When choosing where to build or buy a luxury home in Park City, location is more than just a point on the map. It’s about access, privacy, long-term value, and how a setting aligns with your vision of mountain living. Two of the most coveted communities—The Colony and Greener Hills—stand apart for different reasons, each offering a distinct lifestyle, architectural canvas, and set of priorities. But how do you know which one suits your goals best?
According to builders who’ve worked extensively across both neighborhoods, The Colony Park City offers unparalleled ski-in/ski-out convenience blended with forested seclusion and elite design freedom. This is where homes are embedded in natural surroundings, where roads wind through aspens, and where modern mountain architecture is expected—not just appreciated. The lot sizes are massive, privacy is paramount, and winter sports access is simply unbeatable.
What Makes The Colony Stand Out
Spanning more than 4,600 acres within the gated Canyons Village area, The Colony is defined by its setting: pine-covered slopes, direct lift access, and protected open space. It’s a rare place where you can ski from your doorstep in winter and hike into wilderness in summer without ever starting your car.
Here’s why buyers and builders consistently choose The Colony:
Ski Convenience: Most homes have ski-in/ski-out access with private trails or lift connections
Lot Sizes: Parcels average five to eight acres, ensuring space between neighbors
Design Flexibility: Architectural guidelines promote creativity while maintaining natural harmony
Wildlife and Views: Panoramic alpine views meet quiet, wooded privacy
Long-Term Value: The scarcity of remaining buildable lots makes existing parcels highly prized
Custom builds here are often multi-level, with expansive glass façades, heated outdoor spaces, and integrated technology. Yet despite the scale, the architecture leans organic—reclaimed wood, stone, and natural color palettes help each home blend into the terrain.
Access, Services, and Infrastructure
Living in The Colony means you’re less than 15 minutes from Old Town Park City, with its restaurants, galleries, and events. Salt Lake International Airport is roughly 35 minutes away. While this feels remote, infrastructure is quietly robust: paved roads are maintained year-round, snow removal is swift, and security is always active.
Water, power, and internet systems are engineered to support high-end builds. Builders here are experienced with integrating complex mechanical systems like geothermal loops, solar panels, and whole-home automation without compromising aesthetics.
Greener Hills: Serenity Beyond the Slopes
Just outside Heber City and about 30 minutes from Park City proper, Greener Hills appeals to those who value serenity, space, and unobstructed views over ski access. This gated community sits at a lower elevation with wide-open vistas of Mount Timpanogos, Deer Creek Reservoir, and surrounding farmland.
While The Colony is immersed in forest, Greener Hills is more open—rolling hills, wild grasslands, and long sightlines dominate the experience. It’s a location where sunrises and sunsets stretch endlessly across the horizon, where neighbors are visible but not intrusive, and where night skies remain brilliantly dark.
Key Advantages of Greener Hills
Space to Breathe: Lots here range from 5 to 20 acres with broad buildable areas
Diverse Architecture: More varied home styles are accepted, from modern to farmhouse
Lower Elevation: Less snow load, milder winters, and easier year-round access
Panoramic Views: Massive windows and outdoor decks are maximized here
Equestrian and Garden-Friendly: More freedom to add outbuildings, trails, or agricultural features
Unlike ski-focused neighborhoods, Greener Hills appeals to those wanting a permanent residence or mountain estate without seasonal crowds. It’s ideal for hobby farms, collectors, or families looking for long-term privacy and light HOA influence.
Building Realities in Both Communities
From a builder’s perspective, each location presents different opportunities and constraints.
In The Colony:
Foundations require more slope adaptation
Winter weather limits the construction season
Materials must meet stringent fire, snow, and aesthetic codes
Home automation and ski gear storage are standard expectations
In Greener Hills:
Builds benefit from wider footprint possibilities
Construction schedules can be more flexible year-round
Homes often include larger garages, workshops, or barns
Solar efficiency is improved due to less tree cover
Because of these differences, builders adapt their teams, budgets, and timelines accordingly. It’s important to work with a contractor who understands both high-elevation performance requirements and low-elevation energy optimization.
How to Decide Between The Colony and Greener Hills
While both neighborhoods are exceptional, choosing one depends on lifestyle priorities. Here's how buyers typically differentiate:
Choose The Colony if: You want direct ski access, top-tier resale value, forest seclusion, and mountain-modern design in a high-profile location
Choose Greener Hills if: You prioritize big views, low-maintenance access, multi-purpose land use, and more architectural flexibility
Some buyers who ski seasonally choose The Colony as a winter base and maintain a primary residence in Greener Hills. Others use Greener Hills for year-round living and visit Park City for dining and recreation. Both communities offer long-term value, privacy, and premium infrastructure—but the daily experience differs sharply.
What Builders Wish Buyers Knew
Before purchasing in either location, experienced builders advise:
Walk the Lot: Understand where sun rises and sets, how water drains, and what views are blockable
Budget for Engineering: Both areas require precise excavation, soil work, and custom foundations
Ask About Snow Load: Roofing and structure design must meet regional code
Plan for Outdoor Living: Decks, driveways, and landscaping require elevation-specific planning
Check HOA Rules: Each community has guidelines on materials, lighting, fencing, and secondary structures
Top builders in Park City and Heber typically have long waitlists, so clients should engage early. Hiring a team with a strong local track record ensures that your dream home isn’t just beautiful but also compliant, efficient, and built to last.
Final Thoughts
The choice between these two mountain communities boils down to one core question: do you want to be in the heart of the alpine or on the edge of the valley? Both The Colony and Greener Hills offer something rare, but they cater to different lifestyles and building goals.
In either case, successful projects begin with clarity of purpose and an experienced team who understands terrain, codes, and how to translate vision into form. Whether you’re drawn to ski slopes and timbered lots or wide skies and expansive fields, the path to luxury mountain living starts with land that fits your life—and a builder who knows how to shape it.
Ultimately, Greener Hills appeals to those seeking open space, flexible design, and panoramic views without the demands of ski resort proximity, while The Colony delivers elite alpine living for those who prioritize exclusivity and winter access above all else.
