Living in Sandy Utah offers an enticing mix of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals alike. Founded in 1871 by Mormon pioneers and incorporated as a city in 1893, Sandy has grown from its roots as an agricultural and mining community into a thriving city. Nowadays, Sandy offers something for everyone.
But before you decide to make Sandy your new home, here’s what you should know about living in this vibrant community.
Is Sandy Utah a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Sandy, Utah, is widely regarded as a great place to live. It combines a strong sense of community with beautiful surroundings and numerous parks, nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, providing year-round outdoor activities.
The city offers quality education through the Canyons School District, a low crime rate considering it’s a larger city, and abundant housing options, from charming historic homes to modern single-family residences. It’s also known for its excellent sports scene, home to the famous Utah Royals professional soccer team.
Sandy’s local amenities, including shopping, dining, recreational facilities, and other fun things to do, along with its proximity to Salt Lake City, make living in Sandy Utah a desirable location for both families and young professionals.
Where Is Sandy Utah?
You might be able to picture where Salt Lake City is or have friends living in Ogden, but where is Sandy Utah, and what county is Sandy Utah in?
As a city located within the expanse of northern Utah, Sandy is at the bottom of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City County and is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. If you plan on commuting to Salt Lake City for work, it is 18 miles from Sandy Utah to Salt Lake City. Sandy borders White City, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Midvale, and Cottonwood Heights.
As locals to the area, our Sandy UT movers can help you settle in with ease. Call our trusted, experienced Sandy Utah moving company today at 801-335-5603 to enjoy a free quote!
Is Sandy a Suburb of Salt Lake City?
Yes, Sandy is one of the wealthier suburbs of Salt Lake City and one of the best places to live in Utah for those who seek access to the outdoors, proximity to downtown Salt Lake City, and a small-town feel despite being a bigger city.
Living in Sandy Utah Information
- County: Salt Lake County
- Area: 24.2 square miles
- Sandy Utah zip codes: 84070 and 84090-84094
- Sandy area codes: 385 and 801
- Sandy elevation: 4,450 feet
- Sandy time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Sandy: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 22 miles away
What is the Population of Sandy Utah? | Sandy UT Population & Demographics
As of the latest 2020 Census, the Sandy Utah population is 96,904, and the population density is 3,924 people per square mile.
While lots of residents living in Sandy Utah are born and raised here, the population grew by 10.8% between 2010 and 2020, highlighting an increase in popularity! With 25.8% of the population under 18 and 14.8% of people living in Sandy Utah, over the age of 65, there’s an ideal mix of youth and maturity in the city. Within the over 32,000 households in the city, you’ll find an average of 2.91 people under each roof, so families are common in this community.
Notable people from Sandy include professional dancers Derek Hough and Julianne Hough, San Diego Chargers player Ryon Bingham, and pro runner Karl Meltzer.
Diversity is definitely apparent when living in Sandy Utah, and these demographics include:
- Racial and ethnic composition: 83.3% White (79.8% White Alone, Non-Hispanic), 10.4% Hispanic, 3.6% Asian, 6.0% two or more races, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Pacific Islander, 0.5% American Indian
- Sex breakdown: 49.2% female and 50.8% male
- Foreign-born population: 10.5%
- Median household income: $108,165, which is much higher than the state median household income of $79,449 and higher than the metro average of $81,307
- Median age: 36.9 years old
- Educational attainment: 95.4% of the residents living in Sandy Utah graduated from high school, and 44.5% have received their bachelor’s degree or higher
Is Sandy Utah Very Mormon?
Yes, Sandy, Utah, has a significant Mormon population, with just under 50% of residents identifying with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This cultural presence influences community values, with a focus on family-friendly activities, volunteerism, and well-maintained public spaces. However, living in Sandy Utah means living in a diverse and welcoming city, attracting people from various religious and cultural backgrounds.
What’s Public Transportation Like When Living In Sandy Utah?
If you plan on commuting to work while living in Sandy Utah, there are plenty of major roads you can use, including I-15, US Route 89, and Utah State Route 209 in Sandy, UT. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) provides buses and commuter and light rail trains. The FrontRunner commuter rail route connects Sandy with Draper, Provo, Orem, and other cities in Salt Lake Country. The TRAX connects Sandy to Salt Lake City. The closest airport to Sandy is the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Is Sandy Utah Expensive? | Cost of Living in Sandy Utah
While it’s one of the wealthier suburbs in Salt Lake City, Sandy is, overall, an affordable place to live when compared to other major cities in the U.S.
Using the cost of living in Salt Lake City to draw insight, as there isn’t a set cost of living in Sandy Utah, the Salt Lake City metro area has a cost of living index of 108.7, meaning living in the region costs 8.7% more than the national average. That said, some estimates place Sandy as up to 20% more expensive than the national average, primarily because of the housing prices.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four must make a median household income of $102,871 per year to live comfortably in the Salt Lake City area, so keep that in mind if you have plans on living in Sandy Utah.
Typical Sandy Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $16.00
- Domestic beer (1 pint draught): $1.85
- Imported beer (12 oz bottle): $2.98
- Milk (regular, 1 gallon): $3.44
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.97
- Oranges (1 pound): $1.59
- Apples (1 pound): $2.19
- Beef round (1 pound): $6.96
- Eggs (regular, 12): $3.63
- Average cost of gasoline per gallon: $3.84
- Fitness club (per month, 1 adult): $35.75
- Average Sandy UT utilities for 915 sq ft. apartment per month: $170.52
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses for Salt Lake City
How Much Is Tax in Sandy Utah?
Let’s explore income, sales, & property tax in Sandy UT.
For residents in Sandy, the total sales tax rate comes to 7.25%. This rate is made up of Utah’s state tax rate of 4.85%, Salt Lake County’s addition of 1.35%, and a special district tax of 1.05%
Utah maintains a flat state income tax rate for all income brackets, set at 4.55%
As for property taxes, homes in Sandy fall under the average rate for Salt Lake County, which is approximately 0.12847% of the assessed value.
These figures give an accurate look at tax considerations for those living in or moving to Sandy UT, ensuring residents are informed about local obligations.
House Prices & Rent While Living in Sandy Utah
Home prices in Sandy are higher than the national average. However, you can find affordable homes for sale in Sandy Utah, and rent Sandy apartments. Let’s explore the Sandy Utah real estate market a bit more in-depth in the section below.
Sandy UT Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Many homes near Salt Lake City have Victorian, contemporary, and bungalow architectural styles. When buying a home in Sandy, the median sale price of homes for sale in Sandy Utah is $700,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $255.
If you’re actively looking for a piece of Sandy real estate to buy, there are plenty of homes for sale in Sandy Utah.
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When purchasing Sandy Utah real estate, you should stick to a strict budget so you save money. To help you do that, here’s a breakdown of the types of Sandy Utah real estate with their median sale price:
- Single-family homes: $712,250
- Townhouses: $695,500
- Condos: $409,000
The average rent in Sandy, UT, is $1,679, according to RentCafe, an affordable figure.
You have hundreds of options for apartments for rent in Sandy Utah, so start searching if you have plans on living in Sandy Utah sometime soon!
Best Neighborhoods In Sandy Utah | Where to Live in Sandy
Is Sandy Utah a good place to live? Absolutely, and the neighborhoods to choose from are a big reason why!
That said, searching for Sandy UT homes for sale while moving to Sandy UT can be daunting. To make buying a home easy, here are two great communities in Sandy, Utah!
Historic Sandy | Family-friendly Sandy UT neighborhood
The Historic Sandy neighborhood dates back to the 1890s. The city is currently building additional homes in Historic Sandy, giving you plenty of options for newly constructed, spacious single-family properties. Many homes have three or more bedrooms and luxurious features like wood-burning fireplaces and French doors. The median sale price for a home in Historic Sandy is $544,000, and you can turn to Utah first-time home buyer programs to get affordable loans. This is a wonderful place to call home while living in Sandy Utah!
Alta High | Best Sandy neighborhood for young adults
Home to Alta High School, Alta High is a small Sandy neighborhood. The neighborhood is popular amongst young professionals, with an average age of 44. The median sale price for homes in the Alta High neighborhood is $587,500, and the average sale price per square foot is $262. Being a short drive to Salt Lake City, Alta High is convenient for young adults to live and commute to the city for their jobs.
What’s the Weather in Sandy Utah Like?
Sandy is the perfect locale for those who seek the allure of all four seasons in full force, reflecting the climate in Salt Lake City.
Sandy has a humid continental climate (Dfa). The spring and summer months are dry and hot in Sandy, UT, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 90s. The days are snowy and cold during the fall and winter, with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to the mid 50s.
The best time to visit Sandy, UT, is between June and September due to heightened tourism.
In Sandy, the average amount of rainfall is 13.7 inches yearly. You may experience tropical cyclones, tornados, landslides, and wildfires while living in Sandy UT.
