What makes a home in Park City?
Those of us who live here believe we have the answer
The Home Issue 24-25
Written By: Brandi Christoffersen
Whether it’s the sight of a welcome mat at the front door, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the feel of a favorite winter comforter, the sound of children’s laughter or the taste of a home-cooked meal — a home is more than just a house or apartment number.
Ultimately, it’s part of who we are. It’s where we feel secure and safe, where some of our best memories are made and where we can relax and be ourselves. Home also means we feel connected to the area and are part of the local community.
According to most real estate agents, the biggest factor in finding a place to call home are: location, location, location! Those of us that live in and around this little summit town will tell you we definitely have that box checked.
For starters, we have immediate access to endless outdoor recreation — from mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and water sports to skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and ice fishing. These activities are complemented by Park City’s mountain climate. The area is considered humid continental, which means we have clear, warm summers and snowy, bright winters. It also means we experience all four seasons — autumn being a local favorite.
Arguably, we also live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Park City is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, the Uintas and Jordanelle State Park. We have an average of 229 sunny days per year, which is 20 more days than the U.S. norm. Studies show that sunlight not only boosts your immunity, but also lowers blood pressure, builds stronger bones, reduces depression and improves mood.
Parkites also receive the benefits of living at an elevation that’s over 6,000 feet, which research shows reduces the likelihood of cancer and heart disease. It also enhances lung capacity, improves muscle oxygenation and increases stamina.
If you have children, there is another awesome reason to
call this town home: the school district. Park City’s public school system is consistently ranked among the best in the state and spends more money per student than most other districts. The teachers are some of the most qualified in the region and they produce solid, tested results.
Additionally, the school system truly values winter sports culture and supports young athletes. Students are let out early on Fridays to participate in activities and are given a week off in February for “snow week.”
In addition to its location, a house or apartment requires personal touches and distinctions to truly make it a home. Luckily, there are many local resources that owners and tenants can reference for advice. Visionary firms like Elliott Workgroup, Ghigau Construction, Curtis Graf Homes and Stormy Sparlin Studios, which are all profiled in this magazine, can assist with the process of making a house or apartment a home — from new builds and remodels to renovations and interiors.
In the end, turning a house or apartment into a home comes down to the people that live in it. If you love to cook, a modern kitchen with all the trimmings is a must. If you enjoy hosting, good lighting and cozy furniture go a long way in making your guests feel welcome. And if you have a favorite hobby or interest, go ahead and showcase your treasures.
Home is where the heart is — so don’t be afraid to share it.
