Whether you're making the move from another city in Utah, another state, or another country, it's important to think about the kind of neighborhood you want to live in. Do you want a more established neighborhood or do you care if it's transient? Do you want a yard that you take care of or do you want someone else to do all the work? Do you want an older home or a newer home? Do you want to be close to work or would a little commuting be OK? Do you care about sharing walls in a condo/town home or would you prefer a single family home?
I want to help you do some research about several potential neighborhoods you could move to in the Salt Lake area. I've chosen 8 neighborhoods that I'd like to focus on and will guide you through the pros and cons of each one. I have also chosen 3-4 homes that are currently for sale in each area. I've only chosen homes that I think are in excellent condition and have been updated.
I hope this article will help you when you finally decide to look at homes--perhaps it will narrow your search a bit and save you some time.
As I go through these 8 areas, I will start with the ones closest to down town Salt Lake and then move outward towards the South.
Let's get started:
1. The Parc at Gateway Condos
(about 400 West and 100 South)
The Parc Condos are located in down town Salt Lake City right next to the Gateway Shopping Plaza. The Gateway is definitely a hot spot in Salt Lake with all of its great stores and restaurants as well as movie theater and Clarke Planetarium.
Pros:
* Close to down town, newer construction (construction was completed in 2005)
* Trax near by (Trax is the light rail transportation system in Salt Lake)
* Close to I 15 Freeway entrance & close to airport
* Potential to rent is good.
Cons:
* You'll have to share walls
* You'll pay more per square foot than you would in other areas of Salt Lake
* Perhaps small for your taste (1 bedroom unit about 760 square feet)
* Lots of cars and people going by--noise potentail
* No parks or play equipment for children
There are 1,2, and 3 bedroom condos available with the 1 bedroom condos starting in the $200,000 price range.
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in the Parc at Gateway:
There is a former model unit for sale that has some nice upgrades including granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances (MLS # 801301). The listing price is $269,900 and the unit has 1 bedroom & 2 bathrooms. It has 874 Square feet (buyer to verify all information).
2. The Avenues
(Northeast of downtown SLC--rests on benches of Wasatch mountains)
The lower avenues has older homes that are usually a little bit cheaper. As you go up the hill, the homes get larger and more expensive--this area is often referred to as Federal Heights. Arlington Hills is the highest part of the avenues and has the newest and largest homes.
Pros:
* The location is perfect if you want a single family home and work down town
* The area is charming and has unique businesses and parks close by
* The homes are very unique looking and the streets are lined with many mature trees
Cons:
* The homes have become very expensive because of the renovation boom
* Some of the homes are situated on steep hills that aren't ideal for winter driving
* There are still many old homes that may need fixing up. When taking on a fixer-upper, you need to ask yourself if you are up for possibly redoing the plumbing and wiring.
There are several homes in the 200,000-270,000 range, but I would say that the majority start around $275,000 and go up to about $800,000. There are some gorgeous homes in the $850,000-$2,500,000 range.
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in the Avenues area:
I've chosen 3 single-family homes for sale--the first is in the lower avenues, the second is in Federal Heights, and the third is in Arlington Hills.
Home #1 s in the lower avenues (MLS #790379). It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The square footage is 2352 (buyer to verify all information). The listing price is $275,000. I think this is a charming house that is priced well.
Home #2 is in the middle avenues (MLS #760277). It has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The square footage is 2652 (buyer to verify all information). I really like the porch on the outside and the French doors opening out to the porch on the inside. The listing price is $549,000.
Home #3 is in Arlington Hills (upper avenues--MLS # 790346). This home looks like it has some amazing views. It also looks very spacious and luxurious. The listing price is $1,450,000.
3. 9th and 9th area (900 East 900 South)
Homes in this area are very charming and the stores near by are super posh including: The Children's Hour, The Coffee Garden, Mazza, and more. If you travel East into the residential areas near 9th and 9th, you'll eventually run into the tree lined streets of Harvard and Yale. This is one of my personal favorite areas in Salt Lake. The homes are incredibly unique and beautiful. The trees are amazing as well--go take a look if you haven't seen it already.
Pros:
* Centrally located--about 7 minutes from down town and 7 minutes to the University
* Parks close by including Liberty Park which has many amenities for children including a water play area in the Summer
* Many home owners have taken good care of homes and redone wiring and plumbing in older homes
* Popular area that does well in terms of resale.
Cons:
* Homes are older and may need work on plumbing and/or electrical;
* streets can be busy with lots of traffic going through
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in the 9th and 9th area:
Once again, I've chosen 3 homes for sale all in different price ranges.
