Moving to Salt Lake City? 10 Questions to Ask Before You Move

If you’re thinking about moving to Salt Lake City, there are probably some obvious questions already on your list.

Where should I live? How much does a house cost? What is the commute going to be like?

But then there are the questions people usually don’t think to ask until they’re already here.

Do I need all-wheel drive? How much does the altitude affect you? Can I take my dog hiking? How bad is the snow really? What wildlife am I actually going to encounter? And what is going on with Utah’s liquor laws?

I’m Sarah Lipich, a Utah real estate broker, and my husband Tyler and I help people relocate to the Salt Lake area. We also moved to Utah from out of state ourselves, so we’ve been on the other side of this move.

These are 10 of the questions I hear all the time from people preparing to relocate to Salt Lake City — including a few you may not have thought to ask yet.

Watch: 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Salt Lake City

Prefer to watch instead?

In this video, I answer 10 of the questions I hear most often from people moving to the Salt Lake area, including winter driving, altitude, pets, weather, wildlife, liquor laws, and commuting.

Quick Answer: What Should You Know Before Moving to Salt Lake City?

Before moving to the Salt Lake City area, it helps to understand that:

• You don’t necessarily need AWD or 4WD, but winter tires and proper traction matter.

• Salt Lake City sits at roughly 4,300 feet in elevation.

• Some of Salt Lake’s most popular mountain areas prohibit dogs because they protect drinking-water watersheds.

• Snowfall can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to another.

• Utah alcohol laws work differently than they do in many other states.

• Wildlife encounters are possible, especially near foothills and trails.

• The Salt Lake Valley is fairly car-dependent.

• Canyon traffic can be a much bigger issue than normal city traffic during ski season.

• Your experience here depends heavily on exactly where in the valley you choose to live.

Let’s get into the details.

1. Do You Need AWD or 4WD to Live in Salt Lake City?

No, you do not automatically need an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle simply because you move to Utah.

Plenty of people drive front-wheel-drive cars throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

But if you’re moving here and plan to regularly drive during snowstorms, commute through higher-elevation areas, or ski and snowboard in the mountains, AWD or 4WD can make winter driving considerably easier.

Just remember:

AWD does not replace good tires.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle with terrible tires can still slide.

A properly equipped two-wheel-drive vehicle with good winter tires can perform much better than people expect.

What About Driving Up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons?

This is where you need to pay closer attention.

Utah can activate traction requirements during severe winter conditions, including in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

The exact requirements depend on your vehicle, tires, road conditions, and the traction restriction in effect.

If skiing is going to be a regular part of your life, I would make sure you understand the current Utah traction rules before winter rather than figuring them out while sitting at the mouth of the canyon on a powder day.

What Is the Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program?

UDOT also operates a Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program.

You can have your vehicle and tires inspected ahead of time, and qualifying vehicles receive a windshield sticker showing that the tires met the program requirements when inspected.

The sticker itself is voluntary and doesn't guarantee canyon access, but it can make it easier for enforcement officers to identify properly equipped vehicles when traction restrictions are in effect.

If you're going to ski Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, or Solitude regularly, it's worth knowing about.

So Should You Buy an AWD Vehicle Before Moving to Utah?

I wouldn't panic-buy a giant truck just because you're moving here.

A smaller AWD SUV, crossover, or car is more than enough for a lot of people.

I would base the decision on:

• Where you'll live

• Where you'll work

• Whether you'll ski

• How frequently you drive during storms

• Whether you're comfortable driving in snow

• The type of tires you're willing to use

If you're moving here in July, you also don't need to solve the problem before your moving truck arrives.

You have time.

2. How Does Salt Lake City's Altitude Affect Daily Life?

Salt Lake City sits at approximately 4,300 feet above sea level, and many neighborhoods along the foothills are even higher.

Then you have the mountains.

Once you head into the Cottonwood Canyons, you're climbing thousands of additional feet.

If you're moving from somewhere close to sea level, you're probably going to notice it at first.

Things that normally feel easy may suddenly feel slightly less easy.

You may notice it:

• Walking upstairs

• Carrying groceries

• Running

• Hiking

• Cycling

• Skiing

• Doing cardio at the gym

Your body generally adjusts with time, but I wouldn't schedule your hardest trail run for the afternoon you land at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Give yourself some time.

