Salem, UT

100 Apartments for Rent

Welcome to Salem -- Salem, Utah, that is. Once called Summer Spring by Native American settlers, Salem was re-named to honor its founder's birthplace in Massachusetts. Most people don't know that a photo of Salem was chosen for the cover of the 2013 Utah Driver's Handbook.

Salem, Utah has always been an important city for members of the Mormon faith. Its founder was a bodyguard for Joseph Smith, Mormonism's founding prophet, and he also did a number of things to help build the town -- everything from building houses to serving as the town doctor. Today, there are over 4,300 people living in Salem. Although many Mormons live here, there's a sizeable percentage of non-Mormons as well, and both groups co-exist peacefully and are friendly with one another. Salem is a peaceful suburban town where people get to know their neighbors, enjoy raising children or take the time to experience nature. The town is situated on a lake, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of the town. If small town living in the western United States is for you, check out Salem, one of the nicest places to live in Utah.

Moving to Salem

Since Salem is a small town, housing is at a premium. Many people live there their entire lives, so it may be hard to find an apartment or house. Don't give up, though; if you're planning on moving to Salem, just begin looking for your apartment three to six months before you plan to move.

There are all sorts of apartments for rent in Salem. If you take the time to do a complete apartment search, you may find apartments with paid utilities or all bills paid apartments as well as standard apartments. House rentals are a little more expensive, but you can find the house of your dreams as well.

In order to secure an apartment or house (you can rent both in Salem), you'll need to show proof of identity and income. In addition to your driver's license or state ID card, you'll want to gather at least three pay stubs to demonstrate your ability to pay the rent. If you are self-employed, you'll need your payment records and your last year's tax return in order to qualify. Make sure your income is at least three times the rental price in order to reassure landlords that you will be able to pay the rent on time. Check your credit, too. Landlords will want to make sure you don't have massive credit problems and that you are free of foreclosures and bankruptcies. So you'll want to double check your own credit report and dispute any errors to raise your credit score to what it's supposed to be.

Salem Neighborhoods

Salem is a small town that does not have many different neighborhoods. However, there are two distinct areas of Salem.

Salem Heights: Salem Heights is located in the foothills of the mountains. This area is, obviously, higher elevation than other areas. People who enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking and camping often live in this area of Salem, or at least come to visit often. This area is also more expensive and there are new homes built on mountain terrain here that cost more than the average home in Salem proper.

Salem Proper: The majority of people live in Salem proper, also known as downtown Salem. This area has all the shopping, schools and day-to-day life you can expect. Salem proper is situated around the pond the town was originally named for. While housing is not cheap here, it is far cheaper than in Salem Heights.

Living in Salem

Football and other sports fans will enjoy going to games at the local middle and high schools, while musicians will enjoy the many open mic and karaoke opportunities available through local bars and nightclubs. There are plenty of educational opportunities, too. Nearby colleges sponsor speakers from Utah native Elizabeth Smart to well-known professors from across the country.

Since Salem is built around a pond, animal and nature lovers will definitely enjoy living here. No matter where in Salem you live, you should be able to take your dogs for walks around the pond or go into Salem Heights for hiking, rope climbing, camping and other outdoor activities. The climate contributes to these activities, with summers being known for extreme heat, while winters often get very cold and snowy. During the winter months, you and your kids will be able to ski and sled to your heart's content.