Over the past few years, the rise of remote work has significantly influenced where and how people choose to live. Freed from daily commutes and office proximity, thousands of professionals are trading urban bustle for natural beauty, and Utah’s scenic towns appear to be among the biggest beneficiaries of this shift. Once considered getaway destinations or retirement havens, places like Heber City, Midway, and Moab are increasingly becoming hotspots for full-time living, particularly for remote workers seeking a better quality of life.
Utah’s Zoom Town Boom
The term “Zoom town” describes small- to mid-sized communities experiencing notable growth due to the influx of remote workers. Utah has several of these. Heber City, with its sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains and close proximity to Park City, has seen steady population and housing demand growth since 2020. Midway, just minutes away, offers quiet neighborhoods, alpine scenery, and easy access to outdoor recreation—factors that make it particularly appealing to families and professionals seeking balance.
In southern Utah, towns like Kanab and Moab are attracting remote workers who crave sunshine, red rock vistas, and a slower pace of life. Many seem to be relocating from out of state—California, Arizona, and Colorado are among the contributors, bringing with them tech jobs and remote careers while potentially pumping new energy (and money) into these rural economies.
Housing Demand and Price Pressure
This migration appears to have had a noticeable impact on local housing markets. Home prices in scenic areas have climbed. In Park City, for example, the average home price reportedly rose over 35% between 2022 and 2023. This upward pressure has extended into neighboring towns like Kamas and Coalville, where prices used to be more affordable but are now increasing due to demand spillover.
Even areas like Logan, Cedar City, and St. George—once considered more affordable alternatives—are experiencing tight inventory and rising costs. Remote workers often have the financial flexibility to outbid local buyers due to higher incomes from out-of-state employers, which can contribute to housing affordability concerns for long-time residents.
A 2022 report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute suggested that remote work was a key factor behind Utah’s housing price increases. As demand has often outpaced supply, especially in scenic towns with limited buildable land, housing costs have become a growing concern for local governments.
Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
So, what’s attracting remote workers to these locations beyond just the scenery?
For many, it’s about lifestyle. Utah’s outdoor recreation scene is widely regarded as exceptional—skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and fishing are frequently cited as part of daily life in these towns. Communities like Moab and Springdale offer access to national parks and stunning natural surroundings, which are increasingly valued as quality-of-life perks rather than just vacation destinations.
Families also tend to appreciate the slower pace, tighter-knit communities, and lower crime rates. Remote workers often mention that the ability to work from home with mountain views or take a lunchtime hike is a lifestyle change they prefer to maintain.
The Need for Professional Property Management
With the increase in remote relocations comes a rising demand for well-managed rental properties. Many newcomers opt to rent while deciding where to settle or waiting for home construction to finish. This has created opportunities for real estate investors and homeowners to offer short- and long-term rental options, especially in high-demand markets like Heber, St. George, and even Ogden.
Managing these properties successfully, however, often requires more than just posting a listing. Cleanliness, responsiveness, and maintenance can play a key role in attracting and retaining tenants. Clean, professionally maintained properties tend to receive better reviews, higher nightly rates, and longer lease renewals. In fact, for short-term rentals in tourist towns like Park City, cleanliness is frequently ranked as the highest-rated feature by guests.
Companies servicing areas including Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Park City have observed a growing demand for turnover cleaning and property care services. Their role extends beyond residential cleaning in Salt Lake City—it’s about helping property owners maintain hospitality-level standards that meet the expectations of modern renters.
A Growing Industry: Property Management
As more homes are converted into income properties, professional property management has grown into a thriving industry. In Utah’s scenic towns, managers often handle everything from landscaping and HVAC servicing to cleaning, guest communication, and regulatory compliance.
This model has proven to be a viable business venture for local entrepreneurs, with many building portfolios managing 10, 20, or even 50 properties. With systems in place—like automated guest messaging, trusted maintenance partners, and recurring cleaning services—property managers are helping address housing needs while also building scalable, recurring-revenue businesses.
In many cases, these managers are locals who bring an understanding of seasonal fluctuations, local ordinances, and guest expectations unique to their area. Their presence can add structure and consistency to an increasingly competitive rental landscape.
Balancing Growth and Community
While the remote work migration brings new energy and money into Utah’s scenic towns, it also introduces challenges. Traffic, school crowding, infrastructure strain, and rising living costs are among the concerns raised by long-time residents. Local governments are working to strike a balance between growth and preserving the character that made these towns desirable in the first place.
Some communities are experimenting with solutions like workforce housing initiatives, smart zoning, and limits on short-term rental density. These efforts aim to help ensure that locals aren’t priced out and that community resources can accommodate growth.
Looking Ahead
Remote work appears to be a lasting trend—and so is its impact on where people choose to live. For Utah, this could mean more than just an influx of new residents. It may signal a shift in how scenic towns are valued and used, turning them into full-time communities for people who might have once only visited for a weekend.
As the state adapts to this new reality, opportunities are emerging for property owners, investors, and service providers. The key will likely involve balancing quality of life, affordability, and sustainability so that Utah’s beautiful places can remain livable, welcoming, and uniquely local for generations to come.
Published by Jeremy S.
