Always wanted to live in a peaceful mountain city with friendly neighbors and outdoor adventure? You should consider moving to West Valley City, Utah. West Valley City is a gorgeous city in Salt Lake County that offers diversity and a great place to raise a family. The area was initially settled by Welsh pioneers in 1849, although until the late 20th century, it was composed of smaller settlements.
The outskirts of Salt Lake City experienced rapid population growth in the 1970s, leading to the consolidation of the unincorporated communities of Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, and Redwood into West Valley City, which was officially incorporated in 1980.
Living in West Valley City Utah offers a suburban lifestyle with affordable housing and convenient access to Salt Lake City. Residents enjoy numerous parks, shopping centers, and recreational amenities, making it one of the best places to live in Utah.
WVC, Utah has a diverse community and a lower cost of living than nearby urban areas, making it appealing for families and young professionals. Neighborhood quality varies, so exploring local options is recommended. If you’re considering a relocation to this fantastic community, here are some of the major benefits of living in West Valley City.
Is West Valley City UT a Good Place to Live?
West Valley City Utah is a good place to live for families, offering a suburban feel, affordable housing, and easy access to parks, shopping, and Salt Lake City. Its lower cost of living compared to the city center is a draw, though quality of life varies by neighborhood. Researching specific areas when planning on moving to West Valley City is key to finding the right fit.
Where Is West Valley City Utah?
Before you hire any West Valley City movers you’ll want to know where the city is located. West Valley City, Utah, is in Salt Lake County, located southwest of downtown Salt Lake and 15 miles from the Great Salt Lake in the Salt Lake Valley.
It is considered part of the Salt Lake City metro area. Moving to West Valley City offers close proximity to communities such as Magna, Kearns, Murray, Taylorsville, and South Salt Lake. The Jordan River forms the Eastern border, while the foot of the Oquirrh Mountain ranges are to the west.
It’s 11 miles or an 18-minute drive from West Lake City to Salt Lake City and 45 miles or about an hour’s drive from Provo. If you need a West Valley City moving company to help you relocate from one of these destinations, we can help.
Is West Valley City Diverse? | Population & Demographics
The West Valley City population is 140,238, according to the 2020 census, which makes it the second-largest city in Utah after SLC. The city has experienced rapid growth since its incorporation in 1980, with many families moving to West Valley City, and the population has increased by 8% since 2010.
Moving to West Valley City offers a good mix of urban and suburban living with a population density of 3,753 residents per square mile. Many professional athletes have lived in West Valley City, including former Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata and former Cleveland Browns tight end John Madsen.
West Valley City is the most diverse city in Utah, and the foreign-born population is 25.2%, which is more than double the amount in the Salt Lake City area as well as the state.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 51.9% white (43% non-Hispanic), 41.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Asian, 4.2% Native Hawaiian, 2.5% Black or African American, 1.3% American Indian or Alaskan Native and 9.8% two or more races. There are also many families moving to West Valley City UT, with 3.1 people per home on average, while 56% of households are married couples.
Other West Valley City Demographics:
- Median household income is $80,889, 10% lower than the statewide average.
- The population is 51% male and 49% female.
- 77% of residents have a high school diploma, but only 15% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 12.6% of residents have moved since the previous year (10% higher than the statewide average).
In general, moving to West Valley City, Utah is safe. Although, the West Valley City crime rate is relatively high for a city of its size. Here is a breakdown of the crime rates, reflecting the number of crimes per 100,000 residents.
- Total crime rate: 3,310, 54.9% higher than the state and 42.4% higher than the country
- Violent crime: 441, 82.4% higher than the state and 19.3% higher than the country
- Property crime: 2,869, 51.4% higher than the state and 46.8% higher than the country
The West Valley City homicide rate is 6 per 100,000 residents, which is 5.5% lower than the rest of the country.
