Dixie Valley - West Jordan, UT

In 1849, the first settlers arrived in West Jordan, building log cabins and small farms. The population remained small until the copper mining industry brought an influx of trade opportunities. After the mining boom, the city's growth stagnated until the 1970's when the population increased by 500 percent. The Dixie Valley neighborhood was built during this time to help house the increasing number of residents. Today, West Jordan is the fourth-largest city in the state.

Learn more about the history of Utah at the Gale Center of History and Culture - admission is always free. Visit accurate replicas of a late 19th century school, farmhouse and store, each filled with items passed down through generations of local families. Bring the whole family on Terrific Tuesdays for crafts, lectures and films related to the area's history. Children and adults can participate in a variety of free workshops each month.

Mixed in among the ubiquitous national chains, you find a thriving collection of Asian restaurants and several examples of other international fare.

Thai cuisine remains especially popular with its distinct flavors of hot chili and lime. Red Basil Thai Bistro creates authentic dishes using only the freshest ingredients. You can't go wrong with the Massaman Curry, but keep in mind that this restaurant does not tone down its spices for an American audience. Ask for crisp, cool spring rolls to put the fire out. Half of the city shows up for the daily lunch special, so call in your order to save time.

On a chilly winter day, Tiki Hawaiian Kitchen transports you to a land of palm trees and sandy beaches. Satisfy a hearty appetite with sticky short ribs and rice, or order a lighter meal of Maui pineapple chicken. Every meal should end with Mango 'Otai - a tangy fruit smoothie blended with warm Hawaiian sunshine.

Voted best sushi in town, the flashy yet casual Sakana Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill proves that quality seafood can be found in unexpected places. Don't let the strip mall location deter you from tasting the Sunset Roll or the comically oversized Texas Roll. The low-carb Fresh Roll caters to visitors with dietary restrictions, as do the many vegetarian options. After a movie at the neighboring Cinemark 24, stop by for a late-night snack.

For nightlife, head to Bout Time Pub or catch a movie at one of the area's theaters. All Star Fun Center features a full-service bar that puts a grown-up twist on cosmic bowling and other amusements. Play old-school arcade games while you enjoy a local microbrew, or zap your way to victory in a game of laser tag.

In this neighborhood, owning a car is unavoidable. Residents drive nearly everywhere, but free parking and easy access to the highways make travel hassle-free. When you can't drive, request an Uber using the smartphone app, as you won't find taxis waiting around town.

The Utah Transit Authority maintains a bus line and the TRAX train, both stopping in West Jordan and traveling throughout Salt Lake City and its suburbs. Express trains and buses are available for commuters during rush hour. Book your flights out of Salt Lake City International Airport, which is just 12 miles north of Dixie Valley.

Residents generally do not use bicycles as transportation because the city does not provide bike lanes, and the traffic on many streets makes cycling dangerous. Recreational cycling remains popular, especially along the 40-mile Jordan River Parkway Trail.

This area separates its parks into three groups: mini parks, neighborhood parks and community parks. Dixie Valley residents have two neighborhood parks in their area, Skyview Basin Park and Dixie Valley Park. Both welcome leashed dogs and provide baseball fields, playground equipment and picnic areas.

One local park allows dogs to run free: the West Jordan Off-Leash Dog Park. Nearly 4 acres of fenced-in fields gives your canine companions a secure place to exercise. The park divides into three sections so that dogs of various sizes remain separate. Dogs enter the park for free but must have valid licences.

The city designates its largest and most well-appointed parks, such as Veterans Memorial Park, as community parks. This park maintains a recreation center, fitness center, two pools and paved trails, and attracts visitors from across the city. Use of these premium facilities incurs fees, but West Jordan keeps these fees low. Veterans Memorial Park also provides a venue for the city's annual Independence Day Celebration. This free festival includes a parade, games and a community barbecue. The night ends with everyone spreading blankets on the grass and enjoying a spectacular fireworks display.

Dixie Valley is slightly less expensive than other areas of West Jordan, but throughout the city, the cost of living is higher than the state average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for slightly more than $800 a month.

Low gas prices and cheap public transportation help you stick to your budget. Fill your gas tank for 7 percent less than the national average, and ride the bus or train for around $3. When visiting a local pub, expect your beer to cost about $5.

In Dixie Valley, shopping poses no difficulties. Three grocery chains, Macey's, Reams, and Smith's, provide nearby locations, as do several ethnic markets. Every Saturday from August to October, pick up fresh produce for the week's meals at the South Jordan Farmers Market. In addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables, the market offers baked goods and handcrafted items.

This neighborhood includes Jordan Landing, the area's largest assortment of stores. This large collection of shops includes a Nike Factory Store, Ross, Old Navy, Kohl's, Sears, and the Cinemark 24 movie theater.

Elsewhere in the city, a few unique stores have survived the onslaught of corporate shopping. Asian City brings the best Korean and Japanese imports to Utah, including upscale cosmetic brands, housewares, and accessories. Buy ebony chopsticks for a housewarming gift or a bonsai tree to spruce up your office; you can even buy live koi fish. Whether or not you make a purchase, an afternoon visiting this store is well-spent.

Die-hard antique hunters swoon over the 5,000 square feet of collectibles found at the Sandy Antique Mall, just south of West Jordan. Owners Randy and Jane Tanski opened the establishment in 1991, and since then, it has grown into three floors of vintage clothing, antique furniture, and a variety of collectibles. From dolls to handmade clocks, the Sandy Antique Mall is sure to have something for everyone.