Competitive pricing, mountain views and a growing population
In American Fork, people mean business when it comes to high school marching band and homes come in all different shapes and sizes. Towering above it all are the Wasatch mountain peaks. Originally known as “Lake City” due to its proximity to Utah Lake, American Fork has experienced exponential growth since Mormon settlers put down roots in the 1850s. In the 1860s, “Lake City” was renamed so as to distinguish it from Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital located just about 30 miles north. During World War II, the Columbia Steel Plant brought a rush of new people to American Fork, and the decades between 2000 and 2020 saw the population grow by nearly a third, topping 30,000. The area has remained attractive due to its competitive pricing, especially when compared to surrounding suburbs, and panoramic mountain views. “American Fork is definitely more affordable than areas like Highland and Alpine,” says Mariah Koehle with eXp Realty, who’s accumulated more than 16 years of industry experience. Intersecting residential streets are major thoroughfares like Interstate 15 and State Street, making travel across the state relatively painless.
American Fork from above, visitors can see the Wasatch Mountains rising up to the east.
Fox Hollow in American Fork features well-manicured fairways and greens, as well as stunning views of the Mount Timpanogos.
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Everything from new construction to WWII-era ranch-styles
Famed author Brandon Sanderson, along with approximately 30,000 other people, call American Fork home, residing in a mix of townhomes, ranch styles dating back half a century and large-scale new developments. Prices vary, ranging from the mid $400,000s for a three-bedroom townhouse with a two-car garage to well over $1 million for a five-bedroom single-family home sprawling over 5,000 square feet. Although brand-new construction in master-planned subdivisions has become the standard in American Fork, prospective buyers will also find brick-sided ranches and bungalows in older parts of the city. Many of these smaller homes were built during the 1940s steel boom and typically sell for under $500,000. Streets here are quiet enough for bike-riding lessons or side-by-side strolls and, especially in newer housing developments, lots are large (nearly half an acre) and masterfully landscaped.
New construction home within American Fork is a brand-new home built with modern construction techniques and materials.
A rambler within American Fork is a single-story home that typically features a large living area, a dining room, and a kitchen on the main level.
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An award-winning marching band at American Fork High School
“People are like, ‘Oh, you go to AF?’ and they immediately assume you’re part of the marching band,” says Koehle. The band, made up of about 300 students, has performed at presidential inaugurations and even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They’ve traveled to participate in Bands Of America's Grand Nationals for multiple years. The high school’s concert and jazz bands also have a 25-year reputation for receiving superior rankings at local and regional festivals; in other words, it’s a district with an emphasis on the arts. AF High School received an overall B-plus grade from the educational review site, Niche, and other area public schools like Shelley Elementary and American Fork Junior High earned an A-minus and B, respectively.
American Fork High School in American Fork is home of the Cavemen.
American Fork High School in American Fork has a colorful football field.
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Playgrounds in local parks and Timpanogos Cave National Monument rock formations
There are over 25 parks within American Fork’s borders. Robinson Park, located next to the American Fork Public Library and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, has a popular playground and picnic benches ideal for outdoor lunches during the warmer months. Playgrounds can also be found at Rotary Park, Centennial Park and Evergreen Park. The American Fork River, from which the city gets its name, passes through Art Dye Park to the north. Here, residents can make use of the bike trails, disc golf course, pickleball courts and lighted baseball diamonds. Since 2019, Art Dye Park has also hosted the annual Steel Days Carnival, an event complete with rides, game booths and fried fair food. American Fork Fitness Center houses a competition and leisure pool where kids can take swim lessons; residents are offered discounted rates. There are plenty of hiking opportunities to the west in American Fork Canyon, called “AF Canyon” by locals. Here, admire the stalactites and stalagmites found within the Timpanogos Caves and fish for trout in the Tibble Fork Reservoir. To the east, Utah Lake offers water sport opportunities. Play volleyball on American Fork Beach or launch a boat from the harbor.
William S. Robson Park in American Fork is located downtown.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is in American Fork Canyon.
