Nicki Christensen

Blog

Clear answers to questions buyers and sellers actually ask — plus neighborhood context you can use whether you work with me or not.

All Buyer Tips Buying Home Design Market Updates Seller Tips Utah Living

Modern kitchen in a Salt Lake County home

Buying

Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers in Salt Lake County (2026)

For first-time buyers in Salt Lake County, Herriman and West Jordan offer the most home for the money, Murray gives the best location value, and Millcreek is the pick if walkability matters more than square footage.

Utah Living

Best Schools in Alpine and Highland, Utah: A Parent's Guide (2026)

Alpine and Highland sit within Alpine School District, one of the highest-performing districts in Utah. Lone Peak High School, Mountain Ridge Junior High, and several top-rated elementaries make this area a magnet for education-focused families — and school boundaries directly affect home values.

Bright studio space in a Draper Utah home near Corner Canyon

Utah Living

Living Near Corner Canyon Trails: Draper Homes for Outdoor Families

Corner Canyon in Draper offers 40+ miles of world-class mountain biking and hiking trails — and several neighborhoods provide direct trail access from your backyard. Homes in the Corner Canyon corridor range from $700K to $1.2M+, with options in Bear Canyon, Suncrest, and east Draper.

Nicki Christensen researching the Herriman Utah market

Buying

Is Herriman, Utah a Good Real Estate Investment in 2026?

Herriman is one of the strongest real estate investment plays in Salt Lake County right now. Rapid population growth, new construction at below-county-average prices, and infrastructure improvements like the Mountain View Corridor make Herriman a compelling buy for first-time buyers, young families, and investors.

Nicki Christensen staging a home in Utah

Utah Living

Sandy vs Draper, Utah: Which Is Better for Families in 2026?

Sandy is better if you want more home for your money, established neighborhoods, and easy ski canyon access. Draper is better if you want newer construction, premium trails, and proximity to the tech corridor. Both share Canyons School District.

Nicki Christensen at a kitchen island in a Utah home

Utah Living

Daybreak, South Jordan: The Complete Community Guide for 2026

Daybreak in South Jordan is Utah's largest master-planned community — featuring a private lake, beach club, TRAX light rail station, 20+ miles of trails, and a mix of housing from $350K townhomes to $700K+ single-family homes. Here is an honest breakdown of what it is like to live there.