thursday (10AM-8PM); Friday-Saturday (9AM-9PM); Sunday(9AM-4PM)

Where? Wheeler Farm, SLC

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Pumpkin Walk

Slide down the BIG PVC Roller Slide, play Pumpkin Tetherball, and try more of their fun fall activities at Pack Farms!

When? October 14 & 15, 2022; 10 am – 6 pm each day

Where? Benson Grist Mill

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Flight Train

Introducing a Halloween Train Ride you’ll never forget! Sign up for your free ride now!

When? October 29, 2022 at 12:00-6:00 pm

Where? South Weber, Utah

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Haunted Halloween Haven

Enjoy a night walk at the Haunted Halloween Haven with no tour guides or restrictions. 

When? October 27- 31 from 7:30PM-10:00PM

Where? Spanish Fork, Utah

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Buzzards and Bees Music Event

60+ bands will be playing live music, dressed in costume! Sign up to be a part of this Halloween Event now! 

When? Oct 21, 2022( starts @8pm), Oct 22, 2022 (goes from @4pm-midnight)

Where? Downtown Provo Center Street

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Halloween Town in Eagle Mountain

There will be a dog costume contest, games, and more! Be a part of the ultimate Eagle Mountain Halloween party here!

When? October 1 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM  – Cory Wride Memorial Park ; Hocus Pocus Drive-In Movie 7:30 PM – Mid-Valley Soccer Field

Where? Provided above.

View more information here

Lehi City Halloween Extravaganza

Get the family together and make your way to Lehi this Halloween for games, candy, and more!

When? Oct 28th, 5pm-8pm

Where? Lehi Legacy Center, 123 North Center Street, Lehi, UT 84043

View more information here

Murder By the Book

See where Halloween meets the Theater. Get your tickets to witness an unforgettable thriller now!

When? September 22 - October 15 Thursday - Saturday, Monday 7:30 p.m.

Where? 425 West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601

View more information here

CLAS Ropes Halloween Cruise

There’s a spooky cruise waiting for you at the docks of Provo River. Snatch your tickets for a haunting experience here. 

When? September 30th – October 31, 2022; First Departure: 6:30 pm, Last Departures: 9:00 pm (M-Th); 9:45 pm (F-Sa) ; Closed Sundays

Where? 3606 West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601

View more information here

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

SCERA Center for the Arts is putting on a fun Halloween play! Bring your family to this exciting event this October! 

When? 10/17/2022 - 11/4/2022 ; 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM

Where? SCERA Center for the Arts

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The Pumpkin Patch

Visit a local pumpkin patch and pick your pumpkin! Don’t forget to stick around for the hay rides and extra fun activities!

When? Sept 28th-Oct 31st, Mon-Sat 9am-dusk (until 3pm on Halloween) ; Sunday 10am - Dark

Where? 1541 Sandhill Rd, Orem, UT 84058

View more information here

Springville Art Museum Halloween Party

Dress in your best costume, and come on over to the Springville Art Museum for games, art activities, and more!

When? October 19, 2022; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Where? Springville Museum of Art

View more information here

Sundance Halloween Lift Rides

Hope on a spooky ride on Sundance’s ski lift! Reserve tickets now. 

When? Oct 20th-31st, Mon-Sat @7pm

Where? 8841 North Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, UT 84604

View more information here

Witch's Breakfast

Join your favorite Halloween characters for breakfast at Thanksgiving point!

When? Oct 29th 9:00 am

Where? 3003 North Thanksgiving Point Way Lehi, UT 84043

View more information here

Dia de Los Muertos

Celebrate your ancestors this fall by joining in on this Latin American holiday!

When? Oct 22nd, 10am-8pm

Where? 2455 Executive Pkwy, Lehi, UT 84043

View more information here

Haunted Half Marathon, 5K, & Kids Run

The best Halloween half marathon in Utah is back! Bring your running shoes and family to this exciting event now!

When? October 29, 2022

Where? The Shops At Riverwoods

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Trick-or-Treating

Find the best places to trick or treat this Halloween with this map!

When? October 31, 2022

Where? Utah County

View more information here

Haunted Forest

Forget the Haunted House! Try the Haunted Forest this Halloween. Watch out for some epic pop scares!

When?  9/23/2022 - 10/31/2022; 7:30 PM to 11:59 PM

Where? Haunted Forest

View more information here

Strangling Brothers

Presenting a circus so haunted, you won’t be able to sleep for days after! Get your tickets for the Strangling Brothers Haunted House now. 

When?  9/23/2022 - 10/31/2022 ; 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM

Where? Strangling Brothers Haunted House

View more information here

Evermore

It may seem like a fun, family-friendly fantasy park by day. But, once the night comes…things get scary. Join in on Evermore’s event LORE this fall!

When?  9/23/2022 - 10/29/2022; 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM

Where? Evermore Park

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Terror in the Mall

Enter an epic dance party at the Provo Towne Center this Halloween!

When?  Oct 28, 2022; 9:00 PM

Where? 1200 Towne Centre Blvd, Provo, Utah 84601

View more information here

Pedal Provo Ghost Tours

Take a bike tour down the spooky parts of Provo, Utah! 

When?  Oct 14th - October 22nd: Fri and Sat @9pm-11pm

Where? Provo, Utah

View more information here

The Ghosts of Camp Floyd

Looking to do some ghost hunting this Halloween? Get tickets for this event to get started! 

When?  10/1/2022 - 10/29/2022; 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where? Camp Floyd State Park and Stagecoach Inn Museum

View more information here

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned veteran, buying a home can be exciting. But, it can also be scary. What if you can’t find the right house? How do you find the right house? It can feel daunting to search through the dozens of listings of homes for sale in Utah.  

