Salt Lake City Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Salt Lake City for a single-occupancy apartment is $1,410/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Salt Lake City was founded in 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers who were the first non-Indians to permanently settle in the area. The city is the state capital and with a population of almost 179,000, it is the most populated city in Utah. One of the most historic sites in the area is the Mormon Temple. Construction for the temple was started in 1853 and took 40 years to complete. The temple is still standing and is located in what is now known as Temple Square. The city is well-known for its scenic views, including two of the highest mountaintops in Utah, Twin Peaks and Oquirrhs, as well as views of the lake surrounding the city. Salt Lake City has four marked seasons. The summers are typically hot and dry, while the winters are cold and snowy.

Attractions

There is no shortage of attractions for Salt Lake City independent living residents. Salt Lake City has several museums many of which offer free admission, such as the Hill Aerospace Museum. Residents who enjoy history can take a carriage ride through downtown Salt Lake or spend the day visiting the historic sites throughout the city, such as the Deuel Pioneer Log Home. Salt Lake residents have a vast array of seasonal attractions and activities to choose from such as boating and fishing in the Wasatch Mountains in the spring and summer. This Is The Place Heritage Park, offers an excellent way to spend the day enjoying a re-creation of 19th century pioneer life. Just across the street is the Hogle Zoo. Residents who are movie buffs will enjoy spending Friday nights at various city parks watching the free movies provided by the city. There are several shopping malls throughout the city and for residents who enjoy shopping for the unique and unusual, there are several small and quaint boutiques located throughout the downtown area.

Senior Activities

Salt Lake City independent living residents have sixteen senior centers to choose from. The senior centers are fun, social gathering places that provide a vast array of activities for residents aged 55 and up. Some of the fun activities to choose from include spending the day shopping with friends, having lunch, a variety of classes, arts and crafts and dances. Salt Lake senior centers provide a number of beneficial programs and services such as assistance with medical or financial paperwork, and health screenings including hearing, blood pressure and diabetes. The centers provide transportation for residents who need assistance to the center.

Medical Facilities

Salt Lake City independent living residents have several excellent, high ranking medical facilities to choose from. LDS hospital, is the highest ranking hospital in Utah by US News, was ranked the best for performing highly in 5 adult specialties including cancer, gastroenterology, orthopedics, urology and paleontology. LDS scored high in their patient safety as well as for demonstrating a commitment to the reduction of medical mistakes and accidents. Second on the list of highest ranking hospitals in Utah was University of Utah Health Care, also located in Salt Lake City. Some of the specialties this teaching hospital ranked high in include geriatrics, nephrology, ear, nose & throat, gastroenterology, cancer and orthopedics. The hospital is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Transportation

Salt Lake City independent living residents can access public transportation through the Utah Transportation Authority (UTA). Seniors, who ride the public bus in a specific zone, ride free. This zone provides a free ride for passengers who enter and exit the bus in a fixed route. Residents can also ride the TRAX, a light rail system, at no cost in the free fare zone. There are several bus options available for residents including ski and express buses. The FrontRunner, a commuter rail, also travels through the city. For seniors who are new to the area, the UTI provides an escorted ride along to residents who need assistance learning the train or bus routes. The personal escort will travel with first time rail or bus riders and demonstrate how to follow the schedules, where transportation travels and transfers. For residents who prefer to take a taxi, there are several taxi cab providers to choose from in the city.

Independent living in Salt Lake City offers seniors a place that is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, a vast array of activities and attractions and the beauty of four separate seasons.