Wellsville's small-town setting at the base of the Wellsville Mountains
Wellsville is the oldest permanent settlement in Cache County, and today it's one of the most desired towns in the county. "Wellsville is an amazing little rural town, but it's actually kind of a choice area," says Realtor Kimberly Phipps with Berkshire Hathaway Utah Properties, who raised her family in Wellsville for 25 years. "It's close to Logan and it's at the base of the valley, so it's really convenient for Salt Lake City commuters." Still, the setting is what people fall in love with. It's at the base of the Wellsville Mountains, or the "Wellsvilles," as locals call them. The Wellsvilles' steep ridges provide stunning views and a tranquil countryside feeling to the town in their shadow. "I absolutely loved it, and I'd happily move back," Phipps says. "It's the type of place where you don't have to worry about your kids running all over town."
Cottages, tract homes and multiacre properties
Wellsville has a true mix of home styles. "It always surprises people to see a new construction next to a 100-year-old home," Phipps says. "I tell them that's just the way this place is." Homes typically sit on large, grassy yards and have views of the Wellsville Mountains, no matter their location in town. The median price is about $550,000, which is in the standard range for 1920s Craftsman and midsize-to-larger tract homes. However, small saltbox cottages and ranch-style homes can start around $350,000. Newer tract homes with clearer views outside the town center reach nearly $1 million. Multiacre properties outside of town can go for around $2 million.
Trails at the foot of the Wellsville Mountains, and parks in town
No town has better access to the Wellsville Mountains than Wellsville. The Wellsville Trail is a short walk or drive from most homes. It and other trailheads take hikers across the range's scenic ridges and canyons. Those up for the challenge can climb one of the summits, such as the Wellsville Cone or Box Elder Peak. "It's a rite of passage for people to hike to the top of the Wellsvilles," Phipps says. The Wellsville Mountains don't have any skiing areas, but the surrounding area is home to world-class slopes, like Beaver Mountain, 40 miles northeast. Residents also find recreation at community parks in town. City Square Park and Tabernacle Park offer open lawn spaces in the town center, while the Wellsville Reservoir provides a tranquil place to walk. There's also an equestrian park on the town's west side.
The Cache County School District is top five in Utah
Wellsville is part of the Cache County School District. According to Niche, it's one of the top five districts in Utah and receives an A grade. Students begin at Wellsville Elementary, which gets a B-plus. They continue at middle and high schools in Hyrum, less than 10 miles east. South Cache Middle earns an A-minus, and Mountain Crest High is rated a B-plus.
Everyone comes back for Founder's Day
Nothing in Wellsville is a bigger deal than Founder's Day. It celebrates the town's founders with multiple days of festivities every Labor Day weekend. "Founder's Day is a huge deal," Phipps says. "It's a tradition for people who grew up here to come home for Founder's Day." Each day involves a schedule of activities, capped off with a parade.
The local soda shop and ice cream parlor
Wellsville is mostly residential, except for a few locally owned eateries. Margo's Pop'n Go is a soda shop and snack shack on wheels that sets up on South Center Street, next to Tabernacle Park. The Wellsville Cone — not the mountain — is located at the opposite corner of the park. This ice cream parlor is a popular stop during the warmer summer months. Across the street, Chef D's gives the town a unique taste of East Coast cuisine, serving Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches. There are convenience stores around town, but no substantial supermarkets. The nearest one is Ridley's in Hyrum.
A 10-mile drive to Logan and Utah State University
U.S. Route 89 runs alongside Wellsville and leads north and south to larger cities. Logan, Cache County's main city center, is 10 miles northeast of Wellsville. Along with other industries, it's home to Utah State University. USU is one of the state's prominent institutions, with almost 30,000 students and over 1,200 faculty and staff at the main campus. Route 89 leads 75 miles south to downtown Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City International Airport is the region's primary hub, but Wellsville residents can find a few domestic flights at Logan-Cache Regional Airport in Logan.