Does it snow in Sandy Utah?
If you’ve lived in Sandy, then you know winter is just about as snowy as it gets! With 61 inches of snow on average each year, compared to the national average of 28 inches, you’ll enjoy ample opportunity to go skiing and sledding, have a snowball fight, or cozy up inside with a warm cup of tea!
Locals living in Sandy Utah know that great winter tires and a 4×4/AWD vehicle are a must, so keep that in mind to better weather the snowy weather.
What Are the Best Restaurants In Sandy Utah?
Trying to find the top food spots in a city can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Here are three of the top restaurants in Sandy Utah!
Slackwater Sandy
With artisan pizzas, live music, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere, Slackwater Pizzeria in Sandy is a family-friendly destination in Sandy. Slackwater also serves kid-friendly Sunday brunch, including breakfast pizzas and eggs Benedict.
10290 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070, (801) 930-5147
Fratelli Ristorante
As an award-winning Italian restaurant in Sandy, Fratelli Ristorante is a family-owned and operated restaurant that focuses on serving meals made with fresh ingredients. With everything from authentic pizza to homemade gelato and original cocktails, Fratelli Ristorante is one of the most popular restaurants in Sandy, UT, for couples and families.
8612 S 1300 E, Sandy, UT 84094, (801) 495-4550
Localz Bistro
Localz Bistro is an award-winning restaurant known for its casual and cool atmosphere. A few of their most popular menu items include chicken wings, ceviche, Cajun chicken alfredo, lowcountry shrimp and grits, and grilled mahi-mahi.
1850 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84093, (801) 432-7604
What Are the Best Things to Do in Sandy UT?
Whether you’re visiting Sandy, UT, for the first time or are a resident living in Sandy Utah, there are plenty of fun places to explore throughout the city. With everything ranging from kid-friendly parks, fun museums, and quaint stores, Sandy is a great place to call home! Here are just some of the top things to do in Sandy Utah.
Top Sandy UT Attractions
K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts
K1 Speed is an indoor go-karting arena that is open for children and adults. When you’re done racing around the track, you can play video games, billiards, and air hockey in an on-site arcade.
Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Round1 is a family-friendly entertainment center best known for its bowling alleys, billiard halls, and ping pong tables. Kids can also enjoy arcade games, and adults can participate in karaoke.
Classic Fun Center
The Sandy Classic Fun Center contains a 12,000-square-foot skating rink, a two-story indoor jungle gym, and a two-floor laser tag arena. Classic Fun Center is one of the most popular attractions in Sandy for birthday parties, with kids enjoying free games and pizza.
Enigma Escape Games
Enigma Escape Games contains three one-hour indoor escape rooms for up to 10 people. You and your friends can solve puzzles and discover clues in a unique setting.
Parks In Sandy Utah
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Storm Mountain Park
Storm Mountain Park contains a soccer and baseball field, a playground with monkey bars and swings, a picnic pavilion, tennis courts, and a nice walking path. The park is also home to unique special events throughout the year, including balloon festivals in August.
Lone Peak Park
Lone Peak Park has skateboarding bowls and ramps, making it the best destination for skateboarding in the city. The park also has a football field and a playground for kids.
Amphitheater Park
Amphitheater Park is a dog-friendly park with plenty of space for your pet to run around. Kids also love the playground and trails where they can ride scooters and bikes.
Sandy UT Museums, Entertainment & Arts
Sandy Museum
The Sandy Museum is a historic building dating back to the 1860s. The museum has two floors of displays about Sandy’s history and culture, including artifacts from the city’s mining era.
Dreamscapes
Dreamscapes employs a team of over 100 Utah artists to create physical and digital artworks in Sandy. All works of art are made with sustainable resources.
Sandy Amphitheater
The Sandy Amphitheater is Sandy’s leading concert venue. Artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Goo Goo Dolls, Midland, Justin Moore, and Zeppelin USA have performed at the amphitheater over the last 20 years.
Shopping in Sandy Utah
Scheels
Need some new sports equipment? No matter your passion, Scheels is the place to go!
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The Shops At South Town
The Shops At South Town has over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from, along with some fun entertainment spots. You can visit major retailers like Bath & Body Works and Aerie as well as locally-run boutiques.
The Commons at Southtowne
The Commons at Southtowne is an outdoor shopping mall with major retailers like Nordstrom Rack, PetSmart, and Burlington. While you’re shopping, you can grab a quick meal at Five Guys, Carl’s Jr, and Santorini’s Greek Grill.
