Feeling proud about where you live is easy when you live in a town like Park City. As top Park City real estate agents for over 25 years, we’ve seen the area grow into an incredible sought-after recreation destination.
People from all over the world continuously flock to Park City for a second home, a vacation property, or even a full-time relocation.
And we can’t blame them! We live, work, and play in Park City, so we’re fairly qualified to explain exactly why you should live here.
Here are our top 20 reasons – believe us, we could go on about this for much, much longer!
1. Park City Has the Best Snow For Skiing
It’s a scientific fact! The lake effect from the Great Salt Lake and our low-humidity, high-desert climate create perfectly light and fluffy snow. We also get more snowfall each year than other parts of Utah.
Not only is the snow better, but since Park City has such proximity to Deer Valley, it’s almost like living with two ski resorts in one. Even if Deer Valley has a different vibe than Park City Mountain Resort, you still get access to about 7,300 acres of prime skiable terrain.
In addition to Park City and Deer Valley, we also have the famous action park, Woodward. With year-round activities, Woodward is perfect for thrill seekers.
Winter is highly anticipated in Park City, and for a lot of people, it means preparing for ski season early in the year. Whether it’s getting your skis waxed, signing up for ski lessons, or getting your passes, ski season is an event we all look forward to.
Our proximity to airports and convenient travel options is a big draw, particularly for vacation home owners. Park City is served by several airports, and commuting here by land is also easy and effortless.
If you land at Salt Lake City International Airport, you’ll be a short 40-minute drive away from Park City. Simply hop on the I-80 and marvel at the scenery as you make your way here.
Discerning passengers also have access to the private Heber Valley Airport and several fixed-base operation services offering private jet and concierge services out of SLC. The nearby Provo Airport is also a popular choice for anyone looking for an experience that’s big on convenience but lower on cost.
How does getting to Park City compare to travelling to other popular resort destinations? Read these posts next to learn about the biggest difference between other ski towns and villages:
For example, did you know that Moab is the perfect shoulder-season destination for Parkites? While our snow is melting away and our trails are drying out, Moab is the perfect spot to enjoy temperate weather and spectacular scenery.
In addition to great resorts, Park City is surrounded by breathtaking National and State Parks, including the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, The Mighty 5, and more!
If you were around in 2002 when the Olympics last came to Park City, you’ll probably remember the electric ambiance and feeling of togetherness. With spectators and athletes strolling the street, fantastic competitions to observe, and local heroes to cheer on, it was a magical time to be in Park City.
5. Park City is a Has Great Resources for Professional and Amateur Athletes
As an active community, it’s no surprise that Park City is full of resources and amenities geared toward staying fit. Whether you’re out running on the amazing trails or hitting a fitness class at one of the many great gyms and studios, there’s no shortage of ways to train.
As a former Olympic town, we have also renovated and improved our Olympic venues over the years. The Utah Olympic Park remains a world-class facility and official USOC training site. In addition to that, there is the US Ski & Snowboard’s USANA Center of Excellence, where skiers and snowboarders can train for their respective sport.
The Sports Medicine & Performance Center by Intermountain Health is another great resource providing lifestyle medicine, nutrition, health assessments, medical massage therapy, sports performance, and more!
6. We’re the Perfect Family-Friendly Destination
What can Park City offer the kiddos? The answer is quite a lot! From sleigh rides to plays and musicals, ice skating to children’s festivals, there’s a lot to do for families with kids of all ages. Teaching young children to enjoy skiing and snowboarding is also a treat, setting them up for success later in life and a lifetime of memories and skills!
Are you a parent in Park City? Here are a few more posts you might enjoy:
Park City might be most famous for its winters (and that scientifically-proven best snow!), but did you know that you can actually visit Park City at any time of year and find amazing recreation and amenities? It’s true. Here are a few examples:
Take a hike on the Armstrong, the local go-to intermediate trail. (Check it out in the fall and enjoy the beautiful fall colors!)
Try pond skimming in the spring. Or at least join us to watch the annual pond skimming event.
Get in the water at the Jordanelle Reservoir where you can go boating, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and more!
Of course, these are just a small selection of activities you can do in the fall, spring, and summer. For more ways to enjoy Park City all year long, check out these posts next:
8. There’s a Full Calendar of Exciting Events All Year
There is no shortage of amazing events happening all year long in Park City.
In the summer, you have foodie events like Savor the Summit, when Main Street turns into a fantastic open-air dining experience. Music-lovers can catch a show during the Deer Valley Summer Concert Series, and on the last Friday of every month in the summer, we love attending the Park City Gallery Stroll.
There are festivals like Miner’s Day to celebrate our local heritage, or Park City’s Fourth of July, which is a favorite day among many of us here at CFH!
But when it comes to Park City events, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Sundance Film Festival. With experiences online and in-person, it’s one of the most notable independent film festivals. Happening in January each year, we love going to screenings to see captivating stories play out on the big screen.
9. You Can Get a VIP Experience at the Luxurious Resorts at Deer Valley
When Deer Valley was initially envisioned, it was meant to redefine the concept of a luxury ski resort. It was the first of its kind and it continues to be one of the premier destinations in the world for anyone looking for an opulent experience on the backdrop of a snowy mountain.
From the incredible hotels to the sophisticated and luxurious private ski lounges, skiing in Deer Valley is an altogether immersive experience. And it’s not just about the big impactful luxuries. The team at Deer Valley leave no detail unchecked.