If you’re in the market for a place to call home, we don’t want you to settle for anything less than your dream home. We know looking for that dream home isn’t always easy, but we’re here to help.

To guide you through the process, read our top five tips for buying your dream home:

1. Take Note of Your Credit Score

Your road to buying your dream home starts before you even look at listings. In the years and months before purchasing a home, do whatever you can to raise your credit score. Raising your credit score allows you to borrow more money at a lower interest rate, which means you will have more options to choose from when it’s time to buy a home.

2. Find a Realtor

Finding a good realtor is essential. A good realtor will increase your chances of getting your dream home. As a buyer, you don’t have to pay any fee to hire a realtor—sellers will! 

A realtor can compare surrounding homes that have previously sold to help you make the most competitive offers and can help you avoid big financial mistakes. Not to mention, they handle the vast majority of the paperwork involved. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain when working with a knowledgeable realtor who is comfortable with the Utah home real estate market.  

3. Set Your Budget

Nothing is worse than falling in love with a home and realizing you can’t afford it. Instead, set yourself up for success by looking at listings within your price range and finding your dream home there. To know what you can afford, get prequalified with a mortgage lender. You can shop around for lenders who will give you the best price, or you can also ask your realtor for a recommendation of who they have worked successfully with in the past.

Hot Tip: What a lender says you can borrow may not match what you can actually afford. Look at your monthly budget, practice making mortgage payments for a home in your price range, and see what mortgage payment you can realistically afford each month. 

4. List What You Want

Try to envision the home you see yourself in. You can change things like paint color and other aesthetics, but make sure you list the things that would be difficult or expensive to remodel, such as the layout, lot size, or number of bathrooms. Being picky and knowing what you want is important when looking for your dream home, but be realistic with your price range.

As you make this list, remember to anticipate your future needs. A house may be your dream home right now, but will your situation change in the next few years? Remember your negotiables and non-negotiables as you visit each open house and home showing. 

5. Keep Location in Mind

There’s a lot you can do to change the home you live in but not much you can do about your neighborhood. Narrow your search to a few neighborhoods you’re interested in. Take commute time, schools, and the overall feel of the area into account. Do you want more land further from the city, or are you looking for condos for sale in Utah so you can live minutes away from work? Keeping location in mind can help narrow your search to a place you know would work with your lifestyle.

Now that you’re ready to buy your dream home, you can find your dream realtor and start looking at listings! Home-buying can be a stressful process, even if you’ve done it before.

At Harvest Park Group, we’re here to make buying your dream home a stress-free process for you!

Know Utah Real Estate Like The Pros

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Stop rummaging through Utah real estate data you don’t understand and let Harvest Park Group do the work for you. Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. 

Why Local Market Stats Matter

The truth is, location matters more than you may think. Knowing what gives a neighborhood an edge over the other neighborhoods in your community can be the very thing that helps you buy that property/home. When discussing Local Real Estate, Realtor Greg Nagel noted: 

"Even within a neighborhood, location matters, and can often be a matter of feet, not miles.  Here in West Town, for example, there are a lot of nuances on value from one block to the next, with all sorts of things like Blue Line stops, the Bloomingdale Trail or 606, multiple landmark districts, local school differences, proximity to Division Street or Six Corners Entertainment Areas, noisy area trauma hospitals with helipads, or even just proximity to busy streets like Ashland or Western, coming into play."

What makes your property/home stand out from the rest? What gives your neighborhood an edge over the neighborhood next door? Is it the close proximity to a prominent school district? Does it have a beautiful view like a mountainous terrain? Is it near a popular mall? Or, is it more of a quiet area to enjoy peaceful walks by a river? These are just a few of the questions to ask yourself when getting to know your local real estate. At Harvest Park Group, we can help get you started with our Local Market Reports!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

How to Read Our Market Reports

Our market report, as shown below, provides a variety of filters to help narrow down the type of property or home you are looking for.

First, pick your County, City, Subdivision, and Zip. Then, select Property Details that matter to you. Property Details include school districts, pool features, lot size, and more! In the case below, the viewer chose Salt Lake City. They capped the price at $100,000. No preferences to the year built or the schools nearby. 

Once you are finished customizing your report, select the button below: “Go to Market Report”

Once you click the button, you will be asked to create an account. After you create your account, you will be led to this page.

Now, you can save your market report and get monthly updates!

How to Get Our Local Market Reports Sent to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Right now, you have the opportunity to get all the stats you need to succeed in the ever changing Utah real estate game. Don't miss this chance. Get all the data you need sent to you with Harvest Park Group today!

Sign up for our Harvest Park Newsletter here. 

Get a home/property evaluation here. 

Because of its rich history, Utah boasts a unique mix of design and architectural styles. From craftsman bungalows to modern minimalism, there is a wide array of designs to choose from as you browse homes for sale in Utah.

Here are six of our favorite styles:

1. Victorian

In the late 1800s, Utah citizens transitioned from a traditional pioneer look and started to build in the Victorian style. Victorian-style homes feature curved lines, gothic influences, and high levels of craftsmanship in their ornamentation. You can still find Victorian-style homes throughout older cities, most notably in the Lower Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City and the central streets of Provo.

2. Bungalow

As Salt Lake City’s population rapidly grew in the early 20th century, the bungalow style became popular to accommodate smaller homes. With multiple styles within the bungalow design umbrella, including craftsman, Tudor revival, and Californian, there’s a large variety of bungalow homes for sale in Utah. Bungalows traditionally utilize their indoor space with built-in storage spaces and an attic underneath the pitched roof. With updated interiors, it’s common to find the attic space turned into an extra room nowadays. You can still find bungalows around the state, especially in city centers and Sugarhouse neighborhoods.

