Named for the nearby Great Salt Lake and known for winter sports and scenic state parks, Salt Lake City is the most populous city in Utah. The contemporary city is surrounded by beautiful mountain views, but for some, that’s not enough to quiet the hectic urban lifestyle. If you find yourself wanting a bit more space between you and the big city, here are 10 top-rate suburbs from which to choose.
10. Cottonwood Heights
- Population: 34,117
- Median Home Value: $365,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 787
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
The “City Between the Canyons” is the newest municipality in Utah, incorporated in 2005. Embrace the small town energy this city has by participating in community theater performances and movie nights, celebrate Butlerville Days or take a stroll through one of the many parks in the area. No matter your energy level and interests, you’ll find your new home in Cottonwood Heights.
9. North Salt Lake
- Population: 20,850
- Median Home Value: $284,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.6 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 405
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27
North Salt Lake is located just outside the city limits of the state capital and is perfect for those who want the comforts of suburban living with easy access to city amenities. If you ever find that the many festivals and community-funded events aren’t enough to keep you satisfied, take a brief drive about eight miles south and you’re in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Your new home in North Salt Lake is waiting for you!
8. Woods Cross
- Population: 11,328
- Median Home Value: $249,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 176
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
Woods Cross is all about putting its residents first, and this is most evident in their Community of Promise Committee, dedicated to providing fun and engaging events and resources for everyone. Come for the idyllic neighborhoods and beautiful scenery and stay for the close-knit community and lifelong memories. Start looking for your new home in Woods Cross today!
7. Fruit Heights
- Population: 6,234
- Median Home Value: $383,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 924
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 91
What Fruit Heights lacks in size — the entire town takes up just over two square miles — it makes up for with enthusiasm. Bordering on a rural feel, Fruit Heights prides itself on being community-oriented and bringing entertainment to its residents (we see you, Food Truck Mondays). You don’t want to miss out on this place; check out Fruit Heights communities today!
6. Draper
- Population: 48,319
- Median Home Value: $435,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 976
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84
Draper seems quite the dapper place to live, if you ask us. There are plenty of parks and trails for walkers, runners, bikers and hikers, plus an amphitheater for live entertainment and no shortage of community events and recreational programs. Get ready to start your healthier, happier life with a new home in Draper.
5. Farmington
- Population: 24,514
- Median Home Value: $365,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 306
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 15
Farmington, located less than 20 miles north of Salt Lake City, is home to Lagoon Amusement Park (which, in turn, is home to one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in the world) and a plethora of other historic sites. The city also grants residents easy access to Farmington Canyon. Embrace the beauty of outdoor Utah with a new home in Farmington.
4. Centerville
- Population: 17,700
- Median Home Value: $297,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 380
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 23
Named for its precise position between Farmington (#5 on our list) and Bountiful (#1), Centerville hosts several recreational sports teams, ski lessons in the winter and a festival and parade on both July 4 and July 24 (Pioneer Day). Come find out for yourself what has so many people flocking to this gorgeous city at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
3. West Bountiful
- Population: 5,731
- Median Home Value: $284,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 147
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 18
West Bountiful is the smallest suburb on our list. This quiet town boasts a close-knit, family-oriented community with plenty of shops, dining options and city-provided entertainment such as art shows and concerts. At just over 10 miles from Salt Lake City, West Bountiful is the perfect place to settle down.
2. Kaysville
- Population: 32,095
- Median Home Value: $313,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 246
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 24
Ghost hunters, botanists and history buffs, oh my! Kaysville truly has it all. But being the site of several important monuments, including Kay’s Cross and Utah State University’s Botanical Center, is not all this city has to offer. Recreational sports, hiking trails and a thriving volunteer community are all part of the Kaysville experience, and with a wide range of community-funded entertainment, there’s something to do nearly every second of every day. Sound like your kind of place? Kaysville has plenty of new homes on offer!
