Maeser has a rural lifestyle near Vernal's restaurants and breweries
Only a short drive from the blue lakes and red sandstone cliffs of the Unita Basin, Maeser is known as a semi-arid, agricultural suburb, minutes from Vernal's Main Street center. With eclectic restaurants and breweries, this rural community of about 4,500 residents has access to world-class recreation, city-like conveniences and the rural lifestyle of Eastern Utah. "Maeser has larger lots. People like it because you're close to town and close to the mountains," says Nathan Snow, a lifelong native of the area and broker/owner at Century 21 Country Realty, Inc. "It's a little more remote and less densely populated than other areas like Vernal or Naples."
Vernal’s historic center offers eclectic restaurants and brewpubs
Vernal has a historic downtown with wide streets and mountain views. It offers an eclectic collection of cuisines, including barbecue, Thai and Italian restaurants on Main Street. Antica Forma is an upscale pizzeria with a rustic dining room. Next to an outdoor fountain, the Swain Brothers eatery serves steak and prime rib in a pub-style atmosphere. The Vernal Brewing Company is a popular local brewery with craft beer distributed to multiple locations throughout town, including the Dinosaur Brew Haus. The area also has nearby supermarkets, such as Smith's and Davis Food & Drug. "Downtown Vernal is adjacent to Maeser, so there are good opportunities for shopping minutes away," Snow says.
Farms and wide-open skies shape the landscape
This community has horse farms and agricultural propertiesbelow a wide-open sky. Many parts of Maeser offer distant views of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. This area primarily features New Traditional and ranch-style architecture on spacious lots. Homes rarely come on the market in Maeser. In recent years, only one has sold for around $340,000.
Water sports at desert reservoirs, near national recreation areas
With blue water surrounded by a desert landscape, Steinaker State Park features campgrounds and a sandy beach, making it a popular place for water recreation. Also nearby is Red Fleet State Park, another reservoir with red-sandstone cliffs resembling a fleet of ships. It is also known for its kayaking access and dinosaur tracks, which date back over 200 million years. "You have access to boating, fishing, mountain biking and hiking," Snow says. "I have a boat that I take wake surfing at the local reservoirs. I can also take my horses and go ride up in the Uinta Mountains." Another green space is Remember the Maine Park, which has a playground next to a creek set against a massive cliff backdrop. Maeser is within 50 miles of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the Dinosaur National Monument, providing many landscapes to visit.
Uintah District schools mix academics with real-world experiences
The Uintah District serves over 4,000 students across 13 schools in the Vernal area. Maeser Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche and hosts an annual “Maeser’s Got Talent” talent show for students to present their unique talents and skills. Uintah Middle School has a B-minus, and its seventh-grade students can tour local universities and businesses to learn about future careers. Uintah High School receives a C-plus and offers courses, such as CAD architectural design, mobile app development and German language.
Quick access to Vernal and a regional airport with flights to Denver
Maeser has quick access to state Route 121 and Vernal. U.S. Route 191 is the area’s expressway, heading north toward Wyoming and west to Salt Lake City, within a three-hour drive. The nearest emergency room is at the Ashley Regional Medical Center in Vernal. Roughly 6 miles southeast, the Vernal Regional Airport offers direct passenger flights to Phoenix and Denver.
