Midvale - Midvale, UT

The Salt Lake City area was home to various Native groups, including the Anasazi and the Navajor, before the arrival of American settlers. Over the course of more than 150 years, the population of Salt Lake City grew, and residents spread out in search of more living space. What was once farmland populated by small pockets of settlers became the suburbs of Millcreek and Midvale. In 1938, South Salt Lake broke away from the city and became an independent municipality. These towns continue to be some of the fastest growing areas in the United States, their expansion limited only by the surrounding mountains. The Salt Lake City Arts Council sponsors craft shows and a concert series throughout the year, as well as the annual Living Traditions festival and a thriving public art program. The Wheeler Historic Farm keeps the area's past alive so future generations may appreciate the hard work and perseverance of their ancestors. Everything on the farm accurately represents life during the late 1800s. Try your hand at milking a cow, or take a leisurely hayride through the fields. In May, come to the free Farm Fest and watch the sheep get their yearly haircuts.

State Street in South Salt Lake houses a cluster of restaurants, but smaller eateries dot nearby Murry, Millcreek and Midvale. A surprising number of International cuisines represent themselves here, so take your taste buds on vacation. What happens when you combine American breakfast classics with traditional Thai fare? At Chabaar, discover that the answer tastes better than you ever imagined. Try the drunken noodles topped with fried eggs or a spicy Thai omelet. This restaurant stays open late, so you can bring home a curry pot pie for a late-night snack. Fusion cuisine is popular in this area, as evidenced by Bumblebee's BBQ & Grill. Barbecue favorites with a Korean flair draw crowds from miles around. Start with K-Pop Fries - after tasting fries topped with bulgogi, siracha and mayonnaise, you'll never go back to ketchup. If you have any room left, order a Mr. Kim Burger with tangy kimchi. Couscous Grill caters to health-conscious diners with a fresh, wholesome menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Ask for the chicken and zucchini noodles and enjoy long spirals of tender zucchini that replace heavy pasta, accented by homemade garlic vinaigrette. Every dish is easy on your waistline as well as your wallet. Vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions appreciate the many gluten-free and meat-free choices. Impress your date or celebrate a special occasion at Provisions. The menu rotates with the changing seasons, and every dish consists of locally sourced, organic ingredients. Intimate atmosphere, modern decor and artistic plating turn a meal into an unforgettable experience. Stop for late night cocktails and small plates, or enjoy luxurious entrées. Try braised rabbit over handmade tagliarini and brown butter sauce with hints of sage, and end your meal with an exotic saffron panna cotta. Although less rowdy than some cities, Midvale provides a decent number of brew pubs and neighborhood bars. You'll find more upscale clubs and music venues in Salt Lake City proper, and many residents head downtown every weekend for entertainment. If you prefer low-key relaxation, you won't be disappointed staying close to home. People take karaoke very seriously at the Highlander Club. The Club offers over 40,000 songs and a state-of-the-art sound system to make any customer feel like a professional performer. You can even step into a soundproof practice booth for a warmup before you go on stage. Sing your heart out seven days a week, or just enjoy being a member of the audience.

In this region, you need a car, but free parking and easy access to the Interstates make travel easy. But private vehicles aren't the only option, as excellent public transportation services afford you several alternatives to driving. The Utah Transit Authority maintains buses, streetcars and trains that stop frequently between the suburbs and downtown Salt Lake City. Taxis are not readily available, so when you can't drive or take public transportation, request an Uber car. The cities in this area occasionally provide bike lanes, but they remain fairly rare overall. Biking on some streets may be dangerous due to traffic conditions, but locals commonly engage in recreational biking on the many forest and mountain trails. Residents only have one choice for air travel, Salt Lake City International Airport. Leave early for your flight, as the airport is nearly 20 miles away.

Well-maintained parks brimming with amenities characterize this area. Each town puts a great deal of care and effort into their park systems, and residents appreciate the clean pools, top-of-the-line equipment and immaculate landscaping. Feel free to bring your canine companions to the parks, but keep them leashed at all times, as only one park in the region allows off-leash play. The West Jordan Off-Leash Dog Park provides three fenced areas so dogs of different sizes may frolic safely and securely. Community events center around Midvale City Park. Its amphitheater provides an ideal venue for the annual Harvest Days festival. Amateur athletes compete in a 5K race, while backyard chefs vie for bragging rights in the barbecue competition. Visitors of all ages participate in games and browse exhibits by local artists. End your fun-filled day on a blanket in the field watching a spectacular fireworks show. Entrance to the festival is free, but some of the races and competitions require registration fees.

The cost of living in this area fluctuates significantly from town to town, from slightly below the state average to 9 percent above it. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $780 a month, but varies depending on location. Public transportation is very economical with most ticket prices $3 or less. Express fares are around $5, but monthly passes cut the cost significantly. A trip to the gas pump won't break the bank, as gas prices in this area hover around 7 percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay around $5 for a pint at the local pub.

Between Smith's and Ream's, you have all your groceries right at your fingertips. A nearby Whole Foods provides specialty ingredients, as do several ethnic markets. Both Murray and Millcreek sponsor farmer's markets on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Bring home produce from local farms, fresh baked breads, herbs, cheeses and flowers for the table. Conveniently located big box and warehouse stores provide opportunities for bargain hunters, while high-end shoppers flock to Fashion Place Mall's upscale department stores and designer apparel. There are few boutiques and independently owned shops, but you'll discover hidden treasures if you know where to look. You can spend an entire day browsing The Old Flamingo. Vintage decor mingles with repurposed items and pieces by local artists. Find one-of-a-kind housewarming gifts like wine racks created from recycled barrels, or surprise a special child with a handmade rocking horse. A visit to this shop is a trip back in time, an art gallery exhibit and a search for buried treasure all rolled into one. Get ready for adventure at Kirkham's Outdoor Products. This one-stop shop stocks everything you need for serious hiking, camping or rock climbing. Let the expert staff help you design a custom tent that perfectly suits your needs, or fit you with boots that allow you to hike comfortably all day.