3. Post-War Modern

After WWII, families started moving to the suburbs. The post-war modern architecture was born as a response to the small bungalows and more land to build. This style has minimal ornamentation and a box-like shape with 90-degree angles. A post-war-style home is traditionally called a rambler or a ranch house. These homes are plentiful in Utah suburbs. Some include updated interiors, while some owners have tried to preserve the mid-century design inside. However, these one-story homes are so popular that you can also find them as new construction homes in Utah without the mid-century interior design.

4. Rustic Mountain Modern

You can find a rustic mountain modern design in the mountain and resort cities of Utah. These homes use natural materials such as wood and stone to highlight the surroundings and are often left unpolished and raw to more fully match the terrain. However, this isn’t your typical log cabin; this home style combines rustic materials with clean lines and finishes of contemporary design to create a resort-like feel. The style also typically includes large windows to allow homeowners a more immersive, natural experience. These homes are more luxurious than most and are plentiful in places like Park City and near Sundance Resort in Provo Canyon. Make sure you have an experienced agent when preparing to place an offer on a home like this. 

5. Modern Farmhouse

The demand for homes continues to rise in Utah, which has led to many suburban homes being newly or recently built in contemporary styles. The modern farmhouse look is one of the most popular styles today. Inspired by country and traditional farmhouse styles, the design maintains the same warm, open, and cozy feel. However, the modern farmhouse style differs thanks to a more neutral color palette and fewer rustic elements. Instead of sleek designs, modern farmhouses boast exposed wood and a mix of textures in their style. You’ll find these styles of homes throughout the state in suburban areas, especially in newer neighborhoods and in new construction homes in Utah.

6. Modern Minimalism

Modern minimalism is another contemporary style you’ll find. Minimalist architecture is free from any ornamentation or flourishes. The heart of minimalism is “aesthetic restraint,” and the idea is to only include the essentials. You won’t find anything extra without a specific purpose. Inside a modern minimal home, you’ll find storage solutions to reduce clutter as much as possible and a monochromatic palette, with accents of color. Like modern farmhouse-style homes, you’ll also find a modern minimal design in recent and new construction homes in Utah. 

Looking for the perfect style of home? Subscribe and get updates on homes for sale in Utah!

Congratulations! You’ve narrowed down your housing search to Utah! Yet with so many homes for sale in Utah, you have a lot of options. The good news is that Utah has a place suited for everyone; you simply need to find the right area for you. We’re closing in on the top 10 Utah neighborhoods so you can find that perfect fit.

1. Salt Lake City

As Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City is vibrant and diverse, making it the perfect place to live for many people. Salt Lake City is home to the University of Utah, the Utah Jazz, and an international airport. There’s always plenty to do within the city. 

Salt Lake City also offers the best of both worlds. You can live in the city and stay close to outdoor recreational opportunities with stunning mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and multiple world-famous ski resorts within an hour's drive. If you like both the hustle and bustle of a thriving city and quick access to the Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake City is the perfect place for you.

Because Salt Lake City is such a prime place to live, the real estate market can be quite competitive, making a real estate agent an essential investment when looking for places to live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

2. Draper

Salt Lake City can be exciting, but the suburbs of Salt Lake are a great option for people looking for a bit of space between them and city life. With a commute of shorter than 25 minutes to SLC, Draper is one of the more popular suburbs that Utahns call home. Draper is located on the edge of Salt Lake County and Utah County and lies on the foothills of a mountain, giving you breathtaking views of the vibrant, bustling valley below. Draper values its active lifestyle and has many trails for hiking and biking along with an outdoor amphitheater.

Draper is a bit more expensive than other suburbs, but it’s a perfect fit for a family or individual who needs to commute to Salt Lake but doesn’t want the city lifestyle.

3. North Salt Lake

If you don’t want to be right in the city, but a suburb like Draper is too far away, North Salt Lake could be the perfect middle ground. In North Salt Lake, you’re living in the suburbs and you are mere minutes away from downtown Salt Lake and all its amenities. 

Living in North Salt Lake gives you the comfort of suburban life without missing out on anything the city has to offer.

4. Provo

Provo is similar to Salt Lake City but on a smaller scale. Provo is nestled right up against the mountains, and Provo Canyon’s entrance is located right in town. Provo also has a lot of people and events, especially since it’s home to Brigham Young University (BYU). The university hosts many cultural, artistic, and sporting events, and Provo's 4th of July celebration can’t be beaten. Because BYU is such an important part of Provo, many buyers consider turning their homes into investment properties down the road.

If you want the small-town charm with year-round events and mountains in your backyard, Provo is the complete package.

5. Orem

Orem, Utah is directly north of Provo, so it offers many of the same benefits as Provo but with some differences worth mentioning. Although Orem hosts its own state university, Utah Valley University, Orem has less of a college-town feel with some well-established neighborhoods that aren’t home to as many college students. Orem’s slogan is “Family City USA,” and Orem truly caters to family-centered events. Orem has a great splash pad and many parks, including an all-abilities park. It has a newly renovated library with many different programs, three different high schools, and a Summerfest each year.

If you’re looking to relocate your family to a place they can thrive, keep Orem on your shortlist.

6. Lehi

Lehi was once a small town until it exploded into what is now known as the Silicon Slopes. Some of the best Utah neighborhoods can be found here and the amazing tech hub is continuously growing as more and more companies flood the area. Lehi is a start-up paradise with many large and established companies that keep offices there.

Lehi is also home to Thanksgiving Point, which has multiple museums, extensive gardens, a farm, and year-round events. Thanksgiving Point has won awards during the past nine years, including this year (2022) when it won Best Entertainment Value, Best Event/Performance Venue, Best Fairs, Festivals and Events, Best Museum, and Best American Traditional Fine Dining Restaurant in the whole state.

If you’re looking to be immersed in a place destined to make its mark on the map, Lehi is where you should start looking!

