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Contrary to popular belief, not everyone famous flocks to LA’s Beverly Hills, NYC’s Upper East Side, and other cultural epicenters known for glitz and glamor.
Places like Park City and Woodland Hills in Utah also have a significant community of the rich and the famous. In fact, the Beehive State has a number of celebrities who have called it home for years.
But why Utah? It is the 11th-least densely populated among American states. And it goes without saying, the fewer people a place has, the more privacy A-listers can enjoy. Then, there’s the scenic beauty with expansive deserts, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain ranges. The state’s natural landscape isn’t just popular for celebrity vacations but has also provided the backdrop for numerous movies, including Forrest Gump, Thelma and Louise, Independence Day, and many others.
Besides, Utah has all the amenities for luxury living. Places like Summit Creek’s upscale gated community and Park City’s high-end ski resorts promise exclusivity, privacy, and an escape from chaotic city life to a tranquil environment without compromising comfort and convenience.
So, which A-listers can you expect to bump into in Utah? Here are five to keep in mind if you love celebrity spotting.
1. Bill Engvall
Bill Engvall is a popular actor and stand-up comedian who has appeared in various sitcoms (such as A Pair of Jokers and The Jeff Foxworthy Show) and talk shows like the Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. But he’s best known for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which led to a TV series and three films.
Engvall officially retired in 2022 (although it was short-lived). While he was born in Galveston, Texas, guess where he finally settled down? Park City, Utah. Coincidentally (or maybe not), his final performance right after his retirement announcement was also in Utah.
Rumor has it that Engvall is a member of the Glenwild Golf Club. So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you are heading that way.
2. Post Malone
“Everywhere I go (Hey). Catch me on the block like I'm Mutumbo (Wow). 750 Lambo in the Utah snow (Skrrt),” sings Post Malone, the popular rapper with nine diamond-certified songs (the highest by any artist to date).
Post’s affection for Utah isn’t just limited to his music references. The New York-born musician has chosen a quiet nook outside Salt Lake City to permanently reside in, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city.
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This might seem odd given his public persona. But the rapper is finding calm and seclusion in Utah, calling the state an “oasis” in an interview with Variety.
And he’s living there in style in a $3-million, 12,700-square-foot mansion on a 6.7-acre estate located in a highly private area of Cottonwood Heights.
3. Robert Redford
A long-time resident of Utah, Robert Redford deserves an honorary place on any celebrity list associated with the state.
The award-winning actor and producer relocated to Utah in the 1950s when he married Lola Van Wagenen from Provo. Since then, he had spent most of his time there, despite having properties in other states.
Redford set up the Sundance Resort after acquiring a 5,000-acre land on the slopes of Mount Timpanogos in 1968. In 1978, he founded what we know today as the Sundance Film Festival, drawing thousands of people to the state.
But the actor’s contribution to Utah goes beyond the film industry and the local economy. He was instrumental in preserving the state’s wildlife and natural environment, so much so that he was honored by the local governor as well.
4. Katherine Heigl
The model-turned-actress, Katherine Heigl, shot to stardom with her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens in the popular drama Grey’s Anatomy, which also happened to earn her a Primetime Emmy in 2007.
Born in Washington, D.C., Heigl has lived in several states (including Virginia and Connecticut) with her family as a child. However, after moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, she decided to call LA her home for two decades, especially as her career in Hollywood took off.
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But where is she now? You guessed it—Utah. Strangely enough, Heigl tied the knot with singer Josh Kelley in Park City, Utah. Since then, the couple has moved to a ranch in Oakley, where they live with their three kids.
5. Ty Burrell
Who doesn’t love Modern Family, right? If you are a fan, you likely adored the goofy yet lovable character of Phil Dunphy. Ty Burrell played the role for 11 long years, winning multiple awards, including a couple of Primetime Emmys.
The Oregon native settled down in New York City after marrying his wife, Holly, in 2000. The couple later moved to Los Angeles to be close to the Modern Family set. However, once the sitcom ended in 2020, Burrell decided to take his family to Utah, where Holly grew up.
It would have for sure taken some adjustment, but the couple has no regrets. “It’s been lovely and a great place to raise the kids,” Burrell told People magazine.
Today, the actor co-owns several restaurant ventures in Utah, including Bar X on 200 South in Salt Lake City and The Cotton Bottom in Holladay.
To Conclude
For years, Utah has consistently topped the rankings of the best states to live in the United States.
Its impressive economic growth, fiscal stability, infrastructure, academic performance, and safety track record make it the perfect place to settle down for families.
And the state’s natural beauty is second to none. The diverse and expansive geography of Utah promises not just beautiful scenery but lots of outdoor activities, from skiing to boating and hiking.
Considering all these, it’s hardly a surprise that famous A-listers like Bill Engvall, Post Malone, Robert Redford, Katherine Heigl, and Ty Burrell chose the state as their home.
For those fed up with the buzzing city life, this is the ideal destination to enjoy slow-paced living without distancing themselves from the essential amenities. And Utah’s tight-knit community vibe can make anyone feel right at home.
