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Park City

Clear blue skies, powder snow flying, this is the life we dreamed of when we bought our second home here. Every day there is time to ski and enjoy life at its best. Can't wait for summer vacations here to see what's under all this snow!

About Park City, Utah
For a town that was once included in the book "Ghost Towns of the West," Park City has changed dramatically. Park City is still famous, but now for "The Greatest Snow on Earth." A silver-mining town since the 1800s, Park City, Utah struck gold when it hosted the alpine events of the 2002 Winter Olympics.Situated at 7,000 feet in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City, Park City is home to three world-class ski resorts that meet the needs of the most demanding ski enthusiasts and snow boarders. In the summer, it becomes a breathtaking nature spot, with cultural and outdoor activities. Year round, the three resorts offer gourmet dining, and the scenery remains excellent in every season.

With almost three times as many second homes as compared to primary homes, Park City attracts second home buyer looking for the perfect winter/summer resort. However, with a fairly high vacancy rate, it is more attractive for those who want to use their vacation home more consistently rather than for the investor who wants to generate only rental income. The vacation home owners benefit from having access to the resorts while spending far less money on the housing costs. Housing costs are also significantly less in some of the nearby towns, such as Alta, only 7 miles away.

Housing
Median Value Single Family Home: $450,900
Average Condo Price: $337,000

Local History
Park City boomed in the late 1800s as a silver-mining town. The decline of silver mining turned Park City into a sleepy village a fraction of the size. It was actually the mining company itself that recognized the other gem hidden in the mountains: perfect ski resort country. Park City Consolidated mines started the first ski resort there in 1963, and the town has taken on an entirely new life. With the popularity of skiing in the thirties, forties, and fifties, the ski industry gave life back to the town. Main Street has been restored to its original glory and now has over 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

An Average Lifestyle
Some percentage of the population of the Park City area commutes to Salt Lake City. They, like the others, are drawn here for a more natural living environment and a better quality of life. The residents are proud of the natural environment, and have become great hospitality hosts culminating in hosting thousands of international visitors to the Winter Olympics.

Things to Do
• In winter, ski or snowboard at Park City Mountain Resort, The Canyons Resort or Deer Valley Resort
• In summer, go mountain biking or hiking at 8000 feet.
• Ride the gondolas and ski lifts and just enjoy the view.
• Play 18 holes at the Park City Golf Club
• Check out the Park City Racquet Club

Cultural Activities
• Sundance Film Festival in January
• International Music Festival in July
• Utah Symphony & Opera
• Kimball Art Center
• Theater
• Park City Museum
• Alf Engen Ski Museum

Location
Summit County, Utah
Elevation: 7000 feet, with nearby peaks of 10,000
Size: 12 square miles (city)
Distance to other major cities:
Salt Lake City: 24 miles (about 25 minutes)

Getting There
Salt Lake City International Airport (25 minutes)

Weather
Annual Average Temperature: Low: 20 (Jan), High: 75.6 (July)
Average Snowfall: 13.4 (January)

Population
Park City: 7,371; Summit County: 29,736
Growth Rate: The state of Utah grew by 26% between the 1990 and 2000 census, and the unincorporated areas around Park City are growing rapidly, partly due to its proximity to Salt Lake City.
Median Age, 2000: 32.7
Total Population Within 25 miles: 181,000

Economics
Median Household Income: $77,137
Principle Industries: Tourism

Education
University of Utah (25 miles; Salt Lake City)
Brigham Young University (27 miles; Provo)
Salt Lake Community College (Salt Lake City)