7. Spanish Fork

In the southern part of Utah County, you can find Spanish Fork which is at the beginning of its own major growth. While much of southern Utah County is populated by fields and farms, Spanish Fork is becoming a major hub within the area offering plenty of shopping opportunities and a brand new hospital. Spanish Fork shares a lot of the same amenities as other Utah neighborhoods. It provides fun events, many of which are catered to families, and it’s just a minute's drive from great hiking and canyon drives.

It’s a prime time to buy in Spanish Fork because the city is growing but still has a very rural feel.

8. Logan

Logan is in the northern part of Utah, away from crowds and busy city life. It’s tucked away in a valley surrounded by mountains. Although Logan is home to Utah State University, it still gives off a small-town feel with the surrounding farmlands. While Logan doesn’t offer all the events that a big city can, it makes up the difference with its valley views and slow-paced feel. Logan still hosts many events, such as Baby Animal Days in the spring and a variety of summer celebrations with parades and fireworks. Like many places in Utah, Logan also has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding mountains and canyons. Logan is definitely your place if you want a quieter area with the perks of a large university up the hill.

9. Park City

This list would be incomplete without Park City, which gets national and international attention for its ski resorts that attract thousands of tourists each year. Utah is known for its powdery snow, and Park City is where the Olympic-worthy snow shines. Park City also hosts the Sundance Film Festival each year, which has become the largest independent film festival in the U.S. Park City home prices can be quite expensive, but if you’re looking to be in the heart of some of the greatest outdoor and artistic experiences in the country, Park City is the place for you.

10. St. George

If you’re not interested in the “world’s greatest snow” found in the northern part of Utah, you can find a whole new climate by driving to the southern part of Utah. St. George is known for summer getaways and is ideal for the snowbirds that come in the winter. But why only enjoy a season of St. George when you could live there? St. George is right next to Snow Canyon State Park, which is filled with ancient lava flows and sand dunes, and Zions National Park, which is less than an hour away. This hiker’s paradise is also only two hours away from a fun weekend trip in Las Vegas. With its unique red-rock views, St. George is the place for you if you wish summer lasted all year long.

Whichever city you choose, make sure you seek a professional’s help in navigating the many homes for sale in Utah. Before you find your perfect place, check out our interactive map search to find a home in the area you want.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and comprising both quaint farm towns and booming tech industries, Utah County is growing at an exponential rate—especially its most populated city, Provo. With everything Utah County has to offer, it is easy to see why. Utah County, also dubbed "Happy Valley," has something for just about everyone. Provo sits right in the heart of the county and Gallup has named it the best place to live in the United States multiple times. The state of Utah has always topped the charts of the happiest places to live in the nation. 

Whether you are already considering moving to Utah County or are simply curious about whether it could be right for you, read the ultimate guide to living in Provo, Utah and the surrounding area to help you decide!

The Ultimate Guide to Living in Provo, Utah

The Early Days

The Ute tribe originally inhabited Provo. Spanish explorers visited the valley in the eighteenth century and French fur trappers visited in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Provo was named after the fur trapper Etienne Provost. After early Latter-day Saint pioneers settled in Salt Lake City, some pioneers began to move south to Provo in 1849. Each group was amazed at the beautiful nature and wildlife they found. 

Provo grew quickly as more Latter-day Saint settlers moved in and established textile and steel mills. That growth was furthered when the railroad came to town in 1872 and Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) was established in 1875. Provo is now one of the largest cities in the state. It has multiple shopping centers, a vibrant downtown, and the perks of city living without the cost.

The Local Feel

One of the most appealing aspects of Utah County is the wide range of lifestyles and towns. There is truly a place for everyone, from the small farms and apple orchards in the south to the bustling Silicon Slopes in the north and everything else in between. The Provo/Orem metropolitan area has two of the largest universities in the state and draws in students, professors, and cultural events from around the globe.

Utah Valley is also the perfect place for those who want to experience the outdoors right outside their front door. You can enjoy world-famous ski resorts, explore beautiful rivers and waterfalls, and summit multiple peaks all within an hour’s drive. With the outdoors so close, you can take advantage without much planning or prep involved. 

Because of the variety of activities Utah County offers, Utah County is known for being very family-friendly while still catering to the solo adventurer. 

Job Opportunities

It’s no secret that Utah County is booming. The area is known as the Silicon Slopes. Not only is Utah County a haven for new start-ups, but it has already attracted multiple tech giants including Google and Facebook. These companies and many others are sure to continue providing job opportunities in the future.

Along with the tech sector, both major universities in the area, Brigham Young University (BYU) and Utah Valley University (UVU), provide many jobs as well as the chance to further your education and increase your job opportunities.

Local Arts

There’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the arts in Utah County. Provo has its own art museum at BYU, which is free to the public. Springville, just south of Provo, also has a renowned Museum of Art. To the north of Provo, Thanksgiving Point has multiple museums for both adults and children, beautiful gardens, a butterfly biosphere, and a small farm. There are also multiple theater and gallery locations that host shows, concerts, and smaller art exhibitions throughout Utah County.

Recreation Galore

Utah County has just about everything you could ask for recreationally. Bridal Veil Falls and the Provo River are summertime favorites for both the avid hiker and the casual stroller. The Alpine Loop and Nebo Loop Scenic Byways are perfect for weekend drives, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors. In the winter, you can enjoy the “Greatest Snow on Earth” at the world-famous Sundance Resort in Provo Canyon and ice skate at Seven Peaks Ice Arena, which was built for the 2002 Olympics. 