However, most residents report West Valley City is safe as long as you take proper precautions. The West Valley City Police Department handles crime in the city with the assistance of 282 law enforcement personnel, including 229 sworn officers and 53 civilians. Legal hearings are held at the West Valley City Justice Court.
View this post on Instagram
What Is the Cost of Living in West Valley City?
Moving to West Valley City is reasonably affordable, depending on where in the country you’re coming from. The cost of living index is a good metric to compare the affordability of an area and contrasts the prices of essential goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Salt Lake City metro area is 108.7, which indicates it’s about 8.7% higher than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute indicates that the average family of four with two adults and two children must earn about $102,871 to live comfortably in Salt Lake County. So, make sure to budget accordingly if you plan on moving to West Valley City.
Typical living expenses of moving to West Valley City:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $17.00
- 12 oz bottle of water: $1.85
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $4.11
- Cappuccino: $4.95
- Monthly metro pass: $89
- Average monthly West Valley City utilities: $276
Source: Numbeo
*data reflects the general Salt Lake City area.
The West Valley City real estate market is also quite reasonably priced. The median listing price of homes for sale in West Valley City, Utah is $484,500. The median price per square foot of West Valley City, UT homes for sale is $220.
Renters moving to West Valley City will find plenty of options as well. RentCafe indicates that the average rent in West Valley City, UT is $1529 per month. Residents will find a variety of luxury apartments in West Valley City, UT, townhomes, and even West Valley City single family homes for rent. Rent prices for West Valley City apartments start at $620 for a 1-bedroom up to $5285 for a 3-bedroom. Owners occupy about 69% of homes, while tenants occupy 31% of West Valley City UT real estate.
West Valley City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in West Valley City
Home shoppers will find a wide variety of great West Valley City neighborhoods offering prime real estate and diverse cultures. Here are a few of the best places to live if you’re moving to West Valley City.
Redwood | An Affordable West Valley City Neighborhood with Great Amenities
Redwood is a beautiful suburban neighborhood on the east side of West Valley City, offering tree-lined streets and a wide variety of amenities, from the Redwood Recreation Center to Redwood Park.
Westshire | A Quiet West Valley City Neighborhood with Great Shopping and Architecture
Westshire is one of the best West Valley City neighborhoods, with beautiful modern Mid-Century homes and easy access to shopping at the West Valley City Mall.
Chesterfield | A Diverse West Valley City with Affordable Homes
Chesterfield is a bustling neighborhood on the northwest side of the city that features affordable home prices, diversity, and an easy drive to Salt Lake City for residents and commuters moving to West Valley City.
West Valley City Weather
What is the weather in West Valley City like? Moving to West Valley City offers cold, temperate weather and plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Koppen classification system, which indicates hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature usually ranges from 23°F to 93°F, although it can get as cold as 10°F in the winter and up to 100°F in the summer.
The West Valley City weather is usually the most pleasant from June to mid-September, although for winter sports, the best time is December through March. It gets a fair amount of precipitation and averages 18 inches of rain and 42 inches of snow per year. So don’t forget the winter boots and snow shovel if you plan on living in West Valley City UT.
View this post on Instagram
Things to Do in West Valley City
Another one of the benefits of moving to West Valley City is all the local attractions. You’ll find plenty of shopping at Valley Fair Shopping Mall, Centro Commercial, or West Town Plaza. The West Valley City Fitness Center (Rec Center) is also a popular destination and features a pool, state of the art fitness equipment, and other amenities. Here are a few other fun things to do in West Valley City, Utah.
Redwood Drive-in Theatre and Swap Meet
Redwood City Drive-in is one of the best things to do in West Valley City UT, with kids with first-run movies as well as classic cinema on screen and a swap meet that is open on the weekend, year-round.
3688 S Redwood Rd, West Valley City, UT 84119 (801) 973-7088
View this post on Instagram
Maverik Center
The Maverik Center is a 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena that is home to the Utah Grizzlies Pro Hockey Club and hosts other live events, including sports, concerts, monster trucks, and more.
