Do you ever pull into your driveway and feel like something is missing? Maybe your home is fine, but it doesn’t feel like home. I know that feeling well.
In 2020, my husband Dame and I sat down and asked ourselves a big question: Where do we want to be long term?
We weren’t just looking for our next house. We were looking for our forever home.
Where we started
We’d lived in a couple of great places before.
Cedar Hills was our first home. It was beautiful, but our driveway was very steep. As first-time buyers, we never thought about it. Then winter came, and we thought about it a lot!
Lehi came next. We lived near Silicon Slopes, and almost anything we needed was close by: stores, restaurants, and work.
Both homes were good, but neither one felt like forever. I wanted to live closer to the mountains on the east bench. I wanted Utah’s beauty right outside my window.
But buying a home is always emotional. Here’s what was on my mind:
We’d be paying more. A bigger payment is scary.
We’d start our loan over. That meant going back to the beginning after years of payments.
We had to get our current home ready to sell. That’s a lot of cleaning, fixing, and staging.
We needed the right size home. Lots of homes in Alpine are very large. We’re a family of three, and we didn’t need a huge house.
If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Stress is normal. It usually means you care about getting it right.
The moment I almost panicked
When we finally found our home, I’ll admit I hyperventilated a little.
The house was older and needed work. Near Traverse Mountain, we could have bought a brand-new home for the same price. New paint, new floors, nothing to fix.
But none of those new homes had what Alpine had: the mountains, the trees, the open space, and the quiet.
Why the numbers made me feel better
So I did what helps me when I’m nervous. I looked at the data.
Here’s what I learned. Our house would always be the most affordable home in one of Utah’s top neighborhoods. Alpine is a place where people really want to live, and homes there tend to hold their value.
You can always fix up a house. You can’t move a mountain closer to your front door.
What it’s like to live in Alpine
Here are a few things we love about life here.
The outdoors is in your backyard
Lambert Park has miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The city bought the land back in 1954 to protect it.
The Alpine Nature Center shares local trail info, including the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive winds up American Fork Canyon with amazing views of Mount Timpanogos. It’s even better in the fall.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is just a short drive away.
Small-town traditions
Every summer, the town celebrates Alpine Days, with a parade, a rodeo, fireworks, and a movie in the park. It started back in 1947 to raise money for new shingles on the old rock church. Now it’s one of the best parts of living here. You’re still close to everything.
Horsetail Falls | Alpine, Utah
Alpine feels tucked away, but Lehi, Silicon Slopes, and the freeway are only minutes away. You get the quiet without giving up the convenience.
Not happy in your current home? Ask yourself these questions
If you’re feeling stuck where you live, these questions can help you figure out what’s next:
What do I wish I could see when I look outside? Mountains? Trees? More space?
What bugs me about my home now? Be specific, like a steep driveway, a long commute, or too much noise.
Where do I see myself in 10 years? Pick a place that fits your future, not just today.
What size home do we really need? Bigger isn’t always better.
Am I okay with a home that needs some work? An older home in a great area can be a smart buy.
What does the data say? Look at home values, the neighborhood, and how prices have held up over time.
Our forever home
Looking back, I’m so glad we took the leap. The worry was real, but so is the joy of living somewhere that feels right.
If you’re not happy in your home, that feeling is worth listening to. Your forever home might be closer than you think, maybe right up against the mountains.
Thinking about a move to Alpine or another Utah County neighborhood? Reach out. I’d love to share what we learned.
not totally vibing in your existing home? let’s chat.
Hi, I’m Ali! I’ve been a Realtor since 2013. I know how stressful a move can feel. I’ve been there personally and have helped hundreds of clients sell. Let’s review your home's value together so you can understand the real numbers and make a confident decision about your next move.
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