Moving from San Diego to Park City: What it’s really like
A friend of mine recently moved from San Diego, California to Park City, Utah and made me think to write this blog.
Trading the beach for the Wasatch isn’t just a move—it’s a mood shift. In San Diego, every day feels the same (in a good way). In Park City, the seasons run the show, and honestly, that’s part of the fun.
The vibe shift
San Diego is steady and spread out. Park City is smaller and super connected. You’ll bump into the same people at the hill, the grocery store, and youth sports. If you ski, ride, hike, bike, or golf, you’ll make friends fast.
Weather & altitude (the part you feel)
We’re at ~6,900 feet. First week: drink water, go easy at the gym, maybe grab a humidifier.
Winter is legit—snow tires matter more than AWD. Summer? Warm days, cool nights, windows open, low humidity. Fall is pure gold.
Where people actually land
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Walkable energy: Old Town, Prospector, Kimball Junction.
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Neighborhood feel + yards: Park Meadows, Jeremy Ranch/Pinebrook, Silver Creek, Summit Park.
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Lock-and-leave ski life: Deer Valley (Upper/Lower/Empire), Canyons Village.
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Club lifestyle: Promontory, Glenwild, Tuhaye.
Tip: Lots of newcomers start with a condo/townhome for a season to learn the lay of the land.
Money stuff (quick and real)
Property taxes often feel lighter than coastal CA. Utah has a flat income tax. Utilities spike in winter, chill in summer. If you’re still tied to California for work/residency, talk to your CPA before you do anything heroic.
Schools & family life
Park City schools have a strong rep and tons of activities—ski teams, mountain biking, arts. Smaller scale, shorter drives, and you actually know other parents.
Getting around
SLC airport is 35–45 minutes when roads are good. Tons of nonstops. In town, the free bus works, bike paths are everywhere, and parking near the lifts is a learned skill.
Day-to-day feel
You end up outside more. A couple morning laps before emails, trail walks after dinner, concerts and markets all summer. Dining isn’t SD-big, but we’ve got quality spots, coffee, galleries, and Sundance to spice it up.
House setup you won’t regret
Real snow tires, a roof box, boot dryer, and a mud area in the garage. Humidifier inside. South-facing driveways are underrated. Ask HOAs about snow removal, STR rules, and shuttle service.
Keeping one foot in San Diego
Plenty of locals still bounce back for work, surf, or family. The flight is easy. A well-managed, ski-access condo makes the two-city thing painless.
Who thrives here
Active families, remote pros who value powder over traffic, and second-home folks who want ski access and summer festivals instead of beach crowds.
A simple 90-day plan
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Test drive areas with a furnished rental (try two neighborhoods).
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Pick your lifestyle (walkable, acreage/horse-friendly, or club amenities) and get pre-approved.
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Tour smart—different times, different weather. Sun exposure and driveway slope matter here more than you think.
