Ogden, Heber rated among best places

What are the 20 best places to live in the West?

According to American Cowboy magazine, two of them are in the Beehive State — Ogden and Heber City.

This first of what is to be an annual list for the popular national Western lifestyle magazine, released last week, claims that these towns are the "places to live if you are an active Western lifestyle enthusiast."

The selections were based on criteria for what makes for a great Western community: authentic cowboy culture and charm, a healthy respect for history and heritage, abundant recreational, leisure and outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community coupled with a free-spirited, rugged independence.

The magazine's article on the top 20 places, by Tom Wilmes, noted that thanks to a prevalence of cookie-cutter chain stores, you might be hard-pressed to distinguish Boise from Buffalo in some places.

"But a few remaining outposts of true Western spirit still thrive," Wilmes wrote. "Communities that celebrate their Western roots just in the way they go around their everyday affairs."

Sarah Toliver, CEO of the Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the designation is one of several ways the area is garnering national recognition.

"We are honored to be included on this list. This recognition, in conjunction with similar honors received this year by SKI and Sunset magazines, shows how much the Ogden area has to offer people of many different interests," said Toliver.

Ogden hosts the annual Pioneer Days rodeo, that dates backs to 1934. This year's event will be July 12-24.

Heber City and the surrounding Heber Valley is known for its rich history steeped in Western American culture. The magazine's article included a spectacular photograph of the east side of Mount Timpanogos — from Heber City.

Jason Giles, executive and marketing director of the Heber Valley Chamber/Convention and Visitors Bureau, feels that it is this authenticity that brings accolades like the Top 20 designation.

"The Heber Valley is truly one of the most genuine Western towns in Utah. Being named one of the 20 best places to live in the West validates why many live here and what many others work hard to retain — a true Western lifestyle," he said.

Heber City will host its 14th annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair on Nov. 4-9. It is also home to the Heber Valley Railroad and hosts its own seasonal rodeos at the Wasatch County Fairgrounds.

"The places we chose embody the magic and spirit that is the great American West, and we're thrilled to recognize each town for its commitment to honoring, celebrating and preserving their Western history and heritage," said Bill Garrels, publisher of American Cowboy.

Other Western cities honored were: Wickenburg, Ariz.; Cave Creek, Ariz.; Placerville, Calif.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Salida, Colo.; Bozeman, Mont.; Missoula, Mont.; Reno, Nev.; Tularosa, N.M.; Los Alamos, N. M.; Lawton, Okla., Pendleton, Ore.; Bend, Ore.; Bandera, Texas; Palestine, Texas; Walla Walla, Wash.; Dubois, Wyo.; and Saratoga, Wyo.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com