Ten of the Mountain West’s Top Mountain Towns with Summer Appeal

Park City, UT

Let’s look at some mountain towns throughout Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming perfect for a summer getaway, seasonal home, or permanent residence.

1. Missoula, MT

Nestled on the Clark Fork River, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise in the summer. The city boasts hiking trails passing through mountains and recreation areas, some of Montana’s best trout fishing spots, and awe-inspiring scenery. The real estate market in Missoula is competitive, with a variety of homes ranging from historic properties in the University District to modern developments on the city’s outskirts. According to Redfin’s June data, Missoula homes sold for a median price of $529,000, spending an average of 51 days on the market.

2. Springdale, UT

Springdale is a quiet town renowned as the gateway to Zion National Park. While its downtown area offers quaint hotels and eateries, it’s the natural beauty of Zion National Park that truly draws visitors. The park is a world-famous destination for hiking, with otherworldly landscapes and unique geological formations. Real estate in Springdale is limited and highly desirable, with homes offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Springdale’s median listing home price was $749,000, with homes selling after an average of 100 days on the market, per June Realtor.com data.

3. McCall, ID

McCall is a picturesque community that’s a popular choice for a seasonal home. Located on Payette Lake within Payette National Forest, this area is an all-season hotspot. In the summer, residents and visitors alike enjoy its charming beaches, scenic hiking trails, and laid-back downtown. The sparkling blue waters of the lake are perfect for boating and water activities. McCall’s real estate market is thriving, and lakefront properties and rustic mountain cabins are particularly popular. In June, Realtor.com reported a median listing home price of $795,000 and that homes usually sold after 47 days.

4. Priest River, ID

Priest River is a serene community that brings an influx of visitors each summer. Known for the river it’s named after, this town is a hotspot for fishing, canoeing, boating, and water activities. The expansive Priest Lake State Park is an idyllic place to spend a summer day, and real estate in the area remains relatively affordable, with Realtor.com showing a median listing home price of $575,000 in June. On average, homes sold after 59 days on the market, reflecting a slight year-over-year increase.

5. Whitefish, MT

Whitefish, one of Montana’s most popular destinations, is a Rocky Mountain resort town with breathtaking scenery. Its charming downtown offers restaurants, shops, and a variety of real estate options, but outdoor recreation is the main draw. Whitefish Lake State Park and the nearby Glacier National Park provide countless ways to enjoy the pristine Mountain West landscape. According to Realtor.com, Whitefish’s real estate scene currently exhibits a buyer’s market, with high demand for luxury homes and vacation properties, particularly those with mountain or lake views. In June, homes sold for a median price of $964,500 within an average of 61 days, per Redfin data.

6. Park City, UT

Park City is world-renowned as a skiing destination, but summer brings plenty to do in this luxurious mountain town, including going on mountain hikes, visiting adventure parks, playing golf, and relaxing at spas. Park City also offers exceptional dining and high-end real estate options. One of the most expensive markets in the Mountain West, Park City’s median home sale price was $2.1 million per Redfin’s June data, with properties selling after an average of 49 days.

7. Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is another Mountain West community famous for its ski offerings, but its summer attractions are equally compelling. The area has some of the best hiking trails in the U.S., with stunning destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Ousel Falls Park within reach. Also, Big Sky features many real estate options, including upscale custom-built homes and ski-in/ski-out residences. In June, Redfin reported a median home sale price of $1.6 million, with properties spending an average of 178 days on the market.

8. Alpine, WY

Alpine is a dream summer getaway for those seeking a quiet community with convenient lodging, affordable real estate opportunities, and abundant charm. The surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, rafting, hiking, hunting, and more. Encompassing options ranging from rustic cabins to newly constructed properties, homes in Alpine had a median listing price of $985,000 and spent an average of 29 days on the market, according to Realtor.com June data.

9. Sun Valley, ID

Sun Valley may be famous for its ski resort, but the summer months bring a wealth of activities as well. In addition to a downtown area with a thriving food and arts scene, Sun Valley is also particularly known for its mountain biking courses, hiking trails, and rushing rivers, perfect for fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Sun Valley’s real estate market is characterized by luxury homes and condominiums, with a high demand for properties offering mountain views and easy access to outdoor activities. In June, Redfin reported a median sale price of $3.3 million and that homes spent an average of 13 days on the market.

10. Coeur d’Alene, ID

Coeur d’Alene is one of the Mountain West’s most famous summer destinations, thanks to its namesake lake. The city offers scenic beaches, top-notch water sports experiences, and picturesque trails. Coeur d’Alene’s downtown is bustling with shops, restaurants, and museums, and the city’s lakefront real estate options are highly enticing as seasonal homes. In June, according to Redfin, homes had a median sale price of $560,000 and typically spent 13 days on the market.