Pleasant Grove is a mid-sized city in Utah County, less than an hour south of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes north of the Provo-Orem Metro Area. What began as a small town of pioneers has become a flourishing community known for its beautiful scenery, an abundance of career opportunities and safe neighborhoods perfect for families. If you’re considering moving to Pleasant Grove, this guide will provide all the details you need to decide if this city is your next destination.
#1. The People are Awesome
More than 36,000 people call Pleasant Grove home, making this the fifth largest city in Utah County by population. Among residents, 65% are married and 59% are part of families with children under 18. In fact, children under the age of 14 make up nearly one-third of the population!
Like many other Utah communities, Pleasant Grove was originally founded by Mormon pioneers, sent out by Brigham Young to spread their message. Today, the Mormon Church is still a big part of life in Pleasant Grove, with more than 90% of the population identifying as Mormon. Another 1.5% of residents are Catholic, and about 4% of the population is non-religious.
#2. Schools in Pleasant Grove are Top-Notch
There are a total of 18 schools within the city limits, including eight private schools, seven public schools, and three charter schools. Pleasant Grove High School, the home of the Vikings, is where most students attend grades 9-12. In addition to standard courseloads, the school is also invested in alternative career paths and offers special programs in everything from Agriculture to Interior Design to Nursing.
#3. There are Plenty of Jobs
Pleasant Grove Utah is also a great place to live for professionals. The city has a median income of $66,881, which has been increasing year-over-year as more companies and workers flock to the area. From 2016 to 2017 alone, employment in Pleasant Grove grew 3.65%.
Today, more than 17,000 people work in the city itself, where the top industries are retail trade, education, and healthcare. People living in Pleasant Grove also benefit from being close to Orem and Provo, which offer even more work opportunities in industries like software and technology and advanced manufacturing.
#4. The Cost of Living in Pleasant Grove
Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Pleasant Grove is a mere 4% higher. At the same time, the median household income for residents here is more $10,000 higher than the national median. The median home price in this community is $251,400, though you can find plenty of real estate selling for under $200,000.
Although 65% of residents own their homes, the remaining third of the population chooses to rent instead and they pay about $1,051 per month for their apartments, condos or townhomes. Most families in the area own two cars, so keep fuel and repair costs in mind, especially if you’ll be commuting to nearby Orem or Provo.
#5. Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Pleasant Grove’s focus on community, its low crime rates, and its excellent schools are all factors that have made the city a perfect destination for families. The main zip code in Pleasant Grove is 84061 and the main area code is 801. Though you can’t go wrong no matter where you live in Pleasant Grove, here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods to consider:
- Timp Hollow: Located just a few blocks from the Mormon temple at Mount Timpanogos, this neighborhood in Pleasant Grove features new-construction homes starting at $500,000.
- Garden Grove: Homes in this desirable Pleasant Grove neighborhood sell for between $300,000-$370,000. Floor plans range from two-four bedroom homes, and most include a fenced-in yard and a two-car garage.
- Cambria: This gated condominium and townhome community in Pleasant Grove is perfect for professionals and young couples. The neighborhood offers picturesque views with easy access to local amenities and downtown Pleasant Grove.
#6. You’ll Be Surrounded by Natural Beauty
Nestled between Utah Lake and Mount Timpanogos, the city offers the best of shoreside and mountain living. And with 226 sunny days each year, you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything nature has to offer. Keep in mind that Utah gets a fair amount of snow each year, but if you can handle the shoveling, you’ll also get to enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the US.
#7. Strawberry Days
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Fun fact about Pleasant Grove: from 1920 to 1950, the main export from this budding city was strawberries! The Pleasant Grove Cannery, which was built in 1915 was a major producer for the strawberry industry, so much so that Pleasant Grove quickly gained the nickname, “Utah’s Strawberry City.”
To celebrate its strawberry-based prosperity, the city also started a local festival in 1920. The annual festival still occurs every year in Pleasant Grove, making it the longest-running festival in Utah. Strawberry Days takes place each June and includes everything from a family fun carnival to a rodeo. It’s a must-see event in Pleasant Grove, so if you move here, prepare to get your strawberry on.
#8. There’s Always Something Fun To Do
Looking for more ways to enjoy your free time in this city? We’ve got you covered with two of our favorite local hot spots.
Pleasant Grove Recreation Center
The recreation center has more than just gym equipment. If you want to get more active, you can join in more than a dozen group fitness classes. Or, why not learn some new cooking methods at a Chef or Holiday cooking class? Not to mention the rec center’s family-friendly pool and community sports leagues. No matter what your interests are, you can always find fun at the Pleasant Grove Recreation Center.
Evermore Park
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Want to escape reality for a little while? Then you need to visit Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove. Based in a mythical fantasy world, Evermore Park lets you become part of the story, discovering and completing quests, meeting characters and eating delicious foods along the way. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, and though some of the characters may look scary, they’re all nice to kids.
#9. And Delicious Restaurants to Try
You’ll never go hungry when you live in Pleasant Grove. The city is home to dozens of top eateries, including every kind of cuisine from Mexican to pan-Asian. If you’re unsure where to start, check out the local hotspots below to jumpstart your Pleasant Grove culinary journey.
R&R BBQ
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Some days, nothing will do but some smoky, tangy, falling-off-the-bone BBQ. When you have one of those days, head to R&R BBQ to satisfy all your cravings. The award-winning recipes from here will leave you licking your fingers and planning your next trip back.
- Hours: 11AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM-10PM Friday and Saturday, Closed on Sunday
- Website: randrbbq.com
- Phone: (801) 268-4455
- Address: 1977 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Chubby’s Cafe
With a name like “Chubby’s,” it’s no surprise that the food at this local Pleasant Grove restaurant is delectable. The all-American menu includes everything from juicy burgers to buffalo wings and a variety of classic milkshakes.
- Hours: 11AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM-10PM Friday, 11AM-9PM Saturday, Closed on Sunday
- Website: https://www.chubbyscafeut.com
- Phone: (801) 785-1503
- Address: 336 S Main St, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Tips for Moving to Pleasant Grove
Now that you know all about what it’s like to live in this vibrant Utah city, is moving to Pleasant Grove the start to your next adventure? Before moving, remember these important points about living in Pleasant Grove:
- You’ll have access to jobs in a variety of industries.
- There are homes here to fit every family size and budget.
- Schools in Pleasant Grove provide excellent educations.
- You’ll be surrounded by a caring, tight-knit community.
Need help with your relocation to Pleasant Grove? Wasatch Moving Company is here for you every step of the way with our full range of moving services, highly qualified crew members and dedication to excellence in customer service. If you’re interested in learning more, give us a call at (801) 770-0765 today.