Many of the cities in Utah County host their own celebrations in the summer, including Santaquin’s “Orchard Days,” Payson’s “Onion Days,” Spanish Fork’s “Fiesta Days,” Springville’s “Art City Days,” Orem’s “Summer Fest,” Pleasant Grove’s “Strawberry Days,” American Fork’s “Steel Days,” Lehi’s “Round-Up Week,” and Provo’s “American Freedom Festival,” which is the largest 4th of July celebration in the United States. These celebrations include parades, carnivals, rodeos, band concerts in the park, and fireworks.

Location Is Everything

With all that Provo and Utah County have to offer, your options become unlimited when you include the state’s capital, Salt Lake City, which is less than an hour away from almost anywhere in Utah County. Salt Lake City has cultural and social events such as the many events hosted in the Vivint Arena and family-friendly activities including a zoo and an aquarium. In the opposite direction, driving south will get you to some of the most famous natural wonders of the world at Zion and Arches National Parks, home to famous red rock formations waiting to be explored.

You can take advantage of Provo’s airport terminal which was just renovated in 2022 and flies to select locations. If you’re looking for international options, the Salt Lake International Airport is only an hour’s drive or a short trip on the commuter train and light rail system that connects Provo to and throughout Salt Lake City.

Want to Make Provo Your Home?

Utah County’s housing market has grown steadily for years and boomed in the past decade. Because the area is highly sought after by homeowners, the competition can be fierce. Plenty of homes are available for both high-end and more affordable budgets, but making offers can often be challenging. Because of the fast-paced market, it’s crucial to have a team who knows the ins and outs of the local market and can help you make the most competitive offers.

Harvest Park Group is well versed in Utah County’s towns, suburbs, and rural areas and can help you find the perfect place to settle down and call home.

Here is our weekly 3-2-1 on real estate 4.14.2022

1. Utah has the best performing large city (Provo-Orem), and the best performing small city (Logan) across the country according
to the Milken Institute's Annual Best Performing Cities Index. The Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank puts 
together an annual index of the best performing cities.  The core components of the index that are taken into account are: job creation,
wage growth, output growth, broadband access, and housing affordability.  (Salt Lake City came in 3rd across Tier 1 Large Cities)

2. Freddie Mac said on Thursday that the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan went to 5%, up from 4.72% last week and the highest level since 2011.

3. Average Sales Price in the state of Utah was $633,968 which represents a 24.6% increase from the year prior according to the Utah Association of Realtors.

Salt Lake City, Utah offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to suit any budget and preference. Whether you want a small starter home or a sprawling mansion, a home close to the ski hills, or a short commute, Salt Lake City has it all. 

Use our top 10 list of neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, Utah to match neighborhoods to your preferences and simplify your home search. You can find the ideal home within your budget and enjoy the amenities our city has to offer. Just take a look at a few of the top neighborhood choices.

The Avenues

The Avenues is one of Salt Lake City’s oldest communities just northeast of the downtown core.

It offers an eclectic mix of Victorian houses, brick bungalows, and framed cottages, It has a cosmopolitan feel, and it’s a great alternative for people who want to avoid a commute.

Salt Lake City uses a grid plan and “The Avenues” refers to the numbered avenues running east-west throughout this section of the city running upwards near Capitol Hill. Homes on the Lower Avenues tend to be less expensive, while those on the Greater Avenues offer sweeping views of the city, large family homes, and steeper price tags.

The Avenues is an ethnically diverse, tightly-knit community with plenty of amenities. You can easily walk or cycle to restaurants, coffee shops, yoga and Pilates studios, and spas.

It has a lively vibe, plenty of schools, and it is popular with families since it is safe and offers plenty of green space by way of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Young professionals appreciate the easy access to the downtown core via public transit too. It’s a great place to call home if you want to shop local, shorten or eliminate your commute, and want to live in a welcoming community.

Quote From Local Resident - As you drive north from 1st Avenue to 18th Avenue, you get to experience the chronological development of Salt Lake City through its architecture, starting with stately Victorian homes at the base of the hill (circa 1890's) and ending up with Mid-Century modern mansions at the top of the hill (circa 1960's) with a few new homes mixed in for good measure. This gives the Avenues an eclectic vibe, and it doesn't have the cookie cutter feel of planned developments found elsewhere in the city. 

Population: 19,751

Yalecrest

This small urban area offers a rare collection of well-maintained English Tudor, English cottages, Spanish Colonials, and French Norman-style homes.

The tree-lined streets, safe, quiet ambiance, and stunning views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, make it a very desirable location for home buyers.

With decent access to public schools, Harvard, and Yale and a very European feel, it tends to appeal to more affluent buyers wanting mid-range to high-end, well-appointed luxury homes. 

With a good selection of stores, restaurants, easy access to the schools, the University of Utah, Yale Park, and Yale Gardens, it is a favorite for families and professionals. 

It also a short commute to the downtown core, whether driving or using public transit. Commuters can ride the Green and Purple Routes of the University of Utah commuter line for free and connect to the UTA TRAX.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with rustic charm and want a home that makes a statement, Yalecrest is a great option.

Quote From Local Resident - This is the nicest neighborhood in Salt Lake City! It is diverse, easily walkable, has access to downtown and the great outdoors. If you are thinking of living in Salt Lake City, you need to check out this neighborhood. 

Population: 3,963

Wasatch Hollow

This small urban residential community with tree-lined streets offers mid-range homes in a safe, quiet neighborhood.

They’re well-maintained with excellent access to public schools, so it’s not surprising it’s popular with young families. However, Baby Boomers and Millennials appreciate it’s friendly, welcoming nature and proximity to local shops and good restaurants.

Perhaps its biggest attraction to the area is the access to natural areas along Emigration Creek which runs through the district. The 11-acre Wasatch Hollow Preserve includes meadows, towering trees, trails and a pond. This oasis amidst the city is the ideal place for recreational activities, picnics, and nature walks.

