- Best Mountain Towns to Move To - July 8, 2025
As more people are working remotely, with flexible living options, moving is much more feasible. But where should you move to? In my family, we each have the natural landscapes that call to us: beaches, deserts, but for me, it’s mountains.
But rest assured, the best mountain towns to move to don’t just mean snowy peaks; in New Mexico, there are options for those who prefer a warmer climate, while in Park City, there is the opposite. So, which should you choose? Comparing for temperature, local community, cost of living, and size, I’ve compiled a list from the Four Corners and beyond (or above, in this case).
#1: Cheyenne, WY
Starting at the (literal) top, if you want a more remote but stunning location, Cheyenne is your choice. Cheyenne has been featured as the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies throughout the decades, and for good reason.
As Wyoming’s capital, it sits above 6,000 feet elevation, with historic buildings, gardens, and museums full of dinosaur fossils.
Snowfall averages 60 inches each year, with cold, semi-arid temperatures, but that water brings with it comfortable summer temperatures around mid-70s and low 80s. Median house prices are around $350,000, far below the national average.
Tip: Housing prices in Cheyenne increase 9.2% in May, so consider buying and moving in Autumn or winter.
#2: Golden, CO
As a former gold rush town, there are endless hiking trails through the Rockies, chances for kayaking courses, mining history, and even an education at the Colorado School of Mines.
The population is quite large, at almost 3 million people, so be prepared for a lot of friendly neighbors.
Golden has an elevation of 5,675 feet. A stunning little mountain town, it is one of the oldest and most historic towns in the state.
Downtown is around 8 square miles of adorable historic buildings, nestled between snow-tipped mountains. It is also only 12 miles west of Denver, so any amenities you don’t have in Golden are a 12-mile drive away.
Cost of living here is higher than the national average, with median home prices at $877,146. With an average of 72 inches of snow each year, whatever house you find will sure to be picturesque come December.
Snowy climates are among the top reasons for wanting to move to a mountain town, with mile-high towns seeing around 70% more snowfall.
In the summer, though, average temperatures stick to the 80s, which makes it a warmer mountain town, but still comfortable enough to wander through downtown enjoying some fresh ice cream or drinks.
#3: Park City, UT
If snow is your style, then Park City might be your mountain town. At over 7,000 feet elevation, Park City is close to several major cities and national parks, including the capital, Salt Lake City. It is also one of the most famous ski towns in the world.
It also boasts a significantly smaller population: only 8,254 residents.
If you love winter sports, Park City is going to awe you. As the former host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, this mountain town is framed by mountains and popular resorts. The entire town is architecturally designed in a similar fashion, harkening to old ski town resorts in the Alps, so it has a uniform and graceful look all year round, but especially in the snow.
Speaking of, the only way out of Park City and into other areas like SLC is through a single mountain pass. It can be crowded in the summer and shut down in the winter.
Park City is one of the snowiest cities in America, averaging 340 inches annually.
Be advised: Park City is one of the most expensive places to live and visit. The average price is $1,521,500.
Personally, I’ll stick to an annual vacation at what feels like 10% of that cost. Of course, if you have a few million you just need to spend, Park City can certainly help.
#4: Cedar City, UT
Cedar City, UT is THE mountain town to move to if you love national parks. Utah has 5 national parks, some of the most famous in the world, and 46 state parks, which take up about 95,000 acres of land.
If you were to look at a map of Utah, most of it is parks.
That’s why Cedar City, in the southwest corner of the state, has earned its nickname of “Gateway to the National Parks.” It is in a prime location as well, for access to nearby states and their respective sights, like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Vegas.
Having vacationed here on more than one occasion, my thought every time (usually when driving by a ‘for sale’ sign) is “I should just move here.”
If you have the same thought, know that the average house costs around $400,000, which, coming from California, is perfectly reasonable if not a steal.
The population is smaller than Golden, but bigger than Park City, at around 39,942 residents. It has a bustling community of outdoor enthusiasts and a large downtown area with amenities, food, and adventures.
#5: Prescott, AZ
You don’t have to be an active outdoorsman with 511 cargo pants and an REI membership to seek the best mountain towns to move to.
With over 47,000 residents, Prescott has median home prices over $600,000, but the city also has a lively downtown area, the World’s Oldest Rodeo, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Fun fact, Prescott was once the territorial capital of the state. It is also famous as Arizona’s “Christmas City” with a complete conversion of downtown into a Christmas City from November to January every year. So if you want to know of the best mountain towns to move to, but you are also a huge fan of Christmas, you will be in heaven with Prescott.
Located right outside Sedona, living and working in this mountain town puts you close to warm, summer activities, with only 13 inches of snow annually at over 5,000 feet elevation.
#6: Santa Clara, NM
If snowfall isn’t your favorite thing, and you want a beautiful but peaceful mountain town, head down to New Mexico, where you will get less snow and lower prices.
Santa Clara, NM has homes averaging less than $85,000.
Santa Clara doesn’t really see much snow, maybe 2 inches per year, so for those who want a warm mountain top to call home, this nearly 6,000-foot elevation is ideal. The population is small, around 1,608 people, but if you move there, you can help push it closer to 1,6010, a nice round number.
Speaking of size, the city isn’t actually a city. It is a village. This bedroom community is the perfect village for anyone who wants to be close to places like Bayard, Las Cruces, or Silver City, without the prices and people.
#7: Santa Teresa, NM
Another fan favorite in New Mexico is Santa Teresa, known for having warm climates most of the year. Average winter temperatures are around 62 degrees, perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to shiver in layers for three (or six) months at a time.
It is also a bit lower on the elevation list, sitting at 3,793 feet. As an even smaller area, it is not good enough to be a ‘village’ and is labeled a ‘census-designated place.’
Having lived in one of those before, I can tell you that it comes with a lot of unexpected benefits, like fewer government restrictions.
Though small, Santa Teresa is close to El Paso, TX, so you have a lot of easy cities nearby if you are looking for amenities like Wal-Marts or Home Depots.
Moving Calculators
No matter where you pick, always use a moving calculator beforehand. I always thought “I have the same amount of stuff as when I moved here” until it came time to pack, and the movers quoted my moving weight. It felt like coming out of COVID and putting on real pants–two years of sweats saying “I weigh the same as when COVID started”… yikes.
So, a moving calculator can help you get more accurate estimates for moving to any of these top mountain towns based on the size of your home and the distance you are traveling.
I like MoveBuddha because it allows you to compare prices for several options, like:
- Full-service moving companies that will pack you up wherever you are and drive your goods up a mountain top.
- PODS and similar units where you can pack yourself and let them drop your goods off in your cheap Santa Clara home
- Rental costs for a moving truck you take to Park City yourself
With such resources, you can find a moving solution that fits your budget and your time frame.
Tip: Moving in the winter/fall or during the week can save you thousands compared to weekends or summer.
Summing Up
Overall, if you are looking to reach new heights, literally, you can find so many of the best mountain towns to move to, based on size, cost, and temperature. If you prefer warmer climates, with a reduced cost of living, New Mexico might be the best state for you, but for those who want to be a snow bunny and cross-country ski to work, Utah has some appealing options. Don’t forget to use a moving calculator beforehand so you can best prepare for your mountain move.