4 Worst things about living in Salt Lake City, Utah (2024)

Welcome to states explorer! In this article, we’ll explore the best and worst things about living in Salt Lake City in Utah State so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

The article commences with a short introduction and also discusses the things Salt Lake City is known and famous for. It later highlights the pros and cons of living in Salt Lake City. Let’s dive in!

Image Credit: Etsy

Worst things about living in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of the most popular cities in America, and its popularity only continues to grow. It’s a beautiful city with plenty to offer, but it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of living in Salt Lake City before deciding if it’s right for you.

The Great Salt Lake City in 1847
The Great Salt Lake City in 1847 (Image Credit: Deseret News)

Salt Lake City, Utah is a vibrant and dynamic city with a fascinating history. Founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and his followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City has grown to become the capital of Utah and an important regional centre.

Current Salt Lake City, Utah
Current Salt Lake City, Utah (Creator: TripSavvy)

From its humble beginnings to its current status as one of America’s most desirable cities, Salt Lake City has seen many changes throughout its long history.

Things Salt Lake City is famous and known for

1. Magnificent Mountains

Magnificent Mountains
Magnificent Mountains (Image Credit: Visit Utah)

The mountains surrounding Salt Lake City are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you are skiing down one of the many slopes or just taking in the view from afar, there’s no denying that these magnificent mountains will make your experience unforgettable. From biking trails to camping spots to rock climbing adventures, Salt Lake City Mountains have it all!

2. Bustling Shopping Scene

Bustling Shopping Scene
Bustling Shopping Scene (Image Credit: Visit Utah)

Salt Lake City downtown area is home to a plethora of shops, both small businesses and big retailers alike. From quaint boutiques selling locally made goods to large department stores with all the latest fashion trends – this city truly has it all!

The restaurants here are also top-notch – from classic diners serving up some of the best comfort food around to trendy bistros featuring unique international cuisine. The dining options are endless!

Fly Sauce | A traditional sauce from Salt Lake City
Fly Sauce | A traditional sauce from Salt Lake City (Creator: Taste Atlas)

If you’re looking for some retail therapy or just want a bite to eat, Salt Lake City won’t disappoint.

3. Rich Cultural History

Visitors to Salt Lake City will love wandering through Temple Square and learning about the city’s deep religious roots – it was founded by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847.

The Church of Jesus Christ in Salt Lake City
The Church of Jesus Christ in Salt Lake City

Art lovers can explore the world-class Utah Museum of Fine Arts or marvel at some of the stunning public sculptures throughout the city. Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on exploring nearby nature reserves like Antelope Island or visiting one of the many parks scattered across Salt Lake City’s landscapes.

Antelope Island in Salt Lake City
Antelope Island in Salt Lake City (Creator: Viator)

Best things about living in Salt Lake City, Utah State

1. Abundant Outdoor Activities

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Salt Lake City offers some of the best hikes, bike trails, rock climbing sites, and skiing areas in the country. There are also many parks and lakes nearby where residents can spend their days fishing or kayaking around the lake.

Salt Lake City Ski Resorts
Salt Lake City Ski Resorts (Creator: Current Camper)

From breathtaking scenic views to world-class ski resorts located just outside of town, living in Salt Lake City gives outdoor enthusiasts a lot to look forward to. Salt Lake City is definitely an ideal place for anyone who loves being active outside!

2. Vibrant and Growing Economy

The biggest pro of living in Salt Lake City has to be the city’s thriving economy. The Salt Lake Valley continues to attract new businesses and job opportunities each year, making it an ideal location for those looking to jumpstart their career.

With big companies such as Goldman Sachs, Adobe Systems, and Microsoft recently setting up shop in the area, there are plenty of options for those seeking a fresh start.

This vibrant economy also leads to other advantages such as affordable housing prices and easy access to entertainment venues like the Vivint Smart Home Arena or Abravanel Hall.

3. Access to Quality Education

Residents of Salt Lake City have plenty of educational options at their fingertips. The University of Utah is renowned for its excellent academics and research opportunities; it offers a variety of degree programs ranging from engineering to business.

In addition, many local community colleges offer affordable associate’s degrees or certificate programs that allow students the flexibility to complete their studies while working part-time jobs.

Furthermore, children living in Salt Lake City benefit from top-rated public schools, as well as private school options such as Jesuit High School or Rowland Hall – St Mark’s School. Parents have a variety of choices when it comes to giving their children a quality education in this vibrant city!

4. Excellent Transportation Network

The city boasts a comprehensive public transportation system that makes getting around easy and convenient. The Utah Transit Authority offers access to buses, light rail, and commuter rail services, making it simple to get around town without needing a car.

The light rail in particular is one of the most expansive systems in the United States, with two lines stretching across the city into neighboring suburbs.

Additionally, Salt Lake City International Airport serves as a major hub for air travel throughout North America, making domestic and international flights easily accessible from any part of the city.

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Worst things about living in Salt Lake City, Utah State

1. Severe Air Pollution

The metropolitan area suffers from some of the worst air quality in the nation due to emissions from nearby factories and industrial sites, as well as auto traffic on congested roads throughout the region. This can have serious health effects on those who are living here and can even reduce life expectancy for some individuals over time.

The smog and other pollutants also contribute to poor visibility, making it difficult for drivers or hikers to navigate mountainous terrain safely—and can take away from enjoying views of nature’s beauty too!

2. High Cost of Living

Another major con to living in Salt Lake City is the high cost of living. Despite its small size, Salt Lake City has a relatively high cost of housing compared to other cities across the country. Renters should expect to spend more than 40% of their income on rent if they hope to have enough left over for other necessities like food and utilities.

Additionally, goods and services are more expensive in Salt Lake City than in most places in the U.S., so residents should budget accordingly when making purchases.

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3. Low Cultural Diversity

The population of Salt Lake City is predominately made up of people from one religious background, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (LDS). This creates a homogeneous atmosphere with limited diversity.

In addition to LDS members, there are various ethnic and racial minorities that live in the area; however, they do not represent a large portion of the population.

So, if you are looking for an area that is culturally diverse and has exposure to different beliefs and lifestyles, then Salt Lake City may not be the best choice for you.

4. Traffic and Transportation

Traffic and transportation can be a huge issue for those living in the city. With the ever-growing population and daily commuters flocking into Salt Lake City, the roads can get congested quickly. This means it may take longer than expected to get from one place to another due to heavy traffic and slow speeds.

Furthermore, Salt Lake City is known for its rough winters which can cause slippery roads that can lead to more traffic and slower speeds on highways as well as roads around town.

Vehicles struggle to negotiate roads in Salt Lake City
Vehicles struggle to negotiate roads in Salt Lake City (Dec 2022)

According to a resident “I lived five miles straight West of my office. Some days it could take an hour to get home. It’s even worse if you live outside the city and commute in.”

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Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Salt Lake City has its pros and cons. For those who appreciate the outdoors, this city offers a great opportunity to explore nature and all it has to offer. On the other hand, housing costs can be quite high.

Nevertheless, Salt Lake City is an exciting place to live that offers many interesting experiences and activities for locals. Its prime location near other major cities also makes it a great spot for those seeking easy access to metropolitan areas.