Here’s What You Really Need to Know About Moving to Park City, Utah

If you’re on the fence about buying, building, or moving to Park City—this post is for you! Let’s walk through some important things you need to know. Some of them might be deal breakers, and some might make you fall even more in love with the area. Let’s dive in!

1. High Cost of Living & Limited Housing

Park City is one of the most expensive places to live in Utah. Housing prices here are significantly higher than in many other parts of the state. For some of you, that’s totally fine—it’s a lifestyle investment. But for others, this might come as a surprise.

That said, you do have options. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury golf community, a cozy condo right downtown, or a dreamy ski-in/ski-out townhome in Deer Valley, Park City offers a variety of living styles. Just be prepared for that higher price tag and limited inventory.

2. Small Town Charm (or... Too Small?)

Park City has that quaint small-town charm that a lot of people crave. Slower pace, gorgeous surroundings, and a tight-knit community feel. If that’s your vibe—you’ll love it here!

There’s also an impressive variety of restaurants, shopping (including outlets!), and fine dining options that rival much larger cities. But if you’re someone who needs a Costco, Target, or Sam’s Club down the street, just know those bigger stores aren’t here in town.

3. Limited Job Opportunities

Because Park City is on the smaller side, job opportunities can be more limited—especially outside of tourism or seasonal work tied to ski resorts and outdoor recreation.

That said, if you work remotely or from home, this might not be a big deal at all. A lot of Park City residents actually commute down to Salt Lake City or even Utah County. So it really depends on your lifestyle and work situation!

4. Altitude + Elevation = Adjustment Time

Park City sits anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, depending on where you are. For some people, this can cause altitude sickness, especially if you're not used to it.

We haven’t experienced it much ourselves, but I’ve definitely had friends and clients visit who didn’t feel great for the first day or two. If you’re sensitive to elevation, give your body a little time to adjust—and drink lots of water!

5. Building Restrictions + Zoning

Park City may look wide open, but there are strict building regulations and zoning laws in place. Not every property can be used for short-term rentals, and not every piece of land is buildable.

If you’re planning to build or invest, make sure to do your research—or better yet, reach out to me. My team and I can help you understand what’s possible and what’s not based on the zoning in each area.

6. Fewer Big Box Stores + Amenities

As mentioned earlier, while Park City has fantastic local shops, boutiques, and outlets—big-box stores are limited. There’s a Walmart, but no Target, Costco, or Sam’s Club within city limits. If those are your go-tos, you’ll be heading to nearby cities for those types of errands.

7. Seasonal Tourism + Traffic

Park City is a tourist hot spot, especially during ski season and big events (hello, Sundance Film Festival!). That means certain times of year come with an influx of visitors and more traffic. For some, that’s part of the charm and energy of the city. For others, it can be a bit overwhelming.

BONUS: Why the Sudden Surge of Interest in Park City?

You may have heard—the Winter Olympics are coming back to Utah in 2034!
Signs are already up at the Salt Lake Airport, and the buzz is real. That’s driving a lot of new interest from buyers, investors, and future homeowners who want to get in now before the spotlight gets even brighter.

Whether you’re thinking about making a move next week, next year, or just dreaming for now—my team and I are here to help however we can. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime.