Salt Lake Valley suburbs trade SLC's urban density for spacious yards, A-grade school districts, and canyon trailheads—all just 10-25 minutes from downtown via TRAX or I-15. Coming from the Moving to Salt Lake City guide? These picks expand your options if Sugar House feels too cramped but you want valley energy.
Salt Lake Valley Suburbs:Each One at a Glance
💠Sandy: Granite District
Sandy is a major suburb situated approximately 12 to 15 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City. It is in the southeastern part of the Salt Lake Valley. Sandy is known for its exceptional schools and safe environment, strong job market, and diverse amenities. It truly is a family friendly town.
A big local perk is Alta Canyon Park, which has an Olympic-size pool and waterslides that stand out compared to many city rec centers. School-wise, the Canyons School District is often a draw for parents looking for strong options. Homes typically fall in the $600K–$1M range.
💠Draper: Suncrest & South Mountain
Draper is one of the south valley’s most popular area because it has that “upscale suburb with mountain access” vibe. Sitting on the southern edge of the Salt Lake Valley, it feels safe, clean, and outdoorsy—yet you’re still close to major job hubs and shopping when you need it.
Draper is also known for its trail network, 117 miles of trails dot the landscape. The Canyons School District, is a big reason families look to live here.
One of Draper’s standout pockets is Suncrest, a neighborhood built high on the hillside above the city. Suncrest is the spot people talk about when they want fresh air, big views, and that “above the valley” feeling—on clear days you can see across much of the Salt Lake Valley, where the sunsets can be unreal. Draper is a great choice for families. Median Home Value/Price: $744,000 - $920,000.
💠South Jordan: Daybreak
"South Jordan continues to set the bar for Utah living, specifically with the massive growth of Daybreak. It’s not just a subdivision; it’s a lifestyle hub where sustainable design meets top-tier family amenities.
Daybreak is one of the most “complete community” setups in the valley — it was planned so you can actually live your life without driving everywhere. It has K–12 schools, and there are 30+ parks plus walking paths, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and access to the Jordan River corridor all built into the neighborhood feel.
It’s also one of the few places where TRAX is genuinely useful, with easy access toward Salt Lake City (about 20 minutes to downtown). It’s especially popular with young families who want amenities, trails, and community events close by. Homes typically land around $500K–$900K.
💠Murray: Central Murray
Central Murray is all about convenience. It’s close to major anchors like Intermountain Medical Center and Fashion Place Mall, which is a big deal for working parents and anyone who wants errands and services nearby.
The heart of the area is Murray Park, where you’ll find trails, community events, and summer festivals that give it a classic “local city” feel. Murray also has a unique perk: a city-owned golf course. Murray also owns its own utilities company providing some of the cheapest rates in the state.
Murray City is very central to the Salt Lake valley and runs along the I-15 and I-215 freeways. A big reason people love to live in Murray is because of its central location. You can get to almost any place in the valley within 20 minutes. Schools in the Granite District are generally considered solid, and homes often offer strong value in the $400K–$700K range.
💠Holladay: Olympus Hills & Holladay Hills
Holladay is one of Salt Lake County’s most sought-after places to live because it blends a serene, wooded neighborhood feel with an upscale suburban charm that still feels relaxed and lived-in.
It sits right up against the central Wasatch Mountains, so you get that “close to the outdoors” lifestyle without feeling far from the city. Many people love Holladay because it feels quiet and established — tree-lined streets, older character homes, and a community vibe that’s hard to recreate in newer developments.
A standout pocket within Holladay is Olympus Hills, where homes have woods surrounding them. On weekends locals show up for things like farmers markets and live music. Holladay has a strong reputation for top-rated schools, and the location is a big deal too — you’re often within about a 15–20 minute drive to downtown Salt Lake City, while still being close to skiing and hiking. Homes in this area commonly range around $700K–$1.7M
💠Cottonwood Heights: Butler Heights
Butler Heights in Cottonwood Heights is built for people who want mountain proximity and a quieter, low-crime feel. One of the biggest draws is the school setup — it’s described as an independent A-rated district.
When parents with children think about moving, two things come to mind, safety and good schools. The location also makes it easy to reach both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons in about 10 minutes. You also get strong views along Wasatch Boulevard and quick access up and down the valley. Homes typically run $600K–$1.2M.
💠Taylorsville: Historic District
Taylorsville’s Historic area is often one of the best “value plays” on the west side. Prices tend to be lower than many nearby areas, with homes starting in the $350Ks and commonly landing in the $350K–$600K range.
The city runs along key routes like 4800 S, and the Bangerter Highway making it relatively quick to get around Salt Lake City. A big quality-of-life perk is the Jordan River Parkway, with trails for biking and spots for fishing. Taylorsville also has a diverse community feel. There are plenty of shopping centers and great places to eat that are affordable.
Taylorsville is family friendly and residents enjoy a high quality of life. There are numerous parks, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to the valley and of the Wasatch Front.
💠South Valley
The South Valley is one of the fastest-growing parts of the metro, driven by tech jobs and ongoing new housing development. Many people choose it because they can often get more space and newer builds compared to Salt Lake City proper.
Cities of the South Valley include: West Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, and Bluffdale. Prices vary widely depending on the exact city and neighborhood, but overall your range is roughly $350K–$1.7M, often coming in cheaper than SLC with more room.
click to enlare image
Suburbs FAQ
Which valley suburbs have the best schools?
Draper leads with Canyons School District's A+ rating—Corner Canyon High ranks top 10% statewide with STEM programs feeding nearby tech jobs at Adobe and Lucid. Cottonwood Heights follows close with its independent A-rated district, while Sandy’s Canyons schools consistently beat SLC averages across K-12.
Which suburbs have fastest-rising home values?
Daybreak in South Jordan and Granite in Sandy see 8-12% annual appreciation—driven by tech job growth (Adobe, Qualtrics nearby), new construction inventory, and families trading SLC condos for yards. These outpace valley averages of 5-7%.
Best family suburbs for parks and trails?
Daybreak offers 30+ parks including fishing ponds and e-bike trails—all walking distance from homes. Murray Park hosts summer concerts and splash pads right in Central Murray. Cottonwood Heights gives direct canyon trailhead access for hiking year-round.
Where to find homes under $600K?
Taylorsville's Historic District starts at $350K–$600K for move-in-ready townhomes near Costco—perfect first-time buyer entry. Central Murray hits $400K–$700K for single-family homes with yards, both keeping SLC access without urban premiums.
Best suburbs for people relocating for work?
South Jordan's Daybreak puts TRAX 20 minutes from downtown + tech jobs within 10 minutes. Murray's Central area offers Intermountain Hospital jobs walking distance plus Green Line TRAX—both onboard newcomers instantly without downtown parking hassles.
Summary:
Salt Lake City’s suburbs each offer a different lifestyle, from walkable neighborhoods to quiet, family-friendly communities near the mountains. This quick overview compares the main areas around SLC so you can choose the best fit based on commute, schools, outdoor access, and overall vibe.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER - GET SLC UPDATES 👉 801 INSIDER
