For many years, potential house buyers have overlooked Utah. The vast majority of people thought Utah was a lovely spot to visit for a vacation and to feel at one with nature. However, this view has been rapidly changing over the years as more and more people look beyond Utah’s scenic beauty. The booming job market and affordable housing in cities of all sizes make this state ideal for anyone wanting to purchase a home, settle down and enjoy their life. As a first-time home buyer, you might feel overwhelmed with the different cities you can move to. Don’t worry; this list of the best cities in Utah for first-time home buyers will assist you in taking the first steps toward your new home.
Logan
Logan is a charming city situated in the mountains of northern Utah. The city is densely populated by young families and college students, making it a safe and lively area. Even in the winter, when the streets are covered in snow, you will find many people out and about. Utah State University, which has 28,000 students, is also located in Logan. The university and Logan Regional Hospital are two of the city’s most important employers. You can participate in various outdoor sports and activities or visit a local mom-and-pop shop or restaurant when you’re not working. And if you want to see the state capital, Salt Lake City, it’s only 90 minutes away.
The median price of purchasing a home in Logan is $413,383. This is 31.5% less than the state’s average of $567,714. With around 150 homes to choose from, you will have an easy time finding one that works for you.
Ogden
Although Ogden may not appear to be the most exciting city at first glance, it contains several hidden beauties that make it one of the best places to live. If you’re looking for an affordable, quaint city whose economy seems to be booming, there is no better place in Utah than Ogden. Furthermore, the local municipality seems incredibly driven to improve the lives of those living here. Ogden’s distinct, old-city look will undoubtedly charm you. When walking down its streets, you’ll be able to spot the nearby mountain to the east. This mountain has a couple of ski resorts, reservoirs, and hiking paths for outdoor adventures. As for the jobs available, there are plenty of options, with the most notable ones being government positions such as the IRS and the Weber State University.
The median price of homes in Ogden is $399,116, 34.9% less than the state’s average. There are currently plenty of homes to pick from in this area, so explore your options to find a good deal.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is not only one of the best cities in the US but also one of the top cities in Utah for first-time homebuyers. The city offers everything a major city should, plus off-grid benefits, including an abundance of natural scenery to enjoy. The Great Salt Lake, the western hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake, is one example of such beauty. In terms of the actual downtown area, you’ll be pleased to find that the city is very walkable and offers a variety of transportation alternatives. A wide range of enterprises and workplaces will make finding work as simple as possible.
Unfortunately, median property prices have been steadily rising across the country. If you’re buying your first house, it is essential to be ready for this no matter the city you choose. The median price of purchasing a home in the beautiful city of Salt Lake is $625,508, which is 9.7% higher than the state’s average.
Park City
Although Park City is not the most densely inhabited city on the list, there are always many people in the town at any given moment. It’s more of a ski town, with many seasonal residents and many other guests to keep things moving and enjoyable throughout the year. It might be a fantastic spot to buy your first ever home if you have the financial means! Park City’s lovely main streets are lined with delightful stores, restaurants, and breathtaking views. The Sundance Film Festival, held in the city each January, is a must-see for anyone looking for a taste of Hollywood. Although there aren’t many work prospects in the city, Sun Lake City is only 40 minutes away and offers a broader range of options.
There are currently 824 homes on sale in Park City, and their prices range from $12K to $35M. As for the home median price, it currently stands at $1,687,992.
Murray
Murray, Utah’s 14th largest city, is roughly 10 miles outside Salt Lake City. With its close-knit population of 49000 residents and inexpensive cost of living, this delightful place has something for everyone. If you enjoy sunny weather, Murray boasts an average of 230 sunny days per year, which is significantly more than the national average. This makes it excellent for exploring all of Murray’s unique parks and areas. The cost of living is 5% more than the national average, but utilities are 25% less expensive than the national average. Murray’s local economy is prospering, employing over 26,000 people and supporting hundreds of businesses. The most popular jobs are in management, administration, and sales, with retail, healthcare, and manufacturing being the primary local industries.
At $583,535, the median home price is only 2.7% higher than the state average. When it comes to buying a home, there are numerous options available, ranging from growing neighborhoods to luxurious apartment complexes in the heart of downtown. With so much to see and do in Murray, you’ll surely want to purchase a home and make it your own.
Cedar City
Cedar City, the last city on the list of Utah cities for first-time home buyers, is an affordable option. While here, you’ll have access to all of the city’s amenities and the possibility of purchasing a farm or ranch on the outskirts of town, allowing you to have the best of both worlds. For fun, you can visit scenic locations, wander through the city or eat at one of the many restaurants. Furthermore, you can participate in the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival and Utah Summer Games. As for the growing job market, the university, municipal government, and tourism industries are always hiring. The business and information industries, in particular, have seen significant growth in recent years.
The median cost of a home is $358,551, which is 45.1% cheaper than the state average! Hire a reputable professional to assist you in finding the property of your dreams among the 560 homes currently for sale.
These have been our top picks of the best cities in Utah for first-time home buyers. We hope we have helped you in making the right decision.