Highland

Nestled in between Lehi and Alpine, Highland sits quietly in the middle. This charming city is home to only 20,000 people, allowing it to maintain a smalltown feel. Areas like Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain, which started small, are now exploding with growth; but neighbors in Highland prefer a quaint community and don’t mind hopping in the car if what they need isn’t already here. Salt Lake City is 35 minutes north and will bring you right to the airport. Provo is half an hour south; a straight shot for those heading to Brigham Young University for work or gameday. However, Lehi is only a 10-minute drive, and that's often where you’ll wind up.

"Living in Highland, you're a little closer to Silicon Slopes," says Realtor Mariah Koehle of eXp Realty. "There's also a lot of new home construction, so you can find whatever kind of home you're looking for."

Some townhomes are available, but large single-family homes make up the bulk of properties in Highland. Houses start at $500,000 and exceed $1 million, with the current median price at $750,000. However, you’ll find most homes listed between $700,000 and $850,000 or $1 and $2 million. Houses within that first margin will often be two-stories or ramblers. They’ll include four bedrooms, three bathrooms and sit on lots as large as one-third of an acre. Climb up into the millions and find five bedrooms, four bathrooms and up to one acre of land. The size of these homes coupled with larger lots are the two driving forces that put higher price tags on a life in Highland.

Mountain Ridge and Lone Peak are the only middle and high schools within the city, but Ridgeline is just one of four public elementary schools in the area. Unless you live on a street surrounding your child’s school, driving or taking the bus is the best option; Highland isn’t considered a walkable community.

Macey’s and Meiers are your options for grocery shopping. They’re located on opposite ends of Highland’s one and only shopping center, along with one dozen additional franchise businesses and chain restaurants. If you can’t find what you need, and chances are there’s at least one pesky item on your list, drive down Route 92 and arrive in Lehi in less than 10 minutes; more options for grocery and shopping, and the Traverse Outlet Mall, are all along this road.

Enjoy a weekend at home at one of Highland’s city parks. Long grassy fields provide plenty of room for kids to run with all their might, hoping to avoid becoming “it” in a game of tag. Horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, pickleball courts and baseball diamonds are perfect for challenging neighbors in a pickup game. Tall, mature trees will also give you a shady spot to take a break during the summer. If you’re tired of being on land, climb in your kayak or test out your balance on a paddle board at Highland Glen Park. In addition to the pond, you’ll also find hiking and mountain biking trails. Mountain Ridge, Highland’s newest park, is currently under construction and will include the city’s first all-abilities playground.

If you love horses, Southern Bell Riding offers training and riding lessons; owners can also board their horses here. Alpine Country Club is located within Highland and is the only spot within the city with a golf course. However, there are several public courses in surrounding areas including American Fork. These are the only activities found within city limits, but neighbors don’t mind the less-than-an hour drive to hike at Mount Timpanogos or ski at Sundance.

Highland is home to one major event that brings the entire city together: The Highland Fling. This annual summer event honors the Scottish Immigrants who allegedly named the city because it reminded them of their “beloved Scottish Highlands.” The week is packed with a parade, disc golf and horseshoe tournaments and a baby celebration complete with a “cutest creature in the woods” costume contest; but it’s the Strongman Competition and Highland Games that ramps up neighbors’ enthusiasm and brings out their inner beast. Step alongside the Utah Heavy Athletics athletes and compete in events like the sheaf toss, caber toss and the state hammer championship. The Play Day Rodeo rounds out the festivities and even includes a stick horse rodeo for all the little cowboys and cowgirls.

Highland residents don't want a bigger city with more things to do. People here take pride in being the kind of community where next-door-neighbors run into each other at Macey’s and Highland City Park. In fact, they hope it stays that way; quiet yet not inconvenient.

Written By

Tina Davis

Photography Contributed By

Kyle Aiken