7 Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, UT 2022
Picturesque views, fantastic architecture, and a strong economy are a few features of Salt Lake City, Utah.
The state’s capital city has plenty to offer a prospective renter, which explains why Salt Lake has experienced significant population growth in the last twenty years. So if you plan on moving to Salt Lake City, be sure to do your research (hint: you’re already off to a great start!).
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about finding a good neighborhood and exploring some of the best areas in Salt Lake.
What to Look For in a Salt Lake City Neighborhood?
At a bare minimum, a good Salt Lake City neighborhood should feel safe, affordable, and fun. Finding a Salt Lake City neighborhood that works best for you starts with understanding the fundamental characteristics of a good neighborhood.
Here are the essential characteristics to consider when looking for a Salt Lake City neighborhood:
- Nearby Parks: Utah’s appeal comes from its breathtaking views, greenery, and mountains. Your local park should support various outdoor activities, including walking, biking, picnics, basketball, etc.
- Public Transit: If you plan on using public transportation in Salt Lake City, you’ll need to ensure that any neighborhood you choose is well-served by the city’s service.
- Walkability: Speaking of transportation, if you’re looking to live in a neighborhood where amenities are within walking distance, you’ll need to research the neighborhood’s walkability.
- Pricing: Finding an apartment you can afford should be one of the most important goals of your search. To learn what you should expect, review the rent rates of available units in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Fortunately, Salt Lake is an affordable metro area.
- Entertainment: Grabbing a meal at a restaurant, dancing at a club, hearing live music at the park, and catching a Utah Jazz game are some of the many entertainment options available to Salt Lake City residents. We recommend researching neighborhood entertainment options!
- Safety: Staying safe in a major city largely depends on your situational awareness. Paying attention to your surroundings is the key to avoiding dangerous situations. That said, some neighborhoods experience a higher crime rate than others. If you’re concerned about safety, narrow down your options to include only neighborhoods with low crime rates.
If you’re having a hard time narrowing down your list of Salt Lake City neighborhoods, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City to consider if you are moving to Salt Lake City.
1. Millcreek
- Population: 63,380
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,149
- Median Household Income: $74,325
- Walk Score: 51
- Transit Score: 43
- Bike Score: 51
Located to the south of Salt Lake City proper, Millcreek is considered a separate city rather than just a neighborhood.
That said, it's challenging to establish yourself as a city when the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City is just a 15-minute drive away.
Fortunately, this proximity is excellent news for those commuters who want to be in a densely packed suburban area rather than an urban jungle with sprawling buildings.
Millcreek residents love the city's tight-knit, small community feel. The area is very family-oriented, with tons of community events geared toward children.
If you fancy yourself an outdoor lover, you'll find Millcreek's centrally-located Big Cottonwood Regional Park a little slice of heaven.
Beyond the gorgeous views, the park includes trails, a playground, a nature area, a pond, and much more. It's a great place to spend a day basking in Utah's awe-inspiring vistas.
If you plan on renting in Millcreek, there are plenty of options on the market, and you won't break the bank.
Millcreek's rental options include modern units within apartment communities and single-family homes. Each unit is within walking distance of pretty much everything you need!
2. The Granary District
- Population: 199,723
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,050
- Median Household Income: $63,156
- Walk Score: 78
- Transit Score: 60
- Bike Score: 82
As a significant historical site within the city, Salt Lake’s Granary District retains an industrial edge combined with the area’s more modern touches.
Although once considered a site of decay, Granary District has undergone a substantial revitalization which has attracted many new residents to the area. As a result, you'll find a mix of young professionals and old-timers in the neighborhood.
One of the neighborhood’s most impressive features is the gorgeous murals found on industrial buildings' exterior walls. These murals are a relatively new addition, supported by the city’s artistic grants initiative. However, the murals also symbolize Granary District’s inspiring revitalization.
For those looking for a neighborhood that puts them at the heart of the action, Granary District is the place to be. With a collection of breweries, bars, restaurants, artist spaces, and plenty of local businesses, Granary District provides its residents with plenty of entertainment and recreation options.
Rental options in the neighborhood include upscale condos, renovated units within older buildings, and mid-rise apartment complexes.
3. Capitol Hill
- Population: 8,025
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,388
- Median Household Income: $61,160
- Walk Score: 60
- Transit Score: 51
- Bike Score: 70
Capitol Hill is an aptly named neighborhood, as Utah’s State Capitol building is the neighborhood’s most prominent feature. Located in the city’s downtown area, Capitol Hill is an affordable mixed-use neighborhood.
This neighborhood encompasses the smaller Marmalade district, which is known as a popular LGBTQ+ friendly area with a thriving nightlife scene.
