Those who hail from Park City, Utah know that it is a haven for recreation. While it may be a popular tourist spot, what about those who are looking to relocate to this city? Here is our ultimate guide to living in Park City, Utah.

Where is Park City, Utah?

Utah is part of the western United States, and is bordered by Idaho to the north, Wyoming to the northeast, Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. 

Located in the Summit County of Utah, Park City is located about 40 minutes south of Salt Lake City. Its location makes it part of the Wasatch Back, which is a region of the Rocky Mountains. 

About Park City

Park City began as a mining town. But when the industry shut down, the city started to rebuild in the ’80s and ’90s as a recreational resort destination. Park City Ski Resort and the Canyons resort merged in 2015, which is now the largest ski area in the USA, with 17 slopes, 300 trails, 14 bowls and over 22 miles of lifts.

Because Park City, Utah has become such a destination, tourism brings in over $529 million a year to the Utah economy. They also host the Sundance Film Festival, which can account for $80 million. 

The Sundance Film Festival is held every winter in Park City. This festival hosts original filmmakers and audiences that come together to view original work, which usually includes dramas and documentaries, and many of these films become critically acclaimed. 

The estimated population for Park City is approximately 8,504. From December to March, it is cold and snowy, with an average temperature of around 35º, which is ideal for skiing and tourism. The summer months are warm, averaging around 80º, which is also suitable for summer tourists. 

The people of Utah are primarily of the Mormon faith, with about 62% of the state’s population belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Mormon’s making up 35% of Park City’s population.

The average house cost in Park City is $798,000. Housing costs have risen over 12% in the last few years, and they are projected to continue to grow. 

Local Economy

Many people choose to live in Park City because of the lifestyle. 

Because Park City is a destination for tourism year-round, it has a thriving local economy. It’s home to recreation spots, Outlet Park City which is home to 63 stores, and many other booming businesses. If you’re looking to move to this beautiful city, there are many employment options.

The primary industries that people work in are Management and business, Sales, and Service. They have a very high employment rate at 97.1%, making their local economy very healthy.

Many people choose to start their own businesses here. With all the recreation options and tourism, entrepreneurial ideas thrive in Park City.

Those who don’t want to work in the major industries in this tourism hot spot do have the option to commute to Salt Lake City. There tends to be less traffic going from the mountains to the city, which has a population of over 190,000, which means more industries and more options. Depending on the job, many people are afforded the ability to work from home as well. 

The minimum wage in Park City is $7.25 per hour and it is estimated that the living wage is $11.93 per hour. The average salary is just over $48,000. Managers make an average of $50,000-$70,000 a year, Chefs can make around $42,000 a year, and HR Managers can make over $80,000 a year. The most popular employers in the Park City area are SkullCandy, Deer Valley Resort, Backcountry.com, and Vail Resorts. They all offer competitive wages. 

A majority of the jobs in Park City are customer service and hospitality, which pay closer to minimum wage. These types of jobs typically pay around $23,000 annually. This salary lands just below the national average.

Neighborhoods

Park City offers a variety of unique regions that all have particular characteristics that people love. 

Old Town 

 Old Town is the neighborhood that pays homage to the mining past of the city. The Park City Historic Commission has worked hard to keep the community's character intact. Including Main Street, this community offers shopping, fine dining, and beautiful architecture that honors the former life of the city. The homes in this neighborhood are mostly condos and ski-in, ski-out homes, with a few options for single-family dwellings. 

Upper & Lower Deer Valley

Lower Deer Valley is located close to the base of the resort, featuring many single-family homes and condominiums. Its location is ideal for residents who want to be close to the historic Main Street for shopping and dining while also being close to the slopes. In the summer, residents of Lower Deer Valley are within walking distance to the summer concert series held annually.

Upper Deer Valley is a community offering mountain homes located slope-side, or within walking distance to the resort. There are many condos available or luxurious gated community family homes available in this neighborhood. Silver Lake Village is located in this community, which is the mountain dining and shopping hub at 8,000 feet. There are many prestigious resorts, spas and tourist spots in this area. 

Thaynes 

Close to hiking trails at the base of the Park Mountain Resort, Thaynes Canyon is a community that offers high-end family homes, single-family homes and condos. The district also boasts the Park City Golf Course and hospitality options for tourists, including spas, fine dining, and top-rated hotels.  

The Canyons

The Canyons might be the most diverse community in terms of home styles and prices. The Canyons offers multi-million dollar homes and single-family homes. The community is in a convenient location, situated midway between Kimball Junction and Old Town. 

Empire Pass

Located at the highest elevation of the Deer Valley Resort is this luxury community of condominiums and single-family homes. Excellent access to skiing and amenities, the residents of this area are also privy to a membership at the Talisker Club. The membership offers a long list of privileges at the Tower Club and Tuhaye Golf Course and Club.

