Welcome to Utah!

🏡Urgent Housing & Utility Setup

⚖️Renters' Rights Checkpoint

If you are renting, take steps in your first week to establish protection and understand local laws.

• Review the Utah Renter's Handbook/Toolkit: Understand tenant rights and landlord obligations under the Utah Fit Premises Act. Landlords are required to provide housing that is "safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupancy".
• Document Unit Condition: Perform a detailed move-in inspection. Document any existing wear and tear in writing (with photos) with the landlord to protect your security deposit. Note that eviction in Utah can be a quick legal process, sometimes as fast as one week, so never ignore notices.

🗺️SLC Orientation: Master the Grid

The pioneers designed SLC's streets using a logical, easy-to-navigate grid system centered on Temple Square downtown.

• The Center Point: Temple Square is the epicenter, or "ground zero" (0 East, 0 South).
• How it Works: Addresses increase numerically as you travel away from the center. For example, 500 East, 500 South is five blocks east and five blocks south of Temple Square.
• Pro Tip: Mastering the grid is the ultimate local cheat code, helping you navigate like a pro without relying solely on GPS. Locals often drop the last two zeros, referring to "200 West" as "Second West".

🚗Immediate Transportation & DMV

New Utah residents have 60 days to transfer an out-of-state vehicle title and registration.

• Start Vehicle Registration: Visit the Utah DMV website (dmv.utah.gov) to begin the title and registration transfer process. A VIN inspection and an emissions inspection (required in Salt Lake County) may be needed.
• Driver's License/ID: To apply for a Utah DL/ID, you must bring original or certified documents (no photocopies) for identity and residency. You will need to prepare for a written knowledge test (50 questions, or 25 if you have a prior license). The written test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Korean, and Mandarin.

⚕️Health & Altitude Acclimation

Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of about 4,200 feet.

• Dehydration is a Risk: Utah is the second driest state in the nation. It is highly recommended to drink twice the water you normally would—aiming for 3–4 liters per day if active—to combat the dry air and altitude. Fatigue, headaches, and trouble sleeping are common signs of initial altitude adjustment.
• Use Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen religiously, even in winter. High altitude means stronger UV exposure (UV radiation increases ~6–10% for every 1,000 feet gained), and sun glare reflecting off snow can cause burns.
• Establish Care: Find a Primary Care Provider (PCP) early. You can call
  University of Utah Health at 801-213-9500📋
  to schedule a new patient check-up; preventive care is often covered by insurance. For non-life-threatening urgent care, Salt Lake Instacare offers licensed professionals and is located at
  389 South 900 East🗺️ Map
  .

☕Coffee Shops: Your First Social Anchors

Salt Lake City's coffee culture is strong, with local shops acting as a "modern town square" where people gather. These spots are highly recommended for making initial social connections.

🍽️Essential First-Week Dining Spots

Breakfast/Brunch Must-Tries

🏘️Quick Neighborhood Overview

Understanding your neighborhood options helps you orient yourself and plan future exploration:

⛰️Your First Hike: Ensign Peak

Perfect for your first week! A quick, easy introduction to Utah's outdoor culture.

• Location: Just behind the State Capitol
• Distance: 0.9 miles out-and-back (about 20 minutes)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Key Feature: Provides panoramic viewpoint of the valley. Historically significant (Brigham Young surveyed the valley from here in 1847). Great for sunset viewing.
• Note: No shade, steep in spots.