8 Towns in Utah With Thriving Local Businesses
Utah is a beautiful and alluring state that has seen exponential business growth over the years. The state has become attractive for startups and entrepreneurs because of its access to financial incentives and local government support. Tourism, technology, and financial services are some of the thriving industries here, while small retail shops, restaurants, and pubs benefit from the steady economy they provide. And one reason the state has managed to retain its population growth is the high quality of life.
Utah has five national parks, including Canyonlands and Arches National Park. It's also known for its world-class skiing in the Wasatch Mountains and unbelievable rock climbing among mesas and canyons. Besides outdoor adventure, the state is rich in culture with its Mormon pioneer heritage. The vibrant towns and outdoor lifestyle are just a few reasons entrepreneurs set down roots here. Discover eight towns in Utah with thriving local businesses.
Cedar City
Cedar City has been ranked as one of the best small cities in the country to start a business. It has one of the highest rates of startups per capita and an impressive business success rate, illustrating that the economy here is relatively stable even during downturns. Solar-driven projects, as well as the aerospace design and tourism industries, are thriving here.
From a tourism standpoint, Cedar City is a mountain biking mecca, and local businesses have capitalized on it. There are several shops where you can rent gear, such as Red Rock Bicycle, and tour groups, such as Wild Mesa. The locally owned shops do well because of the cycling trail system, such as the 13th Hole loop. While out riding, cyclists also help keep the historic downtown area vibrant by dining at places like The French Spot and Policy Kings Brewery.
The outdoor adventure makes Cedar City an attractive place to live, which provides business security. The town is near Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Cedar City is also within a three-hour drive to two metropolitan areas, including Salt Lake City to the south and Las Vegas to the north.
Springville
Springville's small-town atmosphere and economy make it attractive to local businesses and new startups. The town's economic development plan prioritizes business growth, offering financial incentives and loans. Hundreds of acres of vacant land are available for commercial and manufacturing use near the main highway, an ideal location for access and visibility.
The town's appeal has helped keep the local economy stable. Springville has a thriving arts culture that's captured international attention with venues such as the Springville Museum of Art and Brown Art Gallery. Springville is also home to Hobble Creek Golf Course, which continues to be recognized as one of the best regional golf courses. Disc golf is also quite popular here. Birdcage Disc Golf in town is Utah County's first golf disc pro shop.
Springville is located in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, just a few miles east of Utah Lake. It's close to Provo, which has some of Utah's best hiking trails. Popular ones include Stewart Falls and Mount Nebo.
Park City
Park City is a destination for outdoor adventure. The town is home to Deer Valley and Park City Mountain ski resorts. The popularity of the two resorts has created a windfall of opportunity for businesses with an outdoor edge. For example, Backcountry's corporate headquarters is here, a well-known online outdoor gear retailer.
The town is also a destination for local artisans and makers that sell jewelry, wine, whiskey, and cheeses. High West Distillery and Mountain Town Olive Oil give a taste of the local flavor, while Stone River Soaps and Nature Works Glass Art demonstrate the hidden artisan talent here.
Park City is only 31 miles from Salt Lake City, so businesses have easy access to supplies and transportation hubs nearby.
American Fork
Located in north-central Utah, American Fork ranks high for small business development. The community is in the Silicon Slopes region, so the technology industry is booming. Several software startups, like Zipbooks and Domo, call American Fork home.
To retain the new population growth from the tech explosion, the town has been able to count on the appeal of its historic downtown district. There are unique antique shops such as Renewed Vintage Market and tasty bakeries such as Avenue Bakery. There are also interesting sites, like the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum.
Much like the rest of Utah, there is a high quality of life here. The town is near American Fork Canyon, with excellent rock climbing, camping, fishing, and hiking. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is also within proximity, making the region a desirable place for business owners to live.
Pleasant Grove
Also known as the City of Trees, Pleasant Grove (not far from American Fork) has seen significant business growth. It's home to doTerra's headquarters, known for its essential oils. The large company has created job growth and has helped local businesses thrive here, some of which are in the agricultural sector.
Local farmers have taken advantage of the opportunity to start a business. Snuck Farm offers fresh produce, fresh-cut flowers, and cooking classes, while Lehi Farm Fresh offers food boxes with vegetables and fruits. Also, festivals that occur each year, such as Strawberry Days, showcase local artisans like JoJo's Sourdough and Lynde Mott Art.
The community sits near Utah Lake at the foot of Mount Timpanogos in central Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. There is plenty of hiking nearby, such as Battle Creek Falls Trailhead.
Garden City
Located on the shores of Bear Lake, Garden City has a thriving business scene. It offers a favorable tax climate, a highly educated workforce, and is somewhat close to metropolitan areas such as Salt Lake City. The art scene also helps the economy thrive here. Pickleville Playhouse Theatre is described as Utah's most unique family theatre.
On a smaller scale, Garden City has quaint little shops and restaurants. Hometown Drive-In is a cozy, well-known local restaurant with burgers and fries, and the diner is famous for its raspberry shakes. The region is known to have some of the best raspberries, and there's even a festival in August that celebrates the harvest. Mikes Market is another small town-feel store where people pick up supplies before heading to the lake.
Garden City is also near Bear Lake State Park, attracting year-round tourists. Conestoga Ranch is a fun place to go glamping under the stars, while Cisco Charters provides guided fishing expeditions on the lake.
Moab
Located in Southeastern Utah, only five miles from the gateway to Arches National Park, sits Moab, an outdoorsy town with thriving local businesses. The town is home to Utah State University's Moab campus, so there's a well-educated and skilled workforce.
Moab has a hometown feel with independently owned shops and restaurants, catering to millions of visitors each year who visit the nearby national parks. Milt's Stop & Eat, Moab's oldest restaurant, is quite popular and has gained cult status among locals and tourists. Jailhouse Cafe is another fun, local establishment known for its epic breakfast.
The region is a geological wonderland, and the outdoor adventure makes the economy thrive. Local guide services do very well here. Moab Desert Adventures takes tourists rock climbing and canyoneering, while Adrift Adventures provides river rafting trips that go down the Desolation Canyon of the Green River.
Washington City
Southern Utah is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and much of that expansion is happening in the little town of Washington City. The town has prioritized economic development and has eased starting a business here. Less red tape has proven successful, with a high average startup growth rate. New shops, restaurants, and retail stores have recently opened in town.
An excellent opportunity to witness the entrepreneurial spirit and meet the region's local bakers and artisans like Ash Pottery and AW Woodworks is at the Hurricane Market, which takes place on Saturday a little ways outside of town. Another great place to go is Rowleys Red Barn, which sells local produce, and apple cider, and holds local events like corn mazes for kids in the fall.
Washington City is located in the southwestern corner of Utah, near Sand Hallow State Park. The red sandstone landscape is breathtaking. It's one of Utah's most visited state parks, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as boating and hiking. Businesses such as American Gear Company sell wakeboards to meet the recreation demand.
The quality of life in Utah is incredibly high. The incentives for businesses to come here and the attractive lifestyle have created a surge of new startups. From the tourism industry in Park City to the tech boom near the Silicon Slopes, the communities in Utah have become highly sought after for new businesses. The endless outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking have retained a steady population. Affordable housing, low taxes, and financial incentives have created steadiness, giving businesses more confidence to take risks. Business is thriving in Utah, and more people are considering the benefits of heading West to live and vacation.
