Salt Lake City Neighborhoods: Cottonwood Heights

Jan 283 min read

Nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, Cottonwood Heights is a charming city that offers a likable blend of suburban convenience and outdoor adventure. With a population somewhere around 35,000 residents, this slice of the Salt Lake Valley offers the amenities and accessibility of a dense, urban area with unparalleled access to world-class ski resorts like Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Originally part of what was called “Union,” then later named Butlersville for one of the families that settled the area in the mid to late 1800s, Cottonwood Heights experienced a lot of growth in the decades following World War II. Today, it’s a thriving city that boasts plenty of green space, hiking trails, stunning mountain views, and the opportunity to live a serene and active lifestyle.

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhoods & Local Businesses

Originally part of the larger Salt Lake County area, Cottonwood Heights became an incorporated city in 2005. Prior to this, it was primarily an agricultural area, home to farming communities that took advantage of fertile land and proximity to water sources like Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks. As Salt Lake City expanded, Cottonwood Heights began to see significant residential development, especially in the 1990s and 2000s, when subdivisions and commercial centers started filling in the once-rural landscape. Today, you’ll find countless local businesses lining the streets of this neighborhood, including countless options for good food. Just at the foot of Big Cottonwood Canyon, locals can enjoy Porcupine Pub & Grille, an aprés ski staple for the last 25 years, or Saola, an absolutely delicious spot where one can find creative and quality Vietnamese dishes in a gorgeously designed and loungey space. Market Street Oyster Bar is another tasty option, but Lone Star Taqueria is a never-miss, and we highly suggest diving in if you haven’t before.

The Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center offers about 160,000 square feet of fitness and activity options, including 4 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools, a 3-tiered dive tank, 2 water slides, an Olympic sized ice arena, a basketball gymnasium, an indoor walking track, 5 racquetball courts, several fitness rooms, 6 outdoor pickleball courts, on-site child care and 4 meeting rooms. Easily one of the largest recreational facilities in the Salt Lake Valley, residents can take advantage of countless events, like camps, tournaments, clinics, and other fun activities.

Cottonwood Heights Home Prices

Due to the aforementioned proximity to outdoor recreation, as well as the many excellent schools in the area, Cottonwood Heights is a pretty sought-after neighborhood, making for limited availability and a competitive market. The area tends to attract buyers who are looking for more spacious lots, as many homes in Cottonwood Heights sit on larger parcels with mature trees and mountain views. Recent data puts the median home price in the area somewhere around $650,000, reflecting appeal to both families and professionals, but prices can soar for some of the larger properties, and whether you’re seeking a cozy bungalow or a sprawling estate, Cottonwood Heights offers a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets. A diverse housing stock includes varied property styles, from mid-century ranch-style homes to newer, custom-built properties, alongside a blend of old and new, with traditional single-family homes, modern town homes, and luxury estates dotting the landscape.

Looking for a Home in Cottonwood Heights?

If you’re interested in buying a home in the Cottonwood Heights neighborhood, our team of experienced agents is here to help. We can guide you through the process of finding your dream home and negotiating the best price and terms. Contact us anytime to chat...we're happy to answer any questions.