People's Freeway - Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City, founded by Mormon pioneers in 1847, has grown and diversified greatly over the years as new waves of industry and tourism draw travelers and settlers here. Modern Salt Lake City presents an eclectic mix of young families, students, technology professionals and tourists who came and never left.

Once an industrial grid, People's Freeway slowly reinvented itself into a clean, well-kept, desirable neighborhood with an emphasis on single and multifamily housing, shopping, parks and recreation.

Owing largely to the influence of the Mormon Church, Salt Lake City lays claim to many museums and historical sites, most emphasizing genealogy and church history. People's Freeway features The Leonardo, a contemporary art and culture museum with permanent and traveling exhibits.

The Utah State Fair takes place in the late summer each year, and the Twilight Concert Series in downtown Salt Lake City draws huge crowds for outdoor shows with great local bands.

Getting beyond the face of chain restaurants and fast-food joints that the neighborhood displays to travelers on Interstate 80, you find a wealth of local cafés, restaurants and pubs here to satisfy any taste.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Penny Ann's Café. The Stuffed French Toast satisfies even the hungriest diner, and the breakfast burritos or homemade quiche round out the otherwise classic menu.

Burgers take center stage at Lucky 13 Bar and Grill, a roadhouse-style joint with classic and inventive food, a huge beer selection and eclectic whiskey drinks. Try the garlic-loaded Breath Enhancer Burger or the Nut Butter Burger, with house-smoked bacon and peanut butter.

International cuisine abounds here with Asian fusion, Mexican and Thai all well-represented. The Indian food at Copper Bowl can't be beat. Unique takes on traditional Indian recipes from all different regions complement classic dishes. The Lamb Chop Masala stands out among the many choices. Great service and an online reservation system help keep Copper Bowl a popular local dining option.

The proximity of People's Freeway to the city core means a wealth of nightlife options, ranging from low-key pubs and wine bars, to clubs and music venues. Hit up Willie's Lounge for some dive-bar action and karaoke, or settle in at Gibson's Lounge in the lobby of the Grand American Hotel for classic cocktails in a comfortable lounge setting. People from all over Salt Lake City come to People's Freeway for an evening at Brewvie's Cinema Pub, where you can play pool, meet friends, and catch first-run movies with food and beverage service at your seat.

One of the area's most compelling features remains its easy, reliable and comprehensive mass-transit system. Salt Lake City has one of the country's best light rail systems, and residents of People's Freeway can board a TRAX train at Ballpark Station on the north end of the neighborhood, which serves all three of the system's routes. TRAX trains from People's Freeway provide access to downtown, the Salt Lake City International Airport and West Valley. Utah Transit Authority buses fill in the gaps left in the rail system and serve all of the Salt Lake Area.

Travel by car remains relatively easy, though traffic and parking in and around the downtown area present issues. Street parking in the neighborhood comes readily available. Interstate 80 forms the western border of the neighborhood, and you have clean access from here to all points of the region.

Uber serves the entire Salt Lake City area, and traditional cab companies abound. Hailing a cab can prove to be a difficult proposition, but ordering a car comes simple enough.

Bike trails, wide sidewalks and a flat landscape make it an easy affair to walk or ride where you need to go.

With the exception of a few small pocket parks, the outdoor recreation options in People's Freeway itself remain quite limited. You have to head east into the foothills, or west to the string of parks along the Jordan River to really get outside and stretch your legs. A biking and walking trail runs the length of the Jordan River as it cuts through town, perfect for a long ride with the family. Find several off-leash parks in neighboring areas, the most popular of which settles in West Jordan.

The minor league Salt Lake City Bees play at Smith's Ballpark, which gives patrons sweeping views of the city and the mountains.

On July 4th each year, Sugar House Park hosts the city's most popular fireworks display.

Living in People's Freeway carries a slightly lower cost than the Salt Lake City average, but not by a lot. Rental prices remain reasonable, with a one-bedroom unit renting for an average of $750. Compare this to downtown Salt Lake prices, which hover around $1,100, and you can see why People's Freeway appeals to young families and recent college graduates.

A day pass on the TRAX light rail system costs $3, and gas prices typically sit 5 percent lower than the national average.

Expect to pay about $6 for a cold microbrew at one of the local pubs or breweries.

Big-box stores like Target and Wal-Mart anchor the shopping centers on the south and north edges of the neighborhood, but unique shops and specialty stores make the shopping experience here a pleasant diversion from the norm. Check out the Capital City Antique Mall on West Temple Street for shopping that should be classified as treasure hunting. You have to come back often to see what turns up with each new infusion of products. Another rare shopping delight, Randy's Record Shop still sells classic vinyl alongside new and used CDs and videos. People's Freeway residents can purchase groceries at Wal-Mart on Hope Avenue or at one of the many specialty markets scattered around the neighborhood. Global Supermarket on South Main stocks international ingredients and emphasizes Asian products. Cali's Natural Foods sells a variety of healthy, vegan options and provides an option to Trader Joe's downtown location. In the summer months you can count on the Downtown Farmer's Market in downtown Salt Lake City for fresh produce, flowers and homemade products from all over the region. A unique winter farmer's market can be found at the Winter Market at Rio Grande.