The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently named Salt Lake City the top job market in America. Utah’s largest city has become a growing economic hub, with employment increasing particularly in sectors like technology and finance.

 

One significant reason Salt Lake City is such an appealing job market is that there’s so much to experience outside of work. From outdoor adventures to art galleries to live sports, you’ll find lots of things to do in Salt Lake City. Even better, AMH has several available homes within the Salt Lake City area.

 

Take a look inside the Beehive State’s capital and what it has to offer:

 

Why is Salt Lake City the hottest job market?

 

The WSJ rankings looked at different attributes, including the average unemployment rate, yearly labor-force participation rate, changes in the average monthly employment and labor-force level, and changes in average weekly wages. Combined, those attributes placed Salt Lake City at the top of U.S. cities.

 

In 2023, Salt Lake City had the second-highest labor-force participation rate and was fifth among wage growth. Those numbers reflect a growing trend of California tech workers moving to Utah. The Salt Lake tech hub has earned the name “Silicon Slopes.”

 

It’s not only tech thriving in the city, though. WSJ noted that roles in supply chain, manufacturing, and life sciences are all growing rapidly. Salt Lake City also has friendly rules for businesses and numerous tax incentives, such as redevelopment and recycling programs.

 

 

The happiest state in America

 

Each year, WalletHub conducts a report to find the happiest states in America. The most recent list has Utah at the top.

 

As the Salt Lake City ranking suggests, Utah as a whole is the best state for working. The state is also number one in community environments and scored highly in emotional and physical well-being, which both contribute to a strong housing market.

 

That happiness extends to helping others. Volunteer opportunities abound in Utah, where residents work fewer hours on average than in other states.

 

Another key reason for that happiness lies in the geography. Salt Lake City has picturesque landscapes nearly anywhere you go, and there’s plenty to explore.   

 

 

Incredible mountain views

 

More than 60 national and state parks that are within a few hours of Salt Lake City, making it a fantastic spot for sightseeing. Nearby national parks include Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument, which are just a 30- to 45-minute drive and offer two very different experiences.

 

Even if you don’t head to a national park, you’re always close to some gorgeous scenery. Starting at 4,330 feet above sea level, the terrain is fairly varied, with marshlands, salt flats, rolling hills, towering trees, and more.

 

Watching a Utah sunset is enchanting, but stick around after the sun goes down to enjoy the largest number of dark sky areas anywhere on Earth. Antelope Island State Park, home of the Great Salt Lake, offers majestic views of the Milky Way. Stargazing at the Jordanelle State Park is a magical experience surrounded by mountains and hillsides framing the night sky.

 

 

Extensive arts and culture

 

The settling of Salt Lake City dates back nearly two centuries, and there’s lots of history and culture to discover. The Utah State Capitol building and the Natural History Museum of Utah are cool indoor activities in Salt Lake City to learn more about the state.

 

This Is The Place Heritage Park is like stepping into a time machine, providing a glimpse into the state’s past with immersive experiences such as blacksmithing, horseback riding, and mining activities. Additionally, Olympic Park, which was used for the 2002 Winter Olympics, offers bobsledding and an action tower. Utah’s Hogle Zoo gives an up-close-and-personal look at exotic animals from around the world. All are among the best things to do in Salt Lake City with kids.

 

The West of Conventional Mural Tour is a great way to see artwork throughout the city. The six murals across the valley each offer unique takes on Utah’s roots with a modern appeal. After you stop by all six, you’ll get a prize from the Salt Lake Visitors center.

 

If you’d prefer to take in your art in more traditional settings, Salt Lake City has a number of impressive museums and galleries. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is the top attraction for seeing art from around the world, while the Urban Arts Gallery and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art are both free to visit.

 

 

A robust sports environment

 

Sports fans have no shortage of activities in Salt Lake City. The NBA’s Utah Jazz and MLS’s Real Salt Lake are the two most popular, though there are teams in just about every sport.

 

The Salt Lake Bees provide a perfect night out at the ballpark, while the Utah Warriors are the state’s representative in Major League Rugby. The Utah Grizzlies, an affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, have been a vital member of the Salt Lake community for nearly three decades.

 

Salt Lake residents can try their hand at various sporting venues and complexes around the city. One of the more notable is the Easton Salt Lake Archery Center, where you can practice your aim with a bow and arrow. A variety of exercise options is yet another reason why Salt Lake City is such a desirable spot. 

 

 

Ready to move to the nation’s hottest job market and experience everything Salt Lake City has to offer? Check out our list of available AMH homes in Utah's capital.