Hydration Matters More Here

The altitude isn't the only adjustment.

Utah is also very dry.

That combination means newcomers often realize pretty quickly that they need to drink more water than they did wherever they lived before.

There is a reason everyone here seems to carry a giant water bottle.

Ski Resorts Are Much Higher Than Salt Lake City

The elevation difference becomes even more noticeable when you head into the mountains.

For example, Snowbird's terrain climbs thousands of feet above Salt Lake City.

So if you've just moved here and immediately decide you're going to ski all day, drink a couple beers, barely sleep, and then wonder why you feel terrible:

The altitude may be part of that equation.

Give yourself some time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and don't assume your normal sea-level fitness translates perfectly on day one.

3. What Are Some Hidden Gems Around Salt Lake City?

This question is harder because everyone's definition of a hidden gem is different.

But there are definitely neighborhoods, businesses, events, and places that people tend to discover after they've spent more time here.

9th & 9th

9th & 9th is a small neighborhood district near Salt Lake City with local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, yoga studios, and a much more neighborhood-oriented feel than a large commercial center.

It's not huge.

That's part of why people like it.

Sugar House

Sugar House isn't exactly hidden anymore, but it's one of the areas newcomers often don't fully understand until they explore it.

You'll find restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, and Sugar House Park, with more activity than you'll find in many of the surrounding suburban communities.

SunCrest in Draper

If you're looking for views, SunCrest feels like its own little world.

It sits high above Draper near 6,000 feet and has views into both the Salt Lake and Utah valleys.

It's also surrounded by hiking and mountain biking.

Just remember that the same elevation that gives you those views also gives SunCrest a very different winter than lower Draper.

Red Butte Garden Concerts

One of my favorite summer experiences is a concert at Red Butte Garden near the University of Utah.

You can bring a blanket and picnic and listen to live music outdoors against the foothills.

Deer Valley Music Festival

Up in Park City, the Deer Valley Music Festival combines live music with the mountain setting.

Seeing the Utah Symphony perform outside at a ski resort is one of those experiences that feels very Utah.

Pirate O's

Then there's Pirate O's in Draper.

It looks like a specialty market from outside, but inside you'll find international candy, snacks, sodas, gourmet foods, and random imports you didn't know you needed until you walked in.

Farmers Markets and Art Festivals

Summer is also packed with farmers markets and festivals.

The Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park, the Utah Arts Festival, and the Park City Kimball Arts Festivalare just a few of the bigger events worth knowing about.

And a lot of individual Salt Lake suburbs have their own markets, concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the warmer months.

4. How Pet-Friendly Is Salt Lake City?

Overall, Salt Lake is a pretty dog-friendly place.

You'll see dogs on patios, walking through neighborhoods, at parks, and joining their owners on outdoor adventures.

But there is one major thing people relocating here don't expect:

Dogs are prohibited in several of the mountain areas people most want to hike.

Why Aren't Dogs Allowed in the Cottonwood Canyons?

Much of Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon is protected watershed.

Those areas provide drinking water to the Salt Lake Valley, which is why domestic animals are prohibited in protected watershed areas.

So you cannot simply take your dog on every trail you find near Salt Lake.

Draper also has protected watershed areas in Corner Canyon where dogs are prohibited.

Can Dogs Go to Millcreek Canyon?

Millcreek is different.

Dogs are permitted there, with leash rules that vary by day.

That's part of why Millcreek is so popular with local dog owners.

Are There Dog Parks in Salt Lake City?

Yes.

The area has a number of designated off-leash areas and parks.

One of the best-known is Parley's Historic Nature Park, which many locals still refer to as Tanner Park.

There are also fenced and designated dog areas throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding suburbs.

If you're relocating with a dog and hiking is a big part of your lifestyle, this is something I would actually factor into where you choose to live.

5. What Is the Weather Really Like in Salt Lake City?

Utah gets four real seasons.

But the experience is probably different from what you're imagining if you've never lived here.

Winter

Yes, it snows.

No, most of the Salt Lake Valley is not buried under snow for five straight months.

Snowfall varies enormously based on elevation.

A lower-elevation house on the west side of the valley can have a completely different winter than a property along the east bench or up in SunCrest.

Sunny areas can also melt surprisingly quickly between storms.