Map of Sandy Things to Do
What Are Sports in Sandy Utah Like?
The Utah Royals is the most famous sports team in Sandy, Utah. The team is a women’s professional soccer club in the National Women’s Soccer League. The city is not home to any other professional teams, though Sandy’s high schools have sports teams of their own.
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Extreme sports like skiing, climbing, and other outdoor activities are common sports pursuits for those living in Sandy Utah.
What Is the Sandy Utah Crime Rate?
Here are the latest crime statistics for Sandy Utah:
- Total crime rate: 3,248 offenses per 100,000 people (19.2% higher than the state, 38.4% higher than the country)
- Violent crime rate: 180 crimes per 100,000 people (31.0% lower than the state, 53.6% lower than the country)
- Homicide rate: 2 murders per 100,000 residents (35.5% lower than the state, 69.4% lower than the country)
- Property crime rate: 3,068 crimes per 100,000 residents (24.5% higher than the state, 56.7% higher than the country)
Here’s how the Sandy crime rate compares to other cities with similar populations:
- St. George, Utah: The total crime rate is 1,280 per 100k people, which is 45.4% lower than the national average. When compared to Sandy, St George has a crime rate that is 86.93% lower.
- Fishers, Indiana: The total crime rate is 712 per 100k people, which is 69.7% lower than the national average. When compared to Sandy, Fishers has a 128.1% lower crime rate.
- Bend, Oregon: The total crime rate is 2,061 per 100k people, which is 12.1% lower than the national average. When compared to Sandy, Bend has a 44.72% lower crime rate.
- Albany, New York: The total crime rate is 3,654 per 100k people, which is 55.8% higher than the national average. When compared to Sandy, Albany has a crime rate that is 11.76% higher.
While some areas have a lower crime rate than Sandy, UT, there are still plenty of safe places to call home and raise a family, and moving to Sandy UT brings you to a place where you can feel good about your sense of security.
At the Sandy City Police Department, 110 sworn officers work hard to serve the community, and 32 civilian employees help run the department. Most residents agree that they feel safe living in Sandy Utah!
What Are the Jobs in Sandy Utah Like?
According to Payscale, the average salary in Sandy, Utah, is $77,000 per year, and the average hourly rate for jobs in Sandy is $19.73. Sandy’s largest industries are information technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
Some Sandy Utah jobs with a higher-than-average salary include software engineer, financial controller, and marketing director. These all contribute to the higher-than-average median household income of $108,165, but keep in mind that most people living in Sandy Utah drive an average of 28 minutes to work. The city promotes economic development, so you can expect plentiful opportunities when living in Sandy Utah.
Sandy, UT, has a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, well below the United State’s average of 6%. The top employers in Sandy are Cafe Zupas, Suncrest Home Health & Hospice, and Layton Construction.
If you need a job, don’t worry because, within a 25-mile radius of Sandy, there are thousands of Indeed Jobs Sandy Utah. Visit the city government’s website to apply for City of Sandy jobs, too!
What is the Minimum Wage in Sandy Utah?
The minimum wage in Sandy will reflect the minimum wage of Utah as a whole, which is $7.25/hour, the same as the federal minimum wage.
What School District is Sandy Utah? | Sandy UT Schools
One thing is for certain – living in Sandy Utah means good schools are commonplace!
The Canyons School District is the main Sandy school district and one of the best school districts in Salt Lake City. US News and World Report ranks Sunrise Elementary School in Sandy as the best of elementary schools in Sandy Utah, and Utah as a whole!
US News also ranks Draper Park Middle School as the fourth-best middle school in the state. Jordan High School in Sandy has a graduation rate of 90%.
When it comes to colleges and universities near Sandy, UT, consider looking at Westminster College, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University Provo. US News ranks Brigham Young University in the top 100 national universities.
The Sandy Library is part of the Salt Lake City Library, and it’s a great place if you’re writing a paper, doing research, or working remotely.
Living in Sandy UT is terrific for everyone! Families will enjoy the great schools and kid-friendly attractions, while retirees and professionals can enjoy spacious homes and prosperous job opportunities.
There are so many reasons to love living in Sandy Utah. If you’re ready to start moving to Sandy UT, you should contact Wasatch Moving Company’s Sandy movers! With our 40+ employees, 8+ years in business, and 20,000+ individual moves, we have the experience and training you need in Sandy moving company. Call us today at 801-335-5603 for a free estimate!
