Perhaps you have heard of South Salt Lake. It is a small city with big opportunities. South Salt Lake is a socially diverse city in Utah. Many newcomers arrive from other countries every year.
South Salt Lake has a population of about 27000. It has grown from single-family homes to an urban village. This includes a new downtown and streetcar neighborhood. The city offers varied housing that attracts a diverse demographic.
South Salt Lake is seven square miles in area. It shares borders with Salt Lake City, West Valley City, and Millcreek City. The city is conveniently located near Salt Lake International Airport. The University of Utah, Westminster College, and Salt Lake Community College are also nearby. Interstates I-15 and I-80 intersect within South Salt Lake. This provides convenient transportation.
The western two-thirds of South Salt Lake has industrial and commercial businesses. The eastern portion has residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. South Salt Lake was known as the “Center of Industry”. It was zoned for commercial or light industrial uses. The city has adopted the tagline “City On The Move”.
South Salt Lake is growing at approximately 1% annually. Hundreds of new housing units have been built close to public transit. The neighborhoods were built in several eras. These eras include bungalows from around 1938 and post-war cottages from the 1950s. There are also modern subdivisions from the 1960s to today. Multi-family units are mixed in throughout. More than half of South Salt Lake residents are renters.
South Salt Lake youth attend Granite School District schools. These schools include three elementary schools and one junior high school. High school students attend high schools outside city boundaries. The city hosts afterschool and summer programs. These programs operate out of schools and city community centers. A Youth City Council connects youth to city leadership.
South Salt Lake is served by a full-time mayor and a seven-member city council. The city has approximately 400 employees. It has its own local police, fire department, and public works department.
South Salt Lake’s history is intertwined with Salt Lake City’s. It began in 1847 when Brigham Young brought settlers into the Salt Lake Valley. South Salt Lake was made up of three distinct unincorporated areas. These were Millcreek, Central Park, and Southgate. Central Park incorporated as its own town in 1936.
South Salt Lake’s origin is evidence of an independent-minded community. Civic leaders needed a sewer system. They couldn’t get service from adjacent communities. They started their own utility. They eventually added other city services. South Salt Lake was officially established in 1938. It grew by adding unincorporated land.
South Salt Lake has transformed itself into a modern urban community. It invests in its residents. The city has established a youth and family service initiative. This is called Promise SSL. It has also built a downtown and streetcar neighborhood. The city has expanded its parks and recreation programs. It attracts small, local businesses and creative industries.
South Salt Lake is led by its first female mayor, Cherie Wood. She was elected in 2010. She launched initiatives that have reshaped the city. Promise South Salt Lake is her legacy. Her motto is “What I wish for myself and my family, I wish for everyone in my community”. South Salt Lake has come into its own as a desirable community. It has its own urban center, destinations, dining, nightlife, and educational opportunities.