COMMUNITY PROFILES / SALT LAKE COUNTY

County Offices
2001 South State Street
Salt Lake City 385-468-7399
https://slco.org/

Chamber of Commerce
175 East University Boulevard
Salt Lake City 801-364-3631
https://slchamber.com

With the world-class amenities of Salt Lake City enhancing the quality of life, Salt Lake County is vibrant and visionary. The county provides a wide range of environments and settings for living, working, and playing. The incorporated cities range from a population of approximately 400 to Utah’s largest urban center and home to nearly 182,000. Communities also contrast in their historic legacy, from those founded as long ago as 150 years to one established in 1999.

Often referred to as the “Wasatch Front” for the alpine splendor of the Wasatch Mountains that surround it, Salt Lake County is equally rich in natural beauty. Although Salt Lake County was originally settled as the cornerstone of the Mormon religion, the region has evolved into one of the nation’s most dynamic metropolitan centers. Growth is evident in every sector, from beautiful new residential subdivisions and attractive suburbs to a flood of high-tech enterprises. Across the nation, this region continues to garner accolades for quality of life, economic growth and development, entrepreneurial spirit, high-tech infrastructure, and overall livability.

The State of Utah boasts a growth rate that has outdistanced the rest of the nation by a staggering 100 percent since the 1940s, and nearly half of that phenomenal expansion has occurred within Salt Lake County. The combination of transportation amenities, educational advantages, and moderate taxes guarantee the region’s prowess as one of America’s economic hot spots for decades to come. The steady stream of new industry and business that has relocated or developed in Salt Lake County ranges from international corporations to entrepreneurial upstarts. This diversification of economy has attracted a correspondingly rich population mix, blending cultures, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.

Services
Salt Lake City serves as the hub of transportation facilities, offering exceptional efficiencies underlined by the international airport. A network of interstate highways ensures quick and easy connections to area thoroughfares. Interstate 215 forms a loop that encircles Greater Salt Lake City; Interstate 80 is the major east/west artery and Interstate 15 serves north/south traffic. Mass transit for commuters is available in the Wasatch Front through the Utah Transit Authority.

Educational excellence is another hallmark of Salt Lake County, where public and private schools provide a strong core curriculum and outstanding special programs. Higher education opportunities close to home include the leading research institution of the University of Utah as well as the private liberal arts institution of Westminster College and Salt Lake Community College. Career and vocational schools including Salt Lake-Tooele Applied Technology College offer a diversity of programs and certifications while they bolster the growth and prosperity of area employers by providing customized training. Several private four-year colleges and a number of career and vocational schools provide additional options for post-secondary education.

Leading healthcare institutions and highly efficient healthcare systems underline a comprehensive network of state-of-the-art facilities and services throughout Salt Lake County. The University of Utah’s School of Medicine as well as the University Hospital & Clinics anchor an impressive list of hospitals and medical centers in one of the nation’s healthiest states. Families will be pleased to discover the many advantages associated with Primary Children’s Medical Center, a dedicated institution that enjoys an international reputation for advanced research and technology as well as compassionate care centered on the special needs of children. The Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children provides another renowned pediatric healthcare center. Suburban institutions include Alta View Hospital in Sandy, the Cottonwood Hospital Medical Center and the Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Murray, and Jordan Valley Hospital in West Jordan.

Lifestyle
Throughout Salt Lake County, new growth balances with renewal and renovation. Expansion and revitalization are most evident in the long-established Salt Lake City, where decades of progress have produced an efficient and attractive metropolis. Boasting a business center that serves the Intermountain West, the city’s downtown district reflects the blend of modern sophistication and a reverence for the past. The elegance and beauty of classic buildings contrast with gleaming high rises and magnificent venues like the $70 million Salt Palace Convention Center. Another highlight of downtown Salt Lake City is the John W. Gallivan-Utah Center with its displays of the works of famous Utah artists. The center’s complex even offers an outdoor ice-skating rink.

Newcomers to Salt Lake County will discover a climate that is both invigorating and mild, where sun-drenched days melt into starry nights. The environment could not be more ideal to enjoy the first-rate recreational amenities that draw residents and visitors alike. Hogle Zoo, Hansen Planetarium, the Children’s Museum of Utah, Lagoon Amusement Park, Pioneer Trail State Park, and the Great Salt Lake are just a few of the many local attractions.