It’s a short 15-minute drive to downtown Salt Lake City and cyclists can get there within half an hour.

Wasatch Hollow is best suited to those who want to live in an area with less congestion and more green space.

Quote From Local Resident - Quiet, safe, walkable - what more can you ask for? Homeowners take pride in ownership and it shows in how they care for their lawn, home, etc. It is a great place to raise children as it is diverse and has tons of good schools around. 

Population: 3,140

Foothill

This small, primarily owner-occupied residential area offers windy lanes and beautiful homes.

Houses range from the upper mid-range to extravagant in this attractive area at the base of the Wasatch Range. 

Most of the homes in this area offer plenty of space, fantastic views, privacy, and the area has the lowest crime rate in the city.

It is primarily a car-oriented community with about a fifteen-minute commute to the city center, but you can grab the Salt Lake City Central Station train and arrive downtown in about forty-five minutes.

This affluent neighborhood has easy access to elementary, middle, and high schools, so it’s a great place to raise a family.

You’ll also find the Bonneville Golf Course, Wasatch Hollow Open Space, Hogle Zoo, and hiking and skiing nearby. The area has a limited selection of quality dining and shopping options at the Foothill Village too.

The Foothill neighborhood suits people who want a safe community, and a substantial, stylish home and a good view.

Quote From Local Resident - This is a very safe and friendly neighborhood. I highly recommend it! 

Population: 1,683

Sugar House

Sugar House is a safe and quiet community and a hotspot for middle-class homeowners.

It’s close to the University of Utah and Westminister College and has a decidedly young, vibrant flavor. It was once home to a sugar beet test factory, hence the unusual name.

This area features many 1920s homes suitable for renovation and trendy mid-century bungalows. It is a highly desirable area, because it is close to downtown, but offers every amenity you could ask for and streets lined with sycamores.

Today’s Sugar House is friendly, with artisan flair and a local vibe. This makes it very popular with families, young professionals, or anyone who likes to shop locally. The area also offers a great selection of quality public schools, including five public elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.

People who live in the area enjoy it because is close to the heart of the city, but it is also a strong community with a hip vibe. You can drive to downtown in 10 minutes, and it’s easy to access the mountains, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding too. Sugar House also offers great transit connections and the S-Line streetcar which connects with TRAX.

Many residents bike to university or college or cycle 5 minutes into the city, but spend their dollars close to home in the local restaurants, bars, boutiques, and bookstores. 

Even though Sugar House has a wonderful family vibe, it also caters to those who want to venture out during the evening for fun. It is home to several of the top ten bars in the city including Fiddler's Elbow and the Campfire Lounge.

This eclectic neighborhood also offers the huge Sugar House Park, with bike trails, lakes and forest, and stunning views. Go for a run, walk your dog, feed the birds, or go sledding in the winter.

The Sugar House neighborhood appeals to people looking for opportunities and community. Residents claim the area feels small town, even though it is near the heart of the city.

Quote From Local Resident - I'm less than five minutes to the heart of Sugarhouse, ten minutes to downtown, and ten minutes to southern Salt Lake County. Beyond convenience, I like the overall atmosphere and vibe of Sugarhouse. I like the abundance of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

Population: 41,029

Capitol Hill/Marmalade

Capitol Hill is home to the Utah State Capitol building which sits high above Salt Lake with sweeping views of the entire city.

It is also a thriving neighborhood with a mixture of Gothic and Victorian homes that attract older residents, young families, and professionals due to its greater location and connections to the rest of Salt Lake City.

Well-connected by bus and train with easy access to the downtown core, airport, the University of Utah, and south or north of the valley, it also offers stunning natural beauty and the ultimate combination of urban and rural landscapes.

The natural highlight of the area is Ensign Peak and below Memory Grove Park, with Bonneville Shoreline Trail passing through it. The park is the ideal place for biking, walking, dog walking and running.

Marmalade is a district within Capitol Hill that offers more modestly-priced homes and a friendly atmosphere. Consequently, it attracts many young families, young professionals, and seniors. It’s very diverse and has a large LGBT community, plus the offers affordability. Fruit trees line many of the streets here too, but it is far from sleepy. It has a lively nightlife too.

The Capitol Hill and Marmalade neighborhoods suit people who welcome diversity, a bit of nightlife, and transportation connections. They’re historic and offer green spaces and room to live.

Quote From Local Resident - I LOVE this neighborhood! I plan to live this neighborhood forever. Everything is so easily accessible by walking and I can even take the train to work. 

Population: 13,516

9th and 9th

9th and 9th is a hip residential near Sugarhouse with many long-term residents, young families, and millennials.

It offers many cafes, restaurants, yoga and pilates studios, boutiques, and streets lined with outdoor art.

The once sleepy neighborhood now buzzes with life. The attraction is the many affordable two-story bungalows, Victorian houses, and condos in the area, plus locally-owned businesses and culture. With just ten-minute commute by car and 20 minutes cycling, it offers convenience near the core without the congestion.

With plenty of room to walk, bike, or run in sprawling Liberty Park and room to relax in nearby Richmond Park smack dab in the center of the community, you might forget you’re so close to downtown Salt Lake City.

9th and 9th suits people who love small cafes, unique shops, and access to arts and culture. It’s vibrant and fun, and anything but boring.

Quote From Local Resident - Incredibly unique area. I love walking around here. It has a very local feel with lots of local businesses. There are tons of places to grab a coffee and relax on a patio. 

Cottonwood Heights

Cottonwood Heights is a suburb of Salt Lake City, just between the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains.

While Cottonwood Heights is technically its own town, it is worth a mention because of what it has to offer. It offers easy access to four top ski resorts: Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and people who love space.

You’ll also find the Cottonwood Height Recreational Center in the area with a pool, gym, basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts, ice-skating rink and fitness classes galore. 

