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Salt Lake City Real Estate Market & Area Guide

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The Salt Lake Valley is surrounded by towering Wasatch Mountains. Located on the western edge of the Rocky Mountain Range these beauties stand watch over industrious inhabitants determined to make what once seemed a high desert wasteland into an ever-thriving metropolis.

Palpable enthusiasm buzzes in historic Salt Lake City. It is Utah’s capital city and power center. With an emphatic nod to the past, Salt Lake is blasting toward the future. Equipped with a strong economy, a clean high-tech industry, and a traditional can-do spirit, this culturally diverse city has something for everyone. Art, history, theater, educational institutions, amazing (a-maz-ing) shopping, and employment opportunities galore make this a great choice no matter your stage of life.

HISTORY

The earliest inhabitants of this valley are believed to have been members of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Native American tribes. They survived on the vast natural resources the mountains, lakes, and rivers offered.

In July 1947 a company of pioneers with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in the valley seeking refuge from religious persecution. Once the trail was blazed through Emigration Canyon, there was no turning back. Thousands of new residents followed. Salt Lake, at the crossroads of the westward trek, attracted miners determined to make their fortunes in the California Gold Rush. On Jan. 4, 1896, Utah achieved statehood. The close-knit community crafted by the LDS church worked tirelessly to build up what they came to believe was their Zion.

Early architecture is prized in Salt Lake City and visitors are amazed by the ornate historic architecture of the area’s downtown. Prefer something more modern? That’s what is great about Salt Lake, you can find any style of architecture in this city that treasures green living for the future just as much as it treasures the past.

HALLMARKS

We’ll just say it: Utah has the greatest snow on earth. Many move here just to be near the area’s world-class ski resorts. You can get to the resorts from Salt Lake in about 30 minutes. Park City, Solitude, Sundance, Snowbird, and Alta are a few favorites.

These resorts have great snow in the winter, but did you know they offer mind-blowing beauty and outdoor recreation throughout the year? Hike, bike, walk, or run, the opportunities are endless and the Wasatch Mountain Range is a gift that just keeps giving.

Other Hallmarks of the area include a strong sense of diversity, industry, and volunteerism. Salt Lake City features the most diverse population in the state. World-class teaching universities and top-notch hospitals are just a few of the perks that draw people to Northern Utah.

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Utah the best overall state in the nation. Utah ranked #1 in economy, and #1 in fiscal stability. The state includes 84,898 square miles with a population of about 3,380,800. Salt Lake is the state’s capital. The gross domestic product (GDP) is $248 Billion. U.S. News and World Report says 46.3 percent of the adult population has a college education. The median income statewide is $37,325.

The U.S. Census reports Salt Lake City’s median income at $72,357. North Salt Lake’s median income is $94,365. The figures reflect the results of a 4-year study (2018-2022) the results of which were published in 2023.

The Salt Lake Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple, the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the Masonic Temple, and the Utah State Capitol are among the area’s most famous landmarks.

RECREATION

Winter sports draw thousands of visitors to the area each year. Ski Utah reports online that “Utah, ski and snowboard visitors spent $2.54 billion throughout the 2022-2023 season, up 8% from last season’s $2.35 billion spend. The Utah ski industry contributed $256.8 million in state and local tax revenue in 2021-2022.” Utah’s soft powder is world-famous!

Don’t ski? How about a hike, a bike ride, a horse ride, or a trip to the Great Salt Lake? Take a boat ride on Utah Lake or visit any one of the many museums, live theaters, green parks, or touching memorials throughout this and surrounding cities. Wildlife viewing is a favorite pastime in Utah (and there’s a lot to see).

Greenspace is carefully preserved here. Memory Grove (a park honoring those who served in the military), Liberty Park, and nearby Sugarhouse Park are local favorites.

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in nearby Draper is a must-see too. It features 4,500 animals representing 550 species! The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is interactive and so hands-on. Located in historic downtown, Discovery Gateway features 60,000 square feet of pure fun.

SHOPPING

Is there shopping in Salt Lake City? Oh, yeah! Whether you want to shop at a mall, a big box store or an eclectic book store, this city has got you covered. City Creek Center, Trolley Square and the Gateway are all local favorites. Retro Betty, Hip & Humble and Lillie Bee Emporium Unique Gifts and Tea are among the many shops designed to entertain, enlighten and inspire you.

EMPLOYMENT

The U.S. Bureau of Statistics reported a 3 percent unemployment rate in January 2024. A collaborative study by the David Eccles School of Business and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget claims Utah survived the economic impact of the global pandemic better than any other state. While many industries thrived, the hospitality and travel industries suffered the most. Following is a list of Salt Lake City’s largest employers:

  1. Super Value Inc., 121,000
  2. Intermountain Healthcare, 59,000
  3. Wealth Generators Llc, 30,000
  4. Smith’s Food and Drug, 22,000
  5. EnerBank USA, 18,738
  6. Barrick Gold, 18,421
  7. Alsco, Inc., 16,000
  8. Zion’s Bank, 10,000
  9. Clearly Promotions, 10,001
  10. Max International Associate, 10,001

TRAVEL

Salt Lake City International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. FrontRunner is the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) commuter rail system. Trains run from Ogden to Provo along an 82-mile corridor and serve a total of 16 stations in Ogden, Roy, Clearfield, Layton, Farmington, Woods Cross, North Temple, Salt Lake Central, Murray Central, South Jordan, Draper, Lehi, American Fork, Vineyard, Orem, and Provo. Stations allow riders to connect to TRAX and bus routes, and feature free rider parking and bike lockers at most locations.

SCHOOLS

Public Salt Lake City students attend K-12 in the Salt Lake City School District. Visit http://www.greatschools.org for up-to-date reports on each school in the district.

CITY/COUNTY

Salt Lake County website
Salt Lake City website

See Homes for Sale by Salt Lake City Zip Code : 84101, 84103, 84105, 84106, 84108, 84109, 84111, 84112, 84115, 84116, 84119, 84120, 84128

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