Cultural riches abound in Salt Lake County, from theatre and opera to dance and musical concerts that meet a wide range of tastes. In addition to fine galleries and art centers, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts houses the Intermountain West’s only collection of world art. Dazzling venues include the multi-venue complex known as the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts, the Leonardo at Library Square, the Rice-Eccles Stadium & Tower, and the Delta Center Arena. World-class performing and visual arts combine with colorful festivals and celebrations to fill the annual calendar with excited events. Diversity is the focal point of many of the festivities, from the Greek Festival to the Japanese Obon Festival or Oktoberfest at Snowbird.

Within an easy drive from home, residents can visit eight national parks and two national recreation areas as well as a variety of national monuments, state parklands, and pristine wilderness areas. Those looking for the “Greatest Snow on Earth” can choose from world-class resorts, cross-country or Nordic ski areas, and the nation’s only recreational ski jumping complex. Professional and collegiate sports draw cheering crowds, although Utah has the right setting for those who prefer active sports. Golfing, tennis, boating, swimming, water-skiing, biking, hang-gliding, whitewater rafting, camping, backpacking, hiking, or rock-climbing are just a few of the possibilities for outdoor adventure.

Salt Lake County manages to offer a relatively low cost of living while it guarantees a high quality of life. The comprehensive transportation network, educational excellence, leading universities and healthcare institutions, and abundant employment opportunities represent a few of the advantages available in the Wasatch Front. With its selection of attractive housing in a pleasing variety of styles, price range, and settings—Salt Lake County is an ideal place to call home.

SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES

Draper

City Hall
801-576-6500
https://www.draperutah.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-553-0928
www.draperchamber.com

Set against the backdrop of rolling pastures and lush southeastern foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the flourishing community of Draper has experienced rapid growth and expansion in recent years. Attractive new homes blend with the remnants of rich pastureland and quaint homesteads to create a charming atmosphere. Many spacious luxury homes are nestled in newer developments like South Mountain, offering prime surroundings of natural beauty and spectacular vistas. Convenient local shopping and service centers add to the quality of life in Draper, although the advantages of Salt Lake City are just minutes from home.

Midvale City

City Hall
801-567-7200
https://www.midvalecity.org/

Chamber of Commerce
801-364-3631
https://slchamber.com

The modern communities of Midvale and Union combined their strengths and resources to create Midvale City. From its roots as an early western mining settlement and agricultural center, this area has grown and matured into a balanced community of friendly neighborhoods. Because of its rich background and colorful history, Midvale City boasts one of the most diverse populations in the Salt Lake Valley. The convenient and centralized Salt Lake Valley location is an asset for residents. The selection of housing ranges from well-kept older homes along tree-shaded streets to newer construction in a variety of styles and price ranges. Other attractive features of the community are the close proximity of Fashion Place Mall and the Fort Union area office complex, low property tax base, and easy access to world-class cultural and recreational amenities.

Murray

City Hall
801-264-2600
https://murray.utah.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-263-2632
https://murraychamber.org

Murray is a popular choice for newcomers who want to settle in an attractive community that strikes a balance between employment opportunities, recreational activities, and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The flourishing business climate and robust economy of this community harmonizes with the attractive selection of single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Well-established neighborhoods feature handsome homes graced by meticulous landscaping and shade trees. In the newer subdivisions, modern homes offer every amenity and convenience. A thriving commercial and service sector, an ideal location in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, good schools, and favorable utility rates make Murray a popular choice for young professionals and families.

Riverton

City Hall
801-254-0704
https://www.rivertonutah.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-280-0595
https://www.mountainwestchamber.org/

Maintaining an accurate census of Riverton is a challenge, since this suburb of Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing communities in the valley. While the business district still reflects the charm and friendliness of a small-town atmosphere, Riverton boasts a very active economy and serves as a hub of home-based businesses and entrepreneurial activity. The result is community with a flourishing economic base that manages to retain its residential nature. Riverton enjoys a reputation as a family-oriented community with many advantages for raising children. With its pristine country setting against a backdrop of rich farmland, the area still offers generous acreage for homesites. Riverton’s appeal is further enhanced by good schools, a spirit of friendliness, and easy access to expanded urban amenities.

