Welcome to West Jordan, UT
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake Valley, West Jordan offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility. This thriving city has transformed from its agricultural roots into one of Utah’s most desirable communities, attracting families and professionals with its excellent schools, abundant parks, and strategic location just 18 miles south of Salt Lake City. With a strong sense of community and endless outdoor recreation opportunities at your doorstep, West Jordan provides an ideal setting for those seeking a high quality of life in the Mountain West.
📍 West Jordan, UT at a Glance
- Population: 117,000
- Location: 18 miles south of Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County
- Incorporated: 1941
- Known For: Gardner Village, family-friendly neighborhoods, and proximity to world-class skiing
🔗 Dive Deeper into West Jordan
💸 Cost & Budget
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
West Jordan maintains a balanced political landscape with active civic engagement. The city council operates on a non-partisan basis, focusing on practical solutions for community growth. Residents tend to lean conservative but prioritize local issues like infrastructure and education over partisan politics. Community involvement is strong, with numerous volunteer opportunities and well-attended city council meetings.
🚓 Crime & Safety
West Jordan consistently ranks as one of the safer cities in the Salt Lake Valley, with crime rates below the national average. The West Jordan Police Department maintains a strong community presence with neighborhood watch programs and regular community outreach. Property crimes are the most common concern, though violent crime remains rare. The city’s investment in public safety infrastructure has contributed to declining crime rates over the past decade.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
The dining scene in West Jordan offers diverse options from local favorites to national chains. Market Street Grill serves upscale American cuisine, while Los Cucos Mexican Cafe provides authentic Mexican flavors. The District entertainment complex features dining, shopping, and a movie theater. Gardner Village offers a unique shopping and dining experience in a historic setting with restaurants like Archibald’s Restaurant. For entertainment, residents enjoy the Maverik Center for concerts and Utah Grizzlies hockey games.
🏛️ Local Government
West Jordan operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six council members. The city government is known for its transparency and fiscal responsibility, maintaining a AAA bond rating. City services are well-regarded, with responsive departments handling everything from utilities to parks maintenance. The city actively engages residents through town halls, online platforms, and community advisory boards.
🚍 Transportation
Transportation options include easy access to I-15 and Bangerter Highway, connecting residents to the greater Salt Lake area. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) provides bus service throughout the city, with TRAX light rail stations planned for future expansion. Most residents rely on personal vehicles, but the city is investing in bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. The Salt Lake City International Airport is just 25 minutes away via I-15.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
West Jordan’s housing market offers diverse options from starter homes to luxury properties. The median home price hovers around $450,000, making it more affordable than many Salt Lake Valley communities. New developments continue to emerge, particularly in the western areas of the city. The market features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Property values have shown steady appreciation, making it attractive for both homeowners and investors.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
With over 50 parks and 1,000 acres of open space, West Jordan excels in outdoor amenities. Veterans Memorial Park serves as the crown jewel with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. The Jordan River Parkway Trail provides miles of paved paths for biking and walking. Conservation Garden Park offers beautiful botanical displays. Winter sports enthusiasts appreciate the 45-minute drive to world-class ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains.
💼 Job Market
West Jordan’s economy benefits from its location in the thriving Salt Lake Valley. Major employers include Jordan School District, Mountain America Credit Union, and Jordan Valley Medical Center. The median household income is approximately $82,000. The city’s business-friendly environment has attracted companies in healthcare, finance, and technology. Many residents commute to Salt Lake City or other valley cities, with average commute times around 25 minutes.
🧑🏫 Education
Education is a top priority in West Jordan, served primarily by the highly-rated Jordan School District. The city has 19 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools, including Copper Hills High School and West Jordan High School. Private options include American Heritage School and several charter schools. Salt Lake Community College has a campus in the city, and multiple universities are within a 30-minute drive.
🌞 Climate & Weather
West Jordan enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winters are cold with average highs in the 30s and 40s. The city receives about 20 inches of precipitation annually, including 50 inches of snow. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. The area enjoys over 230 sunny days per year.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents consistently praise West Jordan’s family-friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. Newcomers appreciate the welcoming neighbors and numerous community events like the Western Stampede rodeo and summer concert series. Common concerns include managing growth and traffic congestion. Overall, residents express high satisfaction with city services, schools, and quality of life, making it one of Utah’s most desirable suburban communities.
✨ Why People Are Moving to West Jordan
West Jordan continues to attract new residents with its winning combination of affordability, excellent schools, and unbeatable access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The city’s commitment to maintaining its family-friendly character while embracing smart growth has created a community where neighbors know each other, children play safely in tree-lined neighborhoods, and the majestic Wasatch Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to everyday life. For those seeking a place that offers the best of Utah living – from powder skiing to professional opportunities – West Jordan delivers on all fronts.