What Are The 9 Best Places To Live In Utah For Non-Mormons?

Utah is known for a few things. Among them are beautiful, picturesque scenes that look like something out of a fairy tale. But the state at large is also predominantly known for being home to the Mormon church.

Not everyone living in Utah is Mormon, however. For those looking to move to Utah, they may be wondering where some of the best places to live in the state are for those that aren’t in the Mormon faith. Sandy, Lehi, and American Fork are just a few. Even Salt Lake City, which has become known for its Mormon population, is becoming more diverse.

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For so long, Utah as a whole has gotten a reputation for being the home of the Mormons. While that case can still be argued, the numbers are steadily becoming more diversified across the entire state with each passing year.

As of 2017, nearly 63% of all Utahans were counted as members of the Mormon church. As of 2020, that number dropped to roughly 49%, with just 28% of that number being active. Despite declining membership, Utah County remains a hotbed for Mormon activity. That is primarily due to it being the home of Brigham Young University. The county has a population made up of nearly 85% Mormons, second only to Morgan County (86.1%).

If you’re on a budget, read our guide about the most affordable places to live in Utah.

One of the more upscale residences in and around the Salt Lake City area, Draper has grown substantial growth in recent years. That is partially due to the attractiveness for families, with Draper public schools being some of the most highly rated in the state.

There is also a ton to do in Draper. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium makes for a great chance to see aquatic wildlife while Cowabunga Bay Waterpark is an excellent chance for the whole family to cool off during the summer.

There are also a plethora of parks, playgrounds, and trails, making it a great place for outdoor lovers or those with young families. Combined with the short drive to Salt Lake City, Draper has access to the best of both worlds between entertainment, restaurants, and outdoor endeavors.

If you are looking to raise a family in Utah, Orem may be one of the best choices. It was designed with the idea of living a balanced, safe life with a family all at an affordable price. Median home prices are around $230,000 and the median household income peaks at about $75,000 per year.

Orem is accessible to Provo, which is where most of the area commutes for work. Back in 2017, several publications listed Orem as one of the best places in the state to live. Given the affordability of housing, as well as a strong sense of safety and community, that makes all the more sense.

On top of that, there are tons of breath-taking hiking trails and a plethora of unique summer festivals to partake in. All of these factors come together to make it one of the nicest places in Utah to live whether it be singles or families.

St. George is the southernmost town on the list. It is a larger suburb of Washington County, right at the Arizona border. That locale means easy traversing over the border to enjoy all that Arizona has to offer as well.

Furthermore, it means milder weather all throughout the year. St. George is becoming a retirement destination for just that reason. Not only that, but the cost of living is very low, with affordable rentals and homes to be had.

Not only that, but St. George offers one of the best school systems in the area. It is the type of destination that is ideal for all demographics, young and old. There are tons of wide open spaces to enjoy and even four major state parks that are all within a short drive.

Ogden is considered one of the underrated gems of Utah. The city is picturesque and makes the list for a ton of reasons. First among them is the low cost of living. The median home value is deceptive; there are some truly nice homes to be had within Ogden.

On top of that, the community is known for its diversity and the plethora of funky and unique things to do throughout the year. The nightlife, art, and music scene have been on the rise in recent years. Forbes called Ogden the 6th-fastest growing city in the United States.

Northern Utah is seeing a boon in popularity growth and expansion with Ogden leading the charge. Young professionals, in particular, enjoy Ogden thanks to a lively downtown that offers unique dive bars, local theatre, and live music.

Perhaps a college town is more your speed. Provo, home to Brigham Young University, is a great destination and a hob for some popular tech companies. Not only is it a great college town, but it has become a destination for young professionals who are looking for great schools and unique jobs.

A 2014 Gallup survey even rated Provo as a top US city for general wellbeing. Though it does have a large Mormon population, there is so much to do that non-Mormons can fit into the community with little effort.

The town offers a ton of art centers and museums to see. There is also Bridal Veil Falls, Utah Lake, and hiking in Provo Canyon for the outdoor lovers.

While you’re here, read our Cost of Living in Provo guide to figure out how much you’ll need to earn to live in this city.

More and more people are looking to achieve a balance between work and life. So, places like Park City are becoming something of a destination. Despite its small population, Park City offers some of the best biking trails and ski resorts in the state.

Families are also coming to find that Park City schools are some of the best in Utah as well. Not only that, but there is great access to the aforementioned tech boom in Salt Lake City. That means achieving mountain living while still maintaining access to big city life.

Its low cost of living, extremely affordable housing, and proximity to the tech-driven business make for a major selling point.

Similar to some of the other towns on this list, American Fork is providing a nice balance between economic growth and personal balance. There is access to a plethora of trails and outdoor activities, including views of the picturesque Utah Lake.

Those who enjoy the outdoors will love American Fork. The sweeping grasses of vibrant colors, giant pines, and the snow-covered mountains lay just a short distance away.

On top of that, the community is generally college-educated, with many holding higher than a bachelor’s degree. That means a growth-focused culture where citizens remain connected to one another in their interactions.

Moreover, the city is one of the more cultured in the state. The orchestra, ballet, and festivals provide American Fork with some of the most cultured events around. On top of all that, the cost of living is right on par with other major suburbs in the Salt Lake City area, providing access to wider and more diverse swath of jobs.

Lehi finds itself right between the Traverse Mountains and Lake Utah, providing an interesting mix of suburban life with beautiful scenery. Lehi is a popular destination for families, particularly those with children.

Both the population and the median household income in Lehi continues to climb. That indicates a strong local job market and professionals flocking to the area for those professional opportunities. Several local tech companies offer a higher wage, which in turn leads to a slightly increased cost of living.

That said, the public schools are highly rated and there is an increasing influx of things to do in the city. Fine dining, art museums, and shopping destinations are making Lehi one of the rising destinations within Utah.