Best places to live in Utah
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Utah
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Utah using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Layton
- Population: 76,197
- Median home value: $260,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,022 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $77,426
- Top public schools: Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (NUAMES) (A+), Centennial Junior High School (A-), Sand Springs Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Layton Christian Academy (A-), Dorius Academy (B+), Academy at Solstice (A)
- Pictured: 1212 N Daniels Cv E, Layton ($1.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $260,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,022 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $77,426
- Top public schools: Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (NUAMES) (A+), Centennial Junior High School (A-), Sand Springs Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Layton Christian Academy (A-), Dorius Academy (B+), Academy at Solstice (A)
- Pictured: 1212 N Daniels Cv E, Layton ($1.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#24. American Fork
- Population: 30,399
- Median home value: $286,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,857
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: American Heritage School (A)
- Pictured: 9868 N 6530 W Unit 64, Highland ($1.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,857
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: American Heritage School (A)
- Pictured: 9868 N 6530 W Unit 64, Highland ($1.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#23. Lehi
- Population: 64,006
- Median home value: $353,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,478 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $95,510
- Top public schools: Skyridge High School (A), Lone Peak High School (A), Renaissance Academy (A-)
- Top private schools: Challenger School - Traverse Mountain (unavailable)
- Pictured: 649 N 1900 W, Lehi ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $353,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,478 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $95,510
- Top public schools: Skyridge High School (A), Lone Peak High School (A), Renaissance Academy (A-)
- Top private schools: Challenger School - Traverse Mountain (unavailable)
- Pictured: 649 N 1900 W, Lehi ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#22. Orem
- Population: 96,725
- Median home value: $272,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,034 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $64,590
- Top public schools: Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (A+), Timpview High School (A), Canyon Crest School (A-)
- Top private schools: Kids Village (unavailable), Arches Academy (unavailable), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1709 S Geneva Rd, Orem ($25.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $272,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,034 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $64,590
- Top public schools: Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (A+), Timpview High School (A), Canyon Crest School (A-)
- Top private schools: Kids Village (unavailable), Arches Academy (unavailable), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1709 S Geneva Rd, Orem ($25.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#21. Nibley
- Population: 6,819
- Median home value: $262,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,058 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $91,372
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Mountainside School (A-)
- Pictured: 2453 S Park View Cir W, Nibley ($565,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $262,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,058 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $91,372
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Mountainside School (A-)
- Pictured: 2453 S Park View Cir W, Nibley ($565,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Hyde Park
- Population: 4,578
- Median home value: $282,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $827 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $75,530
- Top public schools: Sunrise School (A), Greenville School (A-), North Park School (A-)
- Pictured: 799 E 300 N, Hyde Park ($649,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $282,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $827 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $75,530
- Top public schools: Sunrise School (A), Greenville School (A-), North Park School (A-)
- Pictured: 799 E 300 N, Hyde Park ($649,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#19. Cedar Hills
- Population: 10,209
- Median home value: $371,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,791 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $104,808
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 4069 W Red Pine Cv N, Cedar Hills ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $371,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,791 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $104,808
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 4069 W Red Pine Cv N, Cedar Hills ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#18. Alpine
- Population: 10,477
- Median home value: $569,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,740 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $129,239
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), Highland Elementary School (A-), Timberline Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 864 E Jackson Ln, Alpine ($6.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $569,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,740 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $129,239
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), Highland Elementary School (A-), Timberline Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 864 E Jackson Ln, Alpine ($6.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#17. North Salt Lake
- Population: 20,402
- Median home value: $303,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,158 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $85,185
- Top public schools: Bountiful High School (A), Woods Cross High School (A-), Orchard Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: North Salt Lake KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 105 East Edgecrest Lane, North Salt Lake ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $303,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,158 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $85,185
- Top public schools: Bountiful High School (A), Woods Cross High School (A-), Orchard Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: North Salt Lake KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 105 East Edgecrest Lane, North Salt Lake ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. Summit Park
- Population: 8,118
- Median home value: $705,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,627 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $131,250
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Skyline High School (A), Jeremy Ranch School (A)
- Top private schools: Park City Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1220 State Road 248, Park City ($16.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $705,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,627 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $131,250
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Skyline High School (A), Jeremy Ranch School (A)
- Top private schools: Park City Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1220 State Road 248, Park City ($16.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#15. Cottonwood Heights
- Population: 34,036
- Median home value: $382,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,230 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $93,564
- Top public schools: Granite School (A-), Canyon View School (A-), Hillcrest High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Willow Creek Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4141 E Canyon Estate Dr, Cottonwood Heights ($5.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $382,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,230 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $93,564
- Top public schools: Granite School (A-), Canyon View School (A-), Hillcrest High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Willow Creek Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4141 E Canyon Estate Dr, Cottonwood Heights ($5.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Draper
- Population: 48,000
- Median home value: $469,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $117,266
- Top public schools: Corner Canyon High School (A), Lone Peak High School (A), Sunrise School (A)
- Top private schools: Juan Diego Catholic High School (A+), St. John the Baptist Elementary School (unavailable), St. John the Baptist Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14249 S Canyon Vine Cv, Draper ($7.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $469,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $117,266
- Top public schools: Corner Canyon High School (A), Lone Peak High School (A), Sunrise School (A)
- Top private schools: Juan Diego Catholic High School (A+), St. John the Baptist Elementary School (unavailable), St. John the Baptist Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14249 S Canyon Vine Cv, Draper ($7.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#13. Holladay
- Population: 30,636
- Median home value: $442,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $88,728
- Top public schools: Skyline High School (A), Olympus High School (A), Butler School (A-)
- Top private schools: Intermountain Christian School (A), St. Vincent de Paul Parish School (unavailable), Challenger School - Holladay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2750 E Creek Crossing Ln, Salt Lake City ($14.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $442,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $88,728
- Top public schools: Skyline High School (A), Olympus High School (A), Butler School (A-)
- Top private schools: Intermountain Christian School (A), St. Vincent de Paul Parish School (unavailable), Challenger School - Holladay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2750 E Creek Crossing Ln, Salt Lake City ($14.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#12. Millcreek
- Population: 60,731
- Median home value: $366,100 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,120 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $72,134
- Top public schools: Skyline High School (A), Canyon Rim Academy (A), Olympus High School (A)
- Top private schools: Elizabeth Academy (unavailable), Mount Olympus Christian Child Development Center (unavailable), Reid School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4523 S Gilead Way, Salt Lake City ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,100 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,120 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $72,134
- Top public schools: Skyline High School (A), Canyon Rim Academy (A), Olympus High School (A)
- Top private schools: Elizabeth Academy (unavailable), Mount Olympus Christian Child Development Center (unavailable), Reid School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4523 S Gilead Way, Salt Lake City ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. Salt Lake City
- Population: 197,756
- Median home value: $314,500 (48% own)
- Median rent: $985 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $60,676
- Top public schools: Salt Lake Arts Academy (A+), West High School (A), Salt Lake Center for Science Education (A)
- Top private schools: Rowland Hall (A+), Judge Memorial Catholic High School (A+), J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 2750 E Creek Crossing Ln, Salt Lake City ($14.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $314,500 (48% own)
- Median rent: $985 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $60,676
- Top public schools: Salt Lake Arts Academy (A+), West High School (A), Salt Lake Center for Science Education (A)
- Top private schools: Rowland Hall (A+), Judge Memorial Catholic High School (A+), J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 2750 E Creek Crossing Ln, Salt Lake City ($14.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Highland
- Population: 18,726
- Median home value: $559,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,655 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $139,453
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 6131 W Dry Creek Rd, Highland ($3.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $559,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,655 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $139,453
- Top public schools: Lone Peak High School (A), American Fork High School (A-), Highland Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 6131 W Dry Creek Rd, Highland ($3.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#9. Snyderville
- Population: 6,255
- Median home value: $777,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $116,932
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Jeremy Ranch School (A), Parleys Park School (A)
- Pictured: 27 Normans Way, Park City ($11.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $777,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $116,932
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Jeremy Ranch School (A), Parleys Park School (A)
- Pictured: 27 Normans Way, Park City ($11.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Bountiful
- Population: 43,901
- Median home value: $316,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,071 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $77,823
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Bountiful High School (A), J.A. Taylor Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Olaf Catholic School (A+)
- Pictured: 2960 S Maple Cove Ln E, Bountiful ($2.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $316,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,071 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $77,823
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Bountiful High School (A), J.A. Taylor Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Olaf Catholic School (A+)
- Pictured: 2960 S Maple Cove Ln E, Bountiful ($2.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Farmington
- Population: 23,847
- Median home value: $386,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,178 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $106,488
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Davis High School (A), Endeavour School (A-)
- Top private schools: Challenger School - Farmington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2123 N Bella Vista Dr E, Farmington ($1.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,178 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $106,488
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Davis High School (A), Endeavour School (A-)
- Top private schools: Challenger School - Farmington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2123 N Bella Vista Dr E, Farmington ($1.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#6. Providence
- Population: 7,407
- Median home value: $281,900 (86% own)
- Median rent: $982 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $80,697
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Mountainside School (A-)
- Pictured: 310 Abbey Ln, Providence ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $281,900 (86% own)
- Median rent: $982 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $80,697
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Mountainside School (A-)
- Pictured: 310 Abbey Ln, Providence ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. River Heights
- Population: 2,162
- Median home value: $257,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $836 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $71,750
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Providence School (A-)
- Pictured: 1150 Lamplighter Dr, River Heights ($699,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $836 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $71,750
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Middle School (A), South Cache Middle School (A), Providence School (A-)
- Pictured: 1150 Lamplighter Dr, River Heights ($699,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. North Logan
- Population: 10,711
- Median home value: $274,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $71,351
- Top public schools: InTech Collegiate Academy (A), Greenville School (A-), North Park School (A-)
- Pictured: 3280 N 1950 E, North Logan ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $274,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $71,351
- Top public schools: InTech Collegiate Academy (A), Greenville School (A-), North Park School (A-)
- Pictured: 3280 N 1950 E, North Logan ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#3. Park City
- Population: 8,375
- Median home value: $1,035,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,495 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $111,000
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Parleys Park School (A), Ecker Hill Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 253 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City ($38.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,035,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,495 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $111,000
- Top public schools: Park City High School (A), Parleys Park School (A), Ecker Hill Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 253 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City ($38.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#2. Centerville
- Population: 17,404
- Median home value: $321,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,157 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $93,344
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Bountiful High School (A), J.A. Taylor Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 1482 N 150 E, Centerville ($1.7 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $321,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,157 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $93,344
- Top public schools: Viewmont High School (A), Bountiful High School (A), J.A. Taylor Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 1482 N 150 E, Centerville ($1.7 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#1. Kaysville
- Population: 31,494
- Median home value: $339,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $948 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $99,597
- Top public schools: Davis High School (A), Jefferson Academy (A), Endeavour School (A-)
- Pictured: 620 E Happy Hollow Rd, Kaysville ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $339,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $948 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $99,597
- Top public schools: Davis High School (A), Jefferson Academy (A), Endeavour School (A-)
- Pictured: 620 E Happy Hollow Rd, Kaysville ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
