I Lived in the “Most Neighborly City in America” for 11 Years — Here’s What That Actually Looked Like
In November 2014, I crammed my possessions into my Toyota Corolla and drove 2,000 miles from Maryland to Salt Lake City, Utah, for a job. While temporarily staying with a friend’s brother, I found the perfect house to rent. On a cold December morning, ready to head to my new place, I turned the key in my car’s ignition. But I only heard rapid, grinding clicks. I turned the key again and again. The engine refused to work. I got out to dig through my trunk for my jumper cables, hoping I could find someone willing to help.
With my face buried in the trunk, I heard footsteps behind me, and a woman asked if I was okay. She lived across the street and saw me having trouble. When I told her what was wrong, she raced to her car and helped me jump my engine.
Real estate site Redfin recently ranked Salt Lake City as the most neighborly city in 2026. After living there for over a decade, I can say that ranking is well-deserved.
Finding My People in Salt Lake City
According to a Monster poll reported in Forbes, 53% of workers say starting a new job is scarier than a trip to the dentist, holding a snake or spider, and skydiving. My new job and move left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and lonely.
A few weeks into living in my new place, I met a neighbor through church and discovered a mutual passion for running. He showed me his favorite trails. Our morning runs helped curb my anxiety and gave me something to look forward to every day. I’d like to think I helped return the favor — years later, I introduced him to one of my friends, who is now his wife!
The Neighborhood That Lived Up To Its Name
According to Redfin, 44% of Salt Lake City residents help a neighbor at least once a month. Redfin also highlights the Sugar House neighborhood for its locally owned businesses — and that’s exactly where I landed.
One of my favorite places was Sugar House Coffee, which became my go-to writing spot. A sign inside reads, “Sugar House Coffee provides the community with a public gathering space where everyone is safe to share their story.” I’d never had coffee before, and one of their baristas listened to my taste preferences and suggested what became my favorite drink — a creamy blend of milk, espresso, vanilla, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Every visit meant good conversation with baristas and other customers.
Salt Lake City also ranks first in volunteerism, with 43% of residents volunteering within the past year. I experienced that firsthand. Shortly after joining a neighborhood Toastmasters group, a fellow member invited me to volunteer with her nonprofit. We partnered with local Boys and Girls Clubs to organize workshops teaching kids about entrepreneurship — and businesses donated without hesitation, including the downtown Starbucks.
See You Soon, Salt Lake City
After 11 years, I moved back to Maryland. So if it’s so neighborly, why did I leave? One reason is the air quality. On some days over the years, Salt Lake City has had the worst air quality not only in the United States, but in the world. This is because of a weather phenomenon called the inversion, where cold air gets trapped between the mountains surrounding the city by warmer air above, and pollution from cars, oil refineries, and fireplaces stagnates. It’s common during winter, especially after snowstorms.
Another reason is that I resigned from the job that brought me to Salt Lake City. Having switched from a 9-to-5 corporate role to full-time freelance writing, I moved back to Maryland to be closer to family. But Salt Lake City will always be my second home.