The spirit of Salt Lake City lives right here
The Avenues in Salt Lake City attract visitors from throughout the country. Well-preserved mansions tower over quaint bungalows on narrow streets that ooze historic charm. Many trees that line the steep streets on the northeastern side of Downtown Salt Lake are older than the houses they shade.
Where are the Avenues, Salt Lake City?
The term, “the Avenues,” has come to represent one neighborhood. The Avenues features a series of streets built into a perfect grid by industrious members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others who helped domesticate the harsh desert. The area, on a hill overlooking the developing city, was one of Salt Lake’s first neighborhoods in the 1850s.
The same pioneering spirit that helped early settlers tame the Wild West can be felt by some during a soulful stroll up and down the Avenues’ charming crooked walks. The area north and east of Historic Downtown must have been a good vantage point for those early settlers protecting their families, livestock, and crops. The steep elevation gave settlers the opportunity to see potential threats with a 360-degree view of the Salt Lake Valley.
The Greater Avenues extends further east and up into the foothills as demonstrated in the map below.
Salt Lake City’s grid system helped maintain orderly growth
Salt Lake City’s Avenues neighborhood is organized using a grid system that gives the city a well-structured layout. This grid system is a network of streets that intersect at right angles, forming blocks of consistent sizes. The Avenues neighborhood, is part of this larger grid system.
The grid is set up in relation to the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). The streets running north and south are called “Avenues,” while those running east and west are referred to as “Streets.” The Avenues neighborhood, situated north of downtown Salt Lake City, follows this pattern.
The streets are numbered in increments as you move away from the city center. The center of the grid system is the point where South Temple and Main Street intersect in downtown Salt Lake City. The Avenues neighborhood starts just north of this point.
For instance, the streets in the Avenues are often referred to using letters of the alphabet (e.g., A Street, B Street, etc.). As you move northward, the streets progress in alphabetical order. Similarly, the Avenues are numbered as you move eastward. This creates a clear and organized addressing system that helps residents and visitors navigate the area easily.
The grid system not only simplifies navigation but also contributes to the aesthetic and architectural character of the Avenues neighborhood. The consistent layout of the streets and blocks allows for a mix of housing styles and designs, which adds to the neighborhood’s diverse and historic ambiance.
It’s an urban location with a suburban lifestyle
The term “porch-life” is a modern label for a very old Utah tradition. Many of Utah’s older neighborhoods feature homes of all sizes on narrow streets and large porches. These neighborhood features are credited with bringing people together. The tradition of spending evenings on the porch while watching the children play helped people connect. A wave or a nod over lemonade in the evening, or a few minutes spent rifling through a newspaper on the porch in the morning encouraged interaction.
Reynolds Price wrote a book called Out on the Porch, “In the evenings, as the outdoor air provided a cool alternative to the stuffy indoor temperatures, the entire family would move to the front porch.”
The Avenues porches are masterpieces designed for socializing. In time the area catered to society’s upper echelon (some of whom were compelled to compete with their neighbors). Ornate exteriors were masterfully handcrafted for mansions that line the city’s Avenues are a sight to behold. Even simple bungalows feature porches that are just as effective for strengthening the fabric of society.
Greenspace galore, multiple parks surround the Avenues
Utah is well-known for its outdoor recreational opportunities. The thrilling Wasatch Mountain Range offers trails and paths for hiking, biking, walking, skating, and more. Wildlife bolsters entire industries. The “greatest snow on earth” and world-class ski resorts make this state a common destination for thrill seekers. But there are those of us who seek moments of serenity too. This community features some peaceful green spaces just right for all kinds of activities.
Lindsey Gardens
426 M St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Just north of the Avenues, Lindsey Gardens is a serene park with walking paths, colorful flower beds, and well-maintained lawns. It’s a perfect place for leisurely strolls, picnics, and taking in breathtaking views of the city and mountains from its gazebo and benches.
Memory Grove Park
426 M St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Adjacent to the Avenues, Memory Grove Park is a peaceful oasis honoring Utah’s veterans. Beyond its beautifully landscaped gardens and walking trails, it features memorials and sculptures that pay tribute to the sacrifices of servicemen and women. The park’s reflective atmosphere and tree-lined pathways provide a space for contemplation.
City Creek Canyon
Just a stone’s throw away from the Avenues, City Creek Canyon offers an escape into nature with hiking and biking trails. The lush vegetation, babbling creek, and natural sounds create a picturesque setting where residents can connect with the outdoors. It’s a great place for physical activity and embracing the changing seasons.
These green spaces help Avenues residents have even more opportunities to socialize.
Attractions surrounding The Avenues
This neighborhood is surrounded by a variety of attractions that offer cultural, recreational, and entertainment experiences:
- Utah State Capitol: The iconic Utah State Capitol building is located nearby, offering guided tours and a chance to explore the history and architecture of the state’s government center.
- Temple Square: This historic and religious site is the heart of Salt Lake City and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- City Creek Center: A premier shopping and dining destination, City Creek Center provides a blend of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options for residents and visitors.
- Liberty Park: A spacious urban park with a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, sports courts, a pond, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Tracy Aviary: Located within Liberty Park, the Tracy Aviary is a bird sanctuary that houses a diverse collection of exotic and native bird species, providing an educational and interactive experience.
- Clark Planetarium: A great family-friendly attraction that offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and stunning planetarium shows about space and astronomy.
- Salt Lake City Public Library: Known for its unique architecture, the Salt Lake City Public Library offers more than just books. It’s a cultural hub with galleries, workshops, and events.
- Pioneer Park: A central park in the downtown area that hosts various events, festivals, and markets, providing a lively space for community gatherings.
- Capitol Theatre: This historic theater showcases a variety of performances, including ballet, opera, Broadway shows, and concerts, adding to Salt Lake City’s cultural scene.
- Hogle Zoo: Not far from the Avenues, Hogle Zoo offers a chance to explore diverse animal exhibits and educational programs that entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
- Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: This botanical garden and outdoor concert venue offers a stunning array of plants, beautiful trails, and seasonal events.
- Natural History Museum of Utah: Located near the University of Utah, this museum features interactive exhibits that explore the natural history of the region, including dinosaurs, geology, and Native American culture.
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail: This extensive trail system is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, biking, and jogging opportunities with panoramic views of the city and surrounding nature.
- Trolley Square: A historic shopping center that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a unique setting of restored trolley barns.
From historical landmarks to natural escapes, cultural attractions, and recreational spaces, the Avenues neighborhood benefits from its proximity to a diverse range of exciting destinations that cater to various interests and preferences.
