Family-Sized Housing and Amenities in SLC

Most survey respondents identified living in neighborhoods outside the central SLC area, with frequent mentions of Ballpark, Jordan Meadows, Westpointe, and other areas such as West Valley City, North Pointe, Emigration Canyon, Wasatch Hollow, Granary, and South SLC. The most common trend is that participants are from a diverse range of neighborhoods, many of which are not typically considered central Salt Lake City.

Ballpark and Jordan Meadows were mentioned more than once indicating a particular interest or concern from those areas.

Sugar House was mentioned most frequently as the preferred area for family-sized housing and amenities. Central City and the Avenues were also cited as desirable locations. Several respondents emphasized the importance of affordability and access to good schools, parks, and amenities.

Some expressed a desire to live in areas where family-sized housing is currently lacking while others want to remain in their current neighborhoods but feel the city is making it less desirable. West Valley and Library Wells were mentioned as additional options. Overall, the most common themes were a preference for established, amenity-rich neighborhoods and concerns about affordability and livability.

Respondents frequently emphasized the need for more affordable, family-sized housing options in Salt Lake City, with many expressing concern over the lack of larger units suitable for families and the high cost of existing options.

Several responses highlighted the importance of proximity to amenities such as parks, schools, grocery stores, and public transit, noting that these features are essential for family well-being and convenience.

A recurring theme was frustration with new developments prioritizing luxury apartments or studios over multi-bedroom units, which respondents felt did not meet the needs of families.

Some participants suggested incentives for developers to build more family-oriented housing and called for zoning changes to allow for duplexes, town-homes, and other medium-density options.

Concerns about safety, walk-ability, and access to green spaces were mentioned repeatedly, with several respondents noting that these factors are critical for families choosing where to live. Comments also touched on the importance of community amenities such as playgrounds, libraries, and childcare facilities.

A few responses discussed the need for better public engagement and transparency in planning processes, with some expressing skepticism about whether city policies truly reflect residents’ needs

Overall, the most common themes were affordability, unit size, access to amenities, and a desire for more family-friendly development.

Affordable family-sized housing was the most frequently mentioned priority, with several respondents emphasizing its importance, some repeating it for emphasis. Expanded childcare options and support for local/small businesses were also mentioned multiple times.

Safer walking and biking routes, especially to schools and parks, were mentioned as important, with suggestions to slow and narrow roads to improve safety.

Other notable suggestions included making amenities like gyms, restaurants, and breweries more kid-friendly expanding access to affordable groceries to avoid food deserts and ensuring that transportation options (cars, walking, biking) can coexist. There was also one outlier comment expressing an anti-immigrant sentiment.

Safety especially street safety (traffic calming, speed limits) and general neighborhood safety was the most frequently mentioned concern. Several respondents emphasized the need for quiet, safe streets for children to play and for fostering a sense of community.

The importance of green space and small or shared yards was also highlighted, with some noting that new housing types often lack these features, and that if private yards are small, public green spaces should be more accessible.

Air quality was mentioned as a significant factor by multiple respondents.

Concerns about homelessness, littering, and drug use in and around affordable housing areas were raised.

Other factors mentioned less frequently included the need for recreation centers access to food/grocery options support for homeschooling communities and the desire for housing options outside of SLC.

A few responses touched on broader social values, such as addressing global poverty. Some respondents indicated that none of the listed factors were applicable to them.

Safety and quality of parks and green spaces are the most frequently mentioned priorities, with several respondents emphasizing the need for parks that are safe and not overrun by dangerous people. Water-based amenities such as splash pads, outdoor pools with features like slides and climbing walls, and water slides are also commonly requested.

There is interest in more family-friendly entertainment businesses, including trampoline/ninja parks, kids museums, and venues like Boondocks, Round 1, and Top Golf. Some respondents want more community spaces small/local businesses rather than corporate ones and places where both adults and children can go, such as breweries that allow kids. Other amenities mentioned include ice cream shops and bars. One respondent expressed uncertainty and another felt that Salt Lake City is primarily for adults.

Safety is the most frequently mentioned factor, with respondents emphasizing the importance of safe streets, protection from traffic, and distance from the homeless shelter or areas with drug and mental health rehabilitation housing. Many also highlight the value of parks, schools, and walk-able amenities for families.

A sense of community, friendly neighbors, and opportunities for children’s independence are recurring themes. Affordability and permanence are also mentioned as important, with concerns about transitory populations in newer, smaller housing units. Some respondents note the importance of yard space, clean neighborhoods, and access to small businesses. There are also calls for designated family-friendly and adult-only zones.

Affordability and high housing costs are the most frequently mentioned gaps, with several respondents noting that wages do not keep up with inflation and that it is too expensive to rent or buy a whole house.

Many respondents highlight a lack of family-sized housing, especially new developments with 3+ bedrooms and yards, and criticize the prevalence of high-rise apartments and dense housing that does not suit families. There is concern that most new development is not family-friendly and that available space is being used for apartments, warehouses, or correctional campuses rather than family housing.

Some respondents suggest more imaginative housing formats, such as cottage courts, and recommend eliminating parking minimums to prioritize small yards and family-friendly spaces. Others mention issues with developers and investors buying affordable housing and converting it to luxury units, making it less accessible for families. There are also comments about unsafe neighborhoods, homelessness, and the challenges of mixed housing.

Overall, the main trends are concerns about affordability, lack of family-sized and family-friendly housing, and the impact of development patterns and investor activity on housing options for families.