Is Highland Utah a Good Place to Live in 2026?

Highland, Utah is the kind of city that does not need to market itself. The schools speak for themselves. The neighborhoods speak for themselves. And the mountain views speak loudest of all. Tucked into the northeast corner of Utah County between American Fork and Alpine, Highland has built a reputation as one of the most desirable communities along the Wasatch Front, and in 2026 that reputation is fully earned.

What Is Highland, Utah?

Highland is a smaller, intentionally residential city with a character that is distinctly different from the high-growth suburbs that have defined much of Utah County's expansion over the last decade. There are no major commercial corridors cutting through the middle of it. There are no apartment complexes lining the main roads. Highland made deliberate choices about what kind of community it wanted to be, and the result is a city that feels like a genuine neighborhood rather than a suburb that happened to fill in around some shopping centers.

The community borders American Fork to the west and Alpine to the east, sitting at the base of the Wasatch Mountains with quick access to American Fork Canyon. The Alpine Country Club is located within the city, which tells you something about the lifestyle orientation of the community.

What Are Home Prices in Highland Utah in 2026?

Highland is a premium market. According to Zillow, the average home value in Highland is $925,472, down 7.6 percent over the past year. Movoto reports a listing median of $909,986 with homes spending approximately 69 days on the market and a price per square foot of $252. Redfin reported a median sale price of $983,000 in July 2025, reflecting how Highland's luxury inventory can push monthly figures significantly depending on what closes in a given period.

For context, the Utah County median sale price as of March 2026 is $535,000 according to Redfin. Highland operates roughly 70 to 80 percent above that, reflecting the premium for top-rated schools, established neighborhoods, and mountain proximity. The 7.6 percent price correction from Zillow actually presents a window for buyers who have been priced out of this market at peak pricing.

What Neighborhoods Are in Highland Utah?

Highland has several distinct areas that attract different buyer profiles. The areas near Alpine Country Club are some of the most prestigious addresses in the city, with custom homes on generous lots and mature landscaping that reflects decades of investment. Skye Estates is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Highland, known for its custom home architecture, mountain backdrop, and tight community feel.

The areas near the Wasatch foothills on the eastern edge of the city provide direct access to trails, open space, and views that genuinely justify the price of admission. Corner Canyon and the American Fork Canyon trailheads are both within practical driving distance. Highland also has some newer townhome construction that has opened up access to the community for buyers who want the schools and neighborhood quality at a more accessible entry point.

What Are Highland Utah Schools Like in 2026?

This is the section that moves buyers to Highland more than anything else. The Alpine School District serves Highland, and the schools here consistently perform at the top of the state.

Lone Peak High School holds a GreatSchools rating of 8 out of 10 and a Niche grade of A minus. The school serves over 2,500 students in grades 10 through 12, has a graduation rate of 96 percent, and reports an average ACT score of 27, which is meaningfully above both the state and national average. Lone Peak offers Advanced Placement courses across multiple disciplines.

At the elementary level, Highland Elementary holds a GreatSchools rating of 9 out of 10, with 73 percent of students achieving proficiency in math and 70 percent in reading, both high numbers by Utah standards. Ridgeline Elementary carries an 8 out of 10 rating. For families where school quality is the primary driver of the home search, Highland is one of the strongest answers in all of Utah County.

What Employers Are Near Highland Utah?

Highland is a residential community, so employment is not centered in the city itself. The commute story however is solid. American Fork is immediately adjacent to the west and is home to multiple technology companies and corporate offices. Lehi's Silicon Slopes tech corridor, which houses major employers including Vivint Smart Home, Domo, and dozens of others, is a 10 to 15 minute drive from most parts of Highland.

Salt Lake City and the area's largest employers are accessible via I-15 in approximately 25 to 35 minutes. For residents who work remotely or have schedule flexibility, Highland's location gives them the quality of life they want without sacrificing practical connectivity.

What Is Life Like in Highland Utah?

Life in Highland is quiet, outdoor-oriented, and family-centered. Residents have immediate access to some of the best hiking and recreation in all of Utah County. American Fork Canyon is close, Corner Canyon trails are nearby, and the broader Wasatch Front trail network puts world-class outdoor recreation within reach year-round.

The community events in Highland tend to be neighborhood-focused rather than large-scale productions. Fourth of July celebrations, school events, and neighborhood activities are the social fabric here. It is a city where parents coach each other's kids' sports teams and people actually say hello when they walk past each other.

I tell every client who asks me about Highland the same thing: once you drive through it and see what the schools look like and what the neighborhoods feel like, it is hard to go back to looking at other cities at a similar price point. If you want to see what is currently available, visit danarealtorutah.com or get your home's current value at danarealtorutah.com/home-valuation. Call or text me directly at 801-636-3609.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Highland Utah

What high school serves Highland Utah?

Lone Peak High School serves the majority of Highland. It holds a GreatSchools rating of 8 out of 10, a Niche grade of A minus, and an average ACT score of 27 with a 96 percent graduation rate, making it one of the strongest high schools in the entire state.

What is the average home price in Highland Utah in 2026?

According to Zillow, the average home value in Highland is $925,472 in 2026, down 7.6 percent from the prior year. Movoto reports a listing median of $909,986 with homes spending approximately 69 days on the market.

Is Highland Utah safe?

Highland is consistently rated as one of the safer communities in Utah County. Its low density, residential zoning focus, and community investment in safety have historically resulted in very low crime rates relative to the broader state.

How far is Highland from Salt Lake City?

Highland is approximately 25 to 35 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, with I-15 access via American Fork making the commute manageable for residents who work in the metro area.

Is Highland good for families with kids?

Highland is one of the most family-oriented communities in the state. The combination of top-rated schools, safe streets, outdoor access, and a residential-first city identity makes it an exceptionally strong choice for families with school-age children.