Silver Creek

Silver Creek is a community that offers larger land lots that are close to trails for those who might be interested in becoming equestrians or already own horses. 

Schools

There are 19 public schools in the Park City area. 6 Pre-K schools, 7 Elementary Schools, 4 Middle Schools, and 2 High Schools. There are several private school options for parents, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for those looking to relocate here. The Park City School District’s mission is “to inspire and support all students equitably to achieve their academic and social potential.”

The Park City School district is rated the #1 school district in Utah, and the #1 district in Utah with the best teachers. It’s also ranked the #3 district in Utah for teachers to work. 

There are no post-secondary education institutions located directly in Park City, but the closest ones are located in Salt Lake City. Fortis College, Independence University, Broadview Entertainment Arts University, DeVry University, Westminster College and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are all located within 20 miles of Park City. 

There are several more options in Salt Lake City, Murray, Provo, Orem, Layton, and Jordan Utah. There are 29 post-secondary options within 100 miles from Park City, allowing students to choose if they’d like to commute to their desired post-secondary school.

Park City is home to a beautiful library with over 70,000 books and resources, free public computers and more. They host events, art exhibits, local author nights, and they have their very own podcast. 

Public Transportation

The Park City transit system is an environmentally friendly and easy way to get around the city. It’s a free inter-city transit system that is fueled by biodiesel. With service to the Historic downtown, the most popular resorts, and shopping, the transit system makes it easy for tourists to get around for fun and shopping without spending a dime.

There is also a trolley system on Main Street that runs from 10 am to 11 pm daily with many stop options along the way.

For those who choose not to take advantage of the free transit system have the option of Taxi, Uber, Lyft, car rental, or driving their own vehicle. There is a new Uber option called UberSki. The option ensures your Uber driver is driving a bigger vehicle equipped for snow and winter weather and can transport your ski or snowboarding gear. 

Restaurants 

With some exceptional local and chain restaurants, Park City has something for everyone. A huge focus on healthy options, vegan and vegetarian options and supporting local sources, Park City tries to be inclusive of everyone. Here are the top 5 rated restaurants in the city.

Yuki Yama Sushi

Located on Main Street, this sushi restaurant is rated #1 on TripAdvisor. It has an overall 4.5-star review with over 500 contributions. Yama offers the highest quality and freshest fish imported from all over the world. The menu has many traditional Japanese options and some more modern twists on customer favorites. With a sleek ambiance of wood and stone decor, this restaurant is a favorite among tourists and residents alike. 

Twisted Fern

Rated #2 on TripAdvisor with a 4.5-star rating and almost 200 reviews, Twisted Fern is a favorite in Park City. Considered “New American” cuisine, Twisted Fern focuses on whole foods that are minimally processed and sourced locally. They have an array of vegan and vegetarian options as well as an impressive kids menu.

Five5eeds

4.5-Stars on TripAdvisor with over 160 reviews, Five5eeds is a cafe that is committed to bringing excellent coffee and food to Park City. With a focus on locally-sourced nutritious food that pays homage to Australian roots, this restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian options. Customers say it's some of the best brunches you can find in Park City.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

With almost 700 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, this chain restaurant impresses every time. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known for its incredible food and service. It’s the go-to destination for special occasions, and those who eat there consistently call it the best steaks in Park City.

Riverhorse on Main

Last but not least is the #5 best restaurant in Park City, with over 1200 reviews and an overall score of 4.5-stars, Riverhorse on Main is a local favorite. It is one of the oldest restaurants on Main Street and is critically acclaimed. They are constantly rotating and updating their menu, but they are considered American cuisine. They offer vegan and vegetarian options for their guests as well. They are on the more expensive side, making them an excellent choice for special occasions and celebrations. They have been the recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award 17 times. They also host events, provide catering services, and even offer the ability to hire a private chef from their staff.

Things to Do

There is so much to do in Park City, Utah. Given the location of this city and the nature that surrounds it, the options are endless. When it’s said that people move to Park City for the lifestyle, here’s why:

Shopping

Whether you prefer to peruse the local boutiques or find a brand name bargain, Park City has both options to enjoy. Historic Main Street is home to many quaint little shops that include handmade furniture and gifts, books, collectibles and more. For brand name shops, the Outlets Park City is a shopping center with over 65 stores, including Nike, Fossil, Under Armour and Tommy Hilfiger. You’ll find everything you’re looking for here. 

