Brains
Skiing and affordable are two words that aren’t generally used in the same sentence. While ski towns across the U.S. are famously expensive, such as Aspen, Colorado, and Park City, Utah, these types of towns generally don’t offer the same career opportunities that larger metro areas do. As a result, many professionals prefer to move to larger cities that offer both great access to nature and winter sports, as well as the every day amenities and opportunities these population centers can provide.
To help those who value both powder days and a steady 9-to-5 with a benefits package, we’ve compiled a list of the salaries needed to buy a home in five U.S. cities that offer great mountain access. Our income data is sourced from VisualCapitalist’s.com’s map of the income required to afford homeownership.
#5 Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City (SLC) is widely considered one of the best cities in the U.S. to live in if skiing or snowboarding is a top priority. SLC offers exceptional access to the Wasatch Range’s many world-class ski resorts—all within an hour’s drive. From Alta and Snowbird to Park City and beyond, skiers and riders can enjoy Utah’s trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth” during their free time.
The Wall Street Journal named Salt Lake City the hottest job market in the U.S. in 2023, with many opportunities in the tech sector. The income needed to purchase a home in the area was estimated at $138,000 per year—making it an attractive option for those seeking both a booming job market and abundant outdoor recreation.
#4 Sacramento, California
California’s capital, Sacramento, is often overlooked when planning a ski trip. However, the city is located less than two hours from Lake Tahoe—one of North America’s most iconic winter sports destinations—via I-80 or Highway 50. Tahoe is home to 15 ski areas surrounding its waters and nearby mountains, including well-known resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, and and Palisades Tahoe.
Sacramento also boasts a strong and diverse job market, with many of the higher-paying positions tied to government, reflecting its role as the capital of the most populous U.S. state. The income needed to purchase a home in Sacramento is $144,800 per year—substantially lower than in other major California cities, such as San Jose, where the required salary exceeds $500,000 annually.
#3 Denver, Colorado
Denver skyline with the mighty front range looming in the background. Photo credit National Geographic.
No list of cities with great skiing access would be complete without Denver. The Mile High City lies within easy reach of some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, including Breckenridge, Aspen, and Vail.
Denver offers strong job prospects across multiple industries, with starting salaries ranging from $55,000 to $98,000 for many entry-level roles, according to Newgrad-jobs.com. The recommended household income to purchase a home in Denver is $161,900—making it a feasible option for dual-income households, including recent graduates, looking to settle in a growing and outdoors-oriented city.
#2 Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Waterfront. Photo provided by Boston Tea Party Ships and Museums.
Next on the list is Boston, a city that offers some of the best access to skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Berkshire East Mountain Resort, and Mt. Sunapee and many others are all within easy reach.
Boston boasts a booming education and healthcare sector, along with strong opportunities in tech and skilled trades. To purchase a home in Boston, one would need an annual salary of approximately $194,600.
#1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle with the imposing Tahoma (Mt. Rainier.) Photo credit Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle.
Number one on the list takes us to the opposite end of I-90 from Boston: Seattle. While the city is known for its constant winter rain and some of the best coffee on earth, that rain turns to beautiful, fluffy snow in the nearby mountains. Surrounded by both the Olympic and Cascade ranges, Seattle offers easy access to ski resorts such as The Summit At Snoqualmie, Crystal Mountain Resort, and Stevens Pass.
The city also boasts a robust economy, home to giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, as well as many resource-based industries. Seattle has the highest minimum wage in the U.S., with nearby Tukwila offering $21.10 per hour. However, with higher pay comes a higher cost of living—home buyers need an annual salary of $198,200 to afford a house in the Emerald City.
While homeownership remains a central aspiration for many Americans, combining it with a passion for the outdoors is a rare and rewarding opportunity. Although these cities tend to have higher-than-average home prices, their proximity to the mountains could ultimately save homeowners money by reducing the need for costly ski vacations. After all, when you can take a few night laps after work, plane tickets, lodging, and trip planning become things of the past.
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