Salt Lake City 75 Excellent
Salt Lake City Livability #65 ranked city in Utah#3,650 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Salt Lake City, UT - The Crossroads of the West

Salt Lake City, UT, known as "The Crossroads of the West," offers a vibrant urban environment with stunning natural surroundings. Located in the northern part of Utah, the city is nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Range, making it a hub for outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah, serving as the state's cultural and economic center.

The climate in Salt Lake City features cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, ideal for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Residents can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains during winter and hiking, biking, and boating in the warmer months. Parks like Liberty Park and the Red Butte Garden offer urban green spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Salt Lake City is renowned for its rich cultural scene, with landmarks such as the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum of Utah, and the historic Temple Square. The city hosts numerous festivals and events, including the renowned Sundance Film Festival and the Utah Arts Festival, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Education is a key focus in Salt Lake City, with the University of Utah providing a strong presence and contributing to the city's intellectual and cultural vibrancy. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, offering quality education for families. Additionally, Salt Lake City's proximity to other higher education institutions in the region enhances its appeal as an educational hub.

Living in Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of urban amenities and access to some of the country's most stunning natural landscapes. The city boasts a robust job market with key industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Public transportation options, including buses, light rail, and commuter trains, make navigating the city and surrounding areas convenient. With its cultural richness, outdoor opportunities, and economic vitality, Salt Lake City provides a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.

Pros and Cons of Living in Salt Lake City

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City, Utah is a big city with a population of 200,133 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Salt Lake City is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Salt Lake City residents is 33. Salt Lake City is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 45% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Salt Lake City offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Salt Lake City, Utah could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Salt Lake City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Utah and national averages.

Using data and statistics Salt Lake City has received a livability score of 75/100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a great score, as Salt Lake City ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Salt Lake City scores well for employment (B+) and housing (B+) Salt Lake City does not fare well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're considering living in Salt Lake City, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Salt Lake City provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Salt Lake City: Temple Square, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Family History Library.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Salt Lake City has an unemployment rate of 2.75% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Salt Lake City excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Salt Lake City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Salt Lake City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Salt Lake City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Salt Lake City come in at $346,100, which is 54.1% higher than the Utah average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salt Lake City, the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 52.8% higher than the Utah average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Salt Lake City

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Compare Salt Lake City, UT Livability

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      Salt Lake City transportation information

      Statistic Salt Lake City Utah National
      Average one way commute20min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.0%75.9%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%11.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.9%2.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.9%2.6%2.8%
      Working from home9.1%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Salt Lake City, UT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).