Two Creeks - Herriman, UT

In 1849, four farming families settled in the area, naming their town after one of the founders, Henry Herriman. The town remained rural for well over 100 years and did not see significant growth until the 1990s. The Two Creeks community was built in 2010 to meet the increasing need for all-inclusive rental properties.

The Herriman Arts Council sponsors stage productions throughout the year with open auditions for both children and adults. Performances include musicals, dramas and dance — and every member of the cast and crew hails from Herriman and its neighboring cities.

Every August, the International Days festival brings traditional performers from Bengladesh, Peru, South Africa and other far-flung locales. Experience new cultures and enjoy the beauty of their costumes, songs and dances. This event welcomes all ages and does not charge admission.

This area lacks restaurants outside of fast food chains, but the neighboring cities of Riverton, South Jordan and West Jordan provide many dining options just a few minutes from home.

Guras Spice House, Herriman City's sole restaurant, serves authentic Indian and Nepali cuisine to an adoring crowd of local fans. You can make a meal of the incredible appetizers, such as crisp chicken pakora with mint chutney and vegetable samosas. Chefs cook the tandoori meats and naan in traditional clay ovens to create the flavorful charred exterior. Bring friends and share the mixed grill and poori curry, but keep in mind that this restaurant does not tone down its spices for the American palate.

Salsa Leedos Mexican Grill sports a children's menu with over a dozen choices for even the pickiest eater. The family-owned and operated restaurant caters as well. Try a snack of zesty nachos or order the sizzling fajitas, served on a hot platter with grilled vegetables, Spanish rice and refried beans as well as a garnish of guacamole and sour cream all on fresh flour tortillas.

Commemorate special occasions with reservations at the Wild Rose. This upscale restaurant's sleek, modern decor and live classical guitar equally suit celebrating business achievements or romantic moments. Start with a selection from the impressive wine list and seared diver scallops. For your entrée, choose locally sourced beef tenderloin with brandy demi-glace. You can't go wrong with any of the decadent desserts, but regular patrons love the dark chocolate mousse.

Catch local bands at the Coffee Shop, or if you want more excitement, head to Club 90 or Allure in nearby Sandy; live music and DJs keep the dance floor full all night.

The Break Sports Grill bills itself as a sports bar, but it appeals to a much wider audience. As the area's only bar holding a full liquor license, it draws a diverse crowd every weekend. Cheer for your favorite team while you get to know your neighbors over a game of pool. Enjoy live music, or try not to lose your shirt in a game of Texas hold 'em. Unlike similar establishments, The Break doesn't require you to order food with your drinks, making this an ideal stop for after-dinner drinks.

This distance from Salt Lake City, cars are a necessity but not an inconvenience. This neighborhood has access to the Mountain View Corridors — major highways that bypass most of the area's traffic — and parking throughout the county is free. Avoid driving by using public transportation, as this area lacks taxis and Uber coverage.

The Utah Transit Authority provides some of the best public transportation services in the western United States. A UTA bus stop is within walking distance of Two Creeks, and these buses cover all of Salt Lake County and beyond. Next door in Daybreak, the TRAX light rail station travels as far north as the city of Ogden.

Low traffic makes local bicycling generally safe, but residents don't choose it as a mode of transportation, as cyclists lack a safe way to cross the highways into neighboring towns. Recreational cycling remains popular, and many paved trails are available for that purpose.

Book your flights out of Salt Lake City International Airport, but give yourself extra time to make the 20 mile drive, as the area surrounding the airport experiences significant traffic.

While Two Creeks residents typically use their private playgrounds, they have good reasons to visit Herriman City's parks. The parks in this area are clean, well-maintained and provide a wide range of amenities. Cool off at the Umbria Splash Pad, or soak up the sun on the sandy beach of Blackridge Reservoir. Walk the shaded trails at the Cove at Herriman Springs, or enjoy fishing for trout and catfish. Adventurous children love the skate park, as it remains one of the largest in Utah's southwest suburbs. These parks allow dogs, but they must remain leashed at all times.

W & M Butterfield Park not only contains expansive playgrounds and sports fields, it also hosts two of Herriman's largest community events. Every May, cyclists of all ages participate in Pedal-Palooza. This celebration of cycling includes mountain bike races, a bicycle rodeo and a children's bike parade. June heralds the arrival of Fort Herriman Days, a magnificent festival of food, games, carnival rides and much more. Enjoy live entertainment, movies and a classic car show. Both nights end with an impressive fireworks show and concert. Entrance to these events is free.

Two Creek's modern housing developments significantly raise the cost of living, but it remains less expensive than some neighborhoods in nearby cities. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for $830, but you get a lot of bank for your buck.

Gas prices are wallet-friendly at 8 percent less than the national average, and riding public transportation costs just $2.50. At a local bar, expect to pay at least $5 a pint, but keep in mind that beer prices are high throughout Utah.

Two Creek's close proximity to Smith's, Harmons, big box stores and Costco make grocery shopping a cinch. The local bakery, Swirly Girls, provides nearly limitless varieties of cupcakes and other sweet treats. Every Saturday from August through October, browse locally grown produce at the South Jordan Towne Center Farmers Market. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you'll find baked goods, homemade preserves and fresh-cut flowers.

Most residents do their shopping at either the District or South Towne Center. Both shopping centers contain popular department stores and apparel chains, but lack independently owned shops and boutiques. Avoiding national chains proves difficult in this area, but if you know where to look, you'll find some hidden gems.

Nest Boutique stocks beautiful items to feather your nest, as well as a wide array of clothing, accessories and gifts. Spend the afternoon browsing this cozy shop with shelves filled with a little bit of everything. Pick up a unique housewarming gift and at the same time, treat yourself to a new scarf or handcrafted earrings.

Board game enthusiasts have a home away from home at Fongo Bongo Games. Choose from hundreds of different games, from the most common to the exceptionally rare. An open game area allows you to meet others who share your passion and play your new game right in the store.

Knitters know that yarn makes or breaks a project, and Unraveled Sheep carries so many varieties that you'll always find the right one. Step inside to face yarns piled from floor to ceiling, organized by color and fiber. Whether you knit sweaters, socks or something else, the talented staff can help you solve pattern problems or troubling tangles. Stop by on Thursday nights for Sit and Knit, and socialize with your fellow hobbyists.