Living at The Citizen, a luxurious apartment community in the heart of Salt Lake City, UT, means you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the vibrancy of downtown while having access to excellent commuting options. Located at 515 S 400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, The Citizen places you steps away from shopping, dining, entertainment, and major employment hubs. Whether you’re heading to work, exploring the city, or enjoying nearby attractions, this guide will ensure commuting in Salt Lake City is seamless and convenient.
Why Commuting from The Citizen is a Breeze
The Citizen’s prime location in the Central City neighborhood offers a TransitScore of 58, ensuring excellent access to Salt Lake City public transportation and making it easy to skip traffic hassles. With a Walk Score of 87, the area is a walker’s paradise, and bike-friendly infrastructure adds even more flexibility. Whether you prefer public transportation, biking, walking, or driving, here’s how to make the most of your commute.
1. Public Transportation: UTA TRAX and Buses
Salt Lake City public transport, managed by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), is a reliable and affordable option for residents at The Citizen. Here’s what you need to know:
- TRAX Light Rail: The Citizen is conveniently located near Library Station and Trolley Station, both within a short walk. TRAX connects you to downtown Salt Lake City, the University of Utah, and further destinations like Sandy or Daybreak. A one-way fare starts at $2.50, with monthly passes available for frequent riders.
- Bus Routes: Multiple bus stops are within a few blocks, offering routes to key areas like the Salt Lake City International Airport (13 minutes away), West Valley City, and beyond. Check the UTA website (rideuta.com) for real-time schedules and route planning.
- Free Fare Zone: If you’re heading to nearby downtown spots, take advantage of the Free Fare Zone in central Salt Lake City, where TRAX and bus rides are free within designated boundaries.
Pro Tip: Download the UTA GoRide app to plan routes, buy tickets, and track buses or trains in real time. For eco-conscious commuters, UTA’s FAREPAY card offers discounted fares and easy reloading.
2. Biking: Pedal Your Way Around SLC
Salt Lake City is increasingly bike-friendly, and The Citizen’s central location makes it a great starting point for two-wