^^^ Aaron G's comment about "rampant crime since the cops are not equipped to handle the unbelievable growth" is absolutely ridiculous!! Only someone who grew up in Utah would say that. I bet he thinks Utah actually has ghettos, too!!

SLC's crime is rather minimal compared to other big cities, especially those in the East (where I grew up). Yes, there are 'less desirable' parts of town, but there are no ghettos, no projects, etc. Utah's main crime categories seem to be drug abuse and domestic violence, so just make sure you hang out with the right people :)

All right, things worked out and we are moving to SLC, yeehaw! Thanks for the help everyone. Thought I would revive the post to tap into the immense MP knowledge base for recommendations on neighborhoods (somewhat close to the university). Looking to rent a house for a non-LDS family with kids, have heard that some of the neighborhoods can be a little cold if you don't share the faith (though this may just be hearsay). Thanks!

to really dial in where will be best, what part of slc will you be working in and what kind of budget are you going to have? sugarhouse is a great area, lots of students live around there. if you can afford it the Avenues are really nice, but pricey. lots of great areas around Sandy with quick access to the canyons for climbing/skiing. I'd stay out of west valley if you can, besides being abit more run down than the other areas its further away from the fun stuff.

The Avenues, Sugarhouse, Holladay areas, IMO. Sandy is further south and slightly more mixed. If I were to go back I'd try to live up Emmigration Canyon or even up Parley's near Summit/Jeremy Ranch area due to air quality, especially with young kids (which I have).

Do not go west of the I-15, IMO. Lots of the housing development types are very Mormon and if you aren't going to church you just wont connect, not per se because you are being shunned, but because the church keeps them very busy with activities through the week. You will get a friendly "hi" or short conversation in passing, but usually not much more than that once they realize you aren't going to attend their Ward.

Good luck! There's lots of outdoor fun to be had in SLC and Utah. Hit up the Uintas when the summer heat is ridiculous; you wont be disappointed.

x2 for staying east of I-15. What's your monthly budget for rent and how many square feet are you looking for? My wife and I just bought a house and we're pretty familiar with the prices in the various neighborhoods.

Thanks guys. Would like to stay under 1800 for rent, looking for 3-4 bedrooms, will be working at the university hospital, so within a 15-20 minute drive of there would be idea.

anywhere near eastbound I-215 is 15 to 20 from the hospital/university and the same to any climbing. Midvale, Holladay, or Cottonwood Heights would be my choice(close to the university and canyons). I live in cottonwood heights in a 4 bedroom for 1200 a month. i work at the university and climb so we basically have the same daily drives.

Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, or Millcreek are likely your best bets. Midvale is going to be a little cheaper but also a little more ghetto (by SLC standards). Almost anything in the three neighborhoods I mentioned will be family-friendly but Midvale requires more research and thought before you decide on a place.

Ive been apartment shopping and im blown away by what neighborhoods people put their listings in. Check those addresses carefully, there are more than a few sheisty landlords.

Not to hijack the thread but does anyone have experience working at ARUP laboratories in SLC? Any experience w/ 7 on 7 off scheduling? Thanks!