Explore West Valley City Real Estate: Homes & Lifestyle

A City Built on Bold History

The story of West Valley City begins long before its official incorporation. The first European settlers — mostly Latter-day Saint pioneers — arrived in the western Salt Lake Valley in 1847, referring to the land as "over Jordan" because it lay west of the Jordan River. Welsh LDS settlers planted roots in the Granger area as early as 1849, and the fertile farmland gradually gave way to one of Utah's most ambitious urban success stories. On July 1, 1980, the communities of Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, and Redwood officially merged to form West Valley City — and it has never looked back. The city played a starring role on the world stage when it hosted events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, a distinction that transformed its hospitality and entertainment infrastructure overnight.

Fun & Fascinating Facts

West Valley City is full of surprises. Here are a few that might catch you off guard:

• The city is home to one of only three Olmec Heads in the entire United States — a monumental ancient Mexican sculpture gifted by Mexico — displayed at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
• The Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre has nearly double the seating capacity of the Maverik Center, making it one of the largest outdoor concert venues in the Intermountain West and a top destination for Live Nation's biggest touring acts.
• By 2010, West Valley City had become Utah's most ethnically diverse city, with minorities comprising nearly 45% of the population — a distinction it continues to hold and celebrate.
• Major corporations including FranklinCovey, USANA Health Sciences, C.R. England, and Backcountry.com all call West Valley City home, contributing to an economy that attracted approximately $435.7 million in capital investment in fiscal year 2023 alone — nearly double the prior year.
• The city's Maverik Center, owned by West Valley City itself, hosted ice hockey events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and today seats up to 12,600 for concerts and sporting events.

Where to Go & What to Do

West Valley City punches well above its weight when it comes to entertainment, culture, and recreation. The Maverik Center is the anchor of the city's sports and entertainment scene, home to the Utah Grizzlies professional hockey team and a top-tier concert venue year-round. For outdoor amphitheater experiences, the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre draws world-class performers every summer. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is a must-visit, offering rotating art exhibits, festivals, Pow Wows, the Utah Polynesian Festival, and Día de los Muertos celebrations in a stunning facility that honors the city's multicultural identity. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Jordan River Trail for hiking and biking, the Conservation Garden Park for water-wise landscaping education, and two premier golf courses — Stonebridge Golf Course and The Ridge Golf Club. And with five world-class ski resorts all within an hour's drive, West Valley City gives skiers and snowboarders some of the best access in the state.

A Culinary Scene That Reflects the World

West Valley City's dining scene is one of Utah's best-kept secrets and a direct reflection of its remarkable cultural diversity. From Catrachos (authentic Honduran cuisine with a loyal local following) to Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, La Casa Del Tamal, Tuk Tuk's (Thai street food), Paik's Noodle (Korean), Habibi Grill (Middle Eastern), and Island Grinds, the city delivers an around-the-world dining experience without leaving the valley. For a craft brew and pub fare, Squatters Corner Pub inside Valley Fair Mall brings Utah's most iconic brew pub experience to the west side. The city has also welcomed exciting newer openings including di Napoli (lauded for exceptional house-made pasta), Engine Room, and Old Tbilisi Kitchen, reflecting a restaurant scene that continues to evolve and impress.

Shopping & Retail Destinations

Valley Fair Mall serves as the city's premier retail hub, anchored by national brands and featuring an AMC Theatre, food court, and specialty retailers — all recently reinvested with significant redevelopment. Beyond the mall, the city's major retail corridors along Redwood Road and 3500 South offer an extensive mix of national chains, local boutiques, grocery anchors, and service retail that serve both residents and the broader Salt Lake metro area.

A Prime Market for Commercial Real Estate

For commercial real estate investors and business owners, West Valley City represents one of the most strategically positioned markets in the state. The city sits at the intersection of I-215, I-15, I-80, and SR-201, with direct TRAX light rail access via the Fairbourne Station and proximity to Salt Lake International Airport. Commercial lease rates averaging $17 per square foot, a workforce drawing from Utah's most diverse labor pool, and a city government actively incentivizing business growth make West Valley City an exceptional opportunity for retail, office, and industrial users alike. Since 2016, the city has attracted nearly $1.66 billion in total capital investment — a testament to its momentum and market confidence.

Whether you're looking to invest, lease, or locate your business in the greater Salt Lake area, West Valley City deserves a serious look. Contact Dan Rip today to explore available commercial real estate opportunities in Utah's second-largest city.