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If you’re considering a move to Salt Lake City (or SLC), we don’t blame you. Besides a booming job market — the hottest in the U.S., according to the — and a thriving tech sector that’s experienced in recent years, Utah’s capital city is the place to live if you enjoy the outdoors. From mountains and canyons to deserts and lakes, the wild natural beauty in SLC is truly spectacular — and it’s definitely helped to shape our list of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City.

Planning a move to SLC? Start by getting a quote from ÐÓ°ÉPro.

Before we dive into the top 12 best places to live in Salt Lake City, let’s take a quick look at what it’s like to settle down year-round in this popular vacation destination.

Salt Lake City at a Glance

Set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a vibrant mix of natural beauty and urban sophistication. The city is known for its interesting roots as the U.S. home of Mormonism, and, of course, endless options for an active lifestyle celebrating the outdoors.

Things To Do in Salt Lake City

Living in Salt Lake City means summer , biking, and camping. And there’s plenty to do in winter, too, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The cultural and are nothing to sneeze at, either. From the lively to the more traditional and the , residents and visitors have a variety of award-winning cultural institutions to explore.

The Job Market in Salt Lake City

Utah has seen quite the in recent years, ranking in the top 10 states for population growth in 2024 — and the capital city has a lot to do with that. Young professionals, in particular, are moving to town in search of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, drawn by the thriving job market and impressive tech scene. 

The Salt Lake City Housing and Rental Markets

The is about $556,000, compared with of $362,500. Obviously SLC homes are a bit pricey, but that’s likely due to a robust economy fueled by a diverse job market and close proximity to limitless outdoor activities involving mountains, rivers, and lakes — all of which make it a desirable place to live. 

On the flip side, rentals are actually relatively affordable here, with the average rent in SLC for a one-bedroom apartment at about $1,600 — a bit below the national average of $1,725. 

Sneak Peek: The Best Salt Lake City Neighborhoods for…

Families

Young Professionals

Safety

While Salt Lake City overall has a of 1 (not great, but keep in mind that it’s not fully representative of the entire metro area), Greater Avenues gets high marks for a low crime rate. 

Affordability

Rose Park is a good bet for reasonable prices on homes (the is under half a million dollars, which is not the norm for much of the metro area), groceries, and other necessities. But with the lower costs come fewer amenities. Still, the neighborhood is within an easy commute of downtown — not a bad tradeoff if you’re trying not to break the bank. 

Luxury

The historic homes of Capitol Hill, SLC’s oldest residential neighborhood, define “luxury.” Perfect for looking for a high-end living experience in a stunning setting.

Q: What are the wealthiest suburbs in Salt Lake City? A: Granite and Draper are two of the wealthiest suburbs in the Salt Lake City area. Draper has an average home value of about , while home values in average in the $1 million-plus stratosphere.

Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City 

Without further ado, here are the 12 best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. We’ve included average home values, average rent, and a little bit about what makes each one among the best areas to live in Salt Lake City.

You’ll find plenty of parks and bike trails in Sugar House — including Sugar House Park, a 110-acre beauty with trails, pavilions, fields, and more.
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1. Sugar House

• Average rent (one bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: College students, families, young professionals, friendly tight-knit community, restaurants, shopping, bike trails, parks

The Sugar House neighborhood is one of the most vibrant areas in Salt Lake City, with a mix of upscale homes and artsy urban-esque enclaves. Named for the short-lived Sugar Beet Factory, which was established back in the 1800s by Mormon leader Brigham Young, the district retains its historic vibe and attracts people looking for an active lifestyle. It’s one of our favorite areas and is among the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for young adults. 

Today, Sugar House has a pleasant mix of tree-lined streets and bustling retail and dining areas, many keeping the legacy of Sugar House alive in their decor and branding. Local faves include , a neighborhood staple since the 1990s, and the , where the emphasis is all local. 

A couple of big-box shopping centers dot the area, as well, but the cozy neighborhood vibe reigns in most areas. And, this being Salt Lake City, you’ll find plenty of parks and bike trails — including , a 110-acre beauty with trails, pavilions, fields, and more. is another interesting destination, with a 50-foot shaft topped by a light in honor of the settlers who first came to the Utah Territory.

Q: What is the hippest neighborhood in Salt Lake City? A: For a town founded as a conservative religious enclave, Salt Lake City has a fairly amazing hip factor. It’s tough to pinpoint just one neighborhood as the hippest, since there are so many cool neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. But we’re going to go with Sugar House, one of SLC's oldest neighborhoods and where you can find an eclectic mix of local shops and restaurants (with the city's signature artisan flair).

