Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
As the Wasatch Front living prices continue to rise, more families and individuals are looking toward neighboring towns for lower costs of living and smaller communities. The Ephraim area, in particular, has seen huge growth over the past few years. From 2020 to 2024, the area saw 10.7% growth, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
While some people are indeed looking for lower costs of living, there are other draws that influence Ephraim's notable growth. Here are a few.
Job opportunities
Sanpete County, where both Ephraim and Manti reside, has a positive projection for new jobs. At the end of 2025, the county saw a 1.9% increase in non-farming jobs compared to 2024, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The sectors seeing the most growth from December 2024 to December 2025 are:
- Leisure/hospitality: 27.5% increase.
- Information: 18.2% increase.
- Financial services: 10.5% increase.
- Education/health/social services: 8.5% increase.
With Snow College down the road, many people are employed at the school. From educators to athletic coaches, Snow College often has job openings, keeping the economy growing and strong in Ephraim.
And for anyone who works remotely, living in the Ephraim area seems like a no-brainer.
Affordable housing/living
Housing affordability is one reason many people are turning to smaller communities outside of the major Utah cities. Over the past 10 years, the median home price in Utah has skyrocketed from $325,000 in 2016 to today's $575,000, according to data shared by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Those who want to get more bang for their buck might consider towns like Ephraim or Manti when purchasing a home. Data from Realtor.com shows the average price per square foot of a Utah home for sale is $256. In Ephraim, it's only $168 per square foot.
In December 2025, Governor Spencer Cox awarded Ephraim with the Utah First Homes Award. The award is given to communities that are building more affordable starter homes for Utahns. The goal of the program is to create 35,000 new starter homes in Utah by 2028, according to Utah.gov.
Ephraim is well on its way to paving the path for homebuyers. New housing communities, like those at Ephraim Crossing, are going up with the hopes of creating more affordable, walkable, and beneficial spaces for residents.
Canyon Townhomes start at $379,000—more than $200,000 below the median home price in Utah. With fully fenced yards, two-car garages, an EV charging outlet in the garage, and three-bedroom floor plans, these townhomes may be a great opportunity for those who love small-town living.
Access to nature and recreation
Another draw to the area is the close proximity to the Manti-La Sal National Forest and all of the outdoor recreation opportunities there. About six miles from Ephraim is Lake Hill Reservoir—perfect for canoeing and trout fishing.
If you enjoy staying on land, the more than 350 miles of ATV trails are a popular way to spend a weekend.
The area is also well-loved for snowmobiling, biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Low crime rates
One of the major appeals for Ephraim's growth over the past few years is its low crime rates. A Redfin survey showed nearly 75% of people looking for a new home said living in a low-crime area is a "must-have." If personal safety and low crime rates are important to you, Ephraim may be one of the safest areas in the state.
According to information from the FBI's Crime Data Explorer, the Ephraim Police Department has reported zero aggravated assaults in 2026, no homicides in the last five years, and only one burglary case in 2026.
Find your place in the Ephraim/Manti area
The Ephraim/Manti area is growing quickly. With new homes and townhomes, walkable parts of town, and job growth, the area is ripe with opportunities for a fresh start. Canyon Townhomes offer open-concept floorplans, primary suites, fenced-in yards, attached garages and more.
To see what's available and reserve your townhome in Ephraim's up-and-coming community, visit canyonstownhomes.com.
