Draper is a mountainside city tucked away between the Wasatch and Traverse mountains, known for well-maintained streets and parks, outdoor recreation and Salt Lake Valley views. Salt Lake City is just 20 miles north. “I think Draper is one of the best-run cities. In terms of aesthetics, it’s very clean,” says Rodney Moser, Broker/Owner at NextHome Navigator, who has nearly three decades of local experience. “Draper is a little further out of the city center, but it's still considered high-end.”
The city has the most hiking and biking trails of any city along the Wasatch Front, over 50 green spaces and about 100 miles of trails. “One of the biggest attractions to Draper is our extensive trail system,” says Linda Peterson, Draper’s community director. “We have a large amount of open space, so the city has built foot-only trails, biking trails and equestrian trails to help people enjoy our beautiful scenery.”
Draper has grown over the last three decades, with a population of 50,000. According to the 2020 Census, Draper has grown 102.8% since 1990, when the city had only 7,000 residents. As the headquarters of 1-800 Contacts, Draper continues to attract employers and expand into the surrounding valleys between the Wasatch and Traverse mountain ranges.
Residents have breathtaking mountain views from their homes in Draper.
An overview of subdivisions and homes in Draper.
1/2
A steady housing market in Draper
In Draper, houses sell after about 50 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days. The median home sale price is $800,000. Early 2000s mountainside homes are typically large, with unique details like front-gabled roofs, stone and brick exteriors, staired porches and white, colonial-style columns. Colonial homes from the 1970s are scattered throughout the city’s historic district in the heart of Draper. Most homes sit far back from the road and have manicured lawns.
Homes in Draper often unique details in a variety of architectural styles.
Front-gabled roofs and stone and brick exteriors are common in Draper.
1/2
Canyons School District, American Preparatory Academy
Students in Draper can choose from a variety of charter, public and private schools. Canyons School District, rated A-minus by Niche and ranked as the best school district in Salt Lake County, enrolls over 33,000 students from preschool through high school.
Summit Academy, the first charter school district in Draper formed in 2003, is rated B-minus from Niche and enrolls kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Another charter school district, the American Preparatory Academy, enrolls over 2,000 students in grades K-12 and is rated B by Niche. Waterford School is a private middle and high school rated A-plus by Niche; it’s ranked as the state’s best private high school. Another option is Juan Diego Catholic High School, rated A-plus by Niche, with about 700 students.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a popular religion in Utah — especially in the Salt Lake area — because Brigham Young, a Latter-Day Saint settler, founded the area. Many LDS churches are scattered throughout the city, most notably the Draper Utah Temple. Other local churches include St John the Baptist Catholic Church and Corner Canyon Church.
Juan Diego Catholic High School is rated A+ on Niche.
Corner Canyon High School serves over 2,400 students from across Draper.
1/2
Galena Hills Park, Draper Historic Park
Draper has over 50 parks scattered throughout the city, including Galena Hills Park, the area’s largest green space with sports fields, paved trails and a pavilion. Draper Historic Park is a small space highlighting the LDS history in Utah with statues and plaques. The South Mountain Golf Course is a public, 18-hole course that has served Draper since 1998. It hosted the Utah Open in 1999.
Popular hiking destinations include the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Trailhead, Eagle Crest Trailhead and South Maple Hollow Trailhead. For skiing, people can visit many nearby resorts, such as Hidden Peak Summit, Alta Ski Area and Sundance Mountain Resort. The Flight Park State Recreation Area is in the southernmost corner of Draper, over 5,000 feet above sea level. Parasailing and hang gliding are allowed with a permit.
Galena Park offers pathways for hiking, equestrian use, biking, and walking in Draper.
South Mountain Golf Course is a nice neighborhood amenity in Draper, Utah.
1/2
The Cliff Dining Pub, the Charleston Draper
Draper Crossing is an outdoor shopping mall with a Smith’s Grocery, a Dollar Tree and a T.J. Maxx. The Hidden Valley Shopping Center, a small local plaza on East Draper Parkway, has tenants like Savers, a thrift store and a UPS store. For dining, people enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert at Penny Anne’s Café. “It’s a perfect spot for breakfast; the only problem is that there will probably be a line with a wait of 40 minutes,” Moser says. At the Cliff Dining Pub, people can enjoy sushi and cocktails while overlooking the mountains. The Charleston Draper is an old brick home turned into an upscale spot with additional outdoor seating in its garden.
Restaurants and eateries in retail centers offer quaint sitting areas for residents in Draper.
Draper residents can enjoy shopping at large chain stores.
1/2
The annual Draper Days parade
Draper hosts recurring holiday events throughout the year, including a Spring Egg Hunt, a Memorial Day Ceremony, a Haunted Trail and a Candy Cane Hunt. Every July, Draper Days comes to downtown, bringing a 5K race and live music to the area. The Draper Days parade welcomes thousands of people annually, who walk 1.5 miles from Stokes Avenue to Pioneer Road to the beat of live music and cheering crowds. The Draper City Amphitheater hosts summertime movie nights and has occasional theatre shows like Legally Blonde and the Sound of Music. People also visit the Draper Historic Theatre, which has been standing since 1938, for live performances.
Commuting around Draper
Interstate 15 and Utah State Route 89 lead to downtown Salt Lake City. “We’re halfway between two cities, and commuters can travel either north to Salt Lake or south to Provo,” says Peterson. “It’s a reasonable commute in either direction for daily drivers.” The Utah Transit Authority has a public bus and train service that reaches Draper, and UTA Flex bus routes connect Draper to other neighborhoods in the south and west Salt Lake suburbs. The UTA Trax light rail system leads to nearby shopping centers and schools; the Blue Line runs from Draper to downtown Salt Lake City.
Important to know
The city has an arid climate because of its topography, which is typical of places with high elevations. The elevation can cause air to get trapped - leading to pollution - but Moser says Draper isn’t impacted as much as surrounding areas. “One of the negatives of Salt Lake is the air quality, but Draper has sections on the hill that aren’t affected by inversion,” he says. Draper and the rest of the Salt Lake Valley experience a wildfire season from July to November. Residents must notify their local fire department if they plan on hosting campfires or bonfires, but most people will also need a burn permit, according to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Draper’s property crimes have stayed steady in the last year, while violent crime has increased, followed by a slight decrease. Lone Peak Hospital is the city’s local, 24-hour medical center on State Street.
Written By
Chloe Hawkins
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Aiken
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Juston Puchar,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Draper, UT sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Draper, UT over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move in ready and BRAND NEW this charming rambler offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort with easy access to I-15 and Bangerter Highway. Boasting a fully finished basement, this home provides ample space for family living and entertaining. It includes 5 finished bedrooms, an office plus a gym/flex space, 4 full bathrooms and laundry space on the main level and basement! Custom
Welcome to Concord Lane in Draper.A stunning BRAND NEW home designed for modern living. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom masterpiece offers 4522 sq of thoughtfully crafted space, blending style, comfort, and efficiency. Step into an open-concept floor plan featuring high ceilings, abundant natural light, and premium finishes. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting custom cabinetry, quartz
Perched high on the East Bench to capture sweeping, unobstructed views of the entire valley, this exceptional residence is a signature home of design and craftsmanship. From the moment you enter, rich hickory floors, wood-encased windows, wood-trimmed beams, wainscoting, and solid wood doors set a tone of timeless elegance. The gourmet kitchen is a culinary showcase, with granite and travertine
Cherie MajorChristies International Real Estate Park City
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this home has impressive curb appeal with its manicured landscaping. Located in a cul de sac offering comfort and privacy with no backyard neighbors and unobstructed views of the mountains. The main floor features a cozy fireplace and lots of windows that flood the room with natural light. The kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances, double oven, gas
Discover this stunning Draper residence nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac, offering breathtaking mountain views and a serene, secluded setting. Situated on a generous lot with no neighbors behind, this home provides privacy and tranquility. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, the open and bright floor plan is perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The master suite
Tucked away at the end of a private lane off Fort Street, this thoughtfully updated rambler offers peace, privacy, and flexible living options on a .78-acre lot in Draper. Designed for comfort and functionality, the home features a fully finished walkout basement with a second kitchen-ideal for multigenerational living, a rental setup, or guest quarters. The heart of the home is a beautifully
**FULLY FURNISHED SINGLE FAMILY HOME LOCATED IN DRAPER** **THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY RENT: $75 for alarm system** Grand entryway with hardwood floors leads to formal living and dining rooms with crown molding and custom paint. The updated kitchen boasts a center island, vegetable sink, and spacious dining nook that flows into a massive family room. The main level also
Welcome to our high-end community in Draper, UT. Experience panoramic views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains and Salt Lake Valley. Point of View is perfect for anyone looking for refined 1-2 bedroom apartment suites, a convenient location, and unbeatable amenities.
Welcome to Reveal, a sophisticated community of modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes in Draper, Utah. Our convenient location connects you to the best of Utahs natural and urban hotspots. Hike or bike at Vista Park and ski at nearby ski resorts. Shop at the Traverse Mountain Outlets. Enjoy a convenient commute downtown to Salt Lake City and Lehi via the nearby FrontRunner
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