Real estate generally appeals to the upper-middle-class families with older children or empty nesters, but you’ll find accommodation at all price points. It offers decent access to public schools, and it is a very safe, clean area. It’s quiet but still has a decent nightlife with plenty of good restaurants.

Cottonwood Heights is about a 30-minute commute to the University of Utah and downtown Salt Lake City.

This neighborhood appeals to fitness and outdoor enthusiasts and it’s a great place to raise a family.

Rose Park

Rose Park is a very small community in the north of the city.

It is very economically and culturally diverse with plenty of green space. In recent years, it has seen a surge of young families attracted by the reasonable prices and renovation opportunities.

This area is very quiet with proximity to the downtown core and the airport. First-time home buyers often buy a small, post-war brick cottage with a large lot to get into the Salt Lake City real estate market. With plenty of good public schools and easy access to the freeway, it’s a good choice for young family professionals working downtown.

Cyclists can get around easily here too. Riverside Park taps into the Jordan River Parkway bike trail. You’ll also find the 18-hole Rose Park Golf Course nearby and Rosewood Park too, ideal for a quiet outing.

The Rose Park neighborhood suits first-time home buyers, empty nesters, and young families that want a safe, quiet place to call home and reasonably-priced properties.

Quote From Local Resident - My family lives in Rose Park and we love it! Rose Park offers a convenient location, affordable housing, awesome neighbors, cultural diversity, and decent schools. 

Population: 12,970

Bonneville Hills

Bonneville Hills is a safe, quiet neighborhood favored by young couples, families, and professionals.

It’s almost totally owner-occupied homes and a step away from the action, but that’s what appeals to most people that live here.

Homes here are older and well-maintained with tree-lined streets and easy access to major thoroughfares. Whether you need to head downtown, onto the freeway, or out for a meal, access by car is only minutes away. Nearby Sugar House has excellent restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, but Bonneville Hills has a few choice restaurants too.

If walking is more your thing, you can reach Foothill Village for shopping in less than 20 minutes and to the University of Utah in about half an hour. The area also has two dedicated bike lanes running north-south.

Home prices vary widely here, but they do tend to hover around the mid-range and upwards. However, with access to many public schools, parks, and the Bonneville Golf Course, it has plenty to offer.

Population: 2,583

Choosing a Salt Lake City Real Estate Agent

The neighborhoods listed are some of the most popular, but Salt Lake City has many others that may interest you. Let a skilled real estate agent match properties to your needs and show you what this great city has to offer.

Harvest Park Group professionals live and work in Utah and know Salt Lake City neighborhoods very well. In our competitive market, you need a seasoned negotiator and highly attentive real estate agent by your side. 

Harvest Park Group provides you with the edge you need to find and buy your ideal home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact us - we’re here to help.

Do you think one of these top 10 neighborhoods in Salt Lake City could have the home of your dreams? Contact Harvest Park Group today to book house viewings and to receive more information about this incredible city.

  801-232-3434

Utah is the fastest-growing state in the nation, and though much of that comes from births, we still have a substantial amount of in-migration, with Utah getting a 0.8 boost from net migration compared to 0.3 percent nationally. This trend has continued for many years.

What is the big draw? Here are 5 reasons why people are moving to Utah and why they love it here.

1. Utah has a Strong and Thriving Economy

Utah is pro-business and pro-jobs. With a diversified economic base and plentiful jobs in areas such as tech, mining, finance, tourism, petroleum, medical devices, and healthcare. In June, the state’s Department of Workforce Services reported that the unemployment rate was 5.1% which was the second lowest in the country and compared to 11.1% nationally.

In addition to the low unemployment, there are low flat corporate and income taxes. Utah is fiscally conservative. In addition to smart government approaches to growth, there has been strong private and public support and proactive leadership around rethinking growth patterns, public transit, housing, and other issues.

One specific example of leadership that has helped ensure a strong economy now and, in the future, here in Utah is the nonprofit, Envision Utah, whose aim is to “Keep Utah Beautiful, Prosperous, Healthy, and Neighborly for Future Generations”. They have had a great impact on working in concert with the public and private sectors to accomplish this vision.

In this opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal entitled “Why Utah has become America’s Economic Star” several reasons are cited about why Utah is performing so well economically, and it references an index of economic competitiveness called “Rich States, Poor States” that takes a deeper dive as to why Utah has consistently outranked all the other states.

2. National Parks/Mountains/Outdoors

Utah is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. Utah is home to five National Parks, more than all other states save Alaska and California. For a detailed overview of those parks, check out our earlier write up of the Mighty Five National Parks In Utah. In addition, Utah is home to seven National Monuments, six National Forests, and two National Recreational areas.

Utah also has over 11,000 miles of fishing streams and over 147,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. The site/app Alltrails list over 2,504 trails in Utah. You could literally do a hike every day in Utah and it would take years and years to do them all. Not only are there numerous hikes to do, but also the four seasons in Utah provide for spring/summer wildflowers, changing leaves in the fall, and varying scenery even along the same hike during different seasons allowing for varied views and changing vistas.

With over 500 inches of snowfall annually around Salt Lake City, and over 15 Alpine ski Resorts across the state, Utah boasts some of the best downhill winter skiing and snowboarding in the world, and it’s not surprising that the 2002 Winter Olympics were one of the most successful Olympic events on record. Several ski resorts are under an hour from the International Airport. Whether you are a beginner or looking for black diamond runs, you can find the best skiing in Utah at every level and due to Utah being inland the snow is drier creating some of the best powder on earth.

3. Utah has Quality Healthcare

Utah consistently ranks among the top of all states in healthcare for quality, accountability, and safety. Utah also leads the nation in preventable admissions. While the low preventable admissions could be partially due to the average age in Utah being 30.5 years, it also could be partially due to the health code that is adopted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that admonishes against smoking and drinking. Utah also has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country which could mean people have more access to healthcare.

