Draper vs. Herriman: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

Thinking about Draper or Herriman for your next move? You are not alone. Both offer strong neighborhoods, easy access to Utah’s outdoors, and a solid quality of life, but they feel different day to day. In this guide, you will learn how housing styles, trails, commutes, retail access, and value stack up so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Quick snapshot: the big differences

Draper is more established with faster access to I-15 and regional transit, plus the Corner Canyon trail system that draws outdoor lovers from across the valley. You will find a mix of older and newer homes, including hillside properties with valley views. Price per square foot often trends higher, especially near the foothills and trails.

Herriman is newer and growing fast, with master-planned neighborhoods, larger lots in many areas, and a more suburban or edge-of-development feel. You will see a lot of new construction and community amenities within HOAs. Entry points for newer single-family homes can be more accessible, but prices have been rising with growth.

Housing and neighborhood feel

Draper: variety and foothill living

In Draper, you will see a wide range of homes, from mid-century ranches and established subdivisions to newer construction along the foothills. Many hillside homes include walkout basements and views across the Salt Lake Valley. Neighborhood lot sizes vary, and some foothill parcels trade yard size for vertical living and views.

HOAs exist across the city, but rules and fees vary because Draper has older neighborhoods and newer developments side by side. Resale options are diverse, which can give you more character, location choices, and micro-neighborhood variety as you shop.

Herriman: newer builds and master plans

Herriman’s growth has been driven by large master-planned communities since the 2000s. Most inventory is single-family detached, with townhomes and paired homes in certain pockets. Many neighborhoods offer family-sized yards, and lots at the edges can range from about a sixth of an acre to half an acre or more.

You will find more builder inventory and new-home options here, often with larger garages and planned community amenities like parks, pools, and neighborhood trails. HOAs are common and typically help manage shared open space and amenities.

Trails and outdoor life

Draper: Corner Canyon at your doorstep

Corner Canyon on Draper’s east side is a major draw. It offers dozens of miles of singletrack for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, with trailheads spread across the foothills. If frequent, high-quality trail access is part of your routine, this is a standout feature that shapes daily life in Draper.

You also have easy access to other Wasatch Front recreation within a reasonable drive, making Draper a strong base for four-season outdoor lifestyles.

Herriman: parks, paths, and quieter foothills

Herriman features a growing network of parks, paved paths, and greenways that connect many neighborhoods. Some areas reach the Oquirrh Mountain foothills and offer trailheads and a more low-key, suburban trail experience. While it lacks a single, centralized system like Corner Canyon, Herriman’s planned amenities put everyday outdoor time close to home.

Commute and transit

Draper: I-15 and regional transit access

Draper sits near I-15 and the southeastern Wasatch Front job centers, including technology hubs in Draper and Lehi. You have more direct north-south freeway access for commuting to Salt Lake City, South Jordan, or Silicon Slopes. Regional transit, including light rail and bus connections, makes it easier to reach downtown and other centers without driving the whole way.

For many commuters, Draper’s location can translate into shorter and more predictable drive times, especially during peak hours.

Herriman: car-first with improving corridors

Herriman is farther west of I-15. Most trips start on local arterials or head to Mountain View Corridor for north-south travel before connecting to the wider freeway network. Bus and express routes are available, but trips often require a transfer or a short drive to a park-and-ride or rail station.

If you work locally or remotely, the trade-off for a larger lot and newer construction can be worth it. If you need daily freeway or rail access, plan to test commute times at your peak hours.

Shops, dining, and services

Draper: established and convenient

Draper offers more established retail corridors with a broader mix of grocery, dining, and services along major arterials and near freeway access. You will also find nearby commercial centers in adjacent cities, which adds variety for dining and errands. Medical offices and urgent care are close, and larger hospital services are available in neighboring cities.

Herriman: growing and family-friendly

Herriman’s retail has expanded quickly with new neighborhood centers, grocery anchors, and dining options designed into master plans. While the selection is improving, it is still maturing compared with Draper. For specialty shopping or entertainment, you may drive to nearby established hubs.

Price and value drivers

Draper often carries a premium for similar square footage due to location, freeway and transit access, Corner Canyon proximity, and hillside views. Homes near the foothills or with direct trail access tend to sit at the higher end of the local market. Resale variety can help you target both lifestyle features and specific neighborhoods.

Herriman typically offers more approachable entry points for newer single-family homes and larger lots, especially at the outer edges of development. Pricing has been rising with growth and infrastructure, so new construction incentives and timing can matter. In both cities, check current market snapshots before you write an offer.

Who each city tends to fit

Draper might fit you if

• You want high-frequency trail access and mountain biking or hiking built into your routine.
• You rely on direct I-15 access or prefer more transit options to reach job centers.
• You like established retail, medical services, and a mix of older, newer, and hillside homes.
• You value views and location, and you are comfortable paying a premium for them.

Herriman might fit you if

• You prioritize newer construction, larger garages, and yard space in planned communities.
• You are open to a longer car commute in exchange for more home and lot for the price.
• You like neighborhood amenities such as parks, pools, and greenways managed by HOAs.
• You want a suburban or edge-of-development feel with ongoing growth.

Looking for a middle ground

If you want newer homes with decent trail and transit access, consider southern Draper neighborhoods. If you want a balance of commute and space, the northern edges of Herriman or nearby adjacent cities can be worth a look. Your best fit often comes down to how you weigh commute time against yard size, trail proximity, and budget.

A practical home-shopping checklist

Use this list to compare properties in Draper and Herriman:

• Commute test: Drive your route at your actual commute times and, if you use transit, check park-and-ride options and transfer points.
• HOA review: Confirm covenants, fees, rules, and what amenities they cover, especially in master-planned subdivisions.
• Trail access: Map the nearest trailheads or greenways and note parking, surfaces, and difficulty.
• Lot and site: For Draper foothill homes, review slope, grading, and drainage. In all areas, confirm parcel size and utility easements.
• Future projects: Check city planning and state roadway updates for potential changes to traffic or neighborhood character.
• Market snapshot: Request current medians, inventory, and time-on-market for your price band before you write an offer.

Your next step

Choosing between Draper and Herriman becomes straightforward when you line up your commute, outdoor time, and space needs. If you want a local, candid perspective as you tour neighborhoods, compare new construction to resale, and time your move, reach out. Jennifer Jumbelic can help you narrow your short list, set a search strategy, and negotiate with confidence. Let’s Connect — Get Your Home Valuation or Start Your Search.

FAQs

What is the biggest lifestyle difference between Draper and Herriman?

• Draper offers closer freeway and transit access plus Corner Canyon’s extensive singletrack, while Herriman focuses on newer master-planned neighborhoods with larger lots and community amenities.

How do commutes compare if I work in Lehi or downtown Salt Lake City?

• Draper typically provides shorter, more direct access to I-15 and regional transit, which can reduce drive times to Silicon Slopes and downtown compared with Herriman’s arterial-first routes.

Where will I find more new construction options?

• Herriman usually has more active new-home inventory from volume builders, while Draper leans more toward diverse resale options with some newer infill.

Which city is better for frequent hiking and mountain biking?

• If regular trail time matters most, Draper stands out due to Corner Canyon’s large, well-developed trail network and multiple trailheads.

Do both cities have HOAs and neighborhood amenities?

• Yes. Both have HOA communities. Herriman’s master-planned areas more often include amenities like parks, pools, and greenways, while Draper’s HOA rules and offerings vary by neighborhood.