Thinking About Buying A Second Home In Utah? Here Are 5 Top Places To Consider

Are you thinking about buying a second home in Utah? The Beehive State is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Several ski towns in Utah are included in our guide that compares 8 of the best ski towns to buy a second home. Utah has some of the most sought after terrain for winter sports, with world-class resorts like Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbird, Snowbasin, and many many more.

The state also frequently ranks highly for its business-friendly environment with a growing tech industry, low unemployment rates, and relatively low cost of living. Overall, Utah offers their citizens many family-oriented activities and a strong sense of community.

Particularly along the Wasatch, there is a competitive demand for homes and a rise in home prices. Park City and Eden are on our list of the best mountain towns to buy second homes in the western U.S. In areas like these, a second home could be a sound investment property, or potentially become a source of rental income, especially during peak seasons.

Come along as Mountain Luxury explores 5 top places to consider, when buying a second home in Utah:

Park City

We've shared about Park City many times, when talking about the best mountain towns and ski towns in Utah it undoubtably comes up. How could it not? It has two major ski resorts — Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, beautiful trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the town has invested in infrastructure and services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable skiing experience for visitors.

Park City boasts champion-level golf courses at the Park City Golf Club, Tuhaye Golf Club and more, and has become synonymous with celebrity sightings at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

Main Street is the perfect place to indulge in spas and shopping, and restaurants like The Farm, Riverhouse on Main, and Handle, elevate the food scene. There are a lot of opportunities for wine tasting, including the Park City Wine Festival that attracts wine lovers from all over the country to enjoy local and international selections.

Buyers looking for second homes around Park City will want to check out popular neighborhoods like the coveted Deer Crest gated community, with some of the most luxurious estates in the country, Old Town, Prospector, Silver Creek, and Kimball Junction are also highly sought after.

The real estate market trends for Park City present a dynamic and evolving landscape. As of November 2023 the median listing home price was $2.2M, showing an upward trend of 2.6% year-over-year. The median listing price per square foot was around $900, and the median sold home price was $1.4M.

It’s currently considered a buyer’s market, meaning the supply of homes is greater than the demand, with homes typically sold for about 20.4% below asking price on average. Despite the high prices and slight decrease in home sales, Park City remains an attractive destination for investment in vacation rental properties given its popularity as a ski destination.**

St. George

Those who appreciate a milder winter will appreciate temps that typically range from the mid-50s to 60s. In southwestern Utah, St. George is surrounded by red rock landscapes. Zion National Park, one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., is just a 45 minute drive away.

Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Recreation Area, and the Chuckwalla Trail are popular spots for hiking and biking.

This area is a golfer's paradise, renowned for scenic views and challenging layouts. Check out Sand Hollow Golf Course, Entrada at Snow Canyon, and Sunbrook Golf Club.

You can take your paddle boards and kayaks to the nearby reservoirs and lakes like Quail Creek State Park and Sand Hollow State Park and easily spend the day on the water.

The Little Valley community is known for its proximity to outdoor activities, golf courses, and top-rated schools. One of its newer neighborhoods, Field Stone, features large houses. Desert Canyon also stands out as an up and coming community.

In 2023, the median listing home price in St. George was $599K, with a median listing price per square foot of $287. The median sold home price was $393k.

Properties were on the market for an average of 62 days before being sold, potentially giving buyers more leverage. By the end of September, pending sales of single-family properties increased by 26.8%, indicating a rise in buyer interest.*

Eden

On the Wasatch Back, Eden is becoming known as an outdoor adventure get-away destination. You can enjoy the best things about country living — being tuned in to nature, watching wildlife in their native habitats, and exploring exhilarating terrain surrounded by the inspiring beauty of the mountains, reservoir, and rolling meadows, with a sprinkling of horses, bison, or cattle here and there.

There's just a little more room in the valley, especially for those with a green thumb or hobby farm leanings. The little town has all your essentials nearby including delicious food at Carlos & Harley's, Peddlers, Mad Moose, and other restaurants and cafes. There are also gear shops, and community markets and events, on and off the mountains.

Most importantly, you can't beat the close proximity to Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley and Snowbasin ski resorts, Pineview Reservoir with its beaches and water activities, and an extensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Live where you play, is something locals like to say.

Eden is a popular area for second homes and vacation rentals, and there are many luxury communities here. Premiere neighborhoods include Eagle Ridge, Harmony Ranch, and Sheep Creek, just to name a few.

Any other amenities you could want are just a 30 minute scenic drive away. Downtown Ogden is coming into it's own with delicious restaurants like Table 25, and locally owned shops like the plant lover's dream-come-true, Jungle Room Plant Co.

