Picking the right place to raise a family takes time. If you’re considering Utah, you’re not alone. Families are drawn to its safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you want a quiet town or a bigger suburb, there’s something here for you. In this look at the top cities in Utah for a family move, we’ll cover five that continue to attract families each year. If you’re relocating from far away, moving company brokers can help connect you with reliable movers and make the process smoother.
What Makes a Utah City Great for Families?
When families look at places to move, a few things matter most:
- safety,
- good schools,
- a sense of community,
- and access to parks and outdoor fun.
Based on requests seen by state to state movers, families tend to go for towns that offer all of this. Suburbs with good schools, libraries, clean parks, and friendly neighbors stand out.
Highland
Highland is a suburb just south of Salt Lake City. It has around 19,625 people and is known for being quiet, safe, and family-focused. It’s been named the best place to raise a family in Utah, and that speaks volumes.
The schools are part of the Alpine School District, which gets high marks across the board. The area has great parks, and families spend weekends hiking or biking on nearby trails. Kids grow up with plenty of space to play, and parents feel confident about their safety. In Highland, neighbors care. It’s not flashy, but it works—and families thrive here.
River Heights
River Heights is tiny, with just over 2,100 residents. It sits in Cache County, close to Logan. This town is peaceful, and people look out for each other. Crime is rare. Schools are solid, and the area feels safe and grounded.
Living here means knowing your neighbors. Parents are active in schools, and kids grow up in a steady, quiet setting. River Heights gives families a calm place to grow without cutting them off from amenities. Logan is just up the road, which makes shopping, entertainment, and healthcare easy to reach. It’s one of those places that’s small on the map but big on heart.
Kaysville
Kaysville, in Davis County, has a population of around 32,861. It sits between Salt Lake City and Ogden, which makes commuting easy. As a result, families here don’t have to give up convenience for peace and quiet.
The school system is strong, and the sense of community runs deep. Many residents grew up here and decided to raise their own families in the same neighborhoods. Throughout the year, local events, school programs, and parks keep people connected. Additionally, there are plenty of green spaces, and the USU Botanical Center adds to the city’s outdoor charm. Kaysville also hosts summer concerts, holiday events, and weekend markets that bring neighbors together. Moreover, youth sports leagues are popular, and many families take part in service projects or community cleanups.
Farmington
Farmington is also in Davis County and has about 24,000 people. It balances small-town comfort with modern living. It’s home to Lagoon Amusement Park and Station Park, a busy shopping and entertainment area. That means fun is always close.
Schools are top-rated, and neighborhoods are filled with families. The area is clean, organized, and built for comfort. Nature lovers appreciate the trails and nearby mountains. People spend weekends outside or at local events. If you’re planning a move across state lines, reach out early to long distance moving companies to make the process easier.
Spanish Fork
Spanish Fork, in Utah County, is bigger—about 42,000 residents. Even so, it keeps a strong community feel. With nearly 41% of its residents under 18, it’s one of the youngest cities in the state.
Families love the energy here. There are festivals, parades, and public events all year long. The Festival of Colors and Fiesta Days are major highlights. Schools in the Nebo School District do well, and the city keeps investing in family-friendly places—splash pads, parks, and a modern library. Moreover, Spanish Fork has seen major upgrades to its infrastructure in recent years, including road expansions, updated utilities, and a modern police and fire department. These improvements make it easier and safer for families to get around and feel secure. If you want your kids to grow up with plenty to do and room to thrive, this is a great place to land.
How to Choose from the Top Cities in Utah for a Family Move
Undeniably, each of these cities brings something different. Thus, River Heights offers peace and small-town warmth. Farmington gives you entertainment and space. Highland focuses on safety and great schools. Kaysville adds a balance of outdoor life and easy commutes. Spanish Fork brings energy and events.
It comes down to what you value. If you’re moving within Utah, the change might be simple. In that case, start comparing quotes from the best movers in Utah. If you’re coming from another state, look into schools, nearby jobs, and local amenities before making your decision.
Why These Family-Friendly Cities in Utah Stand Out
Raising a family in Utah means more than just picking a nice house. Also, it means finding a city that fits your values and lifestyle. These five cities—Highland, River Heights, Kaysville, Farmington, and Spanish Fork—stand out as the top cities in Utah for a family move because they offer just that. Moreover, they’re safe, full of opportunity, and focused on what matters to families. If you’re planning a long-distance move, connecting with experienced movers helps. You can also work with moving company brokers who know how to match you with the right team. Wherever you end up, your next chapter starts with picking the right place, and Utah has plenty of good options.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is moving so expensive?
Moving costs reflect essential services: trained labor, special equipment, fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Because of seasonal demand, distance, and location-specific regulations, moving prices can vary.
What is the most expensive part of moving?
Labor usually represents the highest moving expense, especially for long-distance relocations. Professional movers’ rates often account for expertise, fuel charges, physical demands, and time investment.
What is a reasonable moving budget?
Reasonable moving budgets vary by home size, location, and distance. Local moves can cost between $800 to $2,500 for a two-bedroom home. Long-distance moves might cost between $2,500 and $8,000. Set aside an additional 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses and costs like packing materials, insurance, and tips.
How much should you tip movers for long-distance moves?
For long-distance moves, the standard tip ranges from 5% to 10% of your total moving cost, split between pickup and delivery crews.