Why do singles and young professionals love living in Salt Lake City? Not only does SLC boast a hot real estate market for first-time home buyers, but it’s also one of the best U.S. cities for jobs. If you’re looking for the best places to live in Salt Lake City based on affordability, crime rates, and access to the city’s best amenities, check out these five top neighborhoods!
| Neighborhood | Downtown | East Bench | East Central | Greater Avenues | Sugar House |
| Safer than % of City | 32% | 79% | 68% | 95% | 47% |
| Median Home Price | $295,629 | $629,733 | $395,884 | $442,454 | $387,543 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,138 | $1,261 | $1,118 | $1,152 | $1,306 |
| Median Household Income | $52,200 | $113,577 | $58,891 | $100,032 | $88,859 |
| Median Age | 34.9 | 41.1 | 30.6 | 38.2 | 33.3 |
Downtown
Looking for a bustling neighborhood with a flourishing social scene? Downtown SLC could be the perfect place for you! When it comes to finding housing in Salt Lake City, the Downtown area is ideal for those seeking apartments and condos surrounded by ample things to do. Residents can enjoy everything from Downtown Salt Lake City shopping spots like the City Creek Center to annual events like the Utah Arts Festival and Utah Pride Festival. Known for being home to Temple Square, Downtown Salt Lake City is also filled with plenty of trendy bars, cozy cafes, and entertainment venues like the Eccles Theater. Plus, Downtown is home to big-city amenities, so you can catch a Utah Jazz (NBA) game at the Delta Center—or attend live performances by the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall!
Things to Do in Downtown Salt Lake City
Learn about outer space, view laser shows and animated films in the 360-degree Hansen Dome Theatre, or visit exhibits like Planetary Processes at the Clark Planetarium. Pick up freshly baked goods, local produce, fine art, and more at the Salt Lake City Farmers Market at Pioneer Park. Attend performances by renowned bands and up-and-coming local musicians at the Kilby Block Party, located just outside of Downtown at the Utah State Fairpark. Enjoy an evening of drinks and crafting at creative events like Leo Libations and Craft Paint Night at The Leonardo. Recharge with a Matcha or Cold Brew and nibble on Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies or a Blueberry Muffin at Three Pines Coffee. Feast on Hazelnut Roasted Elk Loin, Pan Seared Idaho Trout, or Smoked Beef Tartare at Bambara. Indulge in decadent dishes like Ricotta Dumplings, Carbonara, Chicken Pozole, and more at The Copper Onion. Or enjoy Asian cuisine with Black Dragon Rolls, Yaki Soba Noodles, Baked Dynamite, and more at Sapa Sushi Bar & Asian Grill.
East Bench
If you’re seeking an outdoor oasis to call home but don’t want to give up on urban convenience, East Bench may be a good fit for you! One of the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City to buy a home, East Bench is full of upscale condos, ranches, and single-family homes offering spacious yards and views from the foothills. Nestled near the Wasatch Mountains, East Bench is a top choice for nature enthusiasts as it’s surrounded by hiking trails and green spaces like Donner Trail Park and the historic Rotary Glen Park—which is also home to a beloved dog park. The best part? The East Bench neighborhood is bordered by SR-186, which makes for quick and easy commutes into Downtown SLC for job opportunities, bustling nightlife, and more!
Things to Do in East Bench
Grab your clubs and play 18 holes at Bonneville Golf Course. Spend the day perusing boutiques like New Orientation and Downeast at the Foothill Village Shopping Center. Get some fresh air and admire stunning views of the valley with a hike through H-Rock Open Space. Take a date to see exhibits like Wild Utah and Great Apes, or support animal conservation efforts by attending fundraising events like Zoo Brew at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Start your morning with a Passion Superfood Smoothie, create your own Acaí bowl, or try the Authentic Power Toast at Honest Eatery. Looking for sushi in Salt Lake City? Go for the Albacore Delight, Unagi Maki, or Bumble Bee Roll at Hi Sushi. Nibble on a Jack Cheese Quesadilla, Big Pulled Pork Sandwich, or the House Fish and Chips at Black Sheep Bar & Grill. Or enjoy date night with five courses of dishes like Hereford Ribeye, Halibut Oscar, or Filet Roquefort at the intimate Five Alls Restaurant.
East Central
Located just east of Downtown Salt Lake City, East Central is a cozy neighborhood known for its bikeability and dog-friendliness, making it a great place for people with active lifestyles. A safe and affordable SLC neighborhood, East Central provides budget-friendly housing options ranging from charming bungalows to Contemporary apartments and townhomes to settle down in. While there are quaint neighborhood parks scattered throughout the area to enjoy, the 80-acre Liberty Park also borders the neighborhood, offering a variety of sports courts, trails, a swimming pool, and more. The University of Utah—home of the Utes—is also located in East Central, giving young adults quick access to higher education and career opportunities. Not to mention, there are several Salt Lake City public transit options available here—including the TRAX light rail and bus routes—which makes getting around the rest of SLC a breeze!