2. East Bench

• Average rent:
• Average home value:
• Great for: College students, professors, families, outdoor activities

Any cultural map of Salt Lake City neighborhoods should include a closeup of East Bench. Located on the eastern edge of SLC, the district extends up to the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, which means residents get some of the most breathtaking views in the area and tons of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and climbing. East Bench is also close to the , and many faculty and staff call the neighborhood home.

Schools in the area get a respectable B+ ranking overall from Niche, with plenty of A-rated standouts including and . As for other, more enjoyable pursuits, local foodies rave about the Red Butte Cafe, a cozy neighborhood spot with Southwestern dishes and flavorful vegetarian and vegan selections.

Fun Fact: How did East Bench get its name? In Salt Lake City lingo, “bench” refers to a plateau that’s elevated above the surrounding valley. This particular bench was formed from the prehistoric Lake Bonneville, which is long gone but left terraces at different elevations along the mountain range.

3. Rose Park

• Average rent:
• Average home value:
• Great for: Families, diversity, green spaces, quiet atmosphere, commute, biking, golfing

Located just north of the city, Rose Park is a diverse and culturally active neighborhood. Lots of green space and its relative affordability compared with many other neighborhoods in SLC make it one of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for families — and plenty of empty nesters have found a home here, too.

This neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, but access to the airport and downtown is super easy for commuters and weekend-getaway warriors. First-time home buyers will find small brick cottages with large lots — a smart way to secure a foothold in the Salt Lake City real estate market. As for schools, an A- rating. 

The neighborhood’s bikeability makes it easy for locals to enjoy the great outdoors and all the parks in the area. The leads through Riverside Park in the southern part of the neighborhood, with on the western side. And, for those who like to hit the links, the sits right in the middle of the neighborhood.

Greater Avenues is one of the safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City and one of the best neighborhoods for families.
(Source: )

4. Greater Avenues

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: Families, young professionals, safety, green spaces, hiking, schools

Greater Avenues is one of the safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City and one of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for families. Add to that some beautiful views of the city and the state capitol, and it’s no wonder this scenic hotspot made our list.

Green spaces are abundant here — check out — and several neighborhood hiking trails lead to gorgeous sites like and . 

Greater Avenues also boasts greater schools, with some of the highest ratings in the Salt Lake City area. The local Wasatch and Ensign elementary Schools rank among the top , while nearby is the No. 1 public middle school and ranks in the top five.

5. Liberty Wells

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, parks, restaurants, variety of housing, commute

If you are looking for a family-friendly area in Salt Lake City, Liberty Wells — or the Wells, as locals call it — is a top-notch place to live. In fact, Niche named it SLC’s with an A+ rating. Despite the high marks, it’s comparatively affordable, with some up-and-coming areas where bargains can still be had, and it’s close to many highly rated schools. And, of course, there are beautiful outdoor spaces — such as , which offers a mix of history and recreation. 

The area offers a nice variety of homes, including ranch-style houses and small bungalows. Shopping and dining are eclectic here, too, with tasty spots such as , which has made Detroit-style pizza an unlikely favorite in Salt Lake City since 2020.

To top it all off, the Wells is only three miles from downtown, making for an easy commute into work from one of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City.

Q: What is the wealthiest area in Salt Lake City? A: Yalecrest is generally considered among the most affluent areas in SLC. Exclusivity, prestige, and amazing real estate — with average home prices above the one-million mark — that’s what Yalecrest is all about.

6. Wasatch Hollow

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, diversity, peaceful environment, parks, coffee shops, art, live music

In Wasatch Hollow, tree-lined streets and a peaceful atmosphere create an ideal place to live — and not just for humans. Wasatch Hollow Park features a where visitors have been known to spot elk, mule deer, and the occasional bear. 

Back in civilization, Wasatch Hollow is known for cozy coffee shops that are great spots to meet friends and neighbors. Try the , beloved for its mouth-watering artisanal pastries. Local art is big in the neighborhood, too, at places including the . 

The neighborhood’s friendly streets have earned Central City recognition as both a walker’s and biker’s paradise.
(Source: )

7. Central City

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, public transit, variety of housing

Central City is one of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for young professionals and singles looking to enjoy the urban life. Located near some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife, it's also convenient to many . 

Central City is an exciting community with a lot going on year-round, including farmers markets, concerts, and the on the third Friday of every month. The neighborhood’s friendly streets have earned Central City recognition as both a Walker’s and Biker’s Paradise from . And when you’re ready to sit down for a good meal, try Pago, a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced seasonal ingredients — one of many tasty, terrific options in the neighborhood.

