Capitol Hill - Salt Lake City, UT

Led by Brigham Young, the pioneers who first settled the Salt Lake City area admired the views offered by these foothills. The neighborhood blossomed with the development of downtown Salt Lake. Beginning in 1912 and ending in 1916, the Utah State Capitol came into being, constructed from local granite and copper.

Learn more about Utah's early settlers at the Pioneer Memorial Building. This thought-provoking museum houses an impressively large collection of artifacts from the pioneer days, revealing insights about life in the 1800s. Visit this free museum to marvel at practical items, such as spinning wheels, in addition to some more unusual curiosities.

The Utah State Capitol transforms into a place for fun, magic and relaxation at the popular Movies Under the Stars event. During the hot summer months, visitors of all ages gather on the southwest lawn in the evenings to watch family-friendly movies on an enormous outdoor screen.

You can find Capitol Hill's restaurants near and around the southern edge of the neighborhood. The focus on American classics reflects Utah's love of tradition. Make sure you also explore the Marmalade District, a trendy area of Capitol Hill, for more culinary options.

Em's Restaurant, in the Marmalade District, can turn you into a brunch devotee. This quaint eatery has an intimate atmosphere and a menu brimming with brunch essentials, from eggs Benedict to herbed crepes. Try the exceptional bread pudding. Expect longer waits on weekend mornings when everyone gathers for brunch. Em's also serves dinner, with entrées that include savory pork tenderloin with dried fruit.

Many Utah natives love fry sauce, a blend of ketchup, mayo and a special seasoning. At Crown Burgers, fry sauce has a chance to shine. Rumored to be the best in the state, the sauce comes along with crispy fries for dipping. Try the Crown Burger, the eponymous burger that gets a boost from pastrami. Meat-lovers are in heaven at this old-fashioned burger joint.

Get your soul-food fix at Faces Lounge & Eatery on N. 300 W. Freshly prepared staples, including fried okra, catfish and pulled pork, arrive at your table with flavor to spare. The owners of this hidden gem hail from the South, bringing the distinctive taste of Southern comfort foods to Utah. Open for dinner only on weekends, this popular lunch spot includes a full bar.

The nightlife in Capitol Hill centers on a small range of clubs and bars. The Garage has an industrial vibe, nestled as it is near oil refineries. Inside, you find affordable drinks and a welcoming, fun atmosphere. The bar hosts a constant line-up of performers in all genres. When you want live music in an intimate setting, The Garage is the place to go. Club JAM, an LGBT-friendly club, has a well-deserved reputation as the best spot for dancing and DJs in the neighborhood. A younger crowd and an energetic spirit characterize Club JAM.

Capitol Hill stands out as one of the more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the area. Whether running a quick weekly errand or taking in the sights, you can walk to plenty of attractions and amenities in Capitol Hill.

Renowned for its mountain-biking opportunities, Salt Lake City is also a bike-friendly community when it comes to city biking. Capitol Hill has a fair amount of biking infrastructure, including bike lanes and multi-use trails.

The Utah Transit Authority keeps you connected thanks to a public transportation infrastructure that includes buses and a light rail system (TRAX). This extensive system connects TRAX stations with buses, making transfers simple. The 470 bus route serves the Capitol Hill area.

Capitol Hill may not have taxis to hail at every corner, but you can rely on City Cab, Ute Cab and other taxi services to get you where you need to go. Call or go online to reserve a taxi.

Many businesses and homes in Capitol Hill have private parking. You can also apply for a parking permit from the city for select street parking. Although nearby downtown has public parking lots, options are scarcer in Capitol Hill. With US Route 89 and Interstate 15 running through the neighborhood, you have access to the rest of the city and state.

Memory Grove Park, on North Canyon Road, has a natural serenity. Dedicated to the memories of fallen veterans, this scenic retreat includes space for dogs to romp and play off-leash, in addition to relaxing nature trails. Due to an ornamental fountain and other decorative landmarks, Memory Grove serves as a popular spot for photography sessions.

A 9-acre park, Warm Springs Park borrows its name from Utah's natural hot springs. When you need a multipurpose field for athletic pursuits or relaxation, this green space has you covered. The same goes for a softball field or tennis courts. Bring the kids along to explore playground equipment.

Take advantage of Capitol Hill's spectacular views by visiting Ensign Peak Park. A carefully maintained hiking trail leads to Ensign Peak, which provides a bird's eye view of Salt Lake City. Hikers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy the fresh air, even without donning hiking boots.

In terms of cost of living, Capitol Hill compares favorably to the rest of Salt Lake City. The cost of living lands at only 2 percent higher than the city average. Renting a one-bedroom in the Capitol Hill area carries an average monthly rate of $816.

Traveling from this conveniently located neighborhood to the city center costs between $2 and $3, calculated using the UTA bus route 470. Gas prices are 9 percent lower than the national average price.

Though costs vary depending on the type of brew, a pint at a local bar or pub tends to cost a little under $8.

With the wealth of downtown shopping opportunities nearby, Capitol Hill's shopping scene can be sparse. Home decor and gardening retailers dominate the scene. Staker & Parson sells the landscaping materials you need to keep an attractive yard and garden, while Modern Materials Design helps you keep the inside of your home looking good.

Whether you've been biking for years or you've barely biked at all, Saturday Cycles helps you get into the swing of things. A knowledgeable staff assists you with minor or major repairs. Find all the gear and gadgets here that will make your life as a biker much easier and more convenient.

On Saturdays, Capitol Hill residents make the short trip to the Downtown Farmer's Market in Historic Pioneer Park, where locally grown produce shares space with artisan crafts.

Grocery shopping typically requires a trip into the downtown area. Load up on healthy, inexpensive goods at the charmingly quirky Trader Joe's, or go for more high-end organics at Whole Foods. Harmons, on E. 100 S., stands out as a huge grocery market and drugstore with nearly everything you need in one place. Browse organic produce and a fresh deli section, and take on-site cooking classes to make the most of all the ingredients you find on these well-stocked shelves.