Why Move to Park City, UT in 2025 | Lifestyle & Real Estate

16 Reasons to Move to Park City, Utah: A Guide to the Best Place to Live in America

KEY POINTS: Thinking about moving to Park City, Utah? Look no further. Our guide explores the 16 top reasons why Park City is one of the best places to live in the U.S.

The best small town in America is Park City, Utah. While there are too many great reasons to live in Park City to list in a single article, you'll find the most important ones below. No other small town offers the feel of a luxury resort lifestyle just 35 minutes from a major international airport. Park City is equipped with fiber internet in many neighborhoods, making it ideal for remote work and modern business. Verizon offers excellent cell service, the public schools are among Utah's best, and the area is an active, safe, and health-conscious community year-round.

Call me to discuss the neighborhoods of Park City so we can find the best fit for you if you're considering moving to "Small Town USA."

Park City is The Best Small Town in America

Below are 16 top reasons people from across the country choose to relocate to Park City, Utah.

1. The Greatest Lifestyle on Earth

Moving to Park City Lifestyle Park City offers more than the "Best Snow on Earth." With trailheads right outside your door, you can hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe on a whim. While other small towns offer outdoor recreation, none compare in terms of access, infrastructure, or proximity to a major city like Salt Lake.

No resort town beats Park City for convenience and accessibility. Whether you're moving full-time, purchasing a second home, or investing in a vacation property with rental potential, Park City offers a range of options. Salt Lake City International Airport is just 20–40 minutes away and offers nonstop flights to destinations such as New York, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and more.

2. Year-Round Outdoor Recreation in Park City

Park City offers more than skiing. Residents enjoy over 400 miles of trails, paddleboarding on Jordanelle, fly fishing, off-roading in Kamas, and horseback riding in Silver Creek. It's a four-season playground built for active living.

3. The Small-Town Feel of Park City

Park City Main Street Community Feel Life here feels like a time rewind. Fresh air, low traffic, a kind community, and a slower pace create a genuine small-town feel, just with better food, ski lifts, and Wi-Fi.

If the resort buzz or Sundance crowd ever feels overwhelming, consider the nearby towns surrounding Park City for more privacy and space.

4. Excellent Food

Dine at Riverhorse on Main, enjoy a cocktail at the St. Regis, or grab lunch at Vessel Kitchen in Kimball Junction. Foodies can venture to Blue Boar Inn in Midway or Woodland Biscuit in Francis for something uniquely local.

5. Top Schools in Park City, Utah

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Park City offers Utah's highest-ranked public school district and ranks in the top 2% nationally. The University of Utah and Westminster College are 30 minutes away, and BYU is about an hour south—perfect for keeping kids close but independent.

6. Red Rocks and Yellowstone Are Nearby

If 400+ miles of local trails aren't enough, the Red Rocks of Moab are 5 hours away. Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Jackson Hole are under 6. Direct flights from SLC also serve these locations.

7. Ski Resorts With Amazing Summers

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Park City Summer Ski Resort Activities Beyond winter, Park City's ski resorts offer summer activities such as hiking, zip lines, concerts, mountain biking, and scenic lift rides. You're also a quick drive from Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Powder Mountain, and more.

8. What's the Weather Like in Park City?

Park City ranges in elevation from 6,400 to 9,900 feet and enjoys a mild mountain climate. Expect four true seasons, low humidity, and more sunny days than most resort towns.

229 sunny days per year
Average rainfall: 21 inches
Average snowfall: 95 inches
July highs: ~84°F
January lows: ~13°F

9. Golfing in the Mountains of Utah

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Enjoy championship courses at Glenwild, Victory Ranch, Red Ledges, Tuhaye, and Promontory. You'll also find local options in Park Meadows, Thaynes Canyon, and Midway. Some ski condos even become walk-out golf retreats in summer.

10. Ski-In/Ski-Out on Your Lunch Break

Remote workers can hit the slopes midday and be back on Zoom in time for meetings. Ski-in/ski-out properties in Deer Valley and The Colony make this dream a daily reality.

11. Location, Location, Location

Park City is only 35–45 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport, making quick trips to LA, NYC, or Dallas easy. For many of my clients, this means using their second home 60% more often than they would if it were located in a more remote area.

12. Lower Taxes in Utah

Utah is tax-friendly for individuals and businesses. There's no state tax on Social Security for qualifying retirees, and income tax caps at 5%. Property taxes on a primary home assessed at approximately $1.2 million hover around $5,400 annually. Learn more about Park City property taxes.

13. Utah Olympics

Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and will host again in 2034. That means improved infrastructure, global exposure, and long-term investment in Park City's winter sports economy.

14. Park City Is Safe

Park City feels secure, like the kind of place where people leave keys in their cars and sleep with windows open.

Quick story: I accidentally left my SUV open all day in Deer Valley—with $4,000 in photography gear and a laptop inside. When I came back, nothing had been touched.

15. Health and Wellness

From yoga studios and athletic clubs to clean eating and spa services, Park City supports a wellness-first lifestyle. The new Velvaere wellness community is a great example of where the market is heading.

16. Quality Real Estate

Park City offers a diverse mix of real estate, from mountain cabins to luxury ski-in/ski-out homes. Whether you're searching by lifestyle, size, or location, Park City has options that deliver long-term value.

Read our full article on the Best Places to Live in Park City for neighborhood insights.

Conclusion

Park City offers a unique blend of mountain adventure, urban convenience, and lasting value. Whether you're seeking a full-time residence or seasonal escape, this town earns its reputation as one of the best places to live in America.

Ready to explore homes in Park City?

Whether you're searching for a ski-in/ski-out condo, a luxury golf estate, or a full-time mountain residence, I'll help you find the right fit. Contact me today to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Park City

1. Is Park City a good place to live year-round?

Yes, Park City is a great year-round place to live. With four distinct seasons, top-rated schools, modern infrastructure like fiber internet, and endless outdoor recreation, it's ideal for full-time residents, not just vacation homeowners.

2. How far is Park City from Salt Lake City International Airport?

Park City is approximately 35 to 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, depending on road conditions and your exact location in town. This makes it one of the most accessible mountain towns in the U.S.

3. Is Park City expensive to live in?

Park City is considered a luxury market, but low property taxes and no state tax on Social Security income for qualifying retirees balance the cost of living. Real estate ranges from ski condos to high-end estates, providing options for a wide range of buyers.

4. Can I work remotely from Park City?

Yes. Many residents work thanks remotely to widespread fiber internet, strong cell service, and co-working spaces. Park City is ideal for remote professionals seeking a healthy lifestyle without compromising connectivity or convenience.

Posted by Derrik Carlson on July 27th, 2023

16 Reasons Park City, Utah Is the Best Mountain Town to Call Home