Wake Up on Top of World in Arcadia Heights
This affluent neighborhood is high on Salt Lake City’s east bench. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the sprawling valley to the west. The vibe here is classic, established, homey even. It feels suburban with stately homes, a strong sense of community, and an array of large shade trees lining the streets. Once people move to Arcadia Heights, they aren’t eager to leave. Many residents and their families have graced the area for generations. You just can’t build community pride like the pride you will find here over night. It takes decades and a powerful sense of community pride.
Most residents own the eclectic collection of homes with period architectural styles. The variation is part of what makes Arcadia Heights so personable. Imagine mid-century modern, contemporary, colonial revival, Craftsman, Tudor revival, Victorian, and more all designed to take advantage of the magnificent views. Here, people seem to come together for the love of their community. This is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset from the veranda or a barbecue in the shadow of the majestic Wasatch Mountains.
Did we say Arcadia Heights feels suburban? It does! But one of Utah’s largest urban centers is minutes away in historic Downtown Salt Lake City. Shopping centers, professional offices, fine eateries, excellent coffee shops, art displays, museums, and theaters are all within easy reach.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the neighborhood for its proximity to a mountain where people commune with nature daily and why not? The stunning mountain environment offers trails, wildlife viewing, camping, world-class skiing and more.
Top-notch medical services are offered at University of Utah Medical Center, a teaching hospital, is about 10 minutes away. Primary Children’s Hospital, the Moran Eye Center, and the Huntsman Cancer Center are just a few of the specialty medical centers in the nearby area.
The University of Utah is a major university with a student body of more than 26,355.
Who Lives in Arcadia Heights?
Arcadia Heights is a family community. Most homes feature three bedrooms and up. There are some apartment buildings and condominiums. In June 2024, the median home listing price was $829,000. Education is important to the residents here and about 89 percent of adult residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. The neighborhood attracts affluent residents therefore the child poverty rate is extremely low.
Statistical Atlas online estimates the population density in Arcadia Heights to be about 2,600 residents per square mile. The total population there is about 930,000. The majority of residents are aged 40 to 64 (307). Of those 68 percent are men and 64 percent are women. Older adults make up 33 percent of the population. Younger adults, 22 to 39 make up 26.1 percent of the population. Of those, .64 percent are women and .81 percent men. Children ages 0 to 17 make up 17.1 percent of the population. Of those, .56 are girls and .43 are boys. The median household income is $111,480.
Bestneighborhood.org reports political leanings, Republican vs. Democrat are split evenly in the Arcadia Heights area.
Neighborhood Scout online reports that Arcadia Heights has more people of Scottish and Danish ancestry living there than nearly any neighborhood in America. “It’s true! In fact, 9.5% of this neighborhood’s residents have Scottish ancestry and 4.6% have Danish ancestry,” the website says.
Five Points of Interest in or Near Arcadia Heights
Amazing opportunities abound in Salt Lake City. It is impossible to list them all, so I have selected five points of interest I think you’ll really like!
1. Parley’s Historic Nature Park
2667 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
This healing natural retreat features 80 acres of undeveloped property set aside for the health and enjoyment of surrounding communities.
The Salt Lake City government website reflects on the area’s history which “once included homes, businesses, an aqueduct, and a railroad.”
Many nature lovers visit the park to witness the beautiful spring and summer flowers that flourish there. Multiple springs flow into Parley’s Creek and the setting seems magical.
This massive diverse open space is one of the largest contiguous riparian corridors in the city. When you visit the park, take Fido along! There is a large off-leash dog area there. Parley’s Trail is a great place to spend an afternoon in nature whether you like to bike, hike, walk, jog, or run.
Look for the entrance to Parley’s Historic Nature Park at the back of the cul-de-sac at 2740 South 2700 East.
2. Parleys Canyon Overlook Trail
2531 Scenic Dr E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
You will find limited parking at the trailhead for Parleys Canyon Overlook Trail. This is not a paved trail, but a dirt one with multiple switchbacks as it winds up the mountainside. The first part of the trail is fairly easy, but it does get increasingly steeper. Dogs are welcome! Expect to see wildlife along the way. Please don’t let pets disturb the wildlife. Stay on the trail (which can be tricky at times because there are places where it’s hard to see the trail). The vegetation surrounding the trail seems new with every season.
