23 Reasons Why You Should Live in Salt Lake City

One of Salt Lake City's nicknames is the “Crossroads of the West,” and it's here that old and new traditions intersect. Read on to find out what the biggest draws are.

While the state is best known for its Mormon roots, Utah’s capital attracts all kinds of people who are looking for a fresh start.

© countrylemonade (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

1. You can just chill here

Having to put up with heavy traffic, noise pollution or a high cost of living can make life pretty difficult, but Salt Lake residents are used to a much more Zen experience. The city came in at number one on CNN Money’s survey of the least stressed out places in the nation.

2. You should be able to find a job here

One hallmark of a strong economy is an expansion in the job market. Salt Lake City is growing fast; a 2015 Gallup poll ranked it as the best city in the country for job creation.

3. And you should be able to keep it

The national unemployment rate is still over 5%, but Salt Lake City residents seem to have less trouble finding work. The unemployment rate here nearly half of the national rate, at 2.9%.

4. Especially if you have a tech job

Salt Lake City is becoming a mini-me version of Silicon Valley. It’s seen a big jump in the tech sector over the last decade, coming in fourth on Forbes’ list of the best cities for tech jobs, with companies like Twitter and Adobe setting up shop here.

5. You could start out here and stay here

Salt Lake City gets a lot of traffic from retirees and families, but it’s also appealing for college grads who are prepping to launch a career. The steady job growth and the fact that there are so many businesses make it one of the top cities for young professionals.

6. Your kids will probably earn more money than their cousins

Where you grow up can have a big impact on your future prospects. According to one study, kids who are raised in Salt Lake City go on to earn salaries that are 9% higher than children in other metro areas.

7. It’s easier to strike up conversations here

In a larger city, meeting people and forming lasting friendships can be tough, but that’s not the case here. According to Travel + Leisure, Salt Lake City has some of the friendliest people around.

8. Driving to work won’t take up too much of your time

Nearly 3 million people call Salt Lake City home, which means there are lots of cars on the roads each day. Fortunately, getting to work isn’t too much of a hassle, with a mean travel time of 21.4 minutes.

9. Or you could take your bike

If you prefer cruising around on two wheels instead of four, you’ll find that navigating the roadways isn’t that difficult. There are many clearly marked lanes for cyclists, putting Salt Lake City high on the list of the most bike-friendly cities.

10. You can grow old gracefully here

The city’s known for being a hit with retirees because it’s got a lot of the features that older Americans seek. Excellent hospitals, a wide range of community programs geared towards seniors, and a moderate cost of living are just some of the things that retirees will appreciate.

11. Hikers will feel right at home

When you’re ready to get out and stretch your legs, there are plenty of places to do it nearby. Check out Brighton Lakes Trail to find out what makes Salt Lake City one of the best spots for taking a hike.

12. So will skiers

With the mountains so close, you won’t be able to resist the urge to hit the slopes come winter. Some of the best places to test the powder in the Salt Lake area include the resorts at Deer Valley and Snowbird.

13. Summers are for tubing

Floating through the water is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day, and the Weber River is an idyllic setting for tubing. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also try your hand at river rafting.

14. It’s good for your health

Living in a major city - but still being close to the great outdoors - is a major plus, especially if you’re craving lots of fresh air and exercise. Overall, Salt Lake City residents are some of the healthiest in the country.

15. The housing market is hot for younger homebuyers

Student loan debt may be keeping some 20-somethings out of the home buying game, but not in Salt Lake City. It was recognized as one of the top markets for millennial homebuyers in 2014.

16. But renters can get a pretty good deal too

If you’re not quite ready to venture into home ownership, you’ll have your choice of places to rent. And you won’t have to give up your monthly paycheck to pay for your new home. In terms of the cost, it’s actually one of the most affordable cities in the country for renters.

17. Movie buffs love it

Every January, celebrities converge on Salt Lake City and nearby Park City for the annual Sundance Film Festival. Some of the most notable films to get noticed here include Reservoir Dogs, Napoleon Dynamite, and Little Miss Sunshine.

18. Breakfast comes super-sized

When you’re craving a hearty breakfast, the only place to go is Ruth’s Diner. Start with the famous mile-high biscuits, but be sure to leave room for the eggs benedict.

19. And the burgers are one of a kind

A burger is just a burger until you try the ones served up at From Scratch. Their award-winning burgers are sure to get your mouth watering, but if you’re in the mood for something different, check out their selection of gourmet pizzas.

20. The football rivalry reaches biblical proportions

If you didn’t already know, then you’ll quickly find out that Salt Lake City is a college town. The University of Utah regularly faces off with Brigham Young University in a football showdown known as “The Holy War.”

21. Planning date night is no longer a hassle

Salt Lake City has caught on to the microbrewery craze, and Brewvies puts a unique spin on the pub scene. Not only can you grab a handcrafted brew and dinner, you can also catch the latest movies or your favorite classics on the big screen, all in one place.

22. The live music hits the right note

Every summer, residents head to Pioneer Park to catch the Twilight Concert series. Some of the notable acts who’ve headlined the series in the past include Death Cab for Cutie, Beck, and Lauryn Hill.

23. Living here won’t break the bank

In some bigger cities, the cost of living is exponentially higher than the rest of the country, but living in Salt Lake City doesn’t come with a huge price tag. The reasonably priced housing and higher median salary put it at number eight on Forbes’ list of the 20 most affordable cities.

Bottom Line

© andrewasmith (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

Even if you’re not an outdoorsy sort of person, you can’t help but fall in love with the natural landscape surrounding Salt Lake City.

Paired with a strong job market and its overall livability, Salt Lake City is a great spot to consider if you’re planning a move to the southwest.