9 Best Places To Live In Utah In 2025

Utah is where you can construct a wooden cabin on the neck of an austere mountain and enjoy living as a care-free hermit in an environment that is free, pristine, and whimsical. But chances are, you won't do that. You want modern conveniences, job opportunities, safe neighborhoods, easy access to good hospitals, and fantastic outdoor recreational activities. Ranked by WalletHub as the second-best state for working from home, Utah residents have several things to be grateful for. Not to be outdone, the U.S. News and World Report ranks the Beehive State as the No. 1 best state overall in the country based on several measures, including the state of the economy and the quality of education. But which is the best place to pitch tent? Take a look.

Sandy

Sandy is a solid choice because it provides access to many amazing schools (including the top-rated Alta High School), excellent hospitals, and top-notch skiing and outdoor trails. Moreover, it is safe, clean, and just about 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, meaning residents can enjoy all kinds of desirable amenities. It is also family friendly and does not grapple much with homelessness. According to data from Zillow, homes in Sandy sell for a median listing price of $677,901. That is as of February, 2025. For those in the tech industry, Sandy is close to the burgeoning Silicon Slopes area in Lehi, a short distance of about 20 minutes. On healthcare access, Alta View Hospital in Sandy is a 2024 recipient of the Patient Safety Excellence Award. You also have an amazing public library, a great, comfortable amphitheatre for lively concerts and shows, and fantastic outdoor venues such as the trail-laden Dimple Dell Regional Park, Wrangler Trail Head, and Bells Canyon Trail.

Murray

Murray is a decent place to live and close to one of the best trails in the area: the historic Murray Canal Trail. The out-and-back trail offers birding, mountain biking, and fantastic running opportunities. You also have easy access to the Jordan River and the many peaceful parks that front it. Murray is self contained, yet still close to almost everything a resident will need. Keep in mind that Murray City Power is publicly owned, meaning utilities are generally cheaper, especially compared to places where they are privately owned. Houses in Murray sell for a median listing price of $502,537, significantly lower than the statewide median listing price of $586,200. On healthcare access, Intermountain Medical Center is right in town and is rated among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery. Don't forget that you are in the Salt Lake City Metro area, meaning good access to high-speed internet for remote work opportunities. The school district is fairly good and generally above average.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is where to live, especially if looking for fantastic amenities, jobs, vibrant culture, or unmatched access to outdoor recreation. You may hear that it is eye-wateringly expensive, but houses in Salt Lake City fetch a median listing price of $558,967, which is surprisingly lower than Utah's Median listing price. Compared to the rest of the state, a moderately conservative person or a liberal will enjoy living in Salt Lake City. Residents have access to several exceptional healthcare facilities, including the highly rated University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. The University of Utah, the oldest institution of higher learning in the entire state, is among the area's most attractive features. Moreover, the startup ecosystem here is awesome, with many companies friendly to remote work arrangements. If you love the outdoors, your weekends will be spent at the Big Cottonwood Canyon, Ensign Peak (for a stunning sunset), and Donut Falls.

Kaysville

Although slightly isolated — which is not necessarily a bad thing — Kaysville is a nice place to live because it is safe, has excellent schools, and boasts a great commute, especially because of Interstate 15. Residents here enjoy a quiet suburban feel with a dash of rural charm, clean neighborhoods, and fantastic access to awesome hiking trails, notably the Farmington Canyon. Layton, a doorbell away, hosts Layton Hospital, which has been serving area residents since 2018. The good part is that Ogden is minutes from town and hosts even more excellent healthcare options. Homes in Kaysville fetch a median listing price of $598,833, just a hair above the state's median. Kaysville Theatre, an old, lively space in the heart of town, is the best place to go for a date or family night out. For working, Salt Lake City is less than 30 minutes away.

