Natural beauty and national parks in Moab
Among the unique red rock formations of the Colorado Plateau, Moab offers an abundance of outdoor recreation and a small-town atmosphere within a short drive of two national parks. Located in Grand County, Utah, the area was a farming and ranching community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Moab is a destination area for outdoor lovers across the United States and is home to a close-knit local community of around 5,200 residents, according to the United States Census Bureau’s 2023 estimations. “People move here for the natural beauty and recreation,” says Nikole Andersen, the managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway Utah Properties Moab. “Arches National Park is our backyard, and we have seemingly endless hiking trails.”
From 20th century bungalows to luxury modern townhomes
Most of the area’s homes were built between the 1960s and 1980s, with some 21st-century builds throughout town and in the surrounding hills. Houses sit on properties ranging from a quarter of an acre to 2 acres. Split-levels, ranch-style homes and Pueblo-inspired houses line the streets of Moab, with most ranging from $450,000 to $855,000. Large, modern homes with luxury interiors and expansive lots can go for $1.3 million to $2.1 million. The area is also home to a variety of condo complexes, with units ranging from $360,000 to $640,000, and luxury townhomes going for $950,000 to $1.1 million.
Nearby national parks and Colorado River recreation
Arches National Park lies just north of Moab and spans over 76,000 acres, with thousands of natural stone arches. The park has around 1.5 million visitors each year, with over a dozen hiking trails, numerous rock-climbing spots and backpacking camp sites. “Our off season for tourism keeps getting shorter,” Andersen says. “We host tons of travelers in town from early spring to late fall and, on big holiday weekends, our population can reach close to 40,000. Some people don’t like how busy we get in the summer, but I like the active atmosphere and the buzz around town.” Just 30 miles southwest, Canyonlands National Park has over 100 miles of trails, including the Needles Trails, which are ideal for full day or multi-day trips. “People here also love having access to the Colorado River for rafting and kayaking,” Andersen says. “There are numerous nearby put ins, so you can take a full day trip or just enjoy the river for a few hours.” Swanny City Park is home to ample open green space, a playground, picnic tables and a skate park. The park borders the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, with both indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center.
Local businesses in Moab
Due to Moab’s ideal location for visiting Utah’s national parks, the area welcomes thousands of visitors between March and November each year. Dozens of hotels line Main Street, which runs through the town’s center, and many of the area’s local businesses are supported by the tourism industry. “We have a close-knit community here in Moab,” says Andersen. “You see a familiar face almost everywhere you go, whether it's the farmers market or the grocery store.” The Moab Garage Co. is a popular cafe serving coffee and espresso alongside breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and burritos. The Broken Oar restaurant is another local favorite and offers classic pub fare in a casual, log-cabin-like atmosphere. Moab Gear Trader is the go-to spot for outdoor equipment, while Back of Beyond sells new and used books. Shoppers can pick up groceries and essentials at City Market or Express Grocery.
Career and technical education in Grand County Public Schools
Helen M. Knight School serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students and earns a C grade from Niche. Margaret L. Hopkin Middle School also receives a C. Grand County High School earns a B-minus and partners with Utah State University for its concurrent enrollment classes. Grand County High also offers 13 career and technical education pathways, including broadcasting and digital media, health science and business information management.
Access to Interstate 70 and Grand Junction
United States Route 191 runs through the center of Moab and spans around 30 miles north to Interstate 70, which can take drivers around 75 miles east to Grand Junction and roughly 30 miles west to Green River.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
