Top Five Things You Will Not Believe About Salt Lake City

A beautiful Utah custom home

Salt Lake City has a way of surprising people in the best possible way. When I talk with families who are thinking about relocating to Utah, they often tell me they had no idea what life in Salt Lake City was really like. Some things catch them off guard. Some things make them fall in love with the area even more.

Here are five things people never expect about living in Salt Lake City.

You can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. It sounds impossible, but it really can happen in Utah. The reason is simple. Utah has high mountain ranges with cold winter snow and warm sunny valleys only a few hours away. For example, you can spend the morning skiing at Brian Head where the elevation is high and the snow is perfect, then drive down to St George and play golf in warm weather that feels like a completely different season.

Even closer to Salt Lake City, this happens all the time. The mountains can be covered in fresh powder while the valley stays dry and sunny. I remember one weekend when friends of ours took their kids skiing in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the morning, grabbed lunch on the way home and then met us for an afternoon tee time. They joked that it felt like two vacations in one day. It is one of those things you do not really believe until you experience it yourself. This mix of elevation and climate is what makes Utah feel like a four season playground and it is something that surprises almost everyone who moves here.

The food scene is much better than people imagine. Salt Lake City has great restaurants, cozy brunch spots and local coffee shops that people love. You will find award winning farm to table dining, international food and lots of local favorites. Most newcomers are surprised by how good the food is here.

Salt Lake City is not only about the church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has an important history in Utah, but the city itself is more diverse than many people think. You will meet people from all backgrounds, all belief systems and all lifestyles. Utah is known for having a very welcoming feel.

Winter is not as bad as people think. Many families picture freezing temperatures and icy roads for months, but Salt Lake City winters are easier than most expect. The city clears snow quickly, the sun comes out often and the heaviest snow usually stays in the mountains. You still get winter fun like skiing and snowboarding without feeling trapped indoors. Salt Lake has more than two hundred and fifty sunny days a year, so even in winter, you can enjoy bright blue skies.

The air quality can be challenging at certain times of the year. The mountains make Salt Lake City beautiful, but they can also trap cold air during the winter. This creates something called an inversion, which brings a layer of smog into the valley. It usually clears when storms come through, but it is something many families want to understand before moving here.

People are incredibly friendly. One of the things newcomers always comment on is how kind the community feels. Neighbors help each other. People say hello on walks. Baristas remember your name. There is a strong sense of community that makes Salt Lake City feel safe and welcoming. For many families, it becomes the number one reason they stay.

If you are exploring a move to Salt Lake City, I would love to help you understand the lifestyle, the neighborhoods and what life feels like here day to day. I talk with people just like you every week and I am always happy to answer questions or help you take the next step.

Call, text or email anytime. I am here to help however I can.