1. Bountiful
- Population: 44,098
- Median Home Value: $290,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.4 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 642
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
Topping our list of best suburbs surrounding Salt Lake City is Bountiful, an apt name considering the scenic views and vibrant culture and traditions of its residents. Hike along beautiful trails at the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range or visit historic Bountiful Main Street and take time to support local businesses. Finish out the day with a sweet treat at Blacksmith Ice Cream Co., Bountiful’s first rolled ice cream shop. Sound too good to be true? For once, it’s not. Communities in Bountiful are ready to welcome you home.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy | 96,901 | $334,200 | 22.5 minutes | A- | 2,613 | 159 |
| Clearfield | 31,967 | $174,300 | 22.1 minutes | B+ | 462 | 59 |
| Layton | 77,303 | $237,500 | 22.8 minutes | B+ | 1,561 | 134 |
| Clinton | 22,315 | $223,700 | 24.3 minutes | B+ | 301 | 13 |
| Riverton | 44,419 | $328,300 | 24.6 minutes | B+ | 754 | 36 |
| Syracuse | 31,458 | $284,200 | 26.7 minutes | B+ | 235 | 23 |
| South Jordan | 74,149 | $379,200 | 24.8 minutes | B+ | 1,453 | 77 |
| Midvale | 33,636 | $241,200 | 21.9 minutes | B+ | 1,590 | 113 |
| West Point | 10,753 | $237,900 | 24.7 minutes | B+ | 2,463 | 241 |
| Holladay | 30,697 | $410,900 | 19.9 minutes | B | 770 | 50 |
| South Weber | 7,518 | $296,800 | 22.7 minutes | B | 67 | 11 |
| Pleasant View | 10,734 | $310,200 | 23.4 minutes | B | 108 | 11 |
| Millcreek | 61,270 | $344,000 | 20.1 minutes | B | 1,848 | 181 |
| North Ogden | 20,009 | $237,500 | 24.7 minutes | B | 232 | 6 |
| Sunset | 5,341 | $152,900 | 24.6 minutes | B | 83 | 15 |
| Bluffdale | 14,699 | $442,300 | 25.6 minutes | B | 177 | 13 |
| Morgan | 12,045 | $359,300 | 27.3 minutes | B | 54 | 5 |
| Herriman | 44,877 | $351,300 | 27.4 minutes | B | 632 | 28 |
| Murray | 49,308 | $265,400 | 19.7 minutes | B | 3,027 | 216 |
| Hooper | 8,938 | $305,200 | 28.5 minutes | B | 1,790 | 175 |
| Tremonton | 8,882 | $168,300 | 21.4 minutes | B- | 151 | 9 |
| Roy | 38,773 | $173,900 | 22.2 minutes | B- | 514 | 53 |
| Brigham City | 19,404 | $170,300 | 22.3 minutes | B- | 362 | 28 |
| West Jordan | 116,046 | $261,800 | 24 minutes | B- | 3,036 | 298 |
| Harrisville | 6,696 | $204,100 | 23.3 minutes | B- | 224 | 7 |
| West Haven | 15,239 | $286,300 | 22.5 minutes | B- | 2,008 | 197 |
| Farr West | 7,206 | $268,200 | 22.4 minutes | B- | 1,715 | 168 |
| Plain City | 7,120 | $264,000 | 22.1 minutes | B- | 1,946 | 191 |
| Perry | 5,094 | $253,400 | 24.1 minutes | B- | 1,557 | 153 |
| South Ogden | 17,146 | $193,000 | 21.2 minutes | C+ | 329 | 25 |
| Washington Terrace | 9,187 | $160,300 | 24.4 minutes | C+ | 173 | 15 |
| Taylorsville | 60, 192 | $222,700 | 21.7 minutes | C+ | 2,598 | 190 |
| Riverdale | 8,785 | $186,400 | 19.2 minutes | C+ | 530 | 23 |
| Grantsville | 11,568 | $235,200 | 30.6 minutes | C+ | 192 | 29 |
| South Salt Lake | 25,365 | $206,300 | 21.7 minutes | C+ | 1,796 | 242 |
| Tooele | 35,251 | $181,500 | 28.6 minutes | C+ | 1,143 | 104 |
| West Valley City | 136,401 | $199,500 | 22 minutes | C | 4,915 | 945 |
| Willard | 1,914 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Alta | 383 | N/A | N/A | A- | 15 | 0 |
| Eden | 600 | N/A | N/A | B | N/A | N/A |
| Huntsville | 638 | N/A | N/A | B | N/A | N/A |
| Deweyville | 356 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Fielding | 473 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Howell | 250 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Mantua | 878 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Marriott-Slaterville | 1,847 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Portage | 264 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Snowville | 172 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Uintah | 1,342 | N/A | N/A | B- | N/A | N/A |
| Garland | 2,548 | N/A | N/A | B- | 51 | 5 |
Live Life Elevated
Whether you’re attracted by the welcoming community, gorgeous views or a chance to see the elusive North Shore Monster, Utah is a highly visited state that encourages you to enjoy the luxuries of modern life. But you don’t have to move to the heart of Salt Lake City to embrace the Beehive State. From young professionals to retirees, there’s a suburb for everyone near SLC.
Mia Zozobrado joined Builders Digital Experience (BDX) in 2019 as a content writer. A graduate of Southwestern University with a degree in English, Mia is passionate about the written word and making connections. Outside of work, Mia also serves on the Board of Directors for the Writers’ League of Texas.
Best Tiny Home Builders in Austin: 2020 Edition