Is Provo Utah a good place to live? Yes, living in and moving to Provo is right up your alley! According to History to Go, the Ute people lived in the Provo area for thousands of years. Mormons settled Provo in 1849 as the first Latter-day Saint colony outside the Salt Lake Valley. The city was incorporated the next year. The Mormon founders named the city for Etienne Provost, an early fur trapper. Slowly over time, the Mormon settlers and the Ute Indians who inhabited the region reached peace. The city expanded rapidly, with many Mormons moving to Provo.
Provo became known as the Garden City thanks to its extensive gardens and orchards. Brigham Young Academy, today BYU, was founded in 1875. Provo is best known for being home to Brigham Young University and the Provo City Center Temple. The city is a top destination for Latter-day Saints.
Living in Provo offers a great quality of life. You can enjoy a family-friendly environment, stunning outdoor activities, and thriving community life. Provo is a nice place to live, with affordable homes and world-class skiing, hiking, and outdoor sports at your fingertips. Here’s why moving to Provo may be the best decision you ever make!
Is Provo Utah a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Provo Utah is a very good place to live! The city offers a family-friendly environment with affordable housing and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to top outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and biking. Provo also features top-rated schools and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a great choice for both families and individuals seeking an active lifestyle.
Where Is Provo Utah?
Provo is in Utah County in Utah Valley in north-central Utah. It is 43.6 miles from Provo to Salt Lake City. It borders Springville to the south and Orem to the north. Provo movers serve all of these communities. Utah Lake is to the west. The Wasatch Mountains, Provo Valley, and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest are to the east. The Provo River runs down from the Wasatch Mountains and flows through northern Provo.
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for public transportation? The Utah Transit Authority provides services to all residents living in Provo, and you can use UTA for moving to Provo. Several bus routes run through the community, including Bus Route 833, which connects to Provo Municipal Airport. If you want to see all the Utah Transit Authority routes, you should use the UTA system map.
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Where Is Provo on the Map?
Provo is south of Orem, west of the Wasatch Mountains, north of Springville, and east of Utah Lake. If you’re trying to find Provo on a map, try looking for Utah Lake first. It is in the shape of a kidney bean and is south of Salt Lake City.
Provo Population & Demographics
According to the Census Bureau, the Provo, Utah population is 113,343. The city has a population density of 2,718.7 people per square mile, roughly half the population density of the Provo metro area. The Provo-Orem metro area has a population of 714,454 spread across Utah and Juab counties. It’s the second-largest metro area in Utah after the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
Notable people from Provo include Donny Osmond, Steve Young, and Tyson Apostol. Additional Provo, Utah demographics include:
- Sex ratio: 51.2% female, 48.8% male
- Median age: 23.4 years
- Racial and ethnic composition: 81.5% White (72.6% non-Hispanic), 17.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% two or more races, 2.3% Asian, 1.4% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Black or African American
- Median household income: $57,943 (33.3% lower than the Utah median)
- Educational attainment: 92.8% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 44.4% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 11.2%
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for young people? Yes, Provo is one of the youngest communities in Utah. Its median age is nearly eight years younger than the Utah median. 43.8% of the Provo population is in their 20s, nearly three times the state rate. 18.9% of the population is under 18, while 5.7% is over 65, both of which are below the state averages.
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for safety? Provo is a very safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI:
- Overall Provo crime rate: 1,547 offenses per 100,000 people (27.6% lower than the Utah crime rate, 33.4% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 147 crimes per 100,000 residents (39.2% lower than the state rate, 68.9% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 1,399 offenses per 100,000 people (26.2% lower than the state rate, 28.4% lower than the national rate)
The Provo Police Department employs 114 police officers who respond to emergencies in Provo.
What Percentage of Provo Is Mormon?
According to the 2020 Religion Census, 82.9% of Utah County residents are Mormons. Almost all students at BYU are Mormon as well.
Cost of Living in Provo
How much does it cost to live in Provo, Utah? The Provo cost of living index is 103.8, meaning items cost 3.8% more than the national average. The Provo cost of living is lower than the Salt Lake City cost of living. The cost of groceries is slightly below average, while Provo utilities and healthcare are 9.3% and 3.8% lower than average, respectively. The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator reports a family of four needs to earn $96,865 per year to afford a lifestyle in Provo.