4. Food Scene

If you don’t know what fry sauce is, then you haven’t spent too much time in Utah. The condiment turned staple in most every restaurant that serves fries is a state favorite. People love fry sauce in Utah. They also love funeral potatoes and are fans of all colors of Jell-O (not just green).

Utah has an understated restaurant scene but is well known for having great restaurants, a world-renown artisan chocolate community, and lots of different ice cream and frozen yogurt shops. In addition, there are people who visit Utah just to pick up and bring back lots of Grandma Sycamore’s white bread, Dunford Bakery’s chocolate doughnuts or their favorite candy.

Grocery stores in Utah have the widest selection of candy than any store you will ever see back east or outside of Utah. Perhaps this is partially due to the demographics or perhaps it’s because people in Utah just have a major sweet tooth. Either way, I am not complaining. Utah also seems to have a lot of bakeries and ice cream and frozen yogurt locations. Our favorite frozen yogurt is Menchie’s even though the franchise came from California.

5. Connection to Utah

While more and more people are moving to Utah for jobs and the economic opportunity available even if they don’t have any prior connection to the state, many of their family members are moving here to be close to these new transplants. Others may have a connection to the state or to a university either because they attended there or perhaps their children are currently or are looking to soon. For people who members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah can often feel like a crossroads for them, particularly if they have any family here, or if they have kids going to the MTC and missions, BYU, or have attended General Conference in person. It almost feels like a second home for members of the church even if they don’t have any prior connection here.

Some people have aging parents who live in the state who need support while others are bringing their aging parents here to be closer to them so that they can better help them.

These are just a few of the reasons that people might consider moving to Utah or enjoy living in Utah. If you would like to learn more about life here, you can read our Ultimate Guide to living in Salt Lake City Utah or if you are planning on relocating to Utah or relocating to Salt Lake City specifically, you might like to see our Salt Lake City Relocation Guide. If you are curious to learn more about home prices, you can look at all the Utah homes available here.

There are a variety of reasons to do a house project, and it can often feel like there is an endless list of projects to be done around the house.   Are you thinking about moving or are you thinking about annual maintenance and preserving your home?  Maybe you simply want to add value to your home?  Perhaps you are just wanting to maximize use and enjoyment for you and your family? 

When is it a good idea to invest money in your home? There is no hard and fast rule and the answers to these questions vary significantly.  Some projects announce themselves as urgent such as when you aren’t getting any hot water anymore and you want to take a shower, or when it’s the middle of July and the air conditioning fails and family is coming over to celebrate Independence Day.  Other projects such as updating the kitchen or repainting the inside/outside of your home are more nuanced and may be more difficult to prioritize. 

In addition to prioritizing the non-urgent items, how do you balance aesthetics and enjoyment vs. return on investment?  My parents just redid their entire backyard and it looks beautiful and makes for incredible social distanced BBQs and family gatherings and really appeals to the growing number of grandchildren.  Their new backyard added significant value to my parent’s home, but that is not what motivated them to do it.  Their focus was and is on creating a place to gather and make memories with many kids and grandkids nearby. How do you calculate the return on longer conversations and more memories with family?

I also have a sister who is constantly working on a project in her home.  Her home is gorgeous and she is constantly looking to update, improve, and beautify every inch of her home in every way.  Not every project is about dollars and cents and creating a place of beauty and refuge from the storms of life for your family has its own return.  Maybe one person in your family really wants or needs something such as a wheelchair ramp or accessible-related items.  Part of what drives my sister is that she loves doing projects. She is capable and passionate about working on projects and she is the one in her marriage with all the power tools and know-how.

While the list of projects and motivations behind them vary substantially, looking at it through the lens of return on investment can offer more clarity.  Sometimes it helps to prioritize projects by knowing the financial return on different house projects.  One quick way to look at the potential return is by looking at Hanley Wood Media Inc’s annual “Cost vs. Value” report across the country, regionally, and in each city.  And while the numbers vary somewhat by area, they largely hold across different markets. 

Enhancing the Visual Appeal

Based on the National Data in the chart below, you can see that projects that enhance visual appeal of the outside such as new garage doors or manufactured stone veneer tend to recoup most if not all of the costs it requires to do them.  Other high return areas include minor kitchen remodel, backyard deck, siding, and vinyl window replacement.

Whenever you look at doing any project, always get three bids.  Any service or product is a three-legged stool.  The legs of the stool are price, quality, and speed.  You only get to choose two of the three legs based on what’s important to you.  As you receive bids from contractors, think about the stool and what two legs are most important to you. 

At Harvestparkgroup.com, we talk with sellers and potential sellers every day and one of the most common questions we get asked is from people who are putting their home on the market and what they should do, if anything, to help get the most return from their house.  The answer to this question like most questions isn’t always an absolute. 

Generally speaking, new carpet and paint will help sell a home much faster and can visually make a big impact for a relatively low cost, but it isn’t universally needed in every case.  What is the condition of the carpet and flooring?  What about the paint?

 If a home needs new carpet, and especially if it is vacant, replacing carpet can be a very smart thing to do.  But if the carpet is just a few years old and still looks great, a good carpet cleaning may be all that is needed.  Regarding repairs to sell your home and if you are in Utah, you can reach out to us and we can provide you with some things to consider, and if you are outside of Utah,  I’d consult with your local realtor. Reach out to us and we will connect you with an experienced realtor who can offer sound advice.  

If you are considering moving and wondering what specific projects you might consider for your home or property to help it sell for more money, reach out to us at eliot@harvestparkgroup.com or you can quickly get an instant, automated house valuation here as a first step.