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

The Good, the Bad and The Ugly

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**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/salt-lake-city?page=buzz)



Outdoor Lifestyle

The Best Thing About Salt Lake City?

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.*

The Quirks

The Worst Thing About Salt Lake City?

You love to be outdoors and like a safe, mid sized city life.

Safety First

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**The Good, the Bad and The Ugly**

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.

**The Best Thing About Salt Lake City?** 

It is an outdoor lovers paradise and it is extremely safe from violent crime. 

**The Worst Thing About Salt Lake City?** 

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.)

**How You Living?** 

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. 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.) 

Wealthy homeowners can be found on The Avenues, Millennials like Liberty Wells for job and housing opportunities as well as good schools. In addition, families also like East Bench, Greater Avenues and Yalecrest (quiet, family friendly tudors, colonials and parks.)


**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  

You love to be outdoors and like a safe, mid/small-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.
- Downtown
- Sugar House Area
- University Neighborhood


Young Professionals

Downtown

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. 
- Capitol Hill


DINKs/SINKs

Capitol Hill

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. 
- Marmalade District


LGBTQ+ 

Marmalade District

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. 
- East Bench
- Greater Avenues
- Yalecrest


Families

East Bench

Salt Lake City

**What’s it like living in Salt Lake City, specifically downtown?**

Current downtown resident here. Keep in mind that everything is relative, so when you see people claim the homeless problem is overwhelming, where are you coming from? It’s not as bad as the PNW, but it is worse than the cities/suburbs most of the people on this sub live in.

Downtown has some cool spots and good bars/restaurants (with more on the way), but it was starting to get a true “feel” to it before covid hit. You would see full trax trains, pedestrians walking Main St and theatre crowds mixing in. That has come back a little bit, but there’s still very few people coming downtown for work.

Downtown is expected to triple its residents in the next 5-7 years with developments currently planned or under construction, so you’d be moving to a neighborhood in transition.

What else? The downtown area is in a “free fare zone,” so buses and trains are free until you pass certain stops. Our blocks are way too big and the streets are very wide, so it’s difficult to get the communal feel comparable sized cities have for a downtown entertainment district.

Overall I would recommend it, I love living here and I’d be happy to answer any further questions if you have any.

And it snows, but that’s actually a good question, because it is now fairly rare for it to stick very long with climate change and being a lower elevation than the nearby benches.

**What’s it like living in Salt Lake City, specifically downtown?**


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

If you have other specific questions, I’d love to answer. Sorry a lot of the responses here aren’t helpful - its a big sub so gotta expect it.

**What is it like to live in Salt Lake City, UT?**

It's a great place to live. So much to do here if you're of the mind to make the most of it. All the great mountain locations are a mere 20-30 minutes away. Great hiking and skiing. I've lived here since 1978 and still love it. Salt Lake City is clean with a revitalized downtown. Good restaurants, music and cultural events. It's quite diverse generally because of the University of Utah and transplants from out of state. I lived at Alta my first 7 years and that was quite an experience. Alta in no way represented the culture of the city. I was ready though to move down to the valley. Lots of alternative people and perspectives. I'm at home here and can't imagine living anywhere else. Utah has 5+ national parks all within a 4-5 hour drive. Mountains, desert and much more to explore.

The LDS church rules the government which is unfortunate but Salt Lake itself is mostly Democrat and only about 40% LDS. We have an openly gay mayor and have always had Democrats in that office since the 70's. As I said we're quite diverse and all generally get along. Utah is known for its strong values and volunteerism. We can always do better though.

Downsides include the air quality. So many wildfires, smoky and ozone polluted air make even the summer difficult. Don't get me started about the awful winter inversions. We now have great public transportation options and more people should use them.

Despite the downsides Salt Lake is a great place to live. You need find your niche and experience it all.

**What is it like to live in Salt Lake City, UT?**

I have lived here for 65 years. I am not a Mormon, and I have traveled to every state, most of Canada and Mexico and I cannot think of any place better. We have four seasons, lakes, mountains, deserts, national parks all close by. Our streets and neighborhoods are beautiful. There are many job opportunities .We have many diverse restaurants serving some of the best foods you can want.If you are so inclined we have bars and taverns to satisfy most. And of course we have college and professional sports.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Different By Nature

Looklyloo Score: 86

We're on it!