According to Redfin, the median price of Provo homes for sale is $430,000, with a median price of $259 per square foot. Homes sell in an average of 26 days on the market. The median price for a single-family home is $515,000 compared to $349,500 for a condo.
As a renter, you can expect an average Provo, UT rent of $1,879 a month, according to RentCafe. Average rent varies significantly by neighborhood. The most desirable areas like BYU, Edgemont, Carterville, North Timpview, and Oak Hills have an average of $2,024 a month. More affordable neighborhoods like Lakewood and Franklin have an average rent of $1,336 a month.
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for affordability? Yes, Provo is an affordable community to live in, especially if you rent.
Typical Provo* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.44
- 1 pound of local cheese: $6.23
- 1 pound of oranges: $1.53
- 1 pound of onions: $1.22
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.86
- Average Provo* utilities per month: $170.52
- 1 pair of jeans: $58.78
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for Salt Lake City
Are you interested in living in Provo? Call 801-335-5603 for a free estimate now!
What Is the Cost of Living in Provo Utah?
The cost of living in Provo is relatively affordable. Provo residents spend slightly less money on groceries, utilities, and healthcare than the national average. They spend slightly more money on housing costs, but the median home price is lower than the national average of $438,837.
Provo Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Provo Utah
Many people ask, “Is Provo Utah a good place to live?” This can be a tricky question to answer because of Provo neighborhoods. There are 35 neighborhoods in Provo, each with something unique to offer. Are you looking for a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood or the walkability and excitement of urban living? Here are just a few of the best Provo neighborhoods to explore.
Edgemont – Quiet, Family Neighborhood With Great Schools
Young families and college students appreciate Edgemont for its privacy, quiet streets, and convenient location. The neighborhood is close to the BYU campus and the Shops At Riverwoods, which contains Provo Beach. According to Redfin, you’ll find a combination of traditional 1950s homes and newer, larger homes in this established community. Several of the city’s top schools are in Edgemont, including Edgemont Elementary and Timpview High School.
Little Rock Canyon – Great Provo Neighborhood for Active Young Families
This charming and desirable neighborhood in northeast Provo is popular with young families and outdoor enthusiasts. The area has many hikes, neighborhood parks, and trails. It’s also right next to the Shops at Riverwoods and known for its manicured lawns and newer homes. Little Rock Canyon is next to the Walden School of Liberal Arts, one of the best schools in Provo.
River Bottoms – Picturesque Provo Neighborhood With Luxury Homes and Mountain Views
River Bottoms is one of the best neighborhoods in Provo if you’re looking for large estates and wooded lots. You can also find custom homes with sweeping mountain views. You can find listings for River Bottoms homes for sale on Redfin, including large properties that can accommodate families.
Provo Climate | What’s the Weather in Provo Like?
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for the weather? Provo has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa), the same as the Salt Lake City climate type. After moving to Provo, you’ll have hot and dry summers with freezing, snowy winters. According to Weather Spark, Provo gets an average of 11.4 inches of annual rainfall, mostly in the spring and fall. The summer high is 90°.
Prepare yourself for cold winters and a lot of snow. Provo gets 12.5 inches of annual snowfall. Roughly half of the days in the winter are overcast or mostly cloudy, meaning snow can fall on any day of the winter. The average January low temperature is 20°, with the average low remaining below freezing for the entire winter.
The best time to visit Provo is July. The warm weather and clear skies mean you can visit Provo without a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, or an umbrella.
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Things to Do in Provo
Ready to explore the fun things to do in Provo, UT for the whole family? You’ll find tons of family-friendly attractions, cultural destinations, and excellent hiking and outdoor recreation to enjoy! You can even shop at top shopping malls like Provo Towne Centre and great grocery stores like Smith’s and Fresh Market Provo. Here are some ideas for what to do in Provo once you’re done moving to Provo.
Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is home to the largest freshwater lake in Utah. You can enjoy outdoor activities at Utah Lake State Park like fishing, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding, plus campgrounds.
4400 West Center Street, Provo, UT, 84601
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon is one of the top outdoor attractions in Utah. The canyon contains mountains popular amongst climbers and hikers, including Kyhv Peak and Mount Timpanogos. You can also go rafting and boating in the Provo River by yourself or with a tour guide.
2487 East Provo Canyon Road, Provo, UT, 84604
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 607-foot waterfall perfect for photography, including visits at night. You can find the falls inside a small, kid-friendly park that contains a picnic area and a bicycle trail.
