City Guide / Salt Lake City

Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City

By Landing | Dec 10, 2020
View of Salt Lake City from a plane

Thinking of hip, modern cities, a few immediately come to mind: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Austin, Salt Lake City—wait, Salt Lake City?

Absolutely! The capital city of Utah combines the convenience of city life with easy access to the outdoors. Add benefits like affordable housing and a booming tech industry, and you have a destination city with a population of 199,723 as of the 2020 Census.

If you’re thinking about moving to the area but aren’t sure exactly where to call home, let’s look a little closer at some of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, including:

  • 9th and 9th
  • The Avenues
  • Capitol Hill
  • Foothill
  • Millcreek
  • Sugar House
  • Wasatch Hollow
  • West Jordan
  • West Valley City
  • Yalecrest

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes, root for the Utah Jazz, and start your Salt Lake City adventure.

1. 9th and 9th

9th and 9th can be thought of as the sister neighborhood to Sugar House, but many residents of Salt Lake City prefer this tiny area to its southern sibling. 9th and 9th has plenty of locally owned businesses around and provides easy access to both Liberty Park and Richmond Park if you’re looking to spend time in nature.

Feeling hungry? The Niman Ranch Bavette Steak with truffle fries at Pago should sate your appetite. But if you’re more in the mood for a neighborhood pizza, you can’t go wrong with the Rocket Man at Pizza Nono.

Work on your physical and mental fitness at the renowned Centered City Yoga, which has been up and running since 1999. Daily classes include Vinyasa Flow, Power Vinyasa, Core & Restore, and more.

Be sure to shop local at the seasonal 9th and 9th Farmer’s Market, which attracts beekeepers, farmers, backyard gardeners, and massage therapists alike. Located near the Peace Gardens, this market is held every Sunday from June to October.

Median rent: Availability can be an issue in this part of Salt Lake City, but most units will tend to be priced a little above $1,000 a month. 

2. The Avenues

Just northeast of downtown Salt Lake City, The Avenues is a popular area for young professionals trying to avoid a lengthy commute and families taking advantage of the high-quality school options. Another draw of The Avenues is the many recreational options available. 

Be sure to order the steak frites and a microbrew at Avenues Proper or try some evening fine dining at Cucina, where you can find creative dishes like octopus gnocchi.

Get your caffeine fix at Cafe on 1st or The Avenue’s location of Publik, which offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as a medley of specialty coffees. Plus, the roastery is 100% powered by solar panels, making it an eco-friendly and delicious neighborhood spot.

You can also catch a show at the Salt Lake Acting Company or enjoy a bike ride along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

Median rent: The median rent for this area is $950 a month. However, on the higher end, you can expect to pay around $2,500 once you start looking at three-bedroom apartments.

3. Capitol Hill

Overlooking downtown, this area (as the name suggests) is home to the Utah State Capitol Building. This area provides you with a view of both Salt Lake’s urban and rural landscapes.

However, Capitol Hill isn’t just a political destination. It also features neighborhoods within the neighborhood, like the Marmalade District, which sports fruit trees, nightlife, and a large and thriving LGBTQ+ community. 

Described as “elevated casual” and “chef-driven,” Arlo Restaurant has a rotating menu that features simple dishes like sea bass done in an elevated fashion. For something more casual, try the brunch at Garage on Beck, where you can order comfort food like beignet French toast.

Looking for a caffeine fix? Head down to the Marmalade District and people-watch over a cup of java from Blue Copper Coffee or District Coffee.

Median rent: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment will be around $1,300 a month. However, the median rent is closer to $1,295 a month.

4. Foothill

One thing this area sn’t lacking in is its stunning mountain views, and perhaps no Salt Lake City neighborhood typifies this better than Foothill, which is located at the base of the Wasatch Range. Foothill is also just south of the University of Utah, so the area is full of student- and faculty-friendly businesses for locals to enjoy.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in this area, from more beautiful outdoor locations to the thriving local businesses. During the warmer months, grab a tee-time at the scenic Bonneville Golf Course or take a trip to visit over 800 animals at the Hogle Zoo.

In the mood for a shopping spree? Head to Foothill Villages, where you can spend the whole day perusing through retail stores like Chico’s, BraBar Boutique, and Bloomingsales. The retail complex also offers numerous dining options like Cheddaburger, D-Bar Ice Cream, and Mayuri Indian Grill.

If you want to head somewhere other than Foothill Villages for dinner, be sure to try out The Pie Pizzeria, voted Utah’s best pizza. You can’t go wrong with the stromboli pizza, and it even offers a vegan pepperoni and sausage pizza, too. 

Median rent: College areas always have some deals so you may be able to find a studio for less than $1,000, but more likely your range will be around $1,400 for studios and up to $4,400 for three-bedroom apartments.

5. Millcreek

Head south and come across the city of Millcreek, UT. For those looking for the comforts of suburban living, Millcreek is a great option, as it’s conveniently located near Salt Lake City and harbors incredible outdoor areas and a vibe all its own.

Just because you hear the word “suburb” doesn’t mean you should be thinking strip malls and chain restaurants. Millcreek has plenty of local options worth your time. Take advantage of the many different sporting options at Big Cottonwood Regional Park, such as baseball and softball. The park also offers walking paths, sand volleyball courts, and a few shuffleboard courts for kid-friendly fun.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, fill up with some homemade enchiladas at the family-run Maria’s Mexican Grill. Or if you prefer early-morning eats, start your day with the polenta benedict at Roots Cafe.