If your home faces south, the sunlight can make a noticeable difference in how long snow remains on your driveway and sidewalk.

Spring

Spring is one of my favorite parts of Utah.

There are points in the season when you can legitimately golf in the valley and ski in the mountains on the same day.

The valley can be green and warm while resorts are still operating thousands of feet above you.

Summer

Salt Lake summers are hot, but they're dry.

July and August regularly bring hot afternoons, but without the humidity people are used to in the South, Midwest, or East Coast.

The sun is intense, though.

Shade makes a huge difference here.

Fall

Fall can be ridiculously beautiful.

Temperatures start dropping, the mountain colors change, and eventually you'll start seeing snow at the highest elevations while the valley is still firmly in fall.

6. Where Should You Live Near Salt Lake City If You Want Less Snow?

If minimizing snow at your house is a priority, don't just look at average snowfall for “Salt Lake City.”

Look at elevation and location within the valley.

As a general rule:

Higher + farther east toward the Wasatch Mountains usually means more snow.

Lower-elevation areas farther west typically receive less.

That doesn't mean every storm behaves exactly the same way, but it is a useful starting point.

Areas to Consider If You Want a Lighter Winter

If lower snowfall is important to you, it may be worth looking at communities such as:

• South Jordan

• Western parts of the Salt Lake Valley

• Lehi

• Eagle Mountain

• Syracuse

• Lower-elevation parts of Layton

If you need to stay on the east side for work or lifestyle reasons, remaining closer to the valley floor instead of climbing high onto the bench can also make a noticeable difference.

Areas Where You Should Expect More Snow

Higher-elevation communities generally see more.

That includes places such as:

• SunCrest

• Higher parts of Draper

• East-bench neighborhoods

• Areas near the Cottonwood Canyons

• Park City and the Wasatch Back

• Mountain communities

This is one reason I think snowfall should be part of a relocation conversation.

You can choose how much winter you actually want.

7. What Are Utah's Drinking Laws Really Like?

Yes, Utah's alcohol laws are different.

No, that does not mean you can't get a drink.

The easiest way to understand it is that Utah controls where certain types of alcohol can be sold and has some different rules for restaurants and bars.

Can You Buy Beer at a Grocery Store in Utah?

Yes.

Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer up to the state's permitted alcohol limit for those retailers.

Wine, liquor, and stronger beer are generally purchased through Utah state liquor stores or authorized package agencies.

Are Utah Liquor Stores Open on Sunday?

State liquor stores are generally closed on Sundays and certain holidays.

So if you're planning something for a Sunday, plan ahead.

Grocery-store beer is a different story and can generally be purchased seven days a week.

Do You Have to Order Food With Alcohol at a Utah Restaurant?

At restaurants, alcohol is served in connection with dining.

Bars are different.

You do not need to order a plate of fries every time you want a cocktail at an actual bar.

Are Utah Liquor Pours Different?

Utah regulates liquor dispensing and uses metered pours.

So yes, cocktails may be made differently than what you're used to in another state.

But Salt Lake has plenty of breweries, cocktail bars, distilleries, and places to go out.

The rules are different.

The city is not dry.

8. What Wildlife Will You Encounter Around Salt Lake City?

If you live in the middle of a suburban neighborhood, you're not going to walk outside every morning and find a mountain lion in your driveway.

But Utah is wild enough that wildlife is genuinely part of living here — especially if you live near open space or spend time in the mountains.

Mule Deer

The animal you're probably going to see most often is mule deer.

They're common throughout Utah and frequently wander into neighborhoods near foothills and open space.

Moose

Moose live along the Wasatch Front and in Utah's mountain areas.

You may encounter them while hiking, skiing, or driving through canyon and mountain communities.

And despite how calm they may look:

Give them a lot of space.

They're extremely large animals, and dogs in particular can trigger defensive behavior.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions live throughout Utah, but encounters with people are uncommon.

If you're hiking regularly in the foothills and mountains, it's still worth knowing basic wildlife safety.

Never approach one.

Don't run.

Give it room to escape and follow current Utah wildlife guidance if you encounter one.

Black Bears

Utah also has black bears.

They're much more likely to be encountered in mountain and forest environments than in a normal Salt Lake neighborhood.

Utah does not have a resident grizzly-bear population.

Elk

Elk are common in Utah's mountains and sometimes wander into lower elevations.