Parks

The state parks located near the city are Rockport and Wasatch Mountain. Rockport State Park is situated around the Rockport Reservoir. Summertime calls for bringing the boat out and going fishing, waterskiing, tubing or wakeboarding. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats. This park is also a camping hot spot. Pop up your tent, bring your RV or rent a cabin on the park’s 770 acres of land. 

During the summer, Rockport opens up a family-friendly 3D archery range! Shoot zombies, beavers, boars, and deer at nine different stations. They also host live music events and fishing tournaments. In the winter, there are many snowmobiling trails nearby and plenty of spots for ice fishing. 

Wasatch Mountain State Park offers a lot of winter sports activities. This park is home to a 7.2-mile Nordic ski track, 31 kilometers of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and a tubing park with lanes and lifts. In the summer, there are many options for camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. There are four 18-hole golf courses located within the park and plenty of wildlife to watch while you’re there. 

Family Fun 

There are endless options for fun with the whole family. Skiing, dog sledding, zip-lining, an alpine coaster, and more outdoor events are great for families with older children. For the younger ones, the Kimball Art Center hosts classes and activities to keep your kiddos entertained and learning. The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is an excellent place for some family fun. The center showcase educates and entertains little ones. There are different programs for all ages, so you’re sure to find one that suits your family best. 

Arts & Culture 

The art community in Park City is a thriving, healthy community. A World-class theater, the Sundance Film Festival, concert series, art galleries, Museums and more enrich the lives of the residents and tourists alike. Whether it's winter or summer, there is always something going on in the art community in Park City.   

Wellness

Yoga is trendy in Park City. Several traditional yoga studios in the city can help you relax and recenter, but there are also yoga events that take you into nature, year-round. Organizations like Park City Yoga Adventures, BackCountry Yogis, Blue Sky Ranch, and Eventful Yoga focus on practicing yoga in nature. Park City is also home to a meditation studio that is welcoming, cozy, and highly recommended. 

There are several spas in Park City, many of them award-winning. Haircuts, facials, spray tans, Salt stone therapy, and manicures are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the services offered in this city. 

If you’re not one to work out and exercise in nature, several indoor fitness facilities are available. Gyms, Pools, and a rock-climbing wall, there are options for all tastes. 

Indoor Entertainment 

Bowling, ice skating, and escape rooms are just some of the excellent entertainment options in Park City. 

The Library offers a variety of activities, crafts, and events for kids of all ages, and The Little Gym holds gymnastics classes for parents and children of all ages. 

The DeJoria Center is an outdoor concert venue that has immediate access to mother nature behind the building. It is home to State Road restaurant, a tavern, an outdoor dance barn, an indoor concert venue and more. 

Outdoor Recreation 

Almost any outdoor activity you can imagine is at your fingertips in Park City. Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, fly fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, skating, mountain biking, rafting, water sports, sleigh rides, skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing and ziplining are just some of the great activities that this city offers. 

Skiing and Snowboarding are one of the most popular because of the resorts located within the city. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort are both huge tourist attractions for the city. Deer Valley Resort is a skiing-only resort that is home to five-star hotels, 2,000 acres for skiing and runs for people of all ages and skill levels. 

Park City Mountain Resort has it all. From beginner terrain to the types of slopes the professionals' train on, this resort won’t disappoint. 

There are actually 4 different hot air balloon companies in the Park City area, which takes seeing the prettiest city in the USA to a whole other level. They are available year-round but are dependant on weather and winds. Even those with a fear of heights, unless they panic, are suitable for these rides, because the ascension is so gradual that many people who fear heights recommend this activity. So, pick your favorite time of year - snowy mountains in the winter, the green lushness of spring, clear sunny skies of summer and the orange and red of the changing trees in the autumn. 

In the summer months, there are plenty of scenic drives to take when you’re looking to do something a little more low-key. Guardsman Pass, Provo Canyon, Alpine Loop Scenic and Mirror Lake Scenic Byway are all close to the city that allows travelers to appreciate the beauty of Utah. These drives range from 1-3 hours and are not recommended for the winter months due to snowy road conditions. 

Utah Olympic Park is located just outside of the downtown core, and it is still a popular place for events and activities since it’s a role in the 2002 Olympics. Visit the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, which has a gift shop, memorabilia, videos, and the second-floor museum. The Bobsled Track is open in the summer. Visitors of the park can go tubing down Nordic Jump for a bit of fun! There is also a viewing area for visitors to watch world-class athletes practice and train during the off-season. The venue often holds company events, private family events, and is an excellent place for anyone to visit. 

For the thrill-seekers, Park City has Zipline tours and even an alpine coaster that shows it’s riders the most incredible views of the mountains. 

Anything you need to purchase or rent for your outdoor sporting adventures is available in Park City. Many retail stores sell or rent everything you need for any activity.

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