Off North Provo River Scenic Drive, Provo, UT, 84604
Additional Things to Do in Provo
There are always community events and festivals happening in the area too. Is Provo Utah a good place to live for public attractions? Yes, the Provo Parks and Recreation Department protects public spaces in Provo and plans special events throughout the year. You can check the City of Provo events calendar and Utah Valley events to find upcoming things to do. You can also visit top things to do in Salt Lake City with kids throughout the year.
Best Provo Restaurants
One of the best things about living in Provo? The amazing food scene! There are dozens of amazing Provo restaurants to explore. You can try out everything from New American, farm-to-table, and Indian cuisine to Brazilian and Japanese eateries. Here are just some of the best restaurants in Provo, UT, to check out.
Communal
This hip Provo restaurant offers locally sourced, seasonal cuisine with farm table seating and family-style meals.
102 N University Ave, Provo, UT, 84601, 801-373-8000
Brick Oven
Brick Oven is a kid-friendly pizzeria well-known for its all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, and soup. It’s a top restaurant in Provo for birthday parties and take-out, in addition to sit-down lunches and dinners.
111 East 800 North, Provo, UT, 84606, 801-374-8800
Waffle Love
Waffle Love is the best restaurant for breakfast and quick meals in Provo, UT. You can order freshly made sweet and savory waffles for less than $10, making Waffle Love the most affordable Provo restaurant.
1831 North State Street, Provo, UT, 84604, 801-228-1636
Is Provo a Dry City?
No, Provo is not a dry city. You can find restaurants and bars that serve alcohol throughout town. However, the city prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any park or recreation facility in the community.
Jobs in Provo
Is Provo Utah a good place to live if you’re looking for a job? Yes, even if you’re a young professional! According to DataUSA, the Provo economy is diverse, with major sectors like education, retail, and health care. There are 66,350 jobs in Provo, up by nearly 10,000 since 2013. Between 2021 and 2023, the Milken Institute named Provo America’s best-performing large city for its economy.
According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, major employers in Provo and Utah County include Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and Intermountain Healthcare. The average salary in Provo is $70,000 per year or $19.43 per hour, according to Payscale. You can apply for jobs in Provo using Indeed and apply for City of Provo jobs on the city government’s website.
Provo Schools
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for students? Yes! The Provo City School District serves most students living in Provo Utah. The Alpine School District serves a small area of the city.
US News ranks four elementary schools in Provo in the top 100 elementary schools in Utah. US News ranks Edgemont School in the top 30 elementary schools in the state and as one of the best schools in Provo. 67% of students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 27 percentage points higher than the state rate.
The Provo district has two high schools with many programs to support students’ academic success and overall growth. US News ranks both schools in the top 100 high schools in the state. Your children living in Provo Utah can participate in multicultural programs, gifted and talented programs, advanced placement, concurrent enrollment, and elementary dual language immersion. You can use the Provo school boundary tool to find your school by address. Families can also choose from many private schools in Provo, including Ivy Hall Academy and Heritage Community.
Is Provo Utah a good place to live for college students? Yes, Provo is a major destination for higher education. It’s home to Brigham Young University (BYU), a private research university operated by the LDS Church. It’s the third-largest school in the U.S., with over 34,000 enrolled students. The main Provo campus has 12 colleges or schools with 198 undergrad majors, 96 master’s programs, and 30 doctoral programs.
The city is also home to Provo College, an accredited for-profit institution providing career education. You can also attend Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and receive a graduate healthcare education. In neighboring Orem, students can attend Utah Valley University (UVU), a public university with an enrollment of 41,000.
The Provo City Library also offers community programs, events, and services, including art exhibits plus a huge digital library of eBooks.
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Provo Statistics and Information
- County: Utah County
- Provo area: 44.19 square miles
- Provo zip codes: 84601-84606
- Provo area codes: 385 & 801
- Provo elevation: 4,551 feet
- Provo time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Provo: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 50 miles from Provo
Provo Map
You can find out Provo things to do, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and amenities using this map of Provo.
So is Provo Utah a good place to live? Yes! Living in Provo Utah is perfect for families, young professionals, and entrepreneurs. Wasatch Moving Company is ready to assist with your relocation and take over all the hard work. Get the stress-free move you want; call our friendly Provo movers today for a free, personalized moving quote!
