Thinking of renting a home in Salt Lake City? As one of the best mid-size cities and best places to live near the mountains, Utah’s capital city offers renters a wide range of housing options, beautiful scenery, and fun attractions for all ages. Here are the five best places to rent a home or apartment in the SLC metro!
Capitol Hill
- Home Price: $1,205 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Salt Lake City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 65%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a neighborhood with lots of local history that’s close to Downtown SLC? Check out Capitol Hill! This area offers sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley and is one of the oldest residential areas in Salt Lake City, featuring Queen Anne and Tudor-style homes along historical cobblestone streets. Though Capitol Hill is home to the Utah State Capitol building and Temple Square—some of SLC’s top historic attractions—it still offers a residential vibe ideal for people of all ages. And if you’re in search of outdoor activities in Salt Lake City, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty throughout the neighborhood, as well as various canyons and hiking trails in the northern half of Capitol Hill.
Things to Do in Capitol Hill
Walk the Ensign Peak Trail and admire the magnificent views of the Salt Lake Valley from Ensign Peak. Learn about the history of the Land Cruiser, look at the different vehicle models, or attend the annual CruiserFest at the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum. Snap breathtaking pictures while walking 13.5 miles along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Try the Beignet Basket, Blueberry & Lemon Curd Pancakes, or Croque Madame from Marmalade Brunch House. Get your morning caffeine fix with a Nutty Ex Latte, First Date Mocha, or Spring Water Matcha at District Coffee Co. Sample Japanese food in Salt Lake City with dishes like the Tantan-men, Tonkotsu Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen), or American Shoyu from Koyote. Order the Beet Salad, Ravioli, or Vegetable Tart for dinner at Arlo Restaurant. Attend Trivia Night every Monday, or listen to live music while enjoying Fried Mushrooms, Tiger Wings, and a Blackberry Lemon Sour from Handle Bar.
Central City
- Home Price: $932 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Salt Lake City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 78%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
The Central City neighborhood is situated next to Downtown SLC and offers residents a variety of affordable apartments and bungalows for rent. As Salt Lake City’s most walkable neighborhood, Central City provides easy access to art galleries, music venues, restaurants, and quality healthcare at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital. Plus, there are great shopping options at Trolley Square! Families living in the neighborhood will appreciate being able to send their children to schools like Liberty Elementary School and Wasatch Elementary School. This neighborhood is also near a few different UTA light rail lines, so you can easily travel to other parts of the SLC metro.
Things to Do in Central City
Experience immersive exhibits like Flight or Into the Mind of Artificial Intelligence, look at art installations, or sign up for figure drawing classes at The Leonardo. Play a volleyball game, go for a jog, or have a cookout with friends at SLC’s oldest park, Liberty Park. Walk through the botanical gardens, see over 300 birds from around the world, attend daily bird shows, and more at Tracy Aviary. Check out a new book, explore the gallery, or stop by for an author event at the six-story Salt Lake City Main Library—designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Try Greek and American favorites like Lamb Chops, Moussaka, or Broiled Salmon Steak—and save room for Homemade Rice Pudding—at The Other Place Restaurant. Feast on Cajun-inspired dishes like the Blackened Catfish Sandwich, Gumbolaya, and Alligator Cheesecake at The Bayou. Order the Fresh Spring Rolls, Pad See Ew, Red Curry, and more from Krua Thai Restaurant. Or savor Shrimp Cocktail, Fish Stew, or Lamb Shank at Current Fish & Oyster.
Downtown
- Home Price: $1,138 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of Salt Lake City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 69%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
If you want to live in one of the best SLC neighborhoods for young professionals, consider renting in Downtown Salt Lake City! This neighborhood offers a mixture of Modern condos, townhomes, and high-rise apartments for every style. Known for its great amenities and welcoming community, Downtown Salt Lake hosts local events like the Downtown Farmers Market, Utah Arts Festival, and Utah Blues Festival, which provide perfect opportunities for meeting your neighbors. As a hub for entertainment, nightlife, arts, and dining, locals will never run out of hip restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Plus, Downtown is bike and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy for Salt Lake residents to get around with the GREENbike program—or by using TRAX public transit.
