January 2026 | Vol. 20 Iss. 1
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Draper
Draper history
Commission works to preserve historic structures Page 6
Goodbye 2025
Some of our favorite photos from the past year
Page 12
Pros and cons of Draper’s $1 million median home price By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Realtors and the mayor comment on Draper’s average home price reaching the $1 million mark and potentially “affordable” developments in a city that’s mostly built-out.
M
ove over 90210, 84020 is giving you a run for your money. In August, The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced several zip codes with a median home price hovering near $1 million. The Board showed 84020 right at the $1 million average mark. Meanwhile, a report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute indicated Utah is the ninth most expensive housing market in the nation for cities with more than 40,000 residents. Draper’s population is estimated at 53,000. An average price tag of $1 million has obvious pros and cons; good news for people who already own homes in Draper because of the equity they’ve built, but a big obstacle for others, including first-time homebuyers, young families and people on fixed incomes. Mayor Troy Walker wasn’t surprised to hear that $1 million median home price.
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced Draper’s median home price had reached $1 million. (File photo City Journals) “Draper has amazing connectivity with light rail, FrontRunner and I-15 as well as open space and parks. It’s a desirable place to live but with a limited supply of housing,” he said. That limited supply of housing at lower prices affects Walker directly. Three of his adult children live under his roof despite having college degrees and jobs. “I don’t mind
my kids living with me. I’d rather they pay me a little rent and save than never get out of the hole. They’re all saving, but prices keep going up and interest rates haven’t come down to a level viable for younger people. It takes a lot of money to afford the down payment and make the monthly payment for a home, especially at these interest rates. A lot
of families in my neighborhood have kids living with them for the same reason,” he said. Walker said his home has doubled in value since he purchased it 22 years ago and he couldn’t afford to buy it at its current value, nor could he afford to move to another home in the city. “I’m lucky, I have one of Continued page 4