Skip to main content

South Jordan Journal

South Jordan listed in top 50 cities to live

Oct 04, 2021 03:37PM ● By Rachel Aubrey

By Rachel Aubrey | [email protected]

In a recent report put out by “Money” magazine, South Jordan was ranked among the top 50 places to live in the country, coming in at No. 27.  

A team of two editors, six writers and Witlytic research firm bestowed this recognition to the city in September based on nine categories: cost of living, economic opportunity, diversity, education, amenities, health and safety, housing market, income and personal finances and quality of life.

Daybreak resident Heidi Tagliaferri said the safety factor of living in South Jordan has been important for her family of four. She credits that safety to the sense of community she has experienced among her neighbors.

“I have loved living in South Jordan,” Tagliaferri said. “I feel safer in South Jordan than almost anywhere I have ever lived.”

Founded in 1859 by early settlers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Jordan now boasts a population of approximately 80,765. The city of South Jordan offers a variety of outdoor amenities such as city parks, county parks, 9 miles of walking and hiking trails, and fishing ponds. The city is home to successful private enterprise such Merit Medical and Ultradent, the latter recognized by Fortune Magazine’s as one of the best workplaces in manufacturing and production.

“I’m not surprised that our city is being recognized,” said Councilwoman (district 4) and business owner Tamara Zander. “Our city is being run so well. We’ve got a really stable city government; we’re doing our best to keep things very balanced.”

In 2017, South Jordan residents elected its’ first female mayor, Dawn Ramsey. Ramsey is currently seeking reelection.

“South Jordan is an amazing place to live because of our resident’s commitment to the community,” Ramsey said. “Together we work hard to maintain our beautiful city and preserve our quality of life, while also planning for sustainable growth. It is no surprise that others are recognizing what a wonderful place South Jordan is to live and raise a family.”

According to “Money,” cities and town were considered based on populations ranging from 25,000 up to 500,000. The largest city considered had a population of more than 457,476 residents and the smallest had a population of 25,260 residents. In addition, there was a goal to highlight places where people could afford to live with extra weight being placed on cost of living, economic opportunity and housing affordability.

South Jordan got its name as an effort to organize a branch of the West Jordan Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The residents living in the area in 1935 voted to incorporate and become a city as a way to receive funding by way of a federal grant to afford a water tank to store water for residents living to the west.

South Jordan is home to Bingham High School, which opened its doors to students Sept. 9, 1908 (originally located in the town of Bingham and later moved to South Jordan in the early 1970s) and has since fostered a reputation of excellence in academics and sports that continues to this day.

Residents can look forward to the Pumpkin promenade at Heritage Park, Oct. 22, 23 and also the popular Light the Night event in December.

To stay up to date with events and activities or to learn more about the city resources, visit https://www.sjc.utah.gov/.