Clearfield, UT

In its early years, Clearfield may have been home to more prickly pears than people. However, with the completion of the Davis and Weber Counties Canal in 1884, the population quickly grew. In the 1940s, construction began on Hill Air Force Base, which remains one of the largest employers in the state of Utah.

In the early 2000s, Clearfield began to reinvent itself. From building large business centers such as Legend Hills to opening the Clearfield Community Arts Center, the town aims to become a hub for creative professionals and their families. Such events as the Annual Storytelling Festival and biweekly theater performances highlight the town’s appreciation for creativity.

With its rich history, Clearfield has a number of museums. The Hill Aerospace Museum provides a look at the aircraft, weapons and uniforms of the United States Air Force over the past century.

What Clearfield lacks in glitz and glamour, it more than makes up for in small-town charm. South State Street, which turns into North Main Street, runs through the heart of town and provides some of the most popular restaurant options.

One local favorite, Argentine Corner, won the Best of Utah award 2006, 2007 and 2009. Owned by a father-daughter team, the cozy establishment celebrates the culture of Argentina at every opportunity. Choose from eight different fillings for authentic empanadas that don’t disappoint. The beef tongue options as well as the Russian potato salad keep locals coming back for more.

Don’t be deceived by the humble appearance of The High Hat Diner. This hidden gem mixes a 1950s diner atmosphere with eclectic menu items and fantastic service. If the menu proves overwhelming or if you simply can’t make up your mind, friendly staff members gladly offer up suggestions such as the egg tower smothered in chile verde or the hearty chicken fried steak.

Looking for Asian fusion cuisine in the heart of Clearfield? You can find it at Golden Ginger Bistro, a sushi, Thai and Chinese diner that’s never short on options. From the freshly topped fish on the Rockstar Roll to the broccoli and chicken entrée, everything on the menu provides a new taste bud experience, includes a generous portion size and costs very little.

Though Clearfield itself has very few clubs or music venues, the nearby cities of Layton and Ogden each have their fair share of options. For those in search of an all-ages venue featuring local bands, Mojos Music Venue in Ogden presents a solid choice. Layton also houses Summit Lounge, which doubles as a cozy bar and laid back local music venue.

Most residents depend heavily on autos to get around. Some small, denser blocks make walking from place to place an option; however, for the most part, Clearfield residents consider driving a necessity. Free, easy-to-find parking in most areas helps to make this reality more bearable.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has two bus lines that each stop in Clearfield as well as a commuter rail station. These run only Monday through Friday, so weekend travel depends on either personal auto or cab. Interstate-15 runs along the eastern border of the town, which provides easy access to neighboring towns except during rush hours.

You won’t notice many cabs driving around, and Uber has not yet made an entrance, as Clearfield maintains a small-town atmosphere. Some small companies do provide taxi service, however, and a quick call to dispatch gets you on your way with little hassle.

Clearfield has not opened up as a bike-friendly neighborhood since it has few bike lanes or paths that make biking safe. If you do bike, many of the drivers are not accustomed to driving around bikes, so use extra caution.

With 17 parks inside city limits and some of the finest mountain ranges within easy driving distance, time outdoors tempts even the most committed couch potato. Fox Hollow Park & Arboretum stretches over 5 acres. This park has something for everyone in the family. Grills, covered seating areas, jogging paths and children’s softball fields all make this an ideal location for Clearfield residents.

Fisher Skate Park demands attention as a prime venue for skateboarders in Clearfield and surrounding towns. With 14,000 square feet of ramps, bowls and rails, this park leaves few disappointed and remains free and open to the public.

The Clearfield County Fair and Park hosts an annual fair that provides vendors a chance to exhibit their goods and livestock publicly and presents a fun way for children to interact with animals.

Overall, cost of living hovers roughly 6 percent below the national average and 8 percent below the cost-of-living rate for Salt Lake City. As a result, the average rental rate for Clearfield settles around $634, and gas prices routinely fall 7 percent below the national average.

Getting a beer at a local pub runs around $4, and a two-hour bus ticket costs $2.50, though the Frontrunner commuter train costs more and depends on how long you ride.

While Smith’s and Walmart provide access to groceries and basic necessities in Clearfield, more extensive shopping options evade those who want to stay in city limits. Shopping choices significantly open up in Layton and Ogden. Ogden houses the Newgate Mall, just a short drive outside of Clearfield. Countless shops greet you at this impressive location, including Victoria’s Secret and Aeropostale.

GSL Adventure Gear asserts itself as one of Clearfield’s finest outdoor supply stores. For climbers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts, this one-stop shop provides a varied selection of high-end racing bikes, climbing equipment and water sports equipment such as canoes and kayaks.

Unfortunately, Clearfield does not have a farmers market of its own, but many residents head to the lively Ogden Farmers Market on 25th Street for fresh produce during late summer and early fall.