The Wheaton Blog
Considering a Move to Salt Lake? How to Make the Most of Your Relocation
In the past, Salt Lake City, Utah might have seemed like an odd place to move. But Utah has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the country, which means more and more people are moving to this unique state to pursue job opportunities, raise a family, or join the start-up craze.
Whether you’ve accepted a job offer at a company in Utah’s growing “Silicon Slopes” or you want to relocate to an area with fantastic outdoor opportunities, your move to Utah can be a positive experience. Once you’ve scheduled a move with our capable movers, read through the rest of our blog to learn how to maximize your opportunities in the Beehive State.
1. Find the Best Eateries
Once your movers have unloaded the van and you’ve unpacked your boxes, it’s time to start living like a local. Utah might not be renowned for deep-dish pizza like Chicago or spicy Cajun cuisine like Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find delicious restaurants with exciting dishes.
If you live in Salt Lake County, don’t pass up a night out at one of these restaurants:
- The Red Rock Brewery. Along with their delicious craft beers, the Red Rock Brewery features dishes like locally sourced, farm-raised rainbow trout with lemony browned butter.
- Mazza. If Middle Eastern cuisine is your passion, try this authentic, high-end restaurant. Indulge in a seasonal dish, like their pumpkin kibbeh, or stick to a traditional dish like handmade falafel and smooth hummus.
- The Red Iguana. You’ve eaten Mexican food before, but you’ve never tried a dish as delicious or unique as those served up at the Red Iguana. They’re world-renowned for their moles, such as the mole coloradito (which has pine nuts, chile poblano, and Mexican chocolate served over pork).
Try one of the above restaurants to treat yourself to something adventurous.
2. Try Local Wines, Beers, and Coffee
Before you move to Salt Lake City, your friends might warn that you won’t be able to find good alcohol or even good coffee in the area. But if you do drink alcohol or coffee, you’re actually in luck. It might have fewer coffee shops and microbreweries than in Portland or Seattle, but Salt Lake City creates some of the best drinks in the state. Treat yourself to one of these beverage joints once you’re settled:
- The Rose Establishment. This coffee shop has the culture and class you’d expect to find in the Northwest with deliciously flavored coffees, treats, and teas you’ll only find in the West.
- Squatters. Squatters uses environmentally friendly, local ingredients to produce some of the finest ale in the area.
- BTG Wine Bar. Try a series of wine flutes or order by the glass or bottle. You can also pair your wine with a selection of small bites or add a cocktail to your order.
Two of the restaurants we mentioned above, Mazza and the Red Rock Brewery, also offer a fine selection of wine and beer.
3. Learn About Utah’s Quirks
Like any region, Utah has a few quirks that might take some getting used to. Here’s an insider’s guide to a few things to prepare yourself for:
- Traffic. Utah’s stretch of the I-15 is constantly under construction. Download traffic apps or drive during off hours to avoid rush hour.
- Alcohol laws. Grocery stores in Utah are only allowed to sell beer. Children can’t sit at the bar in most restaurants, and restaurants are required to have panels (colloquially known as “the Zion curtain”) to separate bartenders mixing drinks from the patrons who order them.
Of course, not all quirks are bad. You’ll enjoy some of the following traits and features:
- FrontRunner. Utah’s high-speed train takes residents from Provo in the south to Ogden in the north. You can use the FrontRunner and TRAX to quickly and easily connect with the Salt Lake International Airport and multiple destinations along the Wasatch Front.
- Friendliness. Sure, Utah drivers might tailgate, but in general, Utah’s residents are friendly and upbeat. No matter where in the area you move, look forward to visits and homemade goods from your new neighbors.
Finally, only true Utahns know this unique spelling quirk: in spite of what the dictionary says, it’s spelled “Utahns,” not “Utahans.”
Look Forward to Your Move
When you move to Salt Lake City, you can look forward to a vibrant culture with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Try some of the tips and enjoy some of the traits we listed above and you’re sure to love your new home.
As you plan your upcoming move, get in touch with the quality movers at Wheaton World Wide Moving-we’re happy to make your move to Utah a smashing success.