What They Won't Tell You About Living in SLC

Are you considering a move to Salt Lake City? Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or simply for a change of scenery, there are a few key things you should know before making the move. Some of these might not be widely talked about, but they can have a big impact on your experience living here.

Let’s dive in!

1. Extreme Weather Changes

One of the first things you’ll notice about Salt Lake City is how unpredictable the weather can be. It’s not unusual to wake up to a beautiful, sunny day, only for a storm to roll in just a few hours later. The winds here can be intense—so much so that many residents install in-ground trampolines to prevent them from flying away!

Utah experiences all four seasons, with snow often starting as early as October and lingering into April, May, or even June. If you enjoy winter sports, this can be a huge plus, but if you’re not a fan of snow, it’s something to prepare for.

2. It’s a Dry Climate

Even though Salt Lake City has plenty of green spaces, it is still a desert. The dry climate can take a toll on your skin and lips, so be sure to keep lotion and chapstick on hand. Some residents even use home humidifiers to add moisture to the air.

3. The Elevation Takes Some Getting Used To

Salt Lake City sits at a higher elevation, which can take some adjusting to—especially if you enjoy outdoor activities like running or hiking. If you’re moving from a lower-altitude area, you might find yourself short of breath at first, but over time, your body will acclimate. The upside? Once you adjust, you’ll likely feel even stronger when exercising at lower elevations!

4. Religious Influence and Sunday Closures

Utah has a strong presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This influence is seen in many aspects of daily life, from the number of church buildings to the way businesses operate. Many local shops and restaurants close on Sundays, though larger grocery stores and chain restaurants remain open. Additionally, many youth sports leagues and community activities avoid scheduling events on Sundays.

5. Incredible Outdoor Recreation

If you love the outdoors, you’ll be in paradise! Utah offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities, from skiing and hiking to mountain biking and boating. Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas are packed with clean, well-maintained parks, and the nearby mountains provide endless adventure opportunities.

6. Strong Sense of Community & Events

Salt Lake City has a vibrant community with plenty of events to enjoy year-round. From farmers’ markets to cultural festivals, there’s always something happening. The Utah Symphony, Sundance’s Bluebird Concert Series, and various arts and music events make the city a great place for culture lovers.

7. Taxes & Cost of Living

Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% and property taxes around 0.5%, making it an attractive option for many homebuyers. The overall cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities, though housing prices have been on the rise.

8. Many Homes Have Basements

If you’re house hunting in Salt Lake City, you’ll notice that many homes come with basements. Some are finished and fully livable, while others remain unfinished for storage or future renovations. Certain areas may not have basements due to rocky terrain, but they are common in most neighborhoods.

9. A Thriving Job Market

Salt Lake City has a strong job market, with opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, and education. The city is home to several major companies and boasts excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it a great place to live and work.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re thinking about relocating, buying, selling, or building a home in Salt Lake City, my team and I are here to help! We love assisting people just like you in making their move seamless and stress-free.

Feel free to give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email—we’d love to chat and see how we can help.

Looking forward to helping you make Salt Lake City your new home. Talk soon!