Sandy

City Hall
801-568-7100
https://www.sandy.utah.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-566-0344
https://www.southvalleychamber.com/

Nestled in the shadows of the panoramic Wasatch Mountains, Sandy City is a well-developed and highly balanced community just 15 miles south of Salt Lake City. Featuring a quality selection of spacious homes on sprawling lots, Sandy has the appearance and atmosphere of a young, progressive community. In fact, Sandy claims a lower median age as well as a higher percentage of married couples than comparable communities. Residential development in recent years has been rivaled with expansion in the service sector, enhancing the quality of life. Prime parcels of land combine with good schools, thriving businesses, and excellent recreational amenities. Residents also enjoy easy access to the urban advantages of Salt Lake City, vast national and state parklands, and premier ski resorts.

South Jordan

City Hall
801-446-HELP
www.sjc.utah.gov

Chamber of Commerce
801-280-0595
www.swvchamber.org

Located in southwestern Salt Lake County, South Jordan is marked by rapid growth. Newcomers are drawn to this community of lovely, large homes with sprawling lots and well-groomed landscaping. Beautiful residential neighborhoods dominate in this attractive city with limited industrial and commercial activity. South Jordan has an enviable reputation as a family-oriented community of good schools and outstanding recreational advantages. Those with horse properties can enjoy Salt Lake County Equestrian Park, although the city and the surrounding area provide virtually unlimited opportunities for exercise and outdoor adventure. With its pleasing atmosphere and rich land resources, South Jordan is sure to maintain its pace of rapid growth.

City of Taylorsville

City Hall
801-963-5400
https://www.taylorsvilleut.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-977-8755
https://chamberwest.com

The City of Taylorsville was incorporated on July 1, 1996 and I home to a little more than 57,000 residents. Taylorsville may be one of Utah’s newest cities, but it has a rich history reaching back to 1848 when pioneers Joseph and Susanna Harker crossed over the Jordan River and founded the Taylorsville-Bennion areas. Residents enjoy a community that they take an active role in. The city is home to many large corporations and strong local businesses as well, drawn to the area by its favorable location and strong workforce. The city is home to many annual events that bring the community together including the Taylorsville City parade and Taylorsville Dayzz. Education and recreation are also important factors in the success of this city. Central to the education community is the Salt Lake Community College. More than 24,000 students from around the area take courses at the institution, giving Community College the second largest student body in the Utah system of higher education. There are also good public schools and a branch of ITT Technical Institute as well. Residents have access to excellent outdoor facilities including golf courses, baseball parks, a skateboarding park, a swimming pool, and several community parks. All of the amenities combined with the short distance to all of the urban excitement of Salt Lake City make Taylorsville a great place to call home.


West Jordan

City Hall
801-569-5000
https://www.westjordan.utah.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-970-3671
https://wjc-ut.com/

Branding itself as the “Home of the Good Neighbor,” West Jordan is one of the state’s fastest growing cities and one of the most affluent in terms of average income. In spite of the expanding population, the city is known for its colorful, year-round celebrations and active arts community spearheaded by the West Jordan Performing Arts organization. West Jordan offers residents a rich complement of cultural and recreational attractions, including lush parks filled with sports facilities and amenities. In addition to a wide selection of older homes and newer construction, the community is home to historic sites, an aviation facility, and expansive services.

West Valley City

City Hall
801-966-3600
https://www.wvc-ut.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
801-969-8755
https://www.chamberwest.com/

Ranked as Utah’s second largest municipality second only to Salt Lake City, West Valley City offers the enviable combination of rich land for residential development, open space, and a pristine living environment. This community has evolved from agricultural land and farms into a sophisticated suburb of lovely homes, good schools, vast recreational resources, and convenient amenities like Valley Fair Mall. Because of the high quality of life and overall desirability of West Valley City, commerce and industry have found it equally attractive. A number of leading corporations contribute to the flourishing economy, harmonizing with smaller companies and businesses. Incorporated in 1980, the city is already assuming state leadership in many parameters—a trend that is expected to continue well into the coming decades.