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Steel Days, the Haunted Forest and a winter wonderland in Evermore Park
The Steel Days festival has been going strong in American Fork since 1945 when the Columbia Steel Mill brought economic development to the region. The eight-day July celebration features a parade, talent competitions, a kickball tournament, live music and a petting zoo. To the south of the city near Utah Lake is the Haunted Forest, advertised as “Utah’s largest haunted attraction.” Stop by for an evening of jump scares, but be prepared for long lines around Halloween. Just outside of American Fork in Pleasant Grove is Evermore Park, a fully immersive, family-friendly adventure park where guests can wander amongst fantasy-inspired buildings and gardens. Each season means a different theme; in December, for instance, the park is turned into a Charles Dickens-inspired winter wonderland complete with an express train and ice rink.
The Haunted Forest in American Fork is a favorite Halloween destination for people throughout UT
Evermore Park is a fantasy adventure theme park in American Fork.
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Shopping along Interstate 15 in Alpine Valley Center
Dozens of big box retailers and fast food chains are located right off Interstate 15, making shopping easily accessible for American Fork residents. Most will head to Alpine Valley Center when it comes time for errands; there’s Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Walmart Supercenter and Costco Wholesale for bulk purchases. After working up an appetite, head to Wallaby’s Smokehouse, an Australian-themed restaurant known for its specialty smoked meats and burgers. There’s also Louks Greek Baby Donuts, which serves up authentic Greek “honey tokens,” which were said to be distributed after the first Olympic Games. Order delivery or dine in at Rock Creek Pizza, which also has jalapeño pull-a-parts, garlic bread and boneless chicken wings on the menu. For a smaller-scale shopping experience, make the short drive to Lehi to explore historic Main Street.
TJ Max in American Fork is a discount department store that offers a wide range of clothing, home goods, and accessories at affordable prices.
The Target in American Fork is a large and well-stocked department store that caters to a wide range of shopping needs.
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The FrontRunner train, Provo Municipal Airport and American Fork Hospital
Commutes to Salt Lake City and Provo are simplified with the help of the FrontRunner train, a Utah Transit Authority (UTA) commuter rail that passes through American Fork Station. Bus stops can also be found along AF’s busiest thoroughfares like State Street. About 15 miles south of American Fork is the Provo Municipal Airport, from which Breeze and Allegiant Airways fly nonstop to over a dozen U.S. cities. For more options, residents make the trek to Salt Lake City International Airport. Residents are serviced by American Fork Hospital, where specialties include cancer care, orthopedics, sports medicine and imaging.
Frontrunner allows American Fork residents to quickly travel north to SLC or south to Provo.
American Fork residents enjoy the convenience of the nearby Provo Airport.
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Film history in American Fork
For decades, American Fork has held an honorary place in Hollywood. “Footloose” and “The Sandlot” were both partially filmed in the city, and the world-famous Sundance Film Festival is held less than 20 miles away at the Sundance Resort in the Wasatch Mountains.
American Fork Presbyterian Church is famous for being in Footloose.
Sandlot was filmed mostly in American Fork except for this field in Poplar Grove.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Leanna Deherrera,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in American Fork, UT sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in American Fork, UT over the last 12 months is $495,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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READY TO BUILD! THIS PRIME COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IS IDEALLY LOCATED RIGHT OFF THE I-15 FREEWAY, OFFERING INCREDIBLE ACCESS AND MAXIMUM VISIBILITY WITH SIGNAGE CLEARLY SEEN FROM THE FREEWAY. CONNECTIONS TO UTILITIES ARE EASILY AVAILABLE, AND WATER IS ALREADY STUBBED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. THIS SPACIOUS SITE INCLUDES FOUR TAX ID NUMBERS (65-121-0001, 65-121-0002, 65-121-0003, 65-121-0004) ALONG WITH
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At Elevate 620, we have a variety of floor plans designed to make you eager to come home and impress you with their style. Don't just take our word for it—come see for yourself! Conveniently located right off I-15 in American Fork, Elevate 620 offers the perfect location with every perk and premium you could want. Choose from exclusive studios, spacious apartments, and beautiful townhomes—there's
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