Millcreek - Salt Lake City, UT

Ute tribes once used the land that now holds Millcreek, choosing the area for its supply of fresh water. When Mormon pioneers made their home in the valley in the 1800s, Mill Creek played an important role in irrigating crops. Because of its close proximity to the original Salt Lake City settlement, Millcreek quickly evolved from a rural farming community to a suburb.

Although Millcreek has never incorporated, it has established a sense of community over the years. The Millcreek Venture Out Festival Series brings multiple events to town, including the Western Roundup and the Hoops, Hops & Howlers festival. Nearby, the Desert Star Playhouse, Murray Park Amphitheater, Dinolab and the Murray City Museum keep residents entertained and educated.

Asian and American eateries dominate the dining scene in Millcreek, with a few other international restaurants tossed in for good measure. You won't find fine-dining options in the neighborhood — most restaurants fall into the low or medium price range.

If you have a sweet tooth, try the pumpkin or peach pie at The Press, a small bakery on Highland Drive. Order pies whole or by the slice, and don't forget a glass of the fresh-pressed apple cider. The restaurant also serves a small selection of lunch entrees, including pot pie and grilled cheese.

Indulge in a dish of pad see ew or green curry at Siam Orchid, or choose the chicken lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. Despite its unassuming strip-mall setting, the restaurant's friendly staff and cozy atmosphere win over diners immediately. Choose your spice level with caution — even the medium-level options can be overwhelming if you're not accustomed to the heat.

The French onion soup at Stella Grill comes piping hot and loaded with cheese, making it the perfect way to warm up on a cold Utah day. The Korean steak sandwich and the open-face hanger steak sandwich also get rave reviews. Local diners love the restaurant's consistent quality and prompt service, particularly during the busy lunch rush.

Like most of the Salt Lake City suburbs, Millcreek hosts a limited nightlife scene. For dance clubs, head downtown; for a more robust bar scene, Sugarhouse is your best bet. If you don't want to drive far, stop by The Royal for karaoke and live music; the bar hosts regular DJs, rock groups and themed events. The casual Leprechaun Inn shows games on big-screen TVs and features a full menu. Take your beer outside year-round — the patio features two outdoor fireplaces to keep you warm.

Millcreek covers a large area and contains a number of high-traffic streets; as a result, most residents use personal vehicles for everyday transportation. Most residential areas have sidewalks to allow safe walking. Bike lanes are scarce, but 900 E offers the safest biking in the neighborhood; many local cyclists use the road to commute downtown.

The layout of Millcreek supports a steady flow of traffic, and residents can access Interstates 215 or 15 in minutes using 3300 S or 3900 S. Ample free street parking spots line the neighborhood's residential streets.

If you don't want to drive, Uber provides convenient ride services all over the Salt Lake metro area. Numerous cab companies serve Millcreek; call in advance to schedule a pickup. The Salt Lake UTA public transportation system operates several bus lines in the neighborhood, and the TRAX light rail also passes through the western edge of the neighborhood, enabling rapid connections to downtown Salt Lake. For commuters, the FrontRunner train provides the fastest route.

Millcreek residents enjoy access to several neighborhood parks, including Evergreen Park, Scott Avenue Park and Big Cottonwood Park. Work up a sweat on the long path that extends around Evergreen Park, or bring the kids to the updated playground, which features a replica of Cinderella's carriage.

Big Cottonwood Park, which covers 89 acres, brings residents to its large playground, stream and large nature area. A paved walking path brings in walkers, and the nature path network provides shade. Each summer, the park hosts a classic car show and outdoor movies. All parks in Millcreek provide free entry and welcome dogs on leashes.

Life in Millcreek comes with a higher price tag than the Salt Lake City average, but lower than many of the southern suburbs. An average rental unit comes in at $727 per month. Daily expenses, on the other hand, tend to be the same as those in the surrounding neighborhoods. A one-way ride into Salt Lake City on the UTA bus or the TRAX light rail costs $2.50. You'll pay about $4 for a pint of beer at a neighborhood pub, and local gas prices stay about 10 percent lower than the national average.

The main shopping centers in Millcreek lie along 3300 S, which runs east and west in the northern part of the neighborhood. Shopping is limited, but you'll find a few major chain outlets and several specialty stores.

Satisfy your green thumb at Millcreek Gardens, which carries all of the necessary gardening supplies for small flower beds and large landscaping projects. Shoppers love the helpful staff, the high-quality plants and the extensive selection of vegetables. Go during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.

At Home Furniture on Highland Drive carries a range of cozy furniture, making it a popular spot with neighborhood homeowners. Don't hesitate to ask for advice; the friendly staff members can offer valuable insight.

Residents of Millcreek can choose from several grocery store mainstays, including Smith's, Harmons, Fresh Market, Wal-Mart and Sprouts Farmers Market. When you have a hankering for a Mexican feast, pick up the ingredients at Rancho Market on 3300 S. In addition to imported foods, the store sells inexpensive produce and a small selection of fresh burritos and tacos. At the Millcreek Community Market, you can shop for locally-grown vegetables, listen to live music and stock up on fresh baked goods.