The 12 Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City: Settling Down in the State Capital

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 Wall Street Journal — and a thriving tech sector that’s experienced double-digit growth 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 shape our list of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City.

Planning a move to SLC? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

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, making it home to some of the best places to live in Utah. 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 mountain climbing, biking, and camping. And there’s plenty to do in winter, too, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The cultural and dining scenes are nothing to sneeze at, either. From the lively Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation to the more traditional Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah, 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 population surge 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 average home price in SLC is about $559,000, compared with the national average of $357,100. 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 relatively affordable here, with the average rent in SLC for a one-bedroom apartment at about $1,550 — a bit below the national average of $1,750. 

Sneak Peek: The Best Salt Lake City Neighborhoods for…

Families

Young Professionals

Safety

While Salt Lake City overall has a Neighborhood Scout crime index of 1 (not great, but keep in mind that it’s not fully representative of the entire metro area), University Village and Greater Avenues get high marks for a low crime rate, making them some of the safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. 

Affordability

Rose Park is a good bet for reasonable prices on homes (the average home price 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, this is one of the Salt Lake neighborhoods 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 potential buyers 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 $784,900, while home values in Granite 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.

Sugar House Park features 110-acres of natural beauty with hiking and biking trails, pavilions, fields, and more.
(Source: Sugar House Park via Facebook)

1. Sugar House

• Average rent (one bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $645,700
• 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. One local fave is the Wasatch Brew Pub, where you can sample local beers and craft cocktails, and nosh on anything from rice bowls to burgers. 

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 Sugar House Park, a 110-acre beauty with trails, pavilions, fields, and more. Sugar House Monument Plaza 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 lot of cool neighborhoods. But we’re going to go with Sugar House, one the oldest Salt Lake City 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: $1,625
• Average home value: $1.1 million
• 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 University of Utah, and many faculty and staff call the neighborhood home.

Schools in the area get a respectable A- ranking overall from Niche, with plenty of A-rated standouts including Indian Hills Elementary and Academy for Math, Engineering & Science. 

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: $1,325
• Average home value: $445,400
• 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, Niche gives Rose Park 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 Jordan River Parkway Trail leads through Riverside Park in the southern part of the neighborhood, with Rosewood Park on the western side. And, for those who like to hit the links, the Rose Park Golf Course 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 for families.
(Source: Becky Harston Real Estate via Facebook)

4. Greater Avenues

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Average home value: $810,100
• 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 Memory Grove Park — and several neighborhood hiking trails lead to gorgeous sites like City Creek Canyon and Avenues Twin Peaks. 

Greater Avenues also boasts “greater” schools, with some of the highest ratings in the Salt Lake City area. It’s no surprise that it ranks as the fifth best place to raise a family in Utah. 

Q: What is the nicest area of Salt Lake City? A: Greater Avenues is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. In fact, Niche ranks it No. 2 on its list of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, owing to its top-notch schools, parks and hiking trails, and city views.

5. Liberty Wells

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $510,300
• 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 second-best neighborhood for 2024 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 Liberty Park, 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 Bricks Corner, 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 around the one-million mark — that’s what Yalecrest is all about. In fact, the Yalecrest cost of living is 37 percent higher than SLC, followed by Arcadia Heights and East Bench as some of the wealthiest areas in the city.

6. Wasatch Hollow

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $801,500
• 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 local wildlife preserve 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 Tulie Bakery, beloved for its mouth-watering artisanal pastries. Local art is big in the neighborhood, too, at places including the 15th Street Gallery. 

The neighborhood’s friendly streets have earned Central City recognition as both a walker’s and biker’s paradise.
(Source: Angie Nelden, Real Estate via Facebook)

7. Central City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $418,700
• 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 urban life. Located near some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife, it's also convenient to many UTA light rail stops. 

Central City is an exciting community with a lot going on year-round, including farmers markets, concerts, and the Salt Lake City Gallery Stroll 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 Walk Score. 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 hippest areas in Salt Lake City. But it’s not the only one. Other cool Salt Lake City areas include Sugar House, Downtown, and Capitol Hill.

8. Yalecrest

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $1 million
• 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 historic district 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 The Other Place, a family-friendly destination with delicious Greek specialties, and Mazza Cafe, for authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Try the maghmoor and rice — out of this world. 

9. Fairpark

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $406,200
• 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: Red Iguana, known for serving up some of the best Mexican food in Utah — and hosting Guy Fieri 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 Jordan River Parkway. In addition to local parks, such as Cottonwood and Riverside, the Utah State Fairpark 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 check out a rodeo 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: Tara Paras Utah Broker via Facebook)

10. Capitol Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $552,800
• 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 Utah State Capitol, 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 City Creek Canyon Trail, which connects to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and offers ample opportunity to explore, hike, and bike. Capitol Hill is also home to the Marmalade District, 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): $1,150
• Average home value: $893,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping and dining, golfing

Situated near the Bonneville Golf Course 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 Foothill Village, a collection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and they’re only a short drive from both the University of Utah and The Hogle Zoo.

As for favorite restaurants, Eggs In the City 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 Oasis Cafe, with a cozy patio that makes it ideal for special occasions. 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): $1,725
• Median home sale price: $2.4 million
• 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 another one of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. It’s home to the interestingly named This Is the Place Heritage Park, part amusement park, part historic site, where families enjoy year-round fun — such as the holiday Christkindlmarkt.

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 packing and loading your moving container (on your own schedule), have it picked up and transported right to your new SLC home.

Move to One of the Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City With the Help of PODS

Once you’ve chosen your dream neighborhood in Salt Lake City, let PODS help you get there with a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway. Pack and load on your own schedule and, when you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home. One month of storage is built into every PODS move, so you can move on your own schedule without feeling rushed.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Apartments.com; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.