Give them plenty of room, particularly during the fall rut.

Coyotes and Foxes

If you live near open space, coyotes and foxes aren't unusual.

They're generally not something most adults need to worry about, but owners of small pets should be more cautious, particularly around dawn, dusk, and nighttime.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are also part of Utah.

You're more likely to encounter one while hiking in foothill or desert terrain than in the middle of a developed neighborhood.

Watch where you step, stay on established trails when possible, and give any snake plenty of room.

What About Antelope Island?

If you want to intentionally see wildlife, Antelope Island State Park is one of the coolest places near Salt Lake.

The island is home to a large herd of American bison, along with pronghorn and other wildlife.

It's one of those places I recommend newcomers visit at least once.

9. What Are the Unspoken Rules of Living in Salt Lake City?

Some of these are actual etiquette.

Others are just things you'll start noticing after you live here.

Understand Trail Right-of-Way

On multi-use trails, the general hierarchy is:

Bikes yield to hikers and horses. Hikers yield to horses. Downhill hikers generally yield to uphill hikers.

Specific trails can have their own rules, so pay attention to trail signs.

Sundays Can Feel Different

Utah still has a strong Sunday culture.

Most major businesses remain open, particularly throughout the Salt Lake metro, but you may notice that some independent businesses have shorter hours or close entirely.

Depending on where you are, Sundays can also feel noticeably quieter.

Utah Is Very Family-Oriented

Kids are everywhere.

Festivals, community events, concerts, restaurants, recreation, and neighborhood activities frequently have a strong family component.

That's simply part of what daily life here looks like.

Outdoor Etiquette Matters

If you're moving here because you want to hike, bike, climb, ski, or camp, learn the etiquette for the activity.

Stay on trails where required.

Pack out your trash.

Respect watershed restrictions.

Don't approach wildlife for a photo.

And don't be the person who stops in the middle of a ski traverse.

10. What Is Traffic and Commuting Like in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake traffic is a strange one.

If you're moving from Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, or another huge metro, you're probably not going to think Salt Lake traffic is catastrophic.

But for a metro of its size, there are definitely choke points.

I-15 Is the Main Commuting Corridor

I-15 runs north and south through the Wasatch Front and carries a huge amount of commuter traffic.

Because the Salt Lake Valley is geographically constrained by mountains and the Great Salt Lake, there aren't infinite ways around a problem.

When a crash shuts down lanes, traffic can back up quickly.

Commuting South Toward Lehi Can Be Rough

One of the commutes I would pay especially close attention to is Salt Lake County toward Lehi and northern Utah County.

That's a major employment corridor.

A drive that looks completely reasonable outside rush hour can feel very different when you're doing it every morning and afternoon.

This is why I tell relocating clients:

Don't test your commute at 1:00 on a Saturday.

If possible, test it during the time you'll actually be driving.

Northbound Commuting Can Be Different

Travel between Salt Lake and Davis County can also become congested, but it is a different commute pattern from traveling toward Lehi.

If your household has people working in different directions, your home location matters even more.

Ski Traffic Is Its Own Category

Then there's canyon traffic.

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are essentially mountain roads leading to extremely popular ski resorts.

On major powder days, traffic can become substantial.

Avalanche mitigation, road closures, traction enforcement, crashes, parking limitations, and thousands of skiers all affect the same roads.

So if your dream is:

“I'll live 20 minutes from Snowbird and ski before work every powder day.”

Maybe.

But understand that 20 minutes geographically does not always mean 20 minutes on a storm morning.

That's another reason the exact neighborhood you choose matters.

How Do You Choose Where to Live in the Salt Lake Area?

This is where all 10 of these questions come together.

There isn't one universally best place to live around Salt Lake City.

I would start with:

• Where you work

• How often you commute

• Whether you ski or snowboard

• How much snow you want at your house

• Whether you have dogs

• How close you want to be to trails

• Whether you want older or newer housing

• Whether you want city amenities or a suburban setting

• How much driving you're comfortable doing

• Your housing budget

Then compare neighborhoods.

Someone who works in Lehi, owns two dogs, hates snow, and never skis should probably be looking at the Salt Lake area differently from someone who works remotely and wants to ski 50 days a season.

That's the part generic “best places to live in Salt Lake City” lists usually miss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Salt Lake City

Do I need AWD or 4WD to live in Salt Lake City?