There is a vast reward at the top of this 4.9-mile loop. The view is magnificent and for many, emotionally moving with a birds-eye view of Grandeur Peak. Expect to spend about four hours climbing this challenging route. It’s worth every minute.
3. Pony Express National Historic Trail
2423-2599 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
There was a time men carried mail from Missouri to California on horseback. It could be done in about 10 days. That had to have required some hard riding right there. How did they do it? They used a relay system along what we now know as the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Today, that might not seem practical but at the time it was the most practical means available. The trail is more than 1,800 from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California.
At the Utah commemorative site you will find a beautiful monument near the This is the Place Heritage Park. This is a great place to take children. The canyon scenery is stunning. Kids can run and play all while learning an important part of our nation’s history.
A small cabin near a massive monument help visitors get a feeling for the riders’ way of life. You can even travel a part of the trail in a car.
While you’re in the area, visit the amazing This is the Place Park complete with living history that helps make lessons memorable.
4. I-80 and I-215 Interchange (Up Parley’s Canyon)
Why is this a point of interest? Because wherever you’re going, you can get there from Arcadia Heights. The neighborhood is minutes from an interstate interchange with major freeways going east, west, north, and south. And, honestly? We like it because it offers a direct beeline to Utah’s worldclass ski resorts. You can get there in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy thrilling activities during any season in Utah’s ski resorts. Never under estimate the power of a well-designed interstate interchange to move you!
5. Bigfoot Balloon Flights
6065 Silver Creek Dr., Park City, UT 84098
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly, we can fly
~ Up, Up, and Away Lyrics by the 5th Dimension
Bigfoot Balloon Flights will blow your mind with a tour over some of the most beautiful country in the world. Imagine soaring over the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains like a bird. It’s based in Park City, and well worth the short drive from Arcadia Heights.
The Bigfoot Balloon Flights website says, “All flights are one hour in length. The total excursion including the flight, setup, packing up, and champagne toast is about three hours. All hot air balloon rides take place at sunrise due to the stability of the atmosphere and calm surface winds. We are based out of Park City, UT and offer flights in Summit County and surrounding areas.”
Book a private flight, or a shared! Prices start at $400 per passenger.
Arcadia Heights Neighborhood Highlights
Arcadia Heights is a classic, mature suburb in Salt Lake City but historic downtown is just minutes away! Diversity in the ages and architectural styles of the homes is one of the features that make it unique. Imagine mid-century modern, contemporary, colonial revival, Craftsman, Tudor revival, and Victorian homes. There are many older homes in this luxury neighborhood, most of which are restored to their original beauty and updated for convenience. The neighborhood also features modern, contemporary homes. There is one thing all homes here have in common; the view is jaw-dropping.
This neighborhood is known for its old-school community vibe. Most Arcadia Heights residents own their homes. Many have lived there long-term and that helps establish a solid sense of community. Enjoy all that comes with such a close-knit neighborhood! Whether you want to throw on some sweats and go for a jog, or dress up and go for a night on the town, you can get there from here! In Arcadia Heights, people still talk to each other over backyard fences and on big porches beneath massive trees.
Nestled against the stunning Wasatch Mountains, this neighborhood is elevated with thrilling views of mountains to the east and the Salt Lake Valley to the west. The Wasatch Mountains are a part of the Rocky Mountain Range. The Canyons and Crags are playgrounds for wildlife and they feature spectacular seasonal scenes. Because Salt Lake City is surrounded by mountains, an inversion can settle among them. Homes at higher elevations are generally above the inversion.
Nature lovers enjoy access to parks and trails that allow them to explore the mountain community and its wild surroundings! People travel from all over the world for a taste of the abundant and beautiful nature Arcadia Heights residents enjoy every single day. Green space and open places are becoming harder and harder to find. This neighborhood treasures and advocates for both.
Salt Lake City enjoys a low unemployment rate in a state lauded for one of the best economies in the nation. With quick access to the urban core, job opportunities abound. City, county, and state economic development officials have worked hard to woo high-tech and clean industry to Northern Utah and its clearly paying off. Salt Lake’s major international airport, its railways, and freeways running north south and east make this valley very attractive to large companies.