Provo, Utah, known as "The Garden City," is a vibrant community located in the heart of Utah Valley. Home to Brigham Young University, Provo offers a lively atmosphere, rich cultural scene, and strong sense of community. The city's blend of academic excellence, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity makes living in Provo an attractive option.
Residents of Provo enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Utah Lake State Park and the Provo River Parkway are popular destinations for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events, including the annual America's Freedom Festival at Provo.
Provo's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including education, technology, and healthcare. The city's thriving tech scene, often referred to as the Silicon Slopes, attracts professionals from around the world. Brigham Young University significantly contributes to the city's vibrant academic and cultural environment.
The cost of living in Provo is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Utah, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Provo is well-developed, with access to UTA (Utah Transit Authority) buses and the FrontRunner commuter rail, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Provo's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Provo offers a blend of academic excellence, outdoor beauty, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Nothing Found
There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.
Located in the state of Utah, Provo is a medium-sized city with a population of 116,886 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Provo could be considered less diverse than other cities. Provo tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 24 is far below the national average. Provo is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 46%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Provo will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Provo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Utah, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Provo and in the areas around Provo is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 85 out of 100, Provo is ranked #364 in the United States and #14 in Utah. Based on this score, Provo would be considered a very livable city! Provo has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Provo scores well for amenities (A+), crime (A), cost of living (B) and housing (B-)
Provo has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Provo has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Provo are: Brigham Young University, Seven Peaks Resort Water Park, and Museum of Art at Brigham Young University.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Provo has a violent crime rate of 147 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Provo can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Provo meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Provo. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Provo are simply unattainable. The median home price for Provo homes is $298,000, which is 32.7% higher than the Utah average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Provo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 66.7% higher than the Utah average.
| Statistic | Provo | Utah | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 59.8% | 75.9% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.5% | 11.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.5% | 2.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.1% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 13.1% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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