Q: What is the hip area of Salt Lake City? A: Central City is one of the most hip areas in Salt Lake City. But it’s not the only one. Other cool neighborhoods in Salt Lake City include Sugar House, Downtown, and Capitol Hill.

8. Yalecrest

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, college students, prime real estate, historic homes, trails, recreation areas

Yalecrest is a great destination for young professionals — and for young-professionals-to-be enrolled at the University of Utah. The neighborhood, a known locally as Harvard-Yale, offers plenty of spacious, prime real estate (for those who can afford it), including English Tudor, Colonial Revival, and bungalow-style homes built between the 1920s and ‘40s.  

Along with access to various hiking trails and recreation areas (noticing a trend in the best areas to live in Salt Lake City?), Yalecrest is known for its diverse population and community-focused vibe. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, owing in part to friendly neighbors who host lots of block parties and holiday celebrations. As for dining, two internationally flavored highlights are , a family friendly destination with delicious Greek specialties, and , for authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Try the maghmoor and rice — out of this world. 

9. Fairpark

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value:
• Great for: Families, young professionals, diversity, commute

One of the most culturally diverse and best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City is Fairpark, which also has some of the best restaurants in the area. Case in point: , known for serving up some of the best Mexican food in Utah — and back in 2020. The restaurant is typically packed during the evening, so plan accordingly.

The eastern border of Fairpark runs along the Jordan River and the . In addition to local parks such as Cottonwood and Riverside, the is located here. The midway will come alive in the first week of September for the State Fair, but there’s always something for locals to do year-round — care to in July, anyone? 

Fairpark’s proximity to downtown makes it an ideal location for fans of nightlife and entertainment. And if you want to explore beyond Fairpark, I-15 runs right through the neighborhood, making it easy to access hiking trails, ski resorts, and everything else SLC has to offer.

Capitol Hill is SLC’s most iconic neighborhood, with a unique mix of history, striking architecture, and stunning views.
(Source: )

10. Capitol Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, gorgeous views, trails, LGBTQ+ community, affordable homes

There’s no shortage of cool neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, and Capitol Hill is definitely considered one of them. It’s also SLC’s most iconic neighborhood, with a unique mix of history, striking architecture, and stunning views. Just north of downtown, Capitol Hill is home, natch, to the , a majestic landmark overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains. Steep, winding streets are the hallmark of the neighborhood’s residential area, which features well-preserved Victorian and early 20th-century bungalows. 

The district is a hub of government activity and a popular destination for tourists and locals — particularly the Capitol grounds, where expansive green spaces host concerts, festivals, and political rallies. 

Other popular spots are Memory Grove Park and , which connects to the and offers ample opportunity to explore, hike, and bike. Capitol Hill is also home to the , one of the oldest neighborhoods in Utah and a vibrant retail and dining hub that’s experienced quite a renaissance in the past decade. Homes are still affordable in some spots of this lively, diverse neighborhood that attracts young families, a growing number of seniors, and a substantial LGBTQ+ community.

11. Bonneville Hills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value:
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping and dining, golfing

Situated near the and bordering the neighborhood of East Bench, Bonneville Hills is a quiet area — but convenient to downtown and other necessities. Locals, mainly young professionals and families, find what they need at , a collection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and they’re only a short drive from both The and The .

As for favorite restaurants, is a punny breakfast spot serving up everything from pancakes to breakfast burritos and avocado toast. Make a reservation — this place gets packed. At dinnertime, check out the more upscale , with a cozy patio that makes it an ideal location for a special occasion. The wine list is amazing with nearly three dozen selections. Must have: pan-roasted halibut in a lemon caper sauce.

12. Sunnyside East

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Median home sale price:
• Great for: Seclusion, beautiful views, fun local events, retirees

Speaking of eggs, Sunnyside East gives residents a spectacular view from the valley to the lake. This somewhat secluded neighborhood is home to the interestingly named , part amusement park, part historic site, where families enjoy year-round fun — such as the holiday .

This area has plenty of hiking trails and amazing views of the mountains, but it’s a bit farther from the city center, and the public transit isn’t great here, so you'll probably need a car to get around.

After you’ve packed and loaded your moving container (on your own schedule), ÐÓ°ÉPro will pick it up and have it delivered right to your new home in Salt Lake City.

Plan Your Move to SLC With the Help of ÐÓ°ÉPro

When you’ve found your ideal dream neighborhood in Salt Lake City, let ÐÓ°ÉPro help get you there. They can provide a portable storage container that you can use to pack and load at your own pace. Once you’re ready, ÐÓ°ÉPro will pick it up and deliver it to your new home. And if you need more time, no problem! One month of storage is included with every move.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.