Thinking About Moving to Lehi, UT

📍 Lehi, UT at a Glance

• Population: 75,907 (2023 estimate)
• Location: 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, northern Utah County
• Incorporated: 1852
• Known For: Tech industry hub (“Silicon Slopes”), Thanksgiving Point, rapid growth

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Lehi leans conservative, reflecting Utah County’s traditional Republican stronghold status. The city government emphasizes pro-business policies and managed growth strategies. Civic engagement is high, with active community councils and strong voter turnout. Local politics focus heavily on infrastructure development, education funding, and balancing growth with quality of life preservation.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Lehi consistently ranks as one of Utah’s safest cities, with crime rates well below national averages. The city maintains a professional police force with community policing programs and neighborhood watch initiatives. Property crime rates are particularly low, and violent crime is rare. The fire department provides excellent emergency response times throughout the city’s expanding boundaries.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

The dining scene reflects Lehi’s family-oriented culture with popular spots like Cubby’s, Porter’s Place, and The Habit Burger Grill. Thanksgiving Point offers multiple dining options alongside its museums and gardens. Local favorites include Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Tacos El Pariente. Entertainment centers around family activities, with Topgolf, movie theaters, and the Museum of Natural Curiosity providing year-round options.

🏛️ Local Government

Lehi operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and five city council members. The city provides comprehensive services including utilities, parks, and recreation programs. Government offices are known for efficiency and transparency, with regular town halls and strong online presence. Development services have streamlined processes to handle the city’s rapid growth.

🚍 Transportation

Interstate 15 provides the main north-south corridor, though rush hour congestion is increasing. The FrontRunner commuter rail connects Lehi to Salt Lake City and Provo, with a station at Thanksgiving Point. UTA buses serve major corridors, but most residents rely on personal vehicles. The city is investing in road improvements and exploring additional transit options to address growth-related traffic challenges.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Lehi’s housing market remains competitive with median home prices around $650,000. New construction dominates, with master-planned communities like Traverse Mountain and Jordan Willows offering modern amenities. Rental options are limited but growing, with new apartment complexes catering to young professionals. The market favors sellers, with homes typically selling quickly despite higher interest rates.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

The city maintains over 30 parks and extensive trail systems connecting to regional networks. Thanksgiving Point’s gardens span 55 acres of themed landscapes. The Jordan River Parkway provides miles of paved trails. Proximity to American Fork Canyon offers world-class rock climbing, hiking, and skiing within 30 minutes. Utah Lake State Park provides boating and fishing opportunities just minutes from downtown.

💼 Job Market

Lehi anchors Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” with major employers including Adobe, Microsoft, Xactware, and dozens of tech startups. The median household income exceeds $104,000, well above state averages. Healthcare, finance, and retail sectors also provide substantial employment. The unemployment rate consistently runs below 3%, with strong job growth projections continuing. Many residents also commute to Salt Lake City for additional opportunities.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Alpine School District serves Lehi with highly-rated schools including Skyridge High School and Lehi High School. The district emphasizes STEM education and technology integration. Private options include Renaissance Academy and American Heritage School. Utah Valley University’s Thanksgiving Point campus offers continuing education programs. The city’s young demographic drives demand for quality educational options at all levels.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Lehi experiences four distinct seasons with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Average July highs reach 93°F, while January lows drop to 22°F. Annual snowfall averages 55 inches, supporting nearby ski resorts. The area receives about 300 days of sunshine annually. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Air quality can be challenging during winter inversions.

💬 Community Sentiment

Long-time residents express mixed feelings about rapid growth while acknowledging economic benefits. Newcomers appreciate the job opportunities, family-friendly atmosphere, and outdoor access. Traffic congestion and rising housing costs generate the most complaints. The community maintains strong family values and neighborly connections despite expansion. Overall sentiment remains positive, with most residents rating quality of life highly.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Lehi

Lehi’s explosive growth isn’t slowing down, and for good reason. The combination of high-paying tech jobs, excellent schools, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation creates an enviable lifestyle that’s attracting families and young professionals from across the country. While housing costs have risen and traffic has increased, the city’s strong economy, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to both urban amenities and mountain adventures continue to make Lehi one of Utah’s most desirable places to call home.