West Jordan | Utah Real Estate

West Jordan, Utah was settled around the sugar beet industry. Although the focus has changed to a much broader spectrum of commercial activities today, it is still a sweet family community with exponential growth. Named after Utah’s Jordan River, this community is working hard to balance a hometown atmosphere with that of an industrious city that welcomes growth and development.

This once rural community settled in the mid-19^th Century began to boom in the 1960’s. It’s safe to say, it’s no longer one of the state’s best kept secrets as evidenced by an increase in population from about 3,000 to nearly 115,000 in about four decades.

The Bingham Canyon Copper mine in West Jordan is frequently touted as “the richest hole on earth.” This historic site was recently featured on USA Today’s “10Best” website. Author Christine Balaz said, “Bingham Canyon Copper Mine is arguably Salt Lake City’s most interesting and bizarre historical site.” Visitors flock to the site to experience the manmade hole and to see the massive equipment used there.

West Jordan is not all work! The city features lovely green parks, trails, access to the beautiful Jordan River, quality shopping and restaurants, sporting venues, highly-rated schools and more.

The mountain views to the east and to the west are majestic and inspiring! Residents here enjoy four distinct seasons and all the glory each has to offer. Welcome to West Jordan.

HISTORY

Like most Utah communities, West Jordan was settled by pioneers who came to the area with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Enamored by the rushing waters of a river in present-day West Jordan, the Mormons referenced the River Jordan in Israel when they named the meandering body of water. The water comes from the fresh waters of the Utah Lake and ultimately ends up in the Great Salt Lake. The water proved priceless for these settlers in search of a permanent home and they set up camp along the banks of what they originally called the Western Jordan in 1849. Over time the name was shortened to West Jordan.

In 1850 a man named Archibald Gardner established one of the area’s first sawmills. Eventually, other mills and homes sprang up along the banks and further inland. The river became the lifeblood of this important Mormon settlement. His impact was so prominent that many of the historic buildings for which he was responsible were preserved and are a part of a unique shopping district known today as Gardner Village.

HALLMARKS

The Jordan River (for which this community is named) is central to this city. Early settlers found their way to present day West Jordan by using the fresh water from the river for daily survival. The river remains an important element in this ever-growing city. The Jordan River Parkway hails the water source with a 45-mile multiple use trail “paralleling the Jordan River as it flows north from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake through the Salt Lake Valley’s most populated communities. The trail system includes a paved trail, an equestrian trail, several connecting neighborhood trails, and will ultimately also include a water trail for boaters,” according to the Jordan River Commission. The Commission monitors projects along the trail and boasts regional destinations like “urban fishing ponds, cultural centers, demonstration gardens, shopping areas, parks and more.”

Gardner Village is a nod to the city’s past and a promise of its bright future. Named after one of West Jordan’s earliest settlers, Archibald Gardner, modern and eclectic shops and eateries bring locals and visitors alike back to the village over and over again. The site is centered around the historic Gardner mill. From furniture to home décor to candied apples sold from the back of the Chocolate Covered Wagon, this is a place you will want to spend at least one day. The Soulstice Day Spa is a different kind of treat for body and soul. Different events throughout the year attract visitors from throughout the region. This important location contributes significantly to the city’s economy, lifestyle and rich cultural history.

Logging, farming, ranching and the fur trade were among the city’s most prominent industries in the beginning, but mining is an important industry that helps put West Jordan on the map. According to The Diggings, a website about mining, there are 5,424 mining claims near the city that “occupies the southwest end of the Salt Lake Valley at an elevation of 4,330 feet.” Only 915 of those are active. In West Jordan there are a total of 485 mines. In 128 of those useful minerals are found with 33 prospects and seven plants. The city hosts 317 producers. Many commodities come from these mines including gold, silver, uranium, helium, sand and gravel, silica and sulfur.

RECREATION

This family community is abundant with recreational activities. We’ve mentioned Gardner Village and the Jordan River Parkway and the Bingham Mine; but there are many people in this populous community and each with varied interests.

Golf

Golfers are well represented in West Jordan and the surrounding areas with courses like Mountain View Golf Course and nearby Glenmoor Golf Course (South Jordan). River Oaks Golf Course is just a few miles up the road in Sandy and Mulligans Golf & Games in South Jordan. For a full list of Salt Lake County golf courses, please visit the county website.

Conservation and Gardening

This environmentally-conscious city hosts Conservation Garden Park which “showcases landscapes suited for Utah’s unique climate that are not only beautiful and easier to maintain, but are also designed to efficiently use water. Here you learn how simple changes can result in big water savings,” an article on the park’s website said.

Because in excess of 60 percent of Utah’s drinking water is used to maintain outdoor landscapes, Conservation Garden Park seeks to teach Utahns how to beautify their surroundings and spare water so precious in the high desert. “At Conservation Garden Park, we model the best use of water in Utah landscapes and empower communities to make the most of our shared water resources,” the website said.

Parks

Veterans Memorial Park, 1985 West 7800 South, West Jordan, UT 84088, is a popular green space and play area for locals. A western-style playground helps keep kids fit and encourages them to their imaginations run wild! There is a separate toddlers park here to help keep little tykes safe. Kids can climb, slide, learn with fun games and activities and there is even a Zipline for people of all ages to enjoy (okay, maybe not the toddlers). Rent one of the pavilions for a family picnic or attend one of the many evens hosted by this park each year.