Ogden

Ogden is a nice, growing town and, hence, poised for more modern amenities. A lively cultural scene, top-notch outdoor adventure opportunities ( including numerous ski resorts), and good job opportunities position Ogden among the best places to live in Utah. On education, residents enjoy good schools and the stimulating presence of Weber State University, whose history goes back to 1889. With all the things going in its favour, Ogden's most attractive feature could be its affordability. Houses here fetch a median listing price of $388,333, less than the statewide median by about $200,000. And don't mention healthcare access. With the award-winning Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital in town — and the highly rated Ogden Regional Medical Center — there is no need to worry about a midnight emergency. Outdoor venues around town include the Ogden Bike Path to test your MTB skills, the 22nd Street Trailhead, and, best of all, the 29th Street Trailhead. There's also the Frontrunner Train, which boosts Ogden's accessibility points.

Park City

Park City is hands-down among the best places to live in Utah and in the United States — if you can afford it. Think of convenient and easy access to major highways, some of the best schools in the state, and best of all: world-class ski resorts. Moreover, the air quality here, probably because of the mountain settling, is much better than your average Utah town. Residents enjoy outdoor action at the world-famous Deer Valley Resort, fly fishing at the trout-filled Provo River, and teeing sessions at several golfing venues, including the breathtaking Park City Golf Club. On healthcare, you have Park City Hospital, a 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. A resident can find job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry, one of the town's biggest income earners. Houses in Park City sell for a median listing price of $1,584,833.

South Jordan

South Jordan is a charming suburban town with fantastic schools and clean, peaceful neighbourhoods. It holds a perfect balance between modern conveniences and amenities on one side — and outdoor beauty on the other. With the ongoing construction of the Bangerter Highway, which is expected to significantly ease movement, South Jordan has a lot going in its favour. No wonder the area is attracting lots of interest, especially seeing the median listing price is $620,717. Tiverton Hospital, which is just next door, is a 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Some of the biggest employers in town include Merit Medical Systems, a leading manufacturer of medical devices. A resident can catch a show at Megaplex Theaters, enjoy a round of golf at Mulligan's — or enjoy several fun-filled activities at the South Jordan Recreation Center.

Draper

Just about 30 minutes — depending on traffic — from Salt Lake City, Draper is among the most adorable towns in Utah. It boasts lots of fun outdoor adventure opportunities, especially hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Moreover, if you are looking for a town with a community feel, Draper is hard to beat. On education, Canyons School District is often ranked the best in the Greater Salt Lake Area. Draper City Park, with its paved trails, is every family's dream. Right next is a fantastic library with good reads and a fit-for-purpose senior centre. Outdoor venues include the Cherry Canyon Logging Trail, which is strenuous and breathtaking in almost equal measure; the well-maintained Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Trailhead, which provides access to a slightly swaying bridge; and Potato Hill, the go-to place for fireworks shows, especially on holidays. Keep in mind that Lone Peak Hospital is at your doorstep, just in case you are worried about healthcare access. But it comes at a cost: houses in the area have a median listing price of $871,117.

Hyde Park

The crowning entry here is the small, peaceful town of Hyde Park, a safe, tight-knit community in a low-key pastoral setting. Residents enjoy afternoon meetups at Lower Lion's Park, zipping along the aptly named Big Public Bike Park, and exploring the nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Logan, right next door, hosts Logan Regional Hospital, a three-time winner of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Manufacturing, educational services, and healthcare (including Social Assistance) — are the leading employers in Hyde Park. But is Hyde Park affordable? Well, many consider the median listing price of $778,667 as reasonable, keeping in mind the tranquil setting and quality of life. Finally, Cache County School District, whose jurisdiction includes Hyde Park, often posts better academic scores than the state average.

The Takeaway

The ice-capped hills of Colorado, the sandy beaches of Florida, and the palm trees of California — all possess irresistible allure. Unfortunately, the best place to visit is not necessarily the best place to live. No wonder Utah, which is not as touristy as its counterparts, is often ranked among the best states to live in. From fantastic infrastructure to high-level internet access, the decision to live in the Beehive State comes with several advantages and only a few downsides. If you haven't, start giving Utah some serious attention. We live once.