Moving to West Valley City, Utah: What to Expect When You Make the Move
If you’re getting ready to move to West Valley City, you’re in for a good surprise. The city has grown into one of the most livable areas in Utah, with affordable homes, mountain views, and a lot of local pride. You can enjoy quiet neighborhoods without giving up access to Salt Lake City. And if your move involves more boxes than you expected, Towne Storage West Valley is right here to make things easier.
First Impressions
West Valley City sits just west of Salt Lake City, close enough for an easy commute but far enough to feel like its own place. The neighborhoods have a mix of older homes with big yards and newer developments filled with young families. The streets are lined with parks and schools, and the city is always adding something new — a shopping center here, a restaurant there.
It’s a growing community with around 133,000 residents. People take pride in the city’s diversity, energy, and friendliness. There’s a good mix of local businesses, family-run restaurants, and events that bring people together. With the University of Utah building a new hospital and medical campus in West Valley, the area is becoming one of the region’s strongest economic centers.
Cost of Living
If you’re moving from downtown Salt Lake City, the difference in cost will be noticeable. A one-bedroom apartment downtown often rents for around $1,600 to $1,700 per month, according to RentCafe’s 2024 Downtown Salt Lake City market report (RentCafe). In West Valley City, the average rent sits closer to $1,400 to $1,500, based on current averages from Wasatch Moving Company’s 2024 relocation guide (Wasatch Moving Co.). That difference can easily cover utilities or a few extra dinners at your favorite restaurant.
Buying a home in West Valley is also more affordable. Median home prices hover around $459,000, compared with $490,000 in central Salt Lake City, depending on the neighborhood (Livability and Momentum Virtual Tours). Many homes in West Valley come with garages, fenced yards, or mountain views, features that cost considerably more closer to downtown.
Overall, West Valley’s cost of living is about 10% lower than downtown Salt Lake City, according to comparisons from AreaVibes and Flyhomes (AreaVibes and Flyhomes).
The biggest difference comes from housing. That’s the main reason people are moving west. They’re trading compact downtown apartments for homes with more space and privacy while staying close to work and entertainment.
Commuting and Getting Around
The commute between West Valley and downtown Salt Lake is short enough to be manageable. Most days, you can drive to the city in 15 to 20 minutes using I-215 or SR-201.
Public transportation is another plus. The UTA TRAX Green Line runs through West Valley and connects directly to downtown. It’s a simple option for people who don’t want to deal with parking or traffic.
And when it’s time to move, a little extra space goes a long way. Our drive-up storage units in West Valley at Towne Storage let you unload right from your vehicle, which makes those first few days a lot less hectic.
What Life Feels Like Here
There are great outdoor spaces like Centennial Park and Woodgate Park, along with easy access to the Oquirrh Mountains for hiking or biking. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is a local favorite, hosting concerts, art exhibits, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
West Valley’s restaurant scene is also underrated. You’ll find authentic Mexican food, Vietnamese noodle shops, cozy diners, and bakeries that locals swear by.
Jobs and Opportunity
The average household income sits around $88,000, slightly above the Utah state average (World Population Review). Unemployment is low, and new jobs continue to appear each year in healthcare, finance, and skilled trades. The city’s central location makes commuting throughout the Salt Lake Valley easy for anyone who works in the region.
The Balance of Everyday Life
For entertainment, the Maverik Center hosts concerts, hockey games, and family shows. If you enjoy being outside, the mountains are close enough for weekend skiing or hiking. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Mountains right from your driveway.
Like any city that’s growing quickly, West Valley has areas that need improvement. But the overall trend is positive. The city invests in community projects, focuses on safety, and continues to attract families who want a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life.
Moving Made Easier
Moving rarely goes as smoothly as planned. You think you’ve got it all under control until you realize you packed the coffee maker at the bottom of the box labeled “random stuff.”
That’s why storage helps. At Towne Storage West Valley, we’ve helped hundreds of people through their move-in process. Our facility at 2938 South Glen Eagle Drive has clean, well-lit units and a secure gated entrance. We have cameras on-site and wide aisles for moving trucks. Everything is designed to make your move as simple as possible.
You can rent online, pay online, and move in on your own schedule. Not sure what size unit you need? We’ll help you figure it out. Our team has seen every kind of move imaginable, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need.
West Valley vs. Downtown Salt Lake
Salt Lake City has its appeal. It’s lively, walkable, and full of nightlife. But West Valley offers something that’s harder to find: space.
You can park in front of your house without paying for a permit. You can have a garden or even a workshop in the garage. Rent is lower, traffic is lighter, and life feels more personal. You’re still close enough to enjoy downtown concerts, restaurants, and shopping whenever you want, but you get to come home to peace and quiet afterward.
Settling Into Your New Home
Once the moving boxes are gone and the furniture is in place, West Valley starts to feel like home faster than you expect. You’ll find your favorite grocery store, figure out which café makes your coffee just right, and learn that the sunsets over the Oquirrh Mountains are the best in the valley.
This is a city that rewards people who put down roots. It’s affordable, practical, and surrounded by natural beauty. The pace is comfortable, and the people are welcoming.
And when you need a little help during your move, Towne Storage West Valley is here for you. We’ll keep your belongings safe, your move organized, and your transition smooth.