Moving to Park City, UT? What to Expect

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, is Park City, Utah. It's more than just a world-renowned ski destination. It's a thriving community with year-round adventure, small-town charm, and a high quality of life. If you're considering moving to Park City, UT, our guide will give you a taste of what to expect from this alpine paradise.

Park City, Utah: A Picture-Perfect Setting

It goes without saying that Park City is stunning. Park City elevation is roughly 7,000 feet and is surrounded by scenic peaks and lush forests. Nature puts on a show year-round.

Park City, Utah, elevation is considered "high altitude," and ranges between 6,500 and 10,000 feet above sea level, depending on where you are. People do experience altitude sickness above 6,000 feet. If you're just moving to Park City, you may not be accustomed to this. Be on the lookout for common symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), such as nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and headache.

If you're a fan of the outdoors, you'll fall in love with the area's four-season appeal. Winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. In the summer, the trails open up for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Fishing, golfing, paddleboarding, and hot air ballooning are popular, too.

Expect to:

• Invest in quality outdoor gear (skis, snowboards, hiking boots).
• Embrace an active lifestyle as part of your daily routine.
• Be prepared to combat potential Altitude Sickness. You will adjust over time (typically 2-3 days), but if you're a newcomer, prepare with hydration, carbs, and start slowly with ascending on walks and hikes. Add 1,000 feet or less to your elevation each day. Acclimate yourself to the altitude!

Upscale with a High Cost of Living

Park City has a reputation for being an upscale mountain town, and that does come with a price. The cost of living in Park City is significantly higher than the national average, mainly driven by the cost of housing. Home prices and rent are high due to demand, Park City's resort status, and limited real estate availability.

In June 2025, Payscale.com estimated that the cost of living in Park City, Utah, is 66% higher than the national average. This was significantly swayed by the housing cost, which is 268% higher than the national average. In May 2025, Rocket.com posted the median list price of a house at a cool $2.18 million, which was actually down 61% year-over-year. Homes in the nearby North Wasatch area can save you a little bit, with their median list price just above the one-million mark.

Many residents feel the quality of life justifies the price tag. From top-notch schools to a clean, safe environment, the community's amenities are well-maintained. The area is also chock-full of local businesses, restaurants, and cultural events, which contribute to the higher standard of living.

Expect to:

• Budget carefully for housing, whether you're renting or buying.
• Pay a premium for convenience and lifestyle benefits.
• Enjoy excellent services, schools, and healthcare options.

Weather & Climate: Prepare for Four Seasons

What does Park City weather typically look like? Well, Park City experiences all four seasons! Winters bring cold temps and heavy snowfall, with averages exceeding 200 inches annually. This makes for excellent, consistent skiing conditions. Summers are the opposite: typically warm and relatively dry.

Spring and fall are your quintessential transition seasons, with crisp mornings and a change in leaves and flowers. Weather can be unpredictable, though, especially during the shoulder months.

Here's a quick breakdown of Park City Weather:

Expect to:

• Bundle up in the winter.
• Stay warm in the summer months.
• Experience sudden weather changes in the spring and fall.
• Keep an eye on the Park City snow report, especially when you plan to drive or ski.

Park City Community and Culture

Park City is a tourist destination, yet it retains a small-town vibe, so don't worry. When moving to Park City, you'll still experience neighborly warmth and community. The historic downtown area is charming, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. There is the feeling of a tight-knit community bursting with local pride.

Park City plays host to many significant events, including the Sundance Film Festival every January. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring theaters and music venues.

Expect to:

• Participate in many festivals, art shows, and cultural events.
• Encounter seasonal fluctuations in population due to tourism.
• Experience a mix of year-round and seasonal residents.

Employment Opportunities & Local Economy

Park City's economy has traditionally been driven by tourism. The town has diversified in recent years, though. There's a growing tech scene, creative industries, and professional services.

If you work remotely, Park City is a fantastic location thanks to its proximity to Salt Lake City. If you do not mind a 45-minute commute, Salt Lake City, which has many job opportunities, is only a 31-mile drive down I-80. 

In Park City, Utah, the city's unemployment rate is very low at 2.8%. For reference, the U.S. average is 6.0%. In 2023, it was reported that Park City households earned a median income of $140,800+.

Job seekers should be aware, though, that the openings directly in Park City may revolve around tourism, retail, and service. If you're moving to Park City without a job and want to get into a different field, you should search for a position in Salt Lake.

Expect to:

• Find many seasonal job opportunities in hospitality and recreation.
• Explore remote work or community options for professional careers, specifically in Salt Lake City.
• Navigate a smaller job market in comparison to other cities in Utah.

Transportation & Mass Transit

Park City is pretty compact, so it is easy to get around by car, bike, and even on foot, especially downtown. The town also has a free public transit system, connecting key neighborhoods and ski resorts. This is very convenient during busy winter months, and if you're working at a local resort.

Due to the mountainous terrain and snowfall, road conditions are challenging in the winter. When moving to Park City, you should prep your car and tires for snow and ice.

Expect to:

• Depend on a vehicle for errands and commuting.
• Use free shuttles to avoid parking hassles during the busy ski season.
• Pay extra attention to careful driving during winter months.
• Enjoy a bike-friendly infrastructure during the warmer months.

Education & Family Life

Park City is a wonderful place for families, with highly rated public and private schools. The Park City School District is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on outdoor education.

The community offers plenty of activities for children, including parks, sports teams, and cultural programs. Families rave about the safe neighborhoods, family-friendly events, and easy access to nature.

Expect to:

• Have access to quality schools.
• Find plenty of kid-friendly activities and outdoor play areas.

Food, Drinks, and Nightlife

Park City’s culinary scene is surprisingly diverse for a mountain town. When you're moving to Park City, you'll experience everything from casual cafés and craft breweries to fine dining establishments featuring locally sourced ingredients.

During ski season and summer, the town buzzes with après-ski culture and lively bars. However, it’s a generally relaxed nightlife scene, more about cozy mountain lounges than big city clubbing.

Expect to:

• Discover a vibrant food scene with farm-to-table options.

• Enjoy local craft beers, wines, and spirits.

• Find nightlife focused on socializing rather than party scenes.

What is it like living in Park City, UT, year-round?

It strikes an excellent balance between tranquility and activity.

Moving to Park City, Utah, means embracing a lifestyle deeply connected to nature, wellness, and community. While the cost of living is high and winters can be intense, the stunning environment, vibrant cultural scene, and active lifestyle offer a quality of life that few places can match.

If you love the outdoors, crave a strong community vibe, and don’t mind a bit of mountain living logistics (think snow shovels and cozy fireplaces), Park City could be the perfect place to call home.

Simplify Your Move with Storage Star on N Promontory Ranch Road

Moving to Park City comes with a lot of logistics, whether you're transitioning from another state, purchasing a new vacation home, or escaping the bustle of Salt Lake City. One way to make the process easier is by renting self-storage in Park City at Storage Star.

Conveniently located near key residential areas and just minutes from I-80, our Park City storage facility offers secure, flexible storage solutions for all your relocation needs. Whether you're looking for short-term space for furniture or long-term storage for your new seasonal gear (like skis!), we've got you covered.

When you choose Storage Star in Park City, you can expect: climate-controlled units, flexible month-to-month leases, extended access hours, top-notch security, and friendly customer service.

Ready to make your move a little easier? Rent your storage unit online today or stop by our facility to see why Park City newcomers and long-time locals trust Storage Star.