🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Salt Lake City home for several months, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With its unique blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles, Salt Lake City offers a great balance of work and play. The city has a relatively low cost of living, a thriving cultural scene, and easy access to nature, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. In this guide, I’ll share my insider tips and experiences to help you decide if Salt Lake City is the right fit for you.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Salt Lake City, there are several options that cater to digital nomads. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- The Avenues: This historic neighborhood is located just north of downtown Salt Lake City and offers a mix of old and new homes, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. The Avenues are within walking distance to several parks and hiking trails, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Downtown Salt Lake City: The city center is home to a variety of coworking spaces, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Temple Square, a 35-acre complex owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- 9th and 9th: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just south of downtown and is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great area for digital nomads who want to be close to the action but also enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Salt Lake City is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City is around $1,388 (USD). However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in The Avenues might cost around $1,200 per month, while a similar apartment in downtown Salt Lake City might cost around $1,500 per month.
- Food: Eating out in Salt Lake City can range from $10 to $20 per meal, depending on the restaurant and type of cuisine. Groceries are also relatively affordable, with a gallon of milk costing around $2.50 (USD) and a loaf of bread costing around $2 (USD).
- Transportation: Salt Lake City has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and light rail. A monthly pass costs around $90 (USD), while a single ride costs around $2.50 (USD).
- Coworking: There are several coworking spaces in Salt Lake City, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 per month. Some popular options include Workroom, The Gateway, and Salt Lake City Coworking.
Internet & Coworking
Salt Lake City has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 42 Mbps. There are several coworking spaces throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities. Some popular options include:
- Workroom: Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Workroom offers a variety of membership plans, including day passes and dedicated desks.
- The Gateway: This coworking space is located in the Gateway Mall and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Memberships start at around $200 per month.
- Salt Lake City Coworking: This coworking space is located in the Marmalade District and offers a variety of membership plans, including shared desks and private offices.
Salt Lake City has a growing digital nomad community, with several groups and meetups available for remote workers. Some popular options include:
- Salt Lake City Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, ask questions, and find resources.
- Nomad List Salt Lake City: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and offers a variety of resources and meetups for digital nomads.
- Salt Lake City Remote Workers: This meetup group is specifically for remote workers and offers a variety of events and activities, including coworking sessions and social gatherings.
Culture & Lifestyle
Salt Lake City has a unique cultural scene, with a mix of urban and outdoor influences. The city is home to several museums, including the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The food scene is also thriving, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional American cuisine to international dishes.
- Local customs: Salt Lake City is a relatively conservative city, with a strong Mormon influence. However, the city is also becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing LGBTQ+ community and a variety of cultural events and festivals.
- Dating: Salt Lake City has a relatively small dating scene, but there are several online groups and meetups available for singles. Some popular options include Salt Lake City Singles and Utah Dating.
- Nightlife: Salt Lake City has a relatively low-key nightlife scene, but there are several bars and clubs available for those who want to go out. Some popular options include The Red Iguana and Twilite Lounge.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to work in the United States. The most common visa for remote workers is the B-2 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to six months. However, there are also several other visa options available, including the O-1 visa and the L-1 visa.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living in Salt Lake City:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at most phone stores, including Verizon and AT&T. Prices start at around $30 per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: Salt Lake City has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and light rail. You can purchase a monthly pass for around $90 (USD).
- Safety: Salt Lake City is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, with layers for the winter months and sunscreen for the summer.