Where are the run-down, seedy areas in downtown? (Salt Lake City, Washington: condos, high crime)

[skrit]

I'm moving to SLC next month. I am from a city on the east coast that has a high african american population and high crime so I know what run-down areas look like and if they are run-down they attract crime.

My new job is in the 84111 zip code off of State street. I would like to live as close as possible but in an area with friendly young, hip people and where it is safe to walk the dog at night. I already know of Sugarhouse and the Avenues and "as far east as you can go". I will be buying a house.

Thats all great but very general. I want to know SPECIFIC blocks that I need to avoid within the bounds of I-15 to the west and I-80 to the south. The more specific - the better. If you have driven past some areas that look "trashy" or "bad" to you from first impression - let me know that too. Might not be crime there but I don't respect people that don't keep there houses or yards clean (unless they are elderly and physically can't). If there is a corner where shady looking people aimlessly walk around - let me know that too.

Again - I want to live as close to downtown as possible but it still be safe enough to take a walk at night and not have to worry about my car or house being broken into and not have to worry about a neighbors trashy house or yard.

[Abstrakt]

West of 300 west from about 100 south to 4500 south

[skrit]

I would like to add that in no way am I implying all run-down areas are inhabited by black people - that is just the norm in my city b/c it's 45% black and the run-down areas are almost 100% populated by blacks and hispanics.

[Bayzing]

First let me qualify myself... I am in my mid-thirties and I grew up in Salt Lake Valley... As an adult... I've lived in virtually every corner of Salt Lake City (the Avenue's... Sugarhouse... you name it). I've also spent several years living OUTSIDE of Utah (Washington DC, Las Vegas, New York)... so I can understand your concern wanting to avoid a "run-down area". Now some advice....

First things first... The African American population in Utah is very low (less than 1% of the population). We have far more Latinos and Pacific Islanders (Tongan, Samoan) here in Utah...this is just a simple matter-of-fact.

You mentioned you were looking to purchase a house. Have you ever considered a condo? If I were single and looking for a "young, hip" area... I would consider getting a condo at the GATEWAY... it's a very-hip, very-new development... and most of the dance clubs and high-end restaurants are within walking distance.... Now... I would never purchase a home in that part of town... the homeless shelter is nearby... but the highrise condos at the Gateway are secure, new, and very nice.

If you're set on getting a house... here's what I would recommend...

AVENUES... If you can afford it... anywhere in the Avenues is a relatively safe bet... I have a brother that lives in the lower Avenues (F Street & 1st Avenue) he loves it there. Generally the lower Avenues are more transient and "hip" whereas the upper Avenues are more "old money". There aren't really any "bad" areas in the Avenues... but remember it is very urban... and I wouldn't exactly leave my ipod in my car every night.

EAST SALT LAKE TO SUGARHOUSE... If it were me... I would focus on the area between 900 East and 1500 East... from South temple.... all the way to 3300 South.... this encompasses a swath of East Salt Lake City about a mile wide that extends down past heart of Sugarhouse.

You can go further EAST... but the home prices will be considerably more expensive... and you'll likely find your neighbors are wealthier... more married... and less "hip".

I wouldn't recommend going WEST of 900 East... there are some nice pockets (I once lived with some roommates on a nice street near 300 East and 2300 South)... but anywhere WEST of 900 East can be a little bit spotty.

On the northern end of the my recommended area... you'll be very close to the University of Utah... you're likely to find a lot of students... If you're looking for a roommate you won't have difficulty.

On the Southern end you're just South of Sugarhouse... there are some great affordable and hip areas around Brickyard Plaza... check out the neighborhood near 1000 East and about 3000 South... I have several friends that live in that neighborhood and really enjoy it! There are some nice areas South of 3300 South... but you're getting into a more mixed-suburban environment (less hip).

All of the areas I have recommended are probably within 10-15 minutes drive of your work (depending upon the State Street location). Best of luck to you.

[skrit]

This is exactly the info I am looking for - thanks B
Hey, what about the area a few blocks east or west of Trolley Square?
BTW - I am creating a custom Google Map with the info you gave me.

Originally Posted by Bayzing

SNIP....

EAST SALT LAKE TO SUGARHOUSE... If it were me... I would focus on the area between 900 East and 1500 East... from South temple.... all the way to 3300 South.... this encompasses a swath of East Salt Lake City about a mile wide that extends down past heart of Sugarhouse.

You can go further EAST... but the home prices will be considerably more expensive... and you'll likely find your neighbors are wealthier... more married... and less "hip".

I wouldn't recommend going WEST of 900 East... there are some nice pockets (I once lived with some roommates on a nice street near 300 East and 2300 South)... but anywhere WEST of 900 East can be a little bit spotty.

On the northern end of the my recommended area... you'll be very close to the University of Utah... you're likely to find a lot of students... If you're looking for a roommate you won't have difficulty.

On the Southern end you're just South of Sugarhouse... there are some great affordable and hip areas around Brickyard Plaza... check out the neighborhood near 1000 East and about 3000 South... I have several friends that live in that neighborhood and really enjoy it! There are some nice areas South of 3300 South... but you're getting into a more mixed-suburban environment (less hip).

All of the areas I have recommended are probably within 10-15 minutes drive of your work (depending upon the State Street location). Best of luck to you.

[BuckeyezRule]

Sorry, I'm married w/ kids on the west side, so I'm no help. LOL I've only been here just over a year, but, I agree w/ bay, avenues, sugarhouse, both nice areas for young, single, & near where you'll work. Good luck & hope you like it here! We are enjoying it so far.