Moving to Salt Lake City, Utah

If you want a change, consider moving to Salt Lake City, which offers big-city amenities, a strong economy, and beautiful natural surroundings that will not disappoint. Want to know what all the buzz is about? Read on to learn what makes Salt Lake City and the Beehive State so special.

Is Salt Lake City Worth Moving To

While we can't say it's right for everyone, there are benefits to moving to Salt Lake City. It's growing quickly and has become the youngest state in the country as more and more college graduates and young professionals move in. This has led to many vibrant neighborhoods in the area, with mountains, canyons, deserts, great restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities bringing many people to Salt Lake City. More on all of that and more below!

• Healthy Economy

  Salt Lake City has historically low unemployment rates, a wide array of available jobs (especially in tech, SLC is known as the Silicon Slopes), and a cost of living lower than many other major metro areas. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, tying for the eighth-lowest income tax rate among the 41 states that tax income. Top industries in the region include transportation, tourism, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance. Utah is home to one of the fastest-growing tech industries in the country!

• It's a Young Community

  While some people move to Salt Lake City to retire, over half of the population are between the ages of 27 and 43. This means it has plenty of young families and boasts a highly-rated public school district.

• Ample Transportation Options

  With an average commute time lower than the national average, the region features buses, a light rail system, and a commuter rail service for alternate commuters. The commuter rail service includes stops at Salt Lake City International Airport, which makes traveling a breeze.

• Easy Access to the Great Outdoors

  The Salt Lake City area is ideal for the adventure seeker who enjoys all four seasons, including snowy winters and warm, dry summers. You can:

  • Visit the Wasatch Range for year-round activities in a picturesque mountain setting. There are nearly a dozen ski resorts within a short drive of Salt Lake City.
  • Hike, bike, camp, and discover the natural beauty at several nearby national parks.
  • Enjoy recreational activities on the water since this region is rich with lakes and rivers, including the Great Salt Lake. If you didn't know already, it's the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the largest natural lake in the United States west of the Mississippi River.
  • Tee off at one of many scenic golf courses.

• Other Activities

  Aside from the nearby ski resorts, national parks, lakes, and rivers, Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities offer different activities to keep you busy throughout the year.

  • Eat and drink at local restaurants and award-winning breweries and distilleries.
  • Explore nature at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, Red Butte Garden, or one of the more than 900 acres of public parks in the city.
  • If arts and culture are more your thing, check out the local museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues.
  • For movie enthusiasts, the Sundance Film Festival has been famous for over 40 years. Catch a college, minor league, or major league sporting event. Major league teams in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), and the Utah Warriors (Major League Rugby).
  • Salt Lake City was home to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and you can visit nearby Olympic facilities to ice skate, take a ride in a bobsled or snow tube, or watch Olympic hopefuls in training.
  • Learn about the area's religious history, as Salt Lake City is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City is worth exploring regardless of your religious beliefs. The 35-acre square features numerous attractions, including Salt Lake Temple, a historic landmark dating back to the late 1800s. You can also enjoy performances by the Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.

Is Utah a Business-Friendly State

One of the great things about Utah is that it's a great place to start a business overall because, as a business owner, you'll have more access to loans than in any other state. Utah has about a 2.5% annual employment growth rate, the largest across the country. If you decide to open a business in Utah, consider WaFd Bank for your financial needs. WaFd has been awarded Best Bank multiple years in a row and has the tools and services available to help your business grow to new heights. In the meantime, learn all about what you need to open a business bank account in Utah.

Advice for Moving to Salt Lake City

Doing your homework before becoming a Salt Lake City resident is essential. This includes researching school districts and neighborhoods to find the right fit for you and your family. You may also consider taking time to debunk any misconceptions about Salt Lake City. For example, although the city has a high religious population, people of all backgrounds live in Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. One fact is that many businesses are closed on Sundays to promote family time, a long-standing practice across the state.

Local Banking with WaFd Bank in Salt Lake City, Utah

Located across nine states, including Utah, your local WaFd Bank branch is available to help you reach your financial goals with digital tools to make banking easy. With checking and savings accounts to fit your needs and great-looking debit cards to boot, get your banking done easily with the best digital tools around. Open an account online, or visit your local branch or give us a call at 800-324-9375 to learn more and open an account today.

All loans subject to credit approval.