Are you moving to Salt Lake City and wondering about the best neighborhood for you to buy or rent a home? With nearly two dozen distinct neighborhoods to choose from, it can be tough to get a good idea of what each area has to offer. But we’re here to help.
Salt Lake City is one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood close to outdoor activities or downtown’s booming tech district, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to start your search for a great place to live.
The Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City
Nestled in the Salt Lake Valley, Salt Lake City is full of unique neighborhoods that offer different amenities. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes each place special.
Sugar House
Sugar House is centrally located in the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a sought-after neighborhood known for its central shopping district, diverse dining options, and abundant green spaces. It’s particularly popular among young professionals (the median age of residents is 35) and offers a great balance of urban living and outdoor activities. However, the housing costs in this location are high.
Population: Just over 35,258 residents
Average Rent and Home Prices
- The average rent for a studio is approximately $1,700.
- The average home value in Sugar House is around $609,039.
Crime and Safety Ratings
- The area has a higher rate of violent crime compared to the average U.S. neighborhood but a lower rate than Salt Lake City as a whole.
- Residents generally consider the southeast part of Sugar House to be the safest.
- The western parts of Sugar House report more crimes, with about 74 incidents per year, but this is at least in part because the area has more retail stores.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Sugar House features a diverse range of shops and restaurants that border the 2100 South and Highland Drive area.
- The neighborhood is known for its accessible green spaces, including the popular Sugar House Park.
- Its layout promotes walkability and fosters a strong sense of community among residents.
Central City
Central City is located east of downtown, between 200 East and 700 East, from South Temple to 900 South. A diverse neighborhood with a reputation as a “hipster” spot, there’s no denying that Central City is one of Salt Lake City’s “cool neighborhoods.” It has a variety of housing, including single-family homes, new constructions, and contemporary condos, making it a good choice for young professionals moving to the area.
Image Source: Expedia
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Home prices range from $155k to $1.68 million.
- Rent ranges from $895 – $8k per month
Crime and Safety Ratings
- The rate of violent crime in Central City is 18.34 per 1,000 residents annually.
- The northeast part of Central City is generally considered safer, with lower rates of violent crime.
- However, the western parts of Central City, which have more retail establishments, report about 64 violent crimes per year.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Central City is home to Liberty Park, one of Salt Lake City’s largest and most popular parks, offering numerous recreational facilities.
- The neighborhood features cultural venues like the Salt Lake City Public Library and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Central City is known for its diverse dining scene, ranging from casual eateries to high-end restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs.
- Walkers and cyclists will find the neighborhood easy to navigate as well.
Population: Just under 10,000 residents.
The Avenues
The Avenues is located just north of downtown Salt Lake City. This region is referred to as the “northeast bench” of the Wasatch Mountains, stretching down to South Temple Street. The Avenues is one of the city’s oldest residential areas and is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets; it offers a serene, suburban feel within the city limits.
Population: Depending on your source, the population is counted anywhere between 18,000 and 25,000 people.
Image Source: slc.gov
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Median home value: $779,750.
- Median rent: $1,547.
Crime and Safety Ratings
- Crime rates, including violent crime and property crime, are well below levels in Salt Lake City as a whole.
- While the neighborhood often gets a grade C rating, that’s likely due to its proximity to downtown and its comparison to more distant suburbs.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- The neighborhood is home to Lindsey Gardens, a popular park offering playgrounds and picnic areas, making it ideal for residents with children.
- It’s also close to City Creek Canyon, a natural retreat where locals can take advantage of hiking and bike trails.
- The Avenues provides easy access to downtown amenities while maintaining a quiet, residential atmosphere.
Yalecrest
Yalecrest is a small neighborhood located in eastern Salt Lake City. It’s known for its historic English Tudor and Craftsman-style homes and tree-lined streets. It borders the University of Utah and is close to both downtown and outdoor recreational areas. The homes in the neighborhood are spread out, giving it an almost suburban feel.
Population: Fewer than 5,000 residents.
Image Source: Trip Advisor
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Median home value: $727,130.
- Median rent: $1,830.
Crime and Safety Ratings
- A relatively safe neighborhood, it has low levels of violent crime.
- Average levels of property crime may be the result of it being an affluent neighborhood.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- A community park, Laird Park, which offers open green spaces, playgrounds, and areas for family activities
- The Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which is ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Wasatch Hollow
This small neighborhood is nestled between Sugar House and the University of Utah. It has a friendly, small-town atmosphere and features tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. People in the area have a median income of $111,010, with 40% of residents holding a Master’s degree or higher, likely due to its proximity to the University.
Population: Fewer than 4000 residents.
Image Source: Wasatch Hallow
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Median home value: $579,441.
- Median rent: $1,608.
Crime and Safety Ratings
Despite being a relatively laid-back neighborhood, it earns a C+ on crime, in part due to higher rates of violent crimes like assault compared to other similar neighborhoods.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- The 15th & 15th commercial area has quaint shops and eateries for those who want to shop locally.
- At the heart of Wasatch Hollow is the Wasatch Hollow Preserve, a wildlife preserve that attracts nature lovers and families alike.
- The neighborhood is in close proximity to several reputable schools, making it a popular choice for families.
Bonneville Hills
Image courtesy of Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Bonneville Hills is a small residential neighborhood located in the eastern part of the city with great schools, lots of green spaces, and scenic mountain views. Bonneville Hills boasts a strong sense of community, with active neighborhood associations and regular events that bring residents together.
Population: The sprawling neighborhood consists of around 2,800 people, and many young families have children.
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Median home value: $600,475.
- Median rent: $1,845.
Crime and Safety Ratings
- While crime is generally low in this area, data shows that assault rates are higher than the national average.
- Thefts and robberies are relatively low, earning the location a B- rating for safety.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- With its proximity to Foothill Drive, residents have easy access to a variety of shopping and dining options catering to diverse tastes and needs.
- Bonneville Hills is close to several attractions, including This is the Place Heritage Park and Hogle Zoo, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family outings.
Rose Park
Image source: slc.gov
Rose Park is located in the northwest part of Salt Lake City, just east of the Salt Lake City airport. It’s known for its diverse community and close proximity to downtown. The neighborhood is predominantly residential, featuring a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Rose Park’s affordability is a significant draw, especially considering its proximity to downtown.
Population: Just over 11,000.
Average Rent and Home Prices
- Median home value: $267,055.
- Median rent: $1,203.
Crime and Safety Ratings
The neighborhood gets a C+ rating on crime. While it has a reputation among some as unsafe, the crime statistics are largely on par with other neighborhoods close to downtown.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Residents enjoy access to the Jordan River Parkway, a popular spot for walking, biking, and bird-watching along the river.
- The Rose Park Golf Course offers a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels.
- The neighborhood boasts a variety of dining options, including chain and family-owned restaurants, such as local favorite Chubby’s Mexican Restaurant.
Final Thoughts on Salt Lake City Neighborhoods
If you’re planning a move to one of these Salt Lake City neighborhoods, remember that finding the perfect home might take time. While you’re considering your choices, you may need to rent a temporary storage unit to keep your belongings safe, organized, and clean until moving day arrives.
Neighbor offers safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units across all 50 states, ensuring you find the right storage solution in your new neighborhood. Explore your options and start your journey to discover the best neighborhoods in the Salt Lake City area for you and your family.
