Cottonwood Heights, UT: A Homebuyer's Guide to the City Between the Canyons

Cottonwood Heights has a nickname that says a lot about why people love it: "the city between the canyons." Tucked against the Wasatch Mountains on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, it sits right at the doorstep of Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons. If you are drawn to mountain views, trail access and established neighborhoods, Cottonwood Heights homes for sale are worth a close look. Here is what to know before you start touring.

Where Cottonwood Heights Is

Cottonwood Heights lies along the east bench, south of Holladay and Murray, east of Midvale and north of Sandy. I-215 runs along its northern border, and Wasatch Boulevard runs along the east side toward the canyon roads. Fort Union Boulevard is the main east-west corridor through the city, with much of its shopping and dining.

The city is relatively young as a municipality. It was incorporated in 2005 after residents voted for it in 2004, though many of its neighborhoods have been around much longer.

Canyon Access: The Big Draw

For many buyers, the biggest reason to live here is the canyons. Big Cottonwood Canyon leads up to Brighton and Solitude ski resorts, and Little Cottonwood Canyon leads to Alta and Snowbird. Living in Cottonwood Heights can mean a much shorter trip to the slopes in winter and to hiking, biking and picnic spots in summer.

A quick tip for winter: UDOT runs a Cottonwood Canyons travel website with resort and parking information. Each resort sets its own parking policies, and in recent seasons several have required parking reservations on weekends and holidays, so check UDOT's site and the resort's rules before you head up. The UTA Ski Bus is another option.

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhoods

The city's geography shapes its neighborhoods. A high ridge separates the valleys of Big and Little Cottonwood creeks, and that ridge is covered in residential streets. Most commercial areas sit lower, along Fort Union Boulevard and near the Old Mill in the northeast corner.

Here are a few areas the city itself highlights:

Old Mill

In the northeast corner of the city, the Old Mill neighborhood is named for the historic Cottonwood Paper Mill, built in 1883. Nearby Old Mill Park, sometimes called "Spencer's Pond," includes a section of the Big Cottonwood Trail, a footbridge and informational plaques about early settlement in the area.

Colebrook and the Fort Union Corridor

Along the busy Fort Union corridor, the Colebrook neighborhood is home to Mountview Park, one of the city's most popular parks and a venue for community events. It also gives access to the East Jordan Canal Trail. Living near Fort Union means quick access to shopping, restaurants and the Whitmore Library.

Danish Town

Danish Town, near Wasatch Boulevard, is home to Golden Hills Park, which has tennis courts, shade trees and views of the Wasatch Mountains.

The Brighton Area

Around Butler Middle School and the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center, the Brighton neighborhood centers on Butler Park, an 11.3-acre park (per the city) with amenities for all ages.

Parks and Recreation

Cottonwood Heights has an outdoorsy culture, and its parks reflect that.

• Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center at 7500 South 2700 East is the community's recreation hub, with fitness rooms, a track, pools and an ice rink.
• Butler Park sits right next to the recreation center and Butler Middle School.
• Crestwood Park in the Crestwood neighborhood is the largest park in the city at 58 acres, according to Cottonwood Heights, yet it still has a neighborhood feel.
• Ferguson Park is one of the city's newest parks, with an off-leash dog area, a walking loop and trailhead amenities for Ferguson Canyon.
• Mountview Park, Old Mill Park and Golden Hills Park each add their own character, from event lawns to creekside trails.

The city has also been building a multi-use trail along Big Cottonwood Creek within its borders.

Schools in Cottonwood Heights

Cottonwood Heights is part of Canyons School District. Brighton High School is the city's public high school, and Butler Middle School is the only middle school within city limits. Elementary schools in the city include Bella Vista, Butler, Canyon View and Ridgecrest. Boundaries do not always follow city lines, so use the Canyons School District School Locator to confirm which schools serve a specific address.

Living in Cottonwood Heights: What to Expect

Established Homes and Mature Neighborhoods

Many Cottonwood Heights neighborhoods were around long before the city incorporated, so expect plenty of resale homes on established streets. Many buyers appreciate the mature trees and settled feel.

Hillside Lots and Views

Because much of the city sits on the bench and the ridge between the creeks, some homes have sloped lots and valley or mountain views. Pay attention to driveway slope, snow removal and yard layout when you tour, especially if you are buying before winter.

Canyon Traffic

On busy ski days, traffic near the canyon roads and Wasatch Boulevard can build up. If you plan to commute at those times, factor that into which part of the city you choose.

Tips for Buying a Home in Cottonwood Heights

Get Pre-Approved Early

Having your financing in place lets you move confidently when the right home comes along.

Inspect With Hillside Homes in Mind

For homes on slopes, ask your inspector about drainage, retaining walls and foundation details.

Compare Nearby East-Bench Cities

If you love the east side but want to compare options, our Holladay area guide is a great next read. Holladay shares Cottonwood Heights' northern border and many of the same east-bench benefits.

Start Your Cottonwood Heights Search

Browse current Cottonwood Heights homes for sale, or learn more about the area on our Cottonwood Heights city guide.

Thinking about selling your current home to make the move? Get a free home value estimate to see where you stand.

When you are ready to tour, or if you just want to talk through which neighborhood fits you best, contact Nick Manville at Manville Property Group. We would love to help you find your place between the canyons.