Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah: A Homebuyers' Guide

A fast-growing city, many of the best suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, are becoming more popular than ever! Whether you want an easy commute, quality schools, or a place with plenty of things to do, the welcoming neighborhoods around Salt Lake City have something for everyone. Let's explore some of the best Salt Lake suburbs to see what makes each one special.

Summary:

• Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah

• Which Salt Lake City Suburb Is Right for You?

• New Construction Homes in Salt Lake City, Utah

• Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, Conclusion

Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah

Picking the right suburb to call home can make all the difference when moving to the Salt Lake City area. Some suburbs offer easy access to downtown and the city’s nightlife, while others are all about mountain views, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. Whether you're after a lively community with entertainment and shopping or a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, there's a perfect spot for you. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, to help you find a great spot that fits your lifestyle.

Draper

Draper is where you get the best of both worlds—modern conveniences and outdoor adventure. If you’re into paragliding, Point of the Mountain is one of the top spots for it. Corner Canyon has tons of hiking and biking trails. For housing, you’ll find a mix ranging from luxury homes to more affordable townhomes. Draper’s also got your shopping and dining covered at The Shops at South Town. Plus, you’re just about 19 miles away from Salt Lake City for work or play.

Pros

• Several highly rated schools, per GreatSchools.org™ (February 2025)

• An abundance of trails for hiking and biking 

• Easy commute via I-15 and the FrontRunner rail

• Tech hub with major employers like Pluralsight and Adobe

• Community parks and attractions, including the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Cons

• Higher home prices, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

• Increased traffic with the suburb’s growth

• Potentially heavy snow during winter

Cottonwood Heights

If you love skiing, Cottonwood Heights might just be your dream town. It’s right at the base of Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons, meaning you’re conveniently close to the slopes at Snowbird, Alta, or Brighton. The neighborhoods here are a mix of charming older homes and newer townhouses, so there are options for everyone. Fort Union Boulevard has plenty of shops and restaurants, so you don’t have to go far for a great meal or some retail therapy. Community events throughout the year make this suburb feel like home.

Pros

• Easy access to top-rated ski resorts

• Gorgeous mountain views from almost anywhere in town

• Quality schools

• Convenient commute to downtown via I-215

• Plenty of parks and hiking spots

Cons

• Higher housing costs, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

• Few nightlife options

• Quieter area, a potential drawback for those who prefer big-city energy

Heber City

Heber City, a scenic mountain town about 43 miles from Salt Lake City, is one of the nicest suburbs of Salt Lake City and is known for its beautiful views and small-town charm. With easy access to scenic spots like  Deer Creek Reservoir and Jordanelle State Park, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking. The area has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting diverse households, and you can browse new construction homes in Heber City, UT, from Pulte®. 

Pros

• Beautiful mountain and lake views

• Numerous outdoor recreation options, including skiing at Deer Valley

• Local events like farmers' markets

• Quality schools 

Cons

• Longer commute to Salt Lake City

• Harsher winters with heavy snowfall

• Limited shopping and nightlife options

• Higher cost of living, 10.7 % greater than the state average, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

South Jordan

If you love living in a neighborhood with lakes, trails, and tons of amenities, South Jordan is the spot. Growing households love it here for the schools and parks. The District shopping center offers everything from Target to great restaurants, and there are golf courses galore. Plus, with TRAX light rail nearby, getting around is convenient.

Pros

• Community-oriented vibe with quality schools 

• Tons of outdoor spaces, including Oquirrh Lake Park

• TRAX light rail for convenient commuting

• Lots of new home options 

Cons

• Higher home prices compared to Salt Lake City, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

• Large amount of planned development, a potential drawback for those preferring less structure

• Longer distance from downtown than other suburbs

Holladay

Holladay offers classic small-town charm but with easy access to Salt Lake City. The tree-lined streets, historic homes, and cozy coffee shops make it feel welcoming. Locals love the farmers market, and spots like SOHO Food Park that serve awesome eats. Neffs Canyon and Mount Olympus Trailhead are ideal spots for hikers nearby. Though homes in Holladay are more expensive, it’s worth it if you seek a beautiful, well-established neighborhood with a strong community.

Pros

• Quaint town center with local shops and restaurants

• Proximity to outdoor adventures

• Farmers’ markets and community events 

• Easy drive to downtown Salt Lake via I-215

Cons

• One of the more expensive suburbs to live in, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

• Fewer new housing developments

• Smaller lot sizes in older neighborhoods

Salem

Salem, Utah, is one of the best SLC suburbs, a serene and picturesque town located south of Provo. Known as the "City of Peace," Salem offers a small-town feel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Salem Pond is a local spot where residents enjoy fishing, kayaking, and community events. Salem is an excellent choice for those looking for a slower-paced lifestyle while still having access to the amenities of Provo and Spanish Fork. Explore our new construction homes in Salem, UT.

Pros

• Inviting community atmosphere

• Beautiful scenery at Salem Pond, a popular local attraction

• Affordable housing compared to northern suburbs, per Nextburb (February 2025)

• Close to Provo and Spanish Fork for additional amenities

Cons

• Longer commute to Salt Lake City

• Limited entertainment and shopping options

• Fewer job opportunities within city limits

Bountiful

Bountiful is perfect for those who want a peaceful suburb that’s still close to downtown Salt Lake City. It’s got a strong sense of community, with frequent festivals and events at Bountiful City Park. If you’re into hiking, Mueller Park Trail is a local favorite. The views of Great Salt Lake are unbeatable, and there are plenty of great local spots for dining and shopping. It’s a little more affordable than some of the southern Salt Lake suburbs, making it a great choice for anyone.

Pros

• Just over 12 miles from Salt Lake City

• Quality schools 

• Breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains

• Community events and fun local restaurants

• More affordable than some other SLC suburbs, per BestPlaces (February 2025)

Cons

• Many older homes potentially requiring repair or updates

• Less trendy or modern than some other suburbs

• Somewhat higher property taxes than in other areas, per SmartAsset™ (February 2025)

Which Salt Lake City Suburb Is Right for You?

Choosing a suburb depends on your lifestyle. If you're just starting your career, you might prefer to live somewhere close to the city with shorter commutes and great nightlife. Larger households often look for inviting neighborhoods with easy access to quality schools and lots of parks. Let’s see which of the best suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, suits you!

Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City for Young Professionals

Salt Lake City offers plenty of neighborhoods perfect for those seeking a balance of work, social life, and outdoor adventure. These SLC suburbs offer a range of options to fit different career-minded lifestyles and budgets: 

• Sugar House: One of the most sought-after neighborhoods for young professionals, Sugar House is a lively, pedestrian-friendly suburb just five miles from downtown Salt Lake City. Known for its trendy cafes, breweries, and eclectic boutiques, it’s a hot spot for those who enjoy an active social life. 

• Millcreek: This area is known for its spacious green spaces, such as Millcreek Canyon, where outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking and biking. With a growing number of restaurants, breweries, and local businesses, Millcreek is developing into a cultural hub while still offering a lower cost of living compared to downtown SLC.

• South Salt Lake: For those looking to be close to downtown without breaking the bank, South Salt Lake is an excellent choice. The area is experiencing significant revitalization, with new apartment developments, trendy bars, and a thriving arts district. The cost of living is lower compared to Sugar House and Millcreek, making it appealing for young professionals just starting out.

• The Avenues: Located in the hills a little over two miles north of downtown Salt Lake, The Avenues is known for its charming streets lined with Victorian homes, attracting those who appreciate character, scenic views, and a close-knit community feel. The Avenues is also one of the easier neighborhoods to navigate without a car in Salt Lake City, with easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. 

Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City for Families

For those looking to settle down a bit further from the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City, these suburbs have quality schools, idyllic neighborhoods, and plenty of recreational opportunities. These areas offer a more serene pace of life, along with all the conveniences of suburban living:

• Draper: Draper is a highly desirable suburb due to its schools and abundance of parks and trails. Located about 19 miles south of Salt Lake City, Draper offers a mix of newer homes, planned communities, and excellent amenities like the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Draper Cycle Park.

• Sandy: Sandy is one of the most established suburbs in the Salt Lake Valley. It’s home to the soccer stadium for the Utah Royals, the Shops at South Town, and several large parks. Additionally, its proximity to the Cottonwood Canyons makes it ideal for those who love skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities year-round.

• Bountiful: Just north of downtown, Bountiful is known for its quiet, community-oriented neighborhoods and quality schools. It offers a small-town feel with the convenience of being just over 12 miles from downtown Salt Lake City. Housing is more affordable than in some of the other southern suburbs, making it an appealing spot for homebuyers. 

New Construction Homes in Salt Lake City, Utah

From spacious single-family homes with smart technology to stylish townhomes in prime locations, these Pulte new construction communities in Salt Lake City offer flexible floor plans, access to epic outdoor activities, and proximity to downtown:

• Deep Creek at Jordanelle Ridge - Canyon: Featuring thoughtfully designed two-story single-family homes with six unique floor plans, these new construction homes prioritize spacious interiors, smart home technology, and high-quality finishes. Homes begin in the high $700Ks, and with its location offering convenient access to major employment corridors, the community could be a great fit for commuters. Nearby ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, and golf courses cater to active lifestyles.

• Deep Creek at Jordanelle Ridge - Peak: This neighborhood features sleek three-story townhomes with four unique floor plans, offering modern open layouts ideal for those who want an active lifestyle without the hassle of yard maintenance. Residents also enjoy easy access to world-class ski resorts, scenic trails, and renowned golf courses. Just under an hour from Salt Lake City, this community offers contemporary living with proximity to both nature and city life, with homes starting in the lower $700Ks.

• Salem Foothills: A beautifully designed community with one- and two-story single-family homes, you can choose from four unique floor plans while also benefiting from smart home technology and high-quality construction backed by over 70 years of experience. With sweeping valley views and easy access to Provo and Salt Lake City, Salem Foothills offers endless outdoor recreation, including popular resorts and scenic hiking trails, from new construction homes starting in the low $700Ks.

• Mountain Vista at Sunset Flats: Located in Eagle Mountain, UT, just over 39 miles from Salt Lake City, this dynamic community offers one- and two-story single-family homes with four unique home designs to choose from. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to ski resorts, trails, and an abundance of other activities out in nature. 

Best Suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, Conclusion

At the end of the day, choosing among the best SLC suburbs depends on your homeownership goals. If you’re all about outdoor adventure, Cottonwood Heights could be your spot. Draper offers quality schools and major tech employers, while Heber City is ideal for those who appreciate an active lifestyle. Salem has that charming, well-established feel, while Bountiful blends affordability and convenience. No matter where you land, the best Salt Lake City suburbs have something for everyone!

Explore new construction homes in Salt Lake City, UT, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer