Salt Lake City Living: Everything You Should Know Before Relocating

Written By Mariah Koehle

Whether you’re thinking about relocating to Salt Lake City or just exploring your options, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m diving into the pros and cons of living in Salt Lake City—what it’s really like to call this city home.

Let’s get into it!

The Convenience Factor

One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Salt Lake City? It’s SO convenient.

You're close to:

  • Downtown Salt Lake (with free parking in many areas!)

  • Salt Lake International Airport (just 10 minutes from downtown!)

  • World-class skiing and snowboarding in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons

  • Hiking, biking, shopping, dining—you name it

Compared to larger metro areas like San Francisco or LA, getting around Salt Lake is a breeze. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just running errands, everything is relatively close—and easy to access by car or public transportation.

Housing & Suburbs

Let’s talk real estate.

Housing in the city itself can be limited, but there are plenty of amazing suburbs nearby depending on how far you're willing to commute. Some top spots include:

  • Close-in: Sugar House, The Avenues

  • 20–25 minutes out: Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Draper, Sandy, Murray

  • Southwest: South Jordan, Herriman, Bluffdale

  • North of SLC: Even more great options!

So whether you want to live in the heart of the city or in a quieter suburb, there’s something for everyone.

Community & Culture

Did you know Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Jazz? Sports fans, rejoice! But even if basketball isn't your thing, the city has a rich cultural scene. Think:

  • Local events and festivals

  • Concerts and performances

  • Historic landmarks and museums

  • Family-friendly activities like parks, splash pads, and trails

It’s also a very family-friendly place with a safe, clean environment. You’ll see people out walking their dogs, families enjoying the sunshine, and runners taking advantage of the beautiful outdoors.

Four Seasons & Outdoor Lifestyle

Love snow? Hate snow? Either way, it’s something to consider.

Salt Lake experiences all four seasons, with snow starting as early as October and sometimes sticking around until April (or even May). But here's the upside: if you love skiing, snowboarding, or just sipping hot cocoa with a mountain view—this is the place to be.

In warmer months, locals enjoy:

  • Paddleboarding

  • Camping

  • Boating

  • Hiking and trail running

  • Picnicking at one of our many scenic spots

It’s truly an outdoor lover’s dream year-round.

A Few Things to Know

No place is perfect—so here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Air quality can be an issue in the winter due to what's called an "inversion" (a smoggy layer that settles in the valley). Thankfully, storms usually clear it out.

  • Traffic has increased with more people moving in, especially during tourist seasons or ski weekends.

  • Limited housing in central areas can mean higher competition and pricing.

Thinking About Making the Move?

Whether you’re relocating for a job, lifestyle, or a fresh start, Salt Lake City has so much to offer. If you’re ready to take the next step, my team and I are here to help every step of the way. We work with people just like you—every day!

Call, text, or email us anytime.

Mariah Koehle
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