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Suzanne Pretorius
Summit Sotheby's International Realty
Summit Sotheby's International Realty home

Why Choose Park City, Utah?

Why would someone want to move to Park City, Utah? The answer to this should be self-evident. But since you asked, here are ten reasons:



1. Some of the Best Ski Resorts in the World: At 7,000 feet above sea level, Park City has a year-round population of about 25,000 and is home to two ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. The former has been voted the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine and is exclusive to skiers. The latter has the most skiable terrain (7,300 acres) in the United States and is open to snowboarders.

2. Cost of Living: Moving from high-tax states like California can reduce living costs substantially, especially given new tax laws. Park City, Utah's cost of living is 58% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

3. Convenience: Salt Lake City International Airport is a short 40-minute drive from Park City, and there are daily non-stop flights in and out of the Bay Area. Catch an AM flight to Salt Lake City, and you’ll be on the slopes by noon. The airport is undergoing a massive expansion, which will make a tremendous economic impact on Salt Lake City. Learn more at www.slcairport.com/thenewslc.

4. The State of Utah: Park City is one of many gems in a state full of natural riches. Utah is home to five of the premier National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef — all within a few hour's drive time. Renowned mountain biking and off-roading destination Moab, Utah, is a five-hour drive and offers access to rafting on the Colorado River. A little further and you can be in The Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks. Learn more at www.utah.gov.

5. Business Opportunities: The Beehive state is booming. The Salt Lake/Provo/Park City triangle, dubbed Silicon Slopes, is the hub of Utah's startup and tech community. Tech companies have come to Utah as there are already numerous workers in the industry. This is supported by two universities (the University of Utah and BYU) as well as big tech companies such as Adobe, eBay, Microsoft, and Facebook. There are also other notable tech companies like Overstock.com, Bluehost, Purple, Ancestry.com, and 1-800 Contacts.

6. All Four Seasons: There is a saying in Park City... "come for the winters, stays for the summers". High temperatures average about 80 degrees F with low humidity. In early June, the aspen trees and wild flowers explode into bloom. Soon the mountainous landscape becomes a tapestry of rich greens that seem to glow as the sun sets after 9:00 pm on the summer solstice. Just 10 minutes away is the Jordanelle Reservoir, which supports boating, paddleboarding, wake surfing, fishing or just relaxing on a pontoon boat for the day. Park City and the surrounding area are home to seven public golf courses and eight private courses.

7. Mountain Biking: Park City holds the distinction of being the very first Gold Level Ride Center, deemed as such by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). "It all stems from a commitment to master planning," says IMBA's VP of Programs, James Clark. "The sheer miles of trails are fantastic, but what’s important is that they function as a cohesive network, with signage and trail connections that create a model riding area." That network includes 450+ miles of singletrack trails that appeal to all ability levels. Plus, Deer Valley runs the lifts for mountain biking and is continually building trails to expand its world-class bike park. Learn more at www.visitparkcity.com/things-to-do/sports-outdoors/mountain-biking

8. Education: The public school system is the best in the state, and Park City High School ranks in the top schools nationally. Park City public schools let out at 12:30 pm on Fridays so students can go skiing or participate in other sports. There is also Winter Sports School, a charter high school that operates on a reverse schedule to accommodate winter competition and travel. If private school is preferred, Park City Day School goes from kindergarten to eighth grade and has been under the leadership of Ian Crossland.

9. More Amazing Ski Resorts: There are many more world-class ski resorts within an hour's drive: Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbasin, and Powder Mountain to name a few. Not to mention Powderbird Helicopter Skiing, which picks up in town. Live music in the summer is available pretty much every night.

10. All About the Community: When you move to Park City and meet someone who lives in Park City, it's something very powerful you have in common. More than likely you're both here for these ten reasons and many others. There's an immediate bond.

Interested in learning more about Park City or Park City Real Estate?

Contact Suzanne Pretorius today at 435.640.2436 or via email at suzanne.pretorius@sothebysrealty.com.