SLC is a fairly progressive city in a very conservative state. If you’re concerned about overwhelming LDS culture, there’s 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 hip. It is an outdoor lover's paradise, and it is extremely safe from violent crime.  It’s also pretty homogeneous if you're coming from NYC or DC or a West Coast major city. It 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).

We highly recommend visiting Salt Lake City and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.

For Serious Outdoor Enthusiasts

LookyLOO Review of Salt Lake City

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

Safety First

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**chemistcarpenter**
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I’m an ex-Pat, so I’ll give you my point of view as such. It’s a wonderful city and very unique. The typical American downtown does not apply here. It’s a walkable, clean, safe city. “Downtown” is large, spread out and as close to a European city as I’ve seen. Food options are great and abundant. Not to say all options are great, but there are limitless options. Making friends outside of work will be a challenge, however that not a big concern as you’re interning. Cheers.

For more reviews of what living in Salt Lake City is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/salt-lake-city/reviews).

Reviews of Salt Lake City from Locals

**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

**chemistcarpenter**
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I’m an ex-Pat, so I’ll give you my point of view as such. It’s a wonderful city and very unique. The typical American downtown does not apply here. It’s a walkable, clean, safe city. “Downtown” is large, spread out and as close to a European city as I’ve seen. Food options are great and abundant. Not to say all options are great, but there are limitless options. Making friends outside of work will be a challenge, however that not a big concern as you’re interning. Cheers.

**Feralest_Baby**
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

It depends a lot on where you live and what your standards are. In the city proper, bike infrastructure is really good and getting better all the time. Transit is decent as well with main thoroughfares having buses every 15 minutes and a light rail system that is much comparable to many cities twice its size.

Walkability is harder. The layout is very suburban with long blocks and wide streets. There are emerging clusters (especially around rail corridors) that lend to better walkability around them, but a lot of the neighborhoods will leave you a half mile or more from a grocery store.

I will say that yes, the outdoor access is incredible and crime is low for a city its size. Diversity looks ok on paper, but the city is severely geographically segregated. That vast majority of people of color (mostly Hispanic) live poorer areas that are considered less desirable. That being said, those areas are generally still very safe, just "rough around the edges" and are gentrifying as housing costs rise around the entire metro area.

I've lived here almost my entire life and am a bike commuter and advocate with a keen interest in urbanism. Feel free to ask me specific questions.

**Awebrie**
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I moved to slc from philly. I really enjoy it. If you're not an outdoorsy person, you might want to become one. If youre a foodie, Food is okay but seriously lacking in Italian. Thai food is amazing here and sushi is too. But it is no LA. NYC, or even Philly when it comes to food.

I didn't think there would be good coffee shops but I was so wrong and I'm so thankful for that.

I feel like its pretty walkable downtown and surrounding areas by the university but from neighborhood to neighborhood it isn't, like from downtown to sandy, or downtown to Millcreek. There's sidewalks just about everywhere but blocks are hella long and everything is spread out.

The air quality gets a little rough from time to time but that's why I suggest being an outdoor person because hiking up mountains or going up the canyons to hangout gets you some good air.

EDIT: forgot to mention I feel pretty damn safe here which is really nice. Depending on where you end up living, and you will pretty much immediately know what's sketchy and what isn't. Where I live I can walk alone at night and not be scared for my life..cautious always but not scared, which is really nice





**ZekeAV**
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

My favorite thing about Salt Lake is how much I can pretend it's a bigger city, without as many of the negatives of living in NY or LA.

I hate how early things close during the week, or how many businesses take Sunday off. But otherwise, we have a lot more entertainment than people give us credit for.

It's significantly different feeling living in downtown SLC VS the edges of the valley. But that's actually better for a lot of people.

Best of luck, I hope SLC treats you well.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Different By Nature

Looklyloo Score: 91