Some of our favorite little things that make a big impact include putting Kleenex at each lift line and limiting ticket access so the hill never feels overcrowded. And when you’re not skiing, there are numerous lodges for enjoying food, drink, and socializing.
10. We Have Amazing Amenities to Help You Unwind
In Park City, rest and rejuvenation are just as important as outdoor recreation. That’s why you’ll also find incredible spas and wellness centers here. From the European-inspired spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge to getting a quick in-and-out treatment at Align Spa in Old Town, there’s a spa experience perfectly catered to your needs.
11. Our Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, and Aprés Spots are Top-Notch
One of the staples of being on vacation is not having to cook. Park City’s selection of amazing restaurants and eateries makes it easy to satisfy any craving on any occasion. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go at one of the many private ski lodges or you’re planning a special date night at the iconic 7880 Club at the Stein Eriksen Residences, Park City consistently knocks it out of the park with culinary delights.
Learn more about our favorite places to eat and drink in Park City with these posts next:
12. We Have a Thriving Arts and Entertainment Community
Underneath the action sports and outdoor recreation Park City has on offer, there’s an absolutely thriving arts and entertainment scene. It’s why artists and connoisseurs love it here. In addition to the iconic Sundance Film Festival, Park City is home to numerous other iconic festivals and artistic institutions. For example:
The Kimball Arts Festival attracts artists and visitors from around the world each year.
The Egyptian Theatre has a long history of supporting the arts through amazing performances and youth programs.
One of our favorite parts of living in Park City is how well the community comes together. Whether you’re here for recreation or you live here full-time, you’re guaranteed to find a community. A town like Park City has a way of bringing together like-minded individuals.
14. We are a World-Class Mountain Biking Destination
With over 400 miles of trails, it’s safe to say that Park City is great for mountain biking. Whether you’re all about testing your endurance on a cross-country ride or you’d prefer some gravity park riding at the Deer Valley Bike Park, you can do it all here. In Park City, biking can even be a year-long hobby with fat biking in the winter.
We’re lucky to have the Mountain Trails Foundation working to improve and preserve local trails, and their work does not go unnoticed. The International Mountain Biking Association has rated Park City as a Gold Level Ride Center on par with iconic MTB destinations across the world.
15. Did We Mention the Golf? It’s Fantastic
If you prefer spending your time on the greens, you’re in luck. Park City and Deer Valley have some of the finest golf courses and golf communities. From the most exclusive private clubs that redefine luxury to award-winning championship courses and perfectly-maintained public courses, there is something for every type of golfer.
Before it was a premier vacation destination, Park City was considered a “boom town.” In the mid-1800s, opportunity seekers descended on Park City to mine silver. Since then, we have embraced our mining roots with celebrations like Miners Day. The Park City Museum does a great job at preserving history and educating visitors about the town’s heritage.
Parkites are incredibly proud of our roots, and as a result, the town is committed to preserving our history and way of life. From implementing strict rules about open spaces and preserving interesting architecture (including the iconic McPolin white barn!), you can see bits of the past everywhere you look.
17. We are Extremely Pet-Friendly
Your four-legged friends are a huge part of your family, and you want them to feel just as comfortable as the rest of your crew. In Park City, that’s easy. With countless dog parks, endless trails, dog-friendly resorts, events, and a selection of fantastic veterinary clinics, Park City is absolutely dog and pet-friendly!
Moving to Park City with pets? Read our guideto learn exactly what you and your furry friends can expect!
18. Our Communities are Diverse and there is Something for Everyone
In general, most people move to Park City in pursuit of an active lifestyle and luxurious recreation. But beyond that, everyone here has their own unique interests and needs! Living in Park City is not all ski-in, ski-out properties. There’s a diverse range of neighborhoods with a wide array of offerings.
No matter what kind of community you’re looking for, Park City delivers, and an experienced Park City real estate agent can help guide you to the perfect neighborhood for your needs.
Still looking for the right neighborhood? Here are a few more blog posts you might have helpful:
If the previous 18 reasons weren’t enough for you, let’s take a look at the practical reasons for buying a home in Park City. Simply put: it’s a good idea. Park City real estate has been steadily appreciating over the past several years, and most projections predict similar trends in the years to come.
More than that, Park City isn’t just a good investment for one type of homebuyer. You’ll find a variety of buyers in our market. From retirees looking for a place to enjoy their golden years to savvy investors looking to capitalize on our amazing vacation rental market, the Park City market caters to all.
Unlike many other markets across the US, Park City has two distinct micro-markets. Permanent residents typically buy and sell during a more traditional seasonality, while resort properties align more with the tourist season, reaching its peak in the winter.
The Park City and Deer Valley of 30, 20, or even 15 years ago is vastly different than the town you see today. Over the years, Park City and Deer Valley have continued to raise the bar on what it means to be a world-class tourist destination while also staying true to their roots and values.
Buying a Home Here? Work with a Local Park City Real Estate Agent
Here at CFH, we’ve been here through it all. As true Park City locals, we love sharing all the reasons why we think this is a great place to live. On top of that, we’ve got our fingers on the pulse of (both) the market(s). We’ve seen high markets and low markets, we know the area inside out, and we’ve helped countless buyers achieve their dream of buying a home in Park City.
