If you are looking for a change, consider moving to Salt Lake City—an area offering big-city amenities, a strong economy, and beautiful, natural surroundings that will not disappoint (picture mountain views to the east and west and the Great Salt Lake to the north).
With a population of about 200,000 and growing, Salt Lake City—the capital of Utah—was recently ranked one of the “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” The Salt Lake City metropolitan area has a population of about 1.2 million. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Utah fourth in the nation in population growth.
Want to know what all the buzz is about? Read on to learn what makes Salt Lake City and the “Beehive State” (Utah) so special.
Top Reasons to Move to Salt Lake City
- Healthy economy: Voted among the “Best Places for Business and Careers 2019” by Forbes, Salt Lake City has historically low unemployment rates, a projected annual job growth rate of 2.4% (as of October 2019) and a cost of living lower than many other major metro areas. Plus, 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 also home to one of the fastest-growing tech industries in the country.
- 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 the brand-new Salt Lake City International Airport.
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Easy access to the great outdoors: The Salt Lake City area is an ideal place 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. The region is rich with lakes and rivers, including the Great Salt Lake, the largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere and largest natural lake in the United States west of the Mississippi River.
- Tee off at one of the area's scenic golf courses.
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Plenty to do and see: Aside from the nearby ski resorts, national parks, lakes and rivers, Salt
Lake City and the surrounding communities offer other 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 cup of tea, check out the local museums, art galleries and performing arts venues. For movie enthusiasts, the Sundance Film Festival has been a popular event for more than 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).
- Get the Olympic experience. Salt Lake City was home to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. You can visit the 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. Salt Lake City is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No matter your religious beliefs, Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City is worth exploring. The 35-acre square features numerous attractions including Salt Lake Temple, an historic landmark dating back to the late 1800s. You can also enjoy performances by the Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.
Advice for Moving to Salt Lake City
It's important to do your homework before becoming a Salt Lake City resident. This includes researching school districts and neighborhoods to find the right fit for you and your family. The region boasts high-ranking schools and several colleges and universities.
You may also consider taking time to debunk any misconceptions about Salt Lake City. For example, even though the city is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, people of all backgrounds live in Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. One true 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
Deciding whether to relocate to a new community is a personal and financial choice. If you are moving to Salt Lake City, WaFd Bank is here to assist you every step of the way.
With multiple locations across Utah and the Salt Lake City metro area, WaFd Bank offers checking and savings accounts, business bank accounts, and home and custom construction loans, among other services.
MEMBER FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, All loans subject to credit approval