Located in the Salt Lake Valley and bordered by majestic mountain ranges and the Jordan River, West Jordan is a beautifully scenic place to call home. After you add in an unemployment rate half the national average and affordable costs of living, this rapidly growing suburb of Salt Lake City may seem like the perfect place to relocate!
If you are planning or considering a move to the peaceful community of West Jordan, take some time to read the following guide for more information. Before relocating, it is imperative to find out more about the schools, employment opportunities, weather, recreation, and living costs so that you can ensure that it is the right locale for you and your family!
West Jordan Climate
The city experiences four varied seasons, with temperatures ranging from the 20s in the winter to as high as the 90s in the summer. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe, complete with lightweight clothing, shorts, and sandals for the summer and heavy sweaters, overcoats and boots for the winter months.
Snow is more common than rain the region. Flurries accumulate to about 34 inches annually, and rainfall only accounts for 16 inches of the city's yearly precipitation. Locals enjoy sunny weather about 230 days a year, and run for cover from the rain or snow on 79 days a year.
West Jordan Neighborhoods
Before choosing a part of the city to live, be sure to conduct thorough research on the cost, convenience and crime rates in the area. The city is home to a variety of diverse districts, each with something unique to offer.
If you are relocating with a family and safety is a primary concern, the areas of the city with the lowest rates of crime are New Bingham Highway, Saguaro Drive, New World Drive and Buckskin Lane.
If you're wondering what parts of the city are known for luxurious living, some of the most affluent areas include Dalton and Welby.
Registering Your Car
Upon establishing residency in your new home state of Utah, you will have 60 days to register your vehicle. You will need your existing title, current registration, and to pass a safety/admissions test at any DMV location.
To transfer your driver's license, you must visit any one of 26 driver license offices in the state. You will have to fill out and submit an application (this can be obtained at the office or printed out online in advance) take a photo, pay a fee of $25, bring your old out-of-state license, supply your Social Security number, present proof of birth and residence, pass an eye exam and a written test.
West Jordan Schools
Most of West Jordan is served by the Jordan School District, but two small sections along the northern border are served by the Granite School District.
The Jordan School District operates 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools in West Jordan, with a total enrollment of over 48,000 students.
For higher education, the municipality is home to campuses of Salt Lake Community College and Broadview University for specialized career training.
West Jordan Employment
With the staggeringly-low unemployment rate of four percent, the city is the perfect place to relocate for a job. Companies headquartered in West Jordan include Mountain America Credit Union, Lynco Sales & Service, SME Steel, and Cyprus Credit Union. Other major employers include the Jordan School District, Salt Lake Community College, and Jordan Valley Medical Center.
No matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Department of Workforce Services website for job-hunting assistance and resources for the region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the West Jordan Government official website.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in West Jordan is two percent below the national average, with utility expenses being the most affordable at a staggering 20 percent less than the average rate. Healthcare and grocery costs are also low, at about seven percent below average. However, transportation costs are five percent below average, and housing costs are a mere one percent greater than the typical rate.
If you are planning on renting in the city, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $712 a month, and a two-bedroom will rent for about $892 depending on location, size and amenities. If you plan to buy, the median home price in the city is $227,000.
West Jordan Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in West Jordan that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
West Jordan Transportation
If you will be using public transit to make your away around your new city, you will become familiar with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus system, Buses run every half-hour during peak hours, and all of the routes connect to TRAX stations in nearby communities of Midvale and Sandy, as well as downtown Salt Lake City. A TRAX light rail line also serves the area, beginning at the Fashion Place West station in Murray and running southwest through West Jordan. The light rail makes six stops within the city limits, and then heads south to the Daybreak Community in South Jordan.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city is perfect for any lover of the outdoors. Home to a number of beautiful parks, West Jordan is a great place for hiking, camping, picnics, and playing sports such as tennis, baseball, soccer, and basketball.
For a little retail therapy, check out Gardner Village--a quaint, scenic marketplace featuring unique shops, eateries, and art galleries. The Village becomes quite festive around Halloween, adorned with spooky decorations and full of vendors selling holiday-themed knick knacks.
Take a journey to the past at the West Jordan Historical Museum--a small homestead museum which features a dairy barn, blacksmith shop, live chickens, and antique farm equipment. Take a tour of the museum's grounds to get a taste for what life was like in the pioneer days of the region.
If you're seeking a little more excitement, you can take a quick 18-mile ride to Salt Lake City for dining, drinks and live music.
West Jordan Relocation Tips
- Bring a varied wardrobe. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with frigid temperatures often dropping below freezing in the winter and very hot summers with highs reaching the 90s. Pack warm sweaters, coats, scarves, hats and snow boots for the winter months and shorts, sandals and T-shirts for the summer.
- Make sure you extensively research any moving company you are considering for hire. Begin by comparing quotes from several movers that can service your move to West Jordan, then perform a background check by reading reviews, checking references, and verifying the company's DOT number on the FMCSA website.