Things to Do in Downtown
Challenge friends to a game of basketball or volleyball at Pioneer Park. Catch a film at the IMAX, learn more about space and science with exhibits like Restless Planet, or attend community programs like Fun Science Fridays at the Clark Planetarium. Grab tickets for Broadway performances at Eccles Theater, or watch Ballet West or the Utah Opera at the elegant Capitol Theatre. Stroll through exhibits like As the Lake Fades or partake in community events like Family Art Saturdays or the Artists-in-Training Summer Camp at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. On your way to work, pick up Beet Avocado Toast, a Croissant Sandwich, or a Cinnamon Roll at Eva’s Bakery. Fill your plate with Red Velvet French Toast, a California Benny, or Blueberry Danish Pancakes at Eggsburgh. Savor Italian favorites like Pasta Al Forno Vera, Pizza Carne, or Penne All’Arrabbiata at Valter’s Osteria. Or listen to live music while late-night snacking on Agave Buffalo Wings, Cayenne Cauliflower, and Coconut Shrimp at Gracie’s.
Greater Avenues
- Home Price: $1,152 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Salt Lake City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 49%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Also known as The Avenues, Greater Avenues is a safe, affordable SLC neighborhood for renters in the Salt Lake City metro! Consisting of Upper Avenue and Lower Avenue, this area boasts affordable Victorian-style homes, bungalows, American Foursquares, and modern apartments with views of the Wasatch Mountains. Along with being one of the best SLC neighborhoods for families due to its safe streets and green spaces like Memory Grove Park, Greater Avenues is also ideal for college students attending the University of Utah—which is located just south of the neighborhood. And if you’re a healthcare professional living in The Avenues, you can find career opportunities at nearby Salt Lake City hospitals like Intermountain LDS Hospital and Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City.
Things to Do in Greater Avenues
Explore the Lower City Creek Loop or City Creek Canyon Trail while taking in views of the city and the mountains at City Creek Canyon. Treat yourself to a Japanese Stone Massage, Vitamin C15 Naturopathica, or Yin/Yang Arcona Facial from The Kura Door. Learn about archaeology and paleontology by touring exhibits like the Great Salt Lake or Gems and Minerals at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Tour one of several themed gardens, sign the kids up for summer camps, or attend the Outdoor Concert Series at the Red Butte Gardens. Treat yourself to brunch in Salt Lake City with favorites like Biscuits & Jam, Chicken & Waffles, or Eggs Benedict paired with a Mimosa at Avenues Proper. Try the Roasted Cinnamon Beets, Mussels & Frites, or Fried Chicken from Wildwood Restaurant. Enjoy authentic Thai dishes like Yellow Curry, Tofu Pad Thai, or BBQ Pork at Sawadee Thai Restaurant. Or pick up rotating vegan barbecue meals at Blatch’s Backyard BBQ, open Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sugar House
- Home Price: $1,306 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Salt Lake City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 42%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Sugar House is known for its hip atmosphere, beautiful mountain views, and diverse restaurants and bars. This trendy neighborhood offers affordable rental options ranging from preserved bungalows and Craftsman-style homes to historical buildings converted to apartments—and if you’re looking to purchase a house soon, it’s also one of the best places to buy a home in SLC! Salt Lakers looking for outdoor recreation will love the 110 acres of multi-purpose green space at Sugar House Park, while those seeking higher education can benefit from easy access to the nearby Westminster University. And those wanting to get involved with their community can do so with the Sugar House Community Council.
Things to Do in Sugar House
Hike with your pup or let them run in the off-leash area in Parley’s Historic Nature Park. Shred at the skate park, dip your toes in the pool, or play a game of pickleball with the family at Fairmont Park. Play a quick nine holes or join a league at one of Utah’s oldest golf courses, Forest Dale Golf Course. Take fitness classes, swim lessons, or tennis lessons after joining the Salt Lake Tennis & Health Club. Get the Aloha Bowl and a Latte for breakfast or the Pesto Grilled Cheese for lunch at Sugar House Coffee.Feast on a Teriyaki Seafood Bowl, Seaweed Salad, or Miso Soup at Sushi Groove. Grab a seat to enjoy authentic Jewish cuisine like a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich or Roast Beef Sandwich at Feldman’s Deli. Or eat slices of the Brickyard BBQ Pizza while sipping drinks like a Woodchuck Pearseco Sparkling Cider or Star Valley IPA at The Brickyard Bar.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
