No. 10: Provo, Utah
Driving along the stretch of I-15 between Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, you can’t help but wonder if locals take the scenery for granted.
by Cindy Schwalb, kiplinger.com
PRISTINE SOFTWARE MECCA
Population: 474,351

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Population Growth Since 2000: 20.6%
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 32%
Cost-of-Living Index: 97.7 (100 being national average)
Median Household Income: $50,583
Income Growth Since 2000: 12.2%
Take Our Walking Tour Through Provo
The Provo area has grown into the country’s second-largest software center, featuring top employers Novell, Micron Technology and Omniture. The vibrant business scene is stoked by workers—among them recent graduates of Brigham Young University’s nationally ranked business school—attracted to the low cost of living and year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Residents can hit the slopes or hiking trails, or cast a fishing line within 30 minutes of stepping out their front door. Or they can wonder at the miles of snow-capped Wasatch Mountains.
Nearly all of Provo’s homes boast a mountain view, and family-friendly neighborhoods are safe environments in which to raise kids. Veteran real estate agent Brent DeMille says: "Of all the people I’ve placed, only one couple told me they were unhappy. They wanted more nightlife."
The promise of high-speed rail (due in Provo in 2012) will make Salt Lake City nightlife a quick ride away. Also, much of the development in the area is in towns such as Draper and Lehi, suburbs near Salt Lake County’s border. So those places will have the advantages of affordable housing, quick access to both Provo and Salt Lake City, and, of course, the area’s spectacular outdoor living.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
8 Rules for Choosing the Right Financial Adviser
Not all advisers are created equal. Here's how to find one qualified to manage your wealth and protect your legacy. From verifying credentials to trusting your gut, follow these rules to find a financial adviser.
-
A Hated TSA Rule Was Finally Phased Out
After nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for Listings
Making Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and More
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.