From Birmingham, Alabama to SLC!! (Salt Lake City: apartment, rental, crime)

[ComingfromAL]

Hi everyone,

I will be moving to SLC in the next three months to work at the SLC VA hospital and I was wondering what are some good places to live (rent), things to do, crime rate, etc?

I know this same question has been asked a ALOT and I have read quite a few of the other forums but I think the reason why it is asked so many times is that no two people's situations are the same and when you are moving to a new city you want to get as much specific and current information as you can. So please be patient with me and thanks in advance for all your help!

Here are a few facts about me that might help:

I am 24yrs old ( I will be 25 in August).
I will be working at the SLC VA hospital in a professional non patient care setting.
Where I live doesn't neccessarily have to be close to my job although that would be a plus. Currently I communte about 20 to 25 minutes to work.
I am non married.
I am not really a go "outter" but when my family and friends come to visit ideally I would like to have a range of places to go, varying from a good restaurant to a good dance club.
My fave types of music are jazz, hip hop, rap, and r &b.
I am of non LDS faith.
I am willing to pay quite a bit more than average to rent in a nicer area. (Where I live now "quite a bit more than avg" would be 800 for a 1bd/1bth and 950 for a 2bd/2bth and I am okay with those price ranges.)

Again thanks so much to being patient with me and I look forward to hearing from you alll!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Most people from other places think the night life is pretty near non-existant. It does exist, but no to the extent you are probably used to. OTOH, there is a huge amount of outdoor recreation!

[ComingfromAL]

Thanks!

[kaytidid]

I would suggest Sugarhouse or in the University area.

[ComingfromAL]

Thanks

[markg91359]

Al,

My suggestion is to look for a rental in a highrise apartment in the area of Salt Lake east of State Street, south of South Temple, and North of 400 South. The University of Utah would be the boundary on the east. I know there are several and if you can afford that high of a monthly rent, I think you can find something.

As others have already said, nightlife in Salt Lake City for someone in their twenties who is used to living out of state is probably going to be disappointing. The local culture caters far more to married people with families. However, if you have a sport that you can use to make friends (particularly an outdoor sport like hiking, skiing, or climbing) it will allow you to develop a decent social life. Perhaps, the VA has groups or a support system for single employees that will be of assistance too.

I'm not really optimistic you'll find alot of the music you mentioned here.

[operaphantom2003]

The VA is really nice and needs new blood in there (employee speaking). As far as rents, I pay $800 for a 1 bd.1bath (500 sq ft) on North Temple. Look elsewhere.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by markg91359

I'm not really optimistic you'll find alot of the music you mentioned here.

My 29-year-old son DJs downtown and, unless I'm mistaken, likes all of the kinds of music AL mentioned, except for R&B. He's also non-LDS and has lived downtown for several years. I'll be seeing him tomorrow and will try to maybe ask him what he thinks about the "nightlife" in Salt Lake and where he might find places that would cater to his taste in music.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by ComingfromAL

Hi everyone,

I will be moving to SLC in the next three months to work at the SLC VA hospital and I was wondering what are some good places to live (rent), things to do, crime rate, etc?

I know this same question has been asked a ALOT and I have read quite a few of the other forums but I think the reason why it is asked so many times is that no two people's situations are the same and when you are moving to a new city you want to get as much specific and current information as you can. So please be patient with me and thanks in advance for all your help!

Here are a few facts about me that might help:

I am 24yrs old ( I will be 25 in August).
I will be working at the SLC VA hospital in a professional non patient care setting.
Where I live doesn't neccessarily have to be close to my job although that would be a plus. Currently I communte about 20 to 25 minutes to work.
I am non married.
I am not really a go "outter" but when my family and friends come to visit ideally I would like to have a range of places to go, varying from a good restaurant to a good dance club.
My fave types of music are jazz, hip hop, rap, and r &b.
I am of non LDS faith.
I am willing to pay quite a bit more than average to rent in a nicer area. (Where I live now "quite a bit more than avg" would be 800 for a 1bd/1bth and 950 for a 2bd/2bth and I am okay with those price ranges.)

Again thanks so much to being patient with me and I look forward to hearing from you alll!

Hi,

You may be surprised how many people move from AL to UT. I work with three. Two almost everyday, and one - everyday. You will find UT doesn't eat, drink and breathe college football at the same level. $40 Million is steep for someone like Nick Sabin. That isn't to say I'm not aware of Tommy T. and his resignation this year.

Interestingly, about 3-4 major offensive/defensive coordinators in the SEC all coached/went to school in UT.

So before I offer you any suggestions, let's get the really important question out-of-the way: Did you go to UA or Auburn?

I know what matters in 'BAMA. (Oh, I guess that shows my ties doesn't it?)

MSR

[Katzpur]

Okay, I've talked to my 29-year-old non-LDS son and here's what he told me: Salt Lake City's nightlife is definitely not great by big city standards, but it's not really all that bad if you know where to go. He suggested picking up a City Weekly when you first get into town and checking out the places it recommends. He said that no one place has good entertainment, etc. every night, so you have to know which nights to go to which places. He DJs every Tuesday night at Kristauf's and plays, Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and Funk. He also recommended Gracie's (which is brand new) and Jackalope. He said that Salt Lake actually gets quite a few more good out-of-town live performances coming through, more than most cities of our size. Hopefully these suggestions will help some.