Ephraim has a college town lifestyle near La Sal Mountains recreation
Horses and homesteads are common in the countryside of Sanpete Valley, but a population of 6,100 makes Ephraim the largest city in the county. “There are two reasons at the top that bring people here, the first being that it’s rural,” says Realtor David Sedlak of Sanpete Valley Realty. “And everything’s cheaper.” The town's location between the La Sal and San Pitch mountains adds highland recreation to Main Street retail, and Snow College, a community college in town, hosts events throughout the year.
Main Street retail in downtown Ephraim
In the center of town, downtown Ephraim is home to a variety of local businesses. Sedlak, who has a decade of experience in the area, says the entire city is community driven. “Everyone tries to stay local.” The Malt Shop serves a ’50s theme and diner staples, including an assortment of milkshakes. Other options include casual Mexican restaurant Jose’s Cafe and Roy’s Pizza, a popular spot for college students. Meanwhile, local shops include the board game store BenGamin Games and the florist Tilted Tulip Floral & Vintage. Towne Theatre shows movies in a historic building that dates to the 1920s. For groceries, a Walmart Supercenter is located on the north side of the city.
Bungalows, ranch-style homes, contemporary homes and more in Ephraim
The median home sale price in Ephraim is about $400,000, including Main Street’s historic Victorians and Craftsman bungalows. Grid-style blocks feature midcentury ranch-style homes, while the edges of the community have more townhouses and subdivisions full of contemporary homes. Large undeveloped lots are also available on the outskirts. “Post-COVID-19, we saw a shift with a lot of people wanting to be self-sustaining with their own land, gardens and chickens,” Sedlak says.
Education, including Ephraim Elementary and Snow College
Ephraim Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche, and Ephraim Middle School receives a B-minus. B-rated Manti High School offers an array of extracurriculars, including rodeo, drone club and crochet. Just east of downtown Ephraim, Snow College enrolls approximately 6,000 students. The community college is known for its technical education, visual arts program and athletics. It offers a handful of associate and bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor's degree in software engineering.
The Scandinavian Heritage Festival and Saturday Night Sways
In May, Snow College hosts the annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival, with concerts, a parade and villages depicting the Viking lifestyle. Saturday Night Sways run monthly from fall to spring, featuring music and dancing in the Ephraim Community Center.
Recreation from Ephraim Sports Complex & Family Park to Manti-La Sal National Forest
On the north side of the city, the Ephraim Sports Complex & Family Park has ballfields, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Heritage Park is right behind the Ephraim Public Library on Main Street, making it an ideal spot to read in the shade next to a picnic pavilion and an all-abilities playground. Canyon View Park, on the south side of Ephraim, offers a splash pad, a BMX track and a volleyball court. Its hills make it a popular sledding spot in the wintertime. Five miles away, Manti-La Sal National Forest has ATV and hiking trails with panoramic ridgeline views. “The famous mountain is Horseshoe Mountain by Spring City, but everyone is going up to Skyline Drive,” Sedlak says. The well-traveled road features views of Sanpete Valley and access to alpine meadows and lakes.
Access to U.S. Route 89 and more logistics
Major employers include Snow College and CO Building Systems. U.S. Route 89 runs through the middle of the centrally located town, connecting it to the rest of Utah. The closest major airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, is about 120 miles away.