No.

Many Salt Lake residents drive two-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly when they're equipped with appropriate winter tires.

AWD or 4WD can be useful if you frequently drive during snowstorms, live at a higher elevation, or regularly travel into the mountains.

Do I need snow tires in Salt Lake City?

That depends on your vehicle and how and where you drive.

Good winter traction becomes particularly important if you regularly drive during storms or into the mountains.

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons can also have specific traction requirements during severe winter weather.

Is Salt Lake City considered high altitude?

Salt Lake City sits at roughly 4,300 feet above sea level.

That's significantly higher than many major U.S. cities, and newcomers may notice the elevation during strenuous exercise when they first arrive.

Mountain communities and ski resorts are considerably higher.

Is Salt Lake City dog-friendly?

Generally, yes, but dog owners need to understand Utah's watershed restrictions.

Dogs are prohibited in protected watershed areas including much of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, while other mountain areas such as Millcreek Canyon have their own dog rules.

Does Salt Lake City get a lot of snow?

It depends on where you live.

Snowfall varies dramatically with elevation and proximity to the mountains.

Lower parts of the valley can have relatively manageable winters while higher-elevation neighborhoods and mountain communities receive substantially more snow.

Where should I live near Salt Lake City if I don't like snow?

Lower-elevation areas and communities farther west generally experience less snowfall than neighborhoods high on the east bench or near the Wasatch Mountains.

The individual neighborhood matters more than simply looking at a citywide average.

Can you buy alcohol in Utah?

Yes.

Beer is sold at grocery and convenience stores within Utah's retail limits, while wine, liquor, and stronger beer are generally sold through state liquor stores and authorized package agencies.

Restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and other licensed establishments also serve alcohol.

Are there mountain lions in Salt Lake City?

Mountain lions live throughout Utah and can occasionally move into foothills or valleys, but encounters with people are uncommon.

People recreating in mountain areas should still understand basic wildlife safety.

Are there bears around Salt Lake City?

Utah has black bears, primarily in mountain and forest habitat.

Most Salt Lake residents will not regularly encounter bears during everyday suburban life.

Utah does not have a resident grizzly population.

Are there moose near Salt Lake City?

Yes.

Moose live along the Wasatch Front and are commonly seen in mountain and canyon areas.

They should be given plenty of space, particularly when dogs are present.

How bad is Salt Lake City traffic?

Traffic is generally lighter than in America's largest metros, but I-15 and major east-west corridors can become congested during commuting hours.

Traffic toward Lehi and Utah County can be particularly important to evaluate if you'll make that commute regularly.

How bad is ski traffic in Salt Lake City?

Traffic into Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons can become significant during winter storms and powder days.

Avalanche mitigation, traction restrictions, road closures, parking demand, and heavy skier traffic can all affect travel times.

Is Salt Lake City a good place to live if you love the outdoors?

Salt Lake offers unusually close access to skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, reservoirs, and other outdoor recreation.

However, where you live within the metro can make a major difference in how quickly and easily you reach those activities.

What should I know before choosing a neighborhood in Salt Lake City?

Consider more than the house itself.

Look at commute patterns, elevation, snowfall, mountain access, dog restrictions, proximity to daily amenities, home age, property-specific risks, and how the neighborhood fits your actual lifestyle.

Moving to Salt Lake City?

If you’re relocating to the Salt Lake or Park City area and planning to buy a home, Tyler and I would love to help.

We own Lipich Realty Group and work directly with our clients throughout the buying process. We’re not a mega team where you get passed from one person to another — when you work with us, you get both of us.

We help relocating buyers figure out where they actually want to live, compare neighborhoods and commute patterns, understand the things that are unique to buying a home in Utah, and evaluate the risks that come with individual properties before closing.

My background is in cybersecurity and risk management, and Tyler and I are both Air Force veterans, so our approach has always been a little different. We want you to understand what you’re buying, why it makes sense for you, and what potential problems you should know about before they become your problems.

Whether your move is 10 weeks away or 10 months away, you’re welcome to reach out.

Sarah & Tyler Lipich, Lipich Realty Group

Salt Lake City • Park City • Northern Utah

Call or text: 801-652-4007Email: sarah@thelipichgroup.com

Website: SarahAndTyler.com