Salt Lake City, UTBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Surrounded by mountain views and the shimmering waters of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City offers captivating beauty and amenities. A thriving arts scene, a friendly community and outdoor activities provide a dynamic lifestyle with a low cost of living.
Salt Lake City, UT, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Nicknamed the “Silicon Slopes” thanks to a tech boom, Salt Lake City, UT, is drawing young professionals who want a work-life-ski balance. The surrounding slopes are reachable within an hour, and the powder is so good here it’s been trademarked as “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” As one of the greatest places to live in the U.S., Salt Lake City has a magnificent backyard playground braided with hiking and biking trails. Adventurous weekend trips are in order, too, as Utah has five national parks, so you can explore otherworldly hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park, hike The Narrows at Zion and more.
Salt Lake City is also ready to challenge any preconceived notions you may have about it. You’ll find a progressive queer scene here with a Pride Week that brings 100,000 to the downtown area. And yup, there’s a pretty dang good beer scene, too, with some award-winning Utah breweries ready to serve you.
When residents aren’t busy playing outside, they can hit up The Local Market & Bar, a collective of eateries serving green chile dishes, Mediterranean fare, barbecue, Neapolitan pizzas, over-the-top milkshakes and more. They also host fun events, like build-your-own dog treat “barkuterie” board afternoons and a live music series.
Utah’s capital city has a robust transportation system, an international airport and a thriving arts scene. The Broadway-style Eccles Theater is a state-of-the-art venue that seats 2,500 and has quickly become the performance destination for Salt Lake City and the Intermountain West.
Salt Lake City, UT Quality of Life LivScore
Salt Lake City, UT Top Categories
Economy
Transportation
Amenities
Salt Lake City ranks highest for economy, transportation and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City residents are treated to all four seasons. The average highs and lows are 87°F and 65°F (summer) and 41°F and 28°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Salt Lake City is significantly higher than the national average at more than 50 inches each year, but the surrounding ski areas get much, much more. For example, Snowbird can be pounded with up to 500 inches of powder annually. The snow season in Salt Lake City typically starts in November and lasts until April, with the heaviest snowfall in January and February.
The average annual rainfall in Salt Lake City is around 20 inches each year, with the wettest months being April, May and June.
Salt Lake City averages 222 sunny days a year.
If you’re up for a challenge, hike up Mt. Olympus. With a 4,000-foot elevation gain, it’s a calf-burner but comes with some great views of the Salt Lake City skyline.
Salt Lake City Weather
222 days
Average Annual Sun
20 inches
Average Annual Rain
50 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Salt Lake City, UT
Play bocce ball at Liberty Park, which also is outfitted with a pond, picnic tables, a playground, a running path and more.
If you’ve got an aspiring astronaut, the South Physics Observatory at the University of Utah offers free public star parties on Wednesday nights (so long as the sky is clear!). Or pay a visit to Weller Book Works for Saturday story times.
Get a couple’s massage at The Grand Spa. It comes with a sweet little box of macarons.
Pair Japanese whiskeys with fancy $4 sliders at Post Office Place, a James Beard-recognized restaurant and bar.
The Local and State Economy in Salt Lake City, UT
Information technology, health care and outdoor recreation are among the largest industries in Salt Lake City. Major employers include the University of Utah, Delta Airlines, Salt Lake City School District and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Salt Lake City is 7.75%.
Yes, Utah has a state income tax.
The University of Utah Hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties (cancer, ophthalmology and rehabilitation), is regionally ranked as the best hospital in Northern Utah, and is nationally recognized as high-performing in two specialties and more than a dozen procedures and conditions.
There are several colleges and universities in Salt Lake City, UT, including the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College.
Quick Facts About Salt Lake City, UT
- Median Household Income
- $68,262
- Median Home Value
- $491,840
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,967
- Total Population
- 201,299
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,186
- Average Commute
- 16.9 minutes
Salt Lake City’s economy, amenities and health care earned the city its recognition as a best place to live in the U.S. Read more about what makes Salt Lake City special. Not yet settled on Utah but like the region? Here are 25 great places to live out West.