At monthly art strolls, you can enjoy international and Utah artists exhibiting at art spaces like Ogden Contemporary Arts. There is often live music playing next door at the Monarch, so go grab an on-tap kombucha and explore the art studios. And it's easy to come and go with Salt Lake City and its international airport within an hour away.

As of late 2023, the median listing home price in Eden was $1.2M, trending up 2.2% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $269. Although currently the market is somewhat competitive, with many homes receiving multiple offers, the market trends toward favoring buyers.

The third quarter of 2023 saw a 27% increase in sold listings compared to the same period in 2022. The median sold price saw a 12% increase. The median days on the market increased slightly from 58 to 62 days.**

Salt Lake City

For those who like a balance between the excitement of a lot going on and quick access to the outdoors, Salt Lake City is an ideal choice for buying a second home in Utah. It's especially appealing to professionals who appreciate an active lifestyle and a diverse cultural arts scene.

The Cottonwood Canyons are just outside the city and are known for their beautiful trails, climbing routes, and world-class ski resorts. Visitors come from all over the country to hit the slopes at Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird.

There are many lectures, art talks, concerts and performances to attend throughout the year, hosted by the University of Utah as well as independent venues, galleries and shops — like the Twilight Concert Series, which brings incredible musicians and bands to the city every summer, and Craft Lake City, that celebrates all things handmade and has become a popular festival that showcases local artists, designers, and makers.

The eateries are diverse with local favorites like Paik's Noodle House or Hub & Spoke Diner, and most neighborhoods having something delicious within walking distance or a five minute drive.

This city is the heart of Utah, and it's central location and international airport make it easy for second home owners to come and go. Within an hour drive or less, you can also explore many other smaller cities and towns surrounding Salt Lake City. Places like Ogden, Eden, Park City, and Provo — all of which have their own outdoor recreation, make easy day trips.

Popular neighborhoods include Sugar House, Liberty Wells, The Avenues, Capitol Hill, and one of Salt Lake's luxury communities, Wasatch Hollows.

As of November 2023, the median listing home price in Salt Lake City was around $569K, reflecting a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. The median listing price per square foot stood at $321, and the median sold home price was $550K. Home prices have fluctuated this year and it appears to be a buyer’s market. Homes in the city sold for about 1.55% below asking price on average, and the median days on the market increased slightly to 62 days.* *

Logan

Home to Utah State University, this area doesn't just attract students, but those who appreciate the arts and cultural vibrancy, youthful energy, and sense of community that comes with a college town setting. The university has a long history of excellence in agricultural sciences and research contributions across fields like space science, water resources and robotics.

If you're buying a second home in Utah, you'll have a scenic, natural playground surrounding you, and Logan is no exception. Explore Logan Canyon where you can hike Wind Cave, Jardine Juniper, and Crimson Trail. During the winter its a favorite spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The closest ski resorts to the area are the family-friendly Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak Resort, Utah's newest ski resort.

Hyrum State Park is only a short drive away and offers a reservoir for boating, fishing, and swimming. Because its diverse natural habitats, it's a destination for bird-watching. Look out for northern pintails, sandpipers, osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons.

You can bike or walk along the Logan River Trail to access several golf courses, Lallapalooza Park, Lundstrom Park, First Dam, Second Dam, and The Bonsai Garden. The entrance to Logan Canyon is towards the upper reaches of the trail.

You'll find comfort food and a cozy ambiance at Le Nonne, with delicious Italian pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes. If you're in the mood for Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, Cafe Sabor is a must-visit.

University District surrounds Utah State University and is a popular neighborhood for students, faculty, and staff. The East Bench community along the eastern foothills of the city has upscale homes, quaint streets, and great views of Logan and Cache Valley. The Ellen Eccles neighborhood is known for its cultural attractions, historic homes and access to the Logan River.

There is a strong demand for real estate in Logan, with the city's appeal as a college town, combined with its outdoor recreation. The median listing home price in Logan, Utah was $427K in November 2023, trending down -2.3% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $206. The median home sold price was $375K.*

Utah Has So Much To Offer You

From college towns to metro areas, deserts to the countryside, this state has so much to offer those thinking about buying a second home in Utah.

Each of these 5 top places to consider are unique while also sharing many common benefits, like access to the best areas for outdoor recreation, inspiring terrain, a strong economy, and the potential to be a great investment.

Drawn to the Wasatch area? Explore homes in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Eden for luxury homes, ski condos, and land, so you can stay where you play.

* Current real estate market trends according to Realtor.com

** Current real estate market trends according to Mountain Luxury Real Estate