I’m excited to write an article for the Lehi Free Press about real estate in our city. It combines two things that I care deeply about, the Lehi Free Press and Real Estate. Growing up in Lehi, I always loved reading our local newspaper. It always had great commentary and articles, and before social media, that is what kept us in the loop. I am also passionate about Real Estate. I have been a realtor in the Lehi area for the past 15 years.
I was born and raised in Lehi and it was a great place to grow up. I’ve seen a lot of change over the years. I love the town Lehi use to be and the city it is becoming. I went to Lehi High School in the early 1990s and loved my time there. In the 1990 census, Lehi had 8,682 residents. We were a tiny little town; Vittles had just put in the first drive-up window and the closest stop light was in American Fork. There was not a lot of growth back then. I can only think of two houses that were built in my neighborhood while I was growing up.
We experienced a little boom when Micron came to Lehi and the 2000 census counted 19,681 residents. It was over the next ten years Lehi picked up steam and in the 2010 census there were 48,186. In the last eight years, however, Lehi has added about 20,000 residents and is currently around 67,000 residents and continues to grow. One publication had us as the 11th fastest growing city in the Nation. Who would have ever thought little old Lehi would grow to what it is now? So, what is fueling that growth? In my experience there are a few things I would attribute it to.
- Location- As any real estate agent will tell you location is the most important thing. My Dad would always tell us Lehi was a well-kept secret! Positioned between Salt Lake and Provo, with good access to the Interstate and airport, Lehi offers a lot. It offers a rural feel with big city amenities. And of course, add the beauty that surrounds it, including amazing mountain, lake, and valley views.
- Choices – Lehi has million-dollar homes to starter homes, large ranches to condo communities. There is a nice mix and something for most. One thing that has attracted many residents to Lehi is a wide range of housing options at prices generally cheaper than Highland, Alpine and Draper.
- Retirement destination- This one may surprise some people. I know Lehi is not Florida or even St George. People do not come for the sun or beaches. What I’ve noticed is parents wanting to live closer to grandchildren, the local universities, or other attractions. I have had empty nest clients from California, Texas, Oklahoma, and many other states. Surprisingly, Lehi has become a retirement destination.
I do not see the growth stopping in Lehi. With several large developments currently being built, people continue to flock to Lehi for the same reason we and our parents did. It is a great place to work and raise a family.
