Are you considering a move to the Utah Valley region? The small, unincorporated community of West Mountain is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate rural mountain living. The small town sits at the base of West Mountain, home to the West Mountain Observatory. While living in West Mountain, UT, you’ll enjoy year-round recreational activities including boating, hiking, skiing, camping, and horseback riding with the unspoiled beauty of the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop.
Here’s what you want to know before moving to West Mountain, Utah.
Where Is West Mountain, Utah, in Utah County?
West Mountain is a small census-designated place (CDP) in southern Utah County in the western Utah Valley area on the southern shore of Utah Lake. It’s just off Interstate 15 and served directly by UT-147 and UT-141. Utah State Route 147 connects Benjamin and West Mountain with I-15, Mapleton, and Spanish Fork. Provo is just 18 miles northeast along I-15.
West Mountain is bordered by the city of Payson, the town of Genola, and the unincorporated communities of Benjamin, Lake Shore, and Spring Lake. Other nearby communities include: Santaquin, Spanish Fork, Mapleton, Elk Ridge, and Salem.
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) offers public transportation in the area. While the West Mountain community isn’t served directly, three regular and limited bus lines connect Santaquin, Payson, and Spanish Fork with Provo Station and Utah Valley University (UVU). From there, riders can connect to the free Utah Valley Express (UVX) line and FrontRunner light rail service to Provo Airport, BYU South Campus, Orem, and areas as far as Salt Lake City and Park City.
The three local bus lines are:
- 805 limited bus: Santaquin – Payson – Spanish Fork – Provo Station – UVU
- 822 limited bus: South Utah County – BYU – UVU Limited
- 821 regular bus: South County – Provo Station
Check the UTA Utah County System Map for an overview of public transit options in the area.
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West Mountain, UT Population & Demographics
West Mountain is a small census-designated place (CDP) or an unincorporated community. The total population is about 1,200, including 340 households. There are about 3.7 people per household, and about 94% of households are families.
The metro area has a large concentration of college students, thanks to Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University nearby. While West Mountain has a higher median age, it has a much higher share of families and children.
West Mountain is an affluent community with a median household income of $103,365, 10% higher than the Provo-Orem metro area. The community has a very low poverty rate of 0.6%.
Other demographics:
- Median age: 35.3 years (metro: 25.2 years)
- Sex ratio: 52% males to 48% females
- Senior population: 9%
- Children under 18: 35%
- Veteran population: 3.8% (metro: 3.3%)
- Foreign-born population: 3.8% (metro: 7.1%)
- Homeownership: 87%
- Educational attainment: 26.7% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 42.4%)
Is West Mountain, UT Safe?
West Mountain is a very safe place to live with very little violent crime. While living in West Mountain, UT, you’ll be protected by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. You can explore news and press releases regarding criminal activity and arrests in the area.
Things to Do in West Mountain, Utah
Here are some of the fun things to do in the area for all ages.
South County Lanes & Family Fun Center
This family-owned bowling alley and fun center features a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, billiards, arcade games, and bowling, plus pizza!
South County Lanes & Family Fun Center, 122 900 N, Payson, UT 84651 (385) 895-6620
Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park
The All-Abilities Park in Spanish Fork was designed with input from many local families with children with special needs to make it accessible and fun for kids of all abilities. The enclosed park features a zip line with seats and harnesses, a sensory garden, the Incredible Tree with a specially designed slide, a wheelchair-only Liberty Swing, and a splash pad with a mountain design that includes an ADA ramp.
Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park, 1321 E Canyon Rd, Spanish Fork, UT 84660 (801) 804-4600
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Lincoln Beach
The Lincoln Beach Boat Harbor on the southern shore of Utah Lake offers a boat launch, camping, fishing, barbecue grills with a picnic area, fire pits, and a swimming area.
Lincoln Beach, 4700 Lincoln Beach Rd, Spanish Fork, UT 84660 (801) 851-8600
Other nearby attractions:
- Tintic Railroad Tunnel
- Elberta Sinclair Station
- Gladstan Golf Course in Payson
- Peteetneet Academy & Museum in Payson
- Payson Stadium Cinema
- Salem Loafer View Recreation Complex in Salem
Best Restaurants in West Mountain
Here are some of the best places to eat in the area.
Polar Queen Drive Inn
This local drive-through hamburger joint serves up classic burgers on perfectly toasted buns, crispy onion rings and fries, and fresh shakes.
Polar Queen Drive Inn, 745 UT-198, Payson, UT 84651 (801) 465-2438
Don Chuy’s Taco Shop
Your local taco joint is open late (1 am on weekends!) with authentic carne asada street tacos, burritos, tostadas, tortas, and more.
Don Chuy’s Taco Shop, 1024 W 800 S, Payson, UT 84651 (801) 465-0480
Real Estate in West Mountain, Utah | West Mountain, UT Homes for Sale & Average Rent
Most people living in West Mountain, Utah, are homeowners. 87% of houses are owner-occupied, and 94% of real estate is single-family housing.
West Mountain has expensive housing costs because most properties are luxury, custom homes. The typical cost for a house in the community is $900,000 to $2 million or more. You can explore West Mountain, UT homes for sale to see what’s available now.
You won’t find apartments for rent in the community, but there are plenty of apartments in Payson and Spanish Fork, or further away in Springville and Provo. In Payson, two-bedroom rentals start at $1,500 at Eversage Apartments and $1,900 for townhomes at VALO at South Haven Farms. These luxury communities were built recently and include amenities like USB outlets, full-size washers and dryers, fitness centers, and a dog park.
Jobs in West Mountain, UT
Most people living in West Mountain either work in the immediate surrounding areas, including Santaquin, Payson, and Spanish Fork, or commute to Provo or Orem for job opportunities. The top sectors in the Utah County economy include education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
Most residents are employed by one of the major employers near West Mountain, including:
- Mountain View Hospital (careers) – Payson
- Utah Valley Hospital (Intermountain Health Care) – Provo
- Revere Health – main campus, urgent care, and family medicine offices throughout the region
- Brigham Young University – Provo
- Utah Valley University – Provo
- Nebo School District – southern Utah County
- Provo City School District
- Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – Payson
- Vivint home security systems – Provo and Orem
- Splash Summit Waterpark – Provo
- State of Utah
- Utah County (jobs)
- City of Provo
- City of Orem
The median income in the region is $32,425, the second highest among Utah counties. The median household income is $81,804 for Utah County, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, higher than Salt Lake County and the state of Utah. The West Mountain median household income is much higher at $103,365.
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West Mountain, Utah Schools
Families moving to West Mountain, Utah, will be served by the Nebo School District. The district serves about 36,000 students in southern Utah County with 30 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 11 high schools.
Schools serving West Mountain include:
- Taylor Elementary School
- Valley View Middle School
- Salem Jr High School
- Salem Hills High School
Salem Hills is ranked #87 among Utah high schools and #18 out of 40 high schools in the Provo metro area. The school received the prestigious National Performing Arts School of Excellent award in 2021. Only one high school in the country receives the award each year.
Mountainland Technical College in Payson, Brigham Young University Provo, Provo College, and Utah Valley University offer higher education opportunities in the region.
West Mountain Statistics & Information
- West Mountain county: Utah
- Area: 10.8 square miles of land
- West Mountain zip code: 84651
- West Mountain area code: 385 and 801
- West Mountain, UT elevation: 4,547 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to West Mountain: Provo Airport (PVU), 20 miles away
West Mountain, UT Map
Is moving to West Mountain, UT, in your future? Wasatch Moving Company is here to help! Our full-service movers in West Mountain are ready to take over all the hard work to deliver a seamless relocation experience. Call us today at 801-335-5603 to discuss your upcoming move and get a free, personalized moving quote.