Median rent: Opting for a suburb means more space. The median rent here is $1,118, but you can find studios for under $1,000. Even two-bedroom homes only average around $1,400 a month, although three-bedroom places will start creeping above $2,000 a month.

Still weighing whether moving to Salt Lake City is for you? Check out our blog post, “The Pros and Cons of Living in Salt Lake City.”

6. Sugar House

Sugar House is sweet in more than just its name. The former home to a sugar beet test factory, this Salt Lake City neighborhood near the University of Utah and Westminster College is now like a small town in the middle of a city. 

Sugar House provides easy access to downtown and the mountains as well as plenty of shops and restaurants for the locals to enjoy. Start with the best Benedict in Salt Lake City at Finn’s Scandanavian Cafe, then end your night with a craft cocktail like the Wildflower at The Ruin.

Living in Sugar House wouldn’t be complete without a trip (or two!) to the well-known Sugar House Distillery. Once you’ve finished there, check out the unique goods available at Dancing Cranes Imports.

If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, try a hike at Parley’s Historic Nature Park. It’s an ideal spot for hikers and bikers, and even features an off-leash park for your furry friend! 

Median rent: The median rent is $1,359. However, apartments range from about $1,300 for a studio to $3,500 for a three-bedroom apartment.

7. Wasatch Hollow

A 15-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, Wasatch Hollow is located just south of Yalecrest and offers many of the same benefits, including some peace and quiet. However, just because it’s quiet doesn’t mean Wasatch Hollow isn’t full of things to do

If you’re looking for food and nightlife, start with the mujaddara at middle eastern spot Mazza, or opt for cocktail eats like grilled beet hummus and sweet potato gnocchi at Varley.

Want to spend some time outdoors? Head east to the 11-acre Wasatch Hollow Preserve, where you can enjoy natural springs and walking trails along Emigration Creek.

Median rent: Studios will go around $1,400 a month, while three-bedroom apartments will be closer to $3,500 a month. 

8. West Jordan

Located just south of West Valley City is the Southwest Valley, home to many areas that feature affordable housing and plenty of outdoor fun. One such spot is West Jordan, which provides an oasis from city life while still being a quick trip to Salt Lake City on the I-15.

The close proximity to the Oquirrh Mountains provides plenty of scenic locations, but West Jordan also has a number of indoor activities for those in the know. Fans of classical music will want to check out the offerings of the West Jordan Symphony, which continues to grow since its original founding in 1984.

Bombay House is sure to satisfy all the chicken tikka masala fans in the area. The Tepanyaki Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar is another neighborhood staple that offers gyoza, tempura, fried rice, noodles, and, of course, hibachi. 

Median rent: The median rent here is $1,109, with most units regardless of size falling between $1,000 and $2,000.

9. West Valley City

West Valley City, UT, is another Salt Lake City neighborhood that is its own standalone city. In fact, it’s the second-largest city in Utah! Located just southwest of Salt Lake City, this area is known for its diverse population, which contributes to its unique charm.

As you might expect, the second-largest city in Utah has plenty of options when it comes to entertainment. Swing by Valley Fair to enjoy a day of shopping. While you’re there, take in a movie in the IMAX theater or enjoy a meal at one of the many dining options. Pick your favorite sushi roll to pair with a bowl of pho (or just make two separate visits) at Fat Fish. Hockey fans rejoice will also love being so close to the Maverik Center, where the NHL’s Utah Grizzlies play.

Median rent: There are many affordable options with one-bedrooms averaging around $1,200 and even plenty of 3 bedrooms options under $2,000. Although, the median rent is $1,125.

10. Yalecrest

Quiet, tree-lined streets and well-maintained English Tudors, cottages, and Spanish Colonials are some of what you’ll find in Yalecrest. This neighborhood’s European feel makes it attractive to more affluent homeowners, but anyone can enjoy the neighborhood and its scenic, one-of-a-kind views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains.

Residents of Yalecrest have plenty of amenities in their backyard. For American fare, there’s always the burger and fries at One-0-Eight Bistro, or you can opt for traditional Japanese cuisines such as gyoza and ika tempura at Kyoto. As for coffee, hit up the drive-thru at Java Joe’s on the northeast edge of the neighborhood for an oatmeal cookie latte and a ham and cheese croissant for the road.

Harmons Emigration Market on the south end has been locally run since 1932. It offers a slew of local products, including breads, cheeses, and fresh produce. Plus, you can stop by to peruse the flower shop or tune into a cooking class at Harmons Cooking School to learn how to craft chicken marsala, hand-rolled pasta, Spanish tapas, and more.

The Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park is a great spot to spend a day outside with nature. There are two walkable loops and plenty of wildlife to see (just remember to keep your pup on leash).

Median rent: In this area, you can expect to pay around $1,225 a month for a rental.

Discover Salt Lake City with Landing

Now that you see some of what Salt Lake City has to offer, all that’s left is deciding what area sounds like the best fit for you and your new home. To help you decide, Landing has great furnished apartments ready, with flexible leases that make it simple to move on your terms. Check out our furnished apartments in Salt Lake City today!

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Landing

Ted may be the world's slowest typist and struggle to hold a pen, but he has mastered how to pursue a more flexible lifestyle throughout his airborne adventures around the U.S. Whether you're looking for more information before migrating to a new city or want to find an easier way to rent a nest—erm, apartment—Ted will always be here to share his best advice for where to live and how to thrive.