Below is home #1 (MLS # 797677). It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 1855 square feet (buyer to verify). The stair case and French doors look beautiful. I also like the fact that it has a newer furnace & AC. The listing price is $274,900--a very decent price in my opinion.
Home #2 (MLS # 7342) below has great curb appeal and looks just as nice on the inside. The master bathroom looks really amazing with the stone. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 2383 square feet (buyer to verify). The listing price is $579,900.
Home # 3 (below) is in the Harvard/Yale area (MLS #792369). This is quite a large home for the area with 5740 square feet. It also has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (buyer to verify). I think the wood work in this home is gorgeous and the stair case is fantastic. The listing price is $1,495,000.
4. Sugar house Park area
(about 2100 South and 1100 East)
This area is similar to the 9th and 9th in terms of charming homes and parks close by. The Sugar house area also has many restaurants and stores near by including Olive Garden, Barnes and Noble, Whole foods, Old Navy, and more. Movies 10 is nearby where you can see movies for $1.
Pros:
* Close to stores and restaurants;
* Close to I 215 Freeway entrance;
* Close to Sugar house park;
* Charming homes with great rental potential.
Cons:
* Construction currently going on 215 freeway--hopefully it will be completed soon
* Not as centrally located as 9th and 9th relative to down town and University
* Homes are older and neighborhoods not quite as nice as 9th and 9th
* More of a transient area than 9th and 9th.
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in the Sugarhouse area:
The 3 homes I've chosen are all within the $280,000-$380,000 price range.
Home #1 has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 1905 square feet (buyer to verify). I like the Travertine and neutral color choices throughout the home. The home is definitely priced to sell with a listing price of $287,000.
Home #2 (MLS # 786576) has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 2550 square feet (buyer to verify). This home has an upstairs apartment which I like much better than a typical basement apartment. The listing price is $310,000.
Home #3 has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (MLS #800314). It has 1752 square feet (buyer to verify). I love the back yard and track lighting in the basement. The listing price is $357,900.
5. Foothill area
(areas just East and West of Foothill drive)
Foothill drive goes from about 800 South to 2700 South on the Eastern side of Salt Lake. There are several older homes below foothill drive, but many of the homes were built after 1960 or 1970. This gives the neighborhood quite a different feel from the 9th and 9th and/or Sugar house area.
Pros:
* Ideal if you want to be close to the University of Utah and/or hospital
* Newer homes may not need new plumbing, wiring, etc.
* Hogle Zoo and Red Butte Gardens close by
* Many scenic views from homes on East bench
Cons:
* Homes tend to be more expensive in this area and may lack the charm of older homes in other areas like the avenues or 9th and 9th.
* Homes on the upper East bench have to commute down the hill about 7 minutes to get to the grocery store and gas stations.
* Foothill drive can get very congested at times (slow commute to 215 freeway at times)
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in the Foothill area:
I decided to choose 4 homes in this area because there were so many good ones to choose from. I also didn't want to exclude the $700,000-$900,000 price range this time. All homes I've chosen are within 5-6 miles East or West of Foothill drive except home #4 which is located in Emigration Canyon (about 12 minutes East of Foothill drive).
Home #1 (MLS # 755323) has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 2260 square feet (buyer to verify). I really like the tile on the tub in the master bathroom. The asking price is $314,900--one of the lowest priced homes per square foot in the area.
Home #2 (MLS #779461) has 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 3202 square feet (buyer to verify). The recessed lighting and color choices make this home very elegant. The listing price is $499,000. What a fantastic remodel!
Home #3 (MLS # 808082) has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 3442 square feet (buyer to verify). This home really is amazing on the inside. I have seen it in person and love the contemporary feel of the home. The listing price is $850,000.
Home #4 (MLS #796156) has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with 5984 square feet (buyer to verify). The balconies in this home are unlike any other home I've seen in Utah. It also has a very open floor plan. The listing price is $995,000.
6. Cottonwood area (in Holladay--around 5500 South and 2000 East)
This area has some amazing homes--some with quite a bit of land if that's what you're looking for. The neighborhood is tucked away in a very secluded area of Holladay, but still close enough to places like Target and the Fashion Place mall. It's secluded and yet convenient location is what makes the area so popular. If you're in the area, I suggest taking a walk; be sure to walk down Walker Lane--the homes and views are beautiful.
Pros:
* Homes are surrounded with many mature and beautiful trees
* Neighborhood is secluded and many homes have private gates
* Quiet and private area;
* Close to Target, Cottonwood Mall, Fashion Place Mall, etc.
* Relatively close to I 215 Freeway entrance.
Cons:
* Homes in this area are usually very expensive;
* Not really a community--more private;
* Commute to down town and/or University will take a good 25-35 minutes.
There are a couple of homes in the $400,000-$700,000 range, but there are many homes starting around $800,000 and going up to as high as $10,000,000.
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in Holladay/Cottonwood area:
The three homes I've chosen in this area are all relatively close to Walker Lane--one of the most beautiful areas in Salt Lake.
Home #1 (MLS #805707 ) has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 2320 square feet (buyer to verify). This home is one of my favorites included in this article--I absolutely love the kitchen. They also have a decent sized yard. The listing price is $359,900.
Home #2 (MLS #796706) has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 4238 square feet (buyer to verify). The color choices in the home are very beautiful. If you really want to get a better idea of what it looks like all around, contact me for a link to the virtual tour. The listing price is $659,000.
Home #3 (MLS #789343) has 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with 7512 square feet (buyer to verify). This home has one of the most amazing patios of any home I've seen for a while. It looks like the perfect home if you like to do outdoor entertaining. The listing price is $2,400,000. Contact me for a link to the virtual tour.
7. Inverness Square
(about 4800 South and 300 West in Murray)
This community has been very popular because of its convenient location and urban feel. The community is situated in Murray, UT just off of I 15 (take 4500 South exit). Costco, Barnes & Noble, TRAX, and the new Intermountain Health Care hospital are just minutes away. The community has been so popular that only resale homes are available now.
Pros:
* Close to hospital
* Affordable
* Close to many retailers
* Family common area within community
* Great potential to rent
Cons:
* Still a good 25-35 minute commute to down town SLC/University
* Small patio but no yard
* Only 2 bedroom homes
* Not really a quiet or secluded community because of traffic and location
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in Inverness Square:
Due to the popularity of the area, there are only a couple of units for sale in Inverness square. I've chosen the one that I thought was the nicest and had the most upgrades.
The unit I've chosen to spot light (MLS #801133) has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with 1776 square feet (buyer to verify). I really like the color choices and hardwood floors--the owners definitely put some money into the unit and it shows. The listing price is $204,500--a great deal for the location and # of bathrooms & bedrooms.
8. Daybreak
(18 minutes West of I 15 starting at 10600 South and ending around 11600 South)
Daybreak is one of my very personal favorite communities in Salt Lake County. It has a wide variety of homes in different styles, colors, and price ranges. There is an elementary school with a community center attached to the school. The community has been carefully planned out and includes a man made lake with free canoe and sea kayak rentals for residents. There is also a splash pad for children and an Olympic-sized swimming pool that will be completed this Summer. If you get a chance, be sure to go to the visitor's center and hear the short presentation about the community--I found it very interesting.
Pros:
* Great Community (there's always community events going on)
* Many beautiful parks and walking trails
* Community gardening
* Colorful & unique looking homes;
* Newer construction that's relatively affordable;
* Close to many retailers including Target, Home Depot, Harmon's, etc.
* Costco and the new hospital in Riverton will be completed in 2009
* All Daybreak homes are energy-star certified.
Cons:
* Not the place to be if you don't like having an HOA
* Small or no yard
* Sometimes the area can get pretty windy
* Most homes are built close together
* 30-35 minute drive to down town Salt Lake--more like 40 minutes if going to University
* Daybreak had some flooding issues in the beginning--has since improved & under control
Condos in Daybreak start around $140,000 and go up to about $215,000. The town homes and smaller single family homes are in the $220,000-$3250,000 range. The prices for the rest of the homes start around $330,000 and go up to the mid $600,000's.
CURRENTLY FOR SALE in Daybreak:
I've chosen homes that are ready to move in to. New construction is of course the better option if you want to pick out all of your own options, but some of these completed homes are much better deals.
Home #1 (MLS #797952) has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 1936 square feet (buyer to verify). I like the white cabinets in the kitchen and think the stair case is charming. The listing price is $248,400.
Home #2 (MLS #802215) has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 4480 square feet (buyer to verify). There is a lot of natural light coming into this home and I love the open floor plan. The listing price is $349,900.
Home #3 (MLS #751439) has 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 3651 square feet (buyer to verify). I've seen this home in person and I love the colorful kitchen. The Bamboo flooring really lightens up the room and gives it a nice feel. The listing price is $369,900--a great price considering # bedrooms & finished basement.
Home #4 (MLS #776164) has 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with 5912 square feet (buyer to verify). I love the colorful entry and bedrooms. This home also has a mother-in-law apartment. The listing price is $615,000.
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