Everyone has always underestimated a company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The New York boys thought they could take me on, that nobody out here has any knowledge or wisdom. --Jon Huntsman, Sr.
SLC is a fairly progressive city in a very conservative state. If you’re concerned about overwhelming LDS culture, there’s actually quite a bit of influence from anti-conservative, mormon counterculture here. You won’t see the kind of diversity that you see in a big, eastern city but there’s a significant LGBTQ community, a lot of just plain outdoor enthusiasts (unlimited national parks -- Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef) and the tech people are flooding in. It might interest you to know that much of the internet traffic flowing west comes through the not-very-prone to natural or weather disasters state of Utah, so, jobs follow the flow including Adobe, Microsoft and a few startup unicorns. And UofU and BYU don’t hurt. However, rent costs have skyrocketed.
The weather is generally mild and the listicle people seem to think it’s actually hip
It is an outdoor lover's paradise and it is extremely safe from violent crime.
Here's a local on the pros of living in Salt Lake City:
If you want the full city social experience, downtown is the best part of SLC to live in (food, music, farmers marker, events, parks, public transit, etc.). My favorite part of all of it is how bike-friendly it is and nowhere else really compares in the state. Public transit is also top notch. My fiancé and I are waiting for our one lease to run out then we’re going to only do one car.
In terms of outdoors:
-memory grove park & city creek for hiking/biking
-ensign peak is a great easy hike for sunsets
-Capitol Hill is an excellent cycling area
-avenues have great trailheads near there
-plenty parks nearby for pickleball/tennis/hanging out
For more reviews of what living in Salt Lake City is like from locals check out: The Buzz
It’s very homogeneous, lacks grown up nighttime entertainment and there are certainly vestiges of LDS in quirky rules and laws (speaking of, no alcohol sales on Sundays or outside state liquor stores and bars do not do generous pours.)
Here's a transplant's pov on the cons of living in SLC:
For me the worst thing, easily, are the nutty liquor laws and the omnipresent control of the LDS church on all public policy. Complaining about this gets tiresome really fast, I know, but it has to be mentioned. There is also the complete control by the Republican party on the governorship, the state Legislature, and the U.S. Senate. Because of gerrymandering SLC has no representation in Congress whatsoever.
You love to be outdoors and like a safe, mid sized city life.
If you’re young and/or interested in nightlife, Downtown and the Sugar House area (eclectic and vintage vibes) are okay for that although it’s a cliquey social town but start your search in these two spots. The University neighborhood is, just like it sounds, and lively. Apartments and apartment complexes house the young and single but it’s not all that walkable (with the exception of 9th and 9th and Canyon Rim) -- streets are wide, blocks are long, nightlife is more casual bars, less clubs and it’s not exactly a culinary hot spot, they tend to focus on comfort foods (like burgers.) but mostly right on for the young professional.
Capitol Hill is a beautiful neighborhood overlooking the downtown area that is perfect for singles or couples that want the action within view but not right at your doorstep. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty going on here as there are bars and restaurants in the area. The housing though tends to be less condo/apartment-centric and more interesting mix of funky cottages and Victorian homes.
The Marmalade District is the center of the city for the LGBTQ+ community. Located in the northeast part of the city bordering Downtown, it is the home to a variety of LGBTQ+ owned and friendly restaurants, bars, shops and businesses. The neighborhood has a mix of housing options including homes, condos, new lofts and apartment buildings.
Families gravitate towards neighborhoods like East Bench, Greater Avenues and Yalecrest (quiet, family friendly tudors, colonials and parks.). East Bench in particular is a gem for any family that craves the great outdoors. It’s nestled up against the Wasatch Mountains so you’re going to be hiking, climbing and biking in your own backyard.
These are all quiet, safe areas with beautiful homes - often tudors and colonials, and tons of parks (in addition to the Mountains) for playing with the kiddos. These neighborhoods are also served by excellent public schools.