3200 S Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, UT 84119 (801) 988-8888
Stonebridge Golf Club
The Stonebridge Golf Club is a local country club with three nine-held golf courses featuring challenging greens and professional tees and a clubhouse that is available for weddings and corporate events.
4415 Links Dr, West Valley City, UT 84120 (801) 957-9000
If you’re looking for even more fun things to do in West Valley City, UT, the Parks & Recreation Department maintains the 33 city parks and has frequent West Valley City events.
Additional West Valley City attractions
- Utah Cultural Celebration Center
- Delton Lanes
- USANA Amphitheater
- West Valley City Park
- Centennial Park
West Valley City Restaurants
Looking for delicious food in West Valley City? Its large immigrant population means there are tons of fantastic ethnic restaurants in West Valley City offering everything from South American to Asian cuisine. You’ll also find an interesting selection of restaurants near the Maverik Center. So if you’re moving to West Valley City, here are some of the best places to eat.
Fat Fish
Fat Fish is a delicious Japanese/Vietnamese eatery serving innovative sushi rolls and Pho with inventive menu items like the jalapeno bomb and firecracker calamari.
1980 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84119 (801) 887-7272
View this post on Instagram
Nepali Chulo
Nepali Chulo is a laidback eatery serving Indian and Nepali dishes cooked over a wood stove. It’s one of the best restaurants in West Valley City, UT if you’re looking for classic South Asian dishes like Tandoori chicken and lamb curry.
3376 S 5600 W, West Valley City, UT 84120 (801) 987-8404
Tuk Tuk’s
If you’re in the mood for Thai food, Tuk Tuks is the top restaurant in West Valley City, UT with delicious Pad Thai, drunken noodles, and other traditional plates.
2222 W 3500 S b7, West Valley City, UT 84119 (385) 227-8347
West Valley City Jobs
Looking for jobs in West Valley City? Moving to West Valley City offers a strong job market with many reputable companies located in the area. The community is home to the corporate headquarters, regional branches, and distribution centers of top companies, including Verizon Wireless, Frito Lay, Backcountry.com, UPS, and Discover Card. Industries like manufacturing, retail, and construction support the local economy.
The largest employers offering jobs in West Valley City, Utah are:
- Discover Financial Services Inc.
- Hexcel Corporation
- Usana Health Sciences Inc.
- Pride Transport Inc.
- Jacobsen Construction
Payscale indicates that the average worker in West Valley City makes about $18.73 per hour. You can find everything from full time jobs to part time jobs in West Valley City. Employment seekers will find plenty of high-paying West Valley City jobs ranging from chiropractor to content creator.
View this post on Instagram
West Valley City Schools
Moving to West Valley City means students will have access to an excellent school system. The Granite School District serves students living in West Valley City UT. In total, there are 21 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and two senior high schools in the city.
The two high schools are Granger Senior High and Hunter High School. There are 11 public charter schools in the city as well, including East Hollywood High School, which specializes in film and entertainment.
Salt Lake City Community College has a branch in the area offering opportunities for higher education for anyone moving to West Valley City. Residents should also check out the West Valley City library branch of the Salt Lake County library system for books and community events.
West Valley City Statistics & Information
- West Valley City County: Salt Lake County
- West Valley City area: 35.88 sq mi
- West Valley City zip code: 84044 – 84107
- West Valley City area code: 385, 801
- West Valley City elevation: 4,304 ft
- West Valley City time zone: Mountain Time Zone Time (UTC -6 and -7)
- The closest airport to West Valley City: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC), is 8.7 miles away
West Valley City Map
Explore more attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do in West Valley City, UT with this map!
Moving to West Valley City? When you’re ready to make this diverse and exciting suburb your new home, trust the best West Valley City movers to make your upcoming move simple and efficient. Call 801-335-5603 for a free, personalized moving estimate.