Things to Do in East Central
Meet exotic birds like the green-winged macaw, attend bird talks, or learn about rainforest plants at the Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens. Get your steps in or play fetch with your pup in the off-leash dog area at Herman Franks Park. Visit 12 original sculptures and 70 engraved stones at one of Salt Lake City’s hidden gems, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden. Check out local food vendors, try out the bike rodeo, or do some shopping at nearby boutiques at the 9th & 9th Street Festival. Wake up with Scandinavian-inspired breakfast dishes like the Benedict Royale, Norsk Omelette, or Norwegian Waffles at Finn’s Cafe. Indulge in Sweet Salty Pig Pizza, The Corner Burger, or the Calabrian Burrata Caprese at Bricks Corner. Try the Pulled Pork Sliders, Rachel Sandwich, or Chipotle BBQ Chicken Salad at Hub & Spoke Diner. Or devour Italian food in Salt Lake City with an order of Tagliata di Angus, Pizza della Nonna, Paccheri Bolognese, and more at Osteria Amore.
Greater Avenues
Singles and young professionals who want to live in a neighborhood with some character will love Greater Avenues. One of the oldest and largest historic districts in Salt Lake City, Greater Avenues is home to some of the most unique architecture in the entire city, spanning everything from Victorian to Mediterranean and Craftsman-style homes—so it’s no wonder why this is one of the best neighborhoods to rent a home in Salt Lake City. History buffs are sure to be satisfied while living in “The Avenues” thanks to easy access to the Utah State Capitol and the Natural History Museum of Utah—while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate abundant hiking trails around Terrace Hills, along with green spaces like Memory Grove Park. Greater Avenues even has a community council that hosts fun neighborhood events like the Avenues Street Fair, where you can meet your neighbors!
Things to Do in Greater Avenues
Hike the challenging City Creek Canyon Trail with your pup or go for a leisurely bike ride along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Admire the beauty of Gilded Age architecture with a tour of the Governor’s Mansion. Grab tickets to see tribute bands or support the University of Utah’s performing arts students at nearby Kingsbury Hall. Take a stroll and admire the statues, or enjoy free outdoor concerts on Friday evenings throughout the summer at Brigham Young Historic Park. Grab your morning cup of joe along with Romesco Toast or a Pear Lavender Toaster Tart from Publik Coffee Roasters. Try everything from Pad Thai and Pot Stickers to BBQ Chicken at family-owned Sawadee Thai. Enjoy gastropub favorites like Fried Brussels Sprouts, a Pork Belly Sandwich, Balsamic Beet Burger, and more at Avenues Proper. Or eat hearty rotating dishes like Annatto Chicken, Bison Striploin, or Spirulina Gnocchi while sipping a glass of Rose at Cucina Wine Bar.
Sugar House
If you ask local singles and young professionals where the best place to live in Salt Lake City is, Sugar House will almost certainly be at the top of the list. Housing options in Sugar House include charming bungalows, Tudor-style cottages, and modern apartments. This trendy neighborhood offers excellent shopping, diverse restaurants, and laid-back Salt Lake City nightlife spots, all while being just ten minutes from downtown. Sugar House is also surrounded by tons of green space, including parks like Parley’s Historic Nature Park, Fairmont Park, and the neighborhood’s namesake, Sugar House Park—which features athletic fields, trails, and more. In addition, Westminster University is conveniently located within the neighborhood for young adults looking to pursue higher education, and those wanting to kickstart their career in healthcare can find great opportunities at Sugar House Health Center!
Things to Do in Sugar House
Meet up with friends and sit back to watch the latest blockbuster hits at Cinemark Sugarhouse. Get access to amenities like the 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, fitness center, and more when you join the Salt Lake Country Club. Practice your putt before playing a round on popular public golf courses in Salt Lake City like Nibley Park Golf Course and Forest Dale Golf Course. Enjoy live music, support local artists, and more every month at the Sugar House Art Walk. Order savory dishes like Drunken Noodle, Pineapple Curry, and Thai Fried Rice at Ekamai Thai Sugarhouse. Devour appetizers like Gyoza before digging into Groove Rolls or Shiro Maguro from Sushi Groove. Switch it up with authentic Jewish dishes like a Veggie Hummus Sandwich, Sloppy Joe, or Corned Beef at Feldman’s Deli. Or sip a Swede Ally Nitro Stout, cocktails like the Purple Hive Haze, or a glass of red or white at Wasatch Brew Pub.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