History and art buffs will appreciate Capitol Hill’s proximity to the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pioneer Memorial Museum. In addition, the many cafes, restaurants, and shops in the neighborhood boost its walkability significantly.
If you prefer to have fun in the sun, the northern portion of Capitol Hill is home to the City Creek Natural Area. The park’s trails, awe-inspiring views, and streams keep outdoor recreation right outside your doorstep.
If you’re looking for an apartment in the area, you’ll find luxury units in great supply. However, you’ll also find more traditional apartments that don’t come with an exorbitant price tag.
4. The Avenues
- Population: 24,964
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,655
- Median Household Income: $71,155
- Walk Score: 88
- Transit Score: 55
- Bike Score: 80
Well-known as one of Salt Lake’s more expensive neighborhoods, The Avenues has quickly become the city’s most popular neighborhood. Although located a short distance from Salt Lake’s downtown center, The Avenues has a distinct small-town vibe.
The neighborhood is highly walkable and bike-friendly. However, public transit options are somewhat limited, so if you plan on taking a longer trip, you’ll need your own set of wheels.
A day spent in The Avenues could include exploring the beautiful architecture, browsing the selection of various shops, hitting up one of the local trails, or grabbing a delectable meal at one of the local restaurants.
A large local library branch, community pool, several parks, and more mean that there are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options in the neighborhood.
If you want to rent in The Avenues, prepare to spend a pretty penny. Fortunately, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, as most units available in the neighborhood include luxury amenities.
5. Sugar House
- Population: 34,403
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,350
- Median Household Income: $87,988
- Walk Score: 61
- Transit Score: 40
- Bike Score: 69
The former site of a major state prison, Sugar House, is now Salt Lake’s trendiest neighborhood. The neighborhood’s amenities, entertainment and recreation opportunities, and proximity to Downtown Salt Lake have attracted many young professionals, students, and families.
Young professionals and students flock to Sugar House. Commuting from the neighborhood is simple. Drivers can easily access the I-80 highway, and those using public transportation can choose from the S-Line or buses traveling along the route 21 line.
Sugar House’s walkability, restaurants, cafes, gyms, and grocery options make it a great home for remote workers.
Speaking of parks, Sugar House Park is the neighborhood’s most prominent (literally) and most popular attraction. With over 110 acres of land, trails, athletic fields, picnic areas, and more, the park is an excellent place for a day-long adventure.
There are several studio units available in this neighborhood for those single renters that don’t need much space. However, if you prefer a separate bedroom, Sugar House rentals range from single-family homes to modern units within apartment communities.
6. Central City
- Population: 24,879
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,365
- Median Household Income: $64,904
- Walk Score: 87
- Transit Score: 58
- Bike Score: 94
Central City sits just east of Downtown Salt Lake. The area is considered Salt Lake’s primary mixed-use neighborhood with a dense collection of apartments and shops.
The neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown provides residents with the best of both worlds — the busy urban center and a slightly quieter residential space.
During the day, there is a lot of foot traffic generated from local shops. However, in the evening hours, many residents enjoy a jog or bike ride along the neighborhood’s streets.
The University of Utah’s campus lies to the east of Central City, so it’s not surprising that the neighborhood is home to students and young professionals.
As a certifiable hipster neighborhood, Central City boasts its fair share of cafes where you can find delicious coffee and screenwriters working on their next big hit.
Central City’s breweries, bars, and restaurants are generally bustling with young people in the later hours of the day. Central City has several bars and clubs to choose from for those who enjoy a good club before turning in on the weekends.
7. Downtown
- Population: 5,947
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,931
- Median Household Income: $46,442
- Walk Score: 74
- Transit Score: 70
- Bike Score: 91
Downtown Salt Lake is the city’s commercial hub, with many of the city’s major businesses located in the area.
On game days, you’ll find the neighborhood’s sports bars filled with fans rooting for the home team: The Utah Jazz. Unfortunately, these days will also coincide with increased traffic and rowdiness.
Outside of basketball, Downtown Salt Lake City is home to a dense assortment of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep residents occupied in their free time.
Fortunately, getting around is easy. The neighborhood is best served by the city’s public transportation services, including buses, trains, and bike rentals.
Downtown Salt Lake is best suited for renters looking to take advantage of the neighborhood’s location, densely packed amenities, and easy access to other city areas.
Rentals in the neighborhood include luxury units within upscale apartment communities, condos, and studios. You’re unlikely to find any single-family home for rent within the neighborhood’s borders.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City is a good match for renters looking for spectacular views, plenty of outdoor recreation options, and a younger, liberal demographic.
If moving to Salt Lake sounds like a dream, do your due diligence ahead of time.
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