Huntsville is a Weber County community that, in some ways, is frozen in time. This area eschews large-scale commercial development for natural vistas. There are no traffic lights here, and businesses are few. But the Wasatch Mountains are a constant companion, and the glistening Pineview Reservoir beckons with opportunities for water sports. “It’s amazing,” says Paul Taylor of Farmhouse Realty Group, who has sold properties in this area for over a dozen years. “People come in from out of state — the East Coast and West Coast, it doesn’t really matter — and they’re like, ‘We had no idea something like this even existed.’” Buyers looking to live here have a broad mix of houses to choose from, all minutes from outdoor attractions.
Outdoor recreation possibilities vary by the season
With the Wasatch Mountains here, skiing is a big deal in the winter. Huntsville is within 15 miles of the Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley and Snowbasin ski resorts, which combine to offer thousands of acres of adventure. Some of the ski trails double as mountain biking trails during the summer. “Mountain biking is very big,” Taylor says. So are water activities. The roughly 3,000-acre Pineview Reservoir also wraps around part of Huntsville, and is open to boating, fishing and swimming. “People [come] with their waterskiing boats and their wakeboarding boats,” Taylor says. “It’s a huge draw.” There are multiple beaches by the reservoir, too. Those looking for a place to take the kids to play can head to Huntsville Square, which contains an expansive playground, a ball field and a tennis court.
Huntsville’s eclectic homes serve a variety of purposes
Housing options in Huntsville range from early to mid-20th-century bungalows and ranch-style homes to recently constructed custom builds. Houses in this area are commonly used as second homes or rentals for people visiting attractions like the ski resorts. “At the same time, there are the traditional farmers that still farm the land, that live in houses that are 100 years old,” Taylor says. “So it’s a good mix of everything. And that’s what draws people to the valley, is the wide-open spaces.” Huntsville’s lots are relatively spacious, lining tranquil, unmarked streets. Single-family properties sell for between $1 million and $4 million, but some condos and townhouses in the area go for $650,000 to $1.3 million.
Area events fit into the local outdoor scene
In a place known for its wide-open spaces, some community events test endurance limits. The roughly 200-mile Ragnar Road Wasatch Back relay race cuts through Huntsville in mid-June. The Huntsville Marathon takes place in mid-September, winding down from an elevation of 8,738 feet to an elevation of 4,926 feet. “They’re very popular,” Taylor says, referring to the races. “They close the roads down.” Traditional family-friendly festivities include the Fourth of July celebration at Huntsville Square, with games, music and fireworks. The Huntsville Winter Carnival in February at the Square features figure skating, snow sculptures and more.
Shooting Star Saloon is a blast from the past
Two eateries are among the scant businesses within Huntsville. One of them, Shooting Star Saloon, has been open since 1879 and is known as the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi River. One of the attractions at Shooting Star is the collection of signed dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, a tradition that started in tribute to a one-time patron. “It’s very interesting when you walk in,” Taylor says. “So that’s kind of a draw. Residents want to bring their visitors — somebody comes to visit, they always want to go to the Shooting Star.” The Snowey Shack is open from May to September in Huntsville and serves up shaved ice with a variety of flavors. Locals head to places like Eden, 5 miles away, for more dining options. The Mad Moose Cafe has popular paninis and Carlos & Harley's offers a menu full of Tex-Mex items. Eats of Eden is a spot for cooked-to-order pizza. Eden also has a Valley Market grocery store.
Weber schools are well-regarded in the area
Students in Huntsville can enter the Weber School District, which has a B grade on Niche. “I’ve heard nothing but good things,” Taylor says of the school system. The area’s Valley Elementary earns an A-minus rating and tops Niche’s list of the best public elementary schools across Weber County. The B-rated Snowcrest Junior High has a National Academic League team. Weber High also carries a B grade and offers more than a dozen AP classes.
Valley Elementary School sits under a cloudy sky in the the colorful, fall mountains.
The entrance at Snowcrest Junior High School has green lawns and wide sidewalks.
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Utah State Route 39 is a way out of town
One of the major roads in the area is Utah State Route 39. Route 39 is a way to reach Ogden, which is located 15 miles away and is the biggest city in the area. The Ogden Airport is 18 miles away and has nonstop flights to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, through Breeze Airways. Ogden’s McKay-Dee Hospital is about 17 miles away.
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