The greater Salt Lake valley is home to around 2.4 million people and continues to grow thanks to the friendly communities, job opportunities, and vast array of local activities. One such part of the valley is the small town of Park City.
A popular silver mining community that was discovered back in 1868, many people originally moved to this area with the hopes of finding their fame and fortune. Some men found plenty of it, like George Hearst who owned a mine which produced over $50 million in silver during its lifespan. By the mid-1900s most of the mines had run dry, leaving Park City in ruins after a large forest fire had destroyed the majority of the town.
But in the 1960s, that all changed when local developers received a federal loan and transformed the area into a winter wonderland of sorts. They started up multiple ski resorts and opened a handful of lodges in the area, welcoming visitors from all over the country. Since then, Park City has hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and become a world famous destination for winter sports fans.
There are plenty of things you need to know, if you’re planning on moving to Park City. Let’s take a look at the top ten things you should consider.
1. A Shopaholic’s Paradise
Many people visit Park City for no reason other than to go shopping. The city has an immense amount of both small shops and large shopping centers. Visitors and residents alike will love spending time around Historic Main Street as they make their way through the numerous art galleries, boutiques, book stores, gift shops, and more.
For a bigger variety of brand name shops, you can stop by the Tanger Outlet Center for bargains at well-known stores. Get everything you need and want from places like Nike, Under Armour, Bath & Body Works, Forever 21, and much more.
2. Strong Community of People
Park City joins the Utah ranks as one of the strongest and most tight-knit communities in the US. With a Park City population of only 8,300 people, you could easily get to know most of the people in your immediate area. The town heavily emphasizes itself as a family community, making it a great home for young couples.
You’ll instantly find plenty of family things to do in Park City. Whether you and the kids want to grab some ice cream at Java Cow or spend a day at Utah Olympic Park, everyone will enjoy their time in this little city.
3. Skiing and More Skiing
Skiers and snowboarders alike will have an absolute field day with the skiing options available in Park City. The ever-popular Deer Valley Resort was ranked by SKI Magazine as the #1 ski resort in the western United States. Though Deer Valley is exclusive to skiers, snowboarders have plenty of options as well.
Park City Mountain Resort has over 7,300 acres of skiable land ready and waiting for both skiers and snowboarders. There are a handful of other options less than an hour’s drive from the area including Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and more.
4. Park City Housing Market
If you are moving to Park City, you’ll likely be looking at houses soon. While the area does come with a great number of perks, they do tend to add up when looking the real estate market. The average price of a home in Park City is around $716,300, with an anticipated rise of about 5.6% over the next year.
This makes Park City’s housing market about 50% higher than Salt Lake City. Rent is a bit more affordable in the area, though there aren’t many rental options. The average cost of rent in Park City is currently around $1,382 per month.
5. Cost of Living in Park City
Even though real estate is on the higher end in the area, other factors related to the cost of living in Park City are much closer to US standards. The average cost of food is right at the national average with milk costing around $3.50, a loaf of bread for $2.50, a dozen eggs for $3.00, and a pound of white rice for $3.00.
Although Park City doesn’t offer local transport, you still have rideshare options like Uber and Lyft available to you. The cost of utilities like electricity, heating, and cooling are about 4% lower than the US average, hovering around $63.75 per month for a small apartment.
6. Best Park City Neighborhoods
People living in Park City enjoy quiet, friendly communities with low crime rates. The best neighborhoods in Park City will barely feel any different than the worst neighborhoods, because the entire area is so inviting. But if you’re trying to decide where to live in the area, we have some suggestions of where you can start looking.
Park Meadows is a calm area where you can enjoy mountain views and have access to the Park Meadows Golf Course, a private course designed by Jack Nicklaus. From there, you can check out Old Town to own a piece of Park City’s mining history and take a look at one of the many colorful homes to choose from. Other great options include Thaynes Canyon, Deer Crest, as well as Upper and Lower Deer Valley.
7. Park City Schools
For those moving to Park City with their young family, you’ll likely want some info about the local school systems. You can rest easy knowing that Park City is home to some of the best schools in both Utah and even top ranked in the nation. Last year, Park City High School was ranked number 2 in the state and joined the national rankings as well.
With both private and public options, you’ll have plenty of great choices among Park City schools. The area also houses a small campus for Utah State University where students can choose between a wide range of degree and certificate options.
8. Park City Weather
Now, it’s important you know that as home to some of the top skiing destinations in the country, there will be snow. And lots of it. Park City weather brings with it an average of 340 inches of snow per year.
The snow, of course, comes with cold temperatures during the winter with average lows of 13°F and highs of 34°F on the coldest days. The summertime brings welcome sunny days reaching the low 80s, though you may still need a light sweater in the evenings with lows still hitting the 40s.
9. Places to Eat in Park City
Everyone who visits this great city end up loving the great variety of restaurants to choose from. The people living in Park City are lucky enough to have full access to all these delicious options. Whether you’re looking for something hearty and filling or a light, savory snack, you’ll be able to find something for every occasion.
Stop by the Deer Valley Grocery Cafe for soups, salads, sandwiches, and a large selection of gourmet groceries. Head over to El Chubasco to enjoy tacos and some other great Mexican dishes. Or try Yuki Yama for some sushi, Handle for delicious and seasonal American cuisine, or Purple Sage for good homestyle cooking. These are only a few of the best places to eat in Park City, with many more around every corner.
10. Member of Silicon Slopes
You’ve heard of Silicon Valley, right? Well, Park City is part of what is locally known as Silicon Slopes, Utah’s version of the tech and startup community. Joining cities like Salt Lake and Layton, this area has a booming economy for tech jobs.
Big tech companies like Adobe and Microsoft have motivated numerous startups in the Park City. With new recruiting powerhouses like Banjo, as well as the growing CX company, Qualtrics, there are countless opportunities for people looking for tech jobs in Park City.
Moving to Park City? Let Us Help!
As long as you are prepared for the cold and snow, there is a comfortable lifestyle waiting for anyone moving to Park City. With such a small community of great people, you’ll easily make new friends and enjoy a great number of local activities.
Before you start your journey to this wonderful city, be sure to take a look at our moving services to see the many ways we can help you throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (801) 515-0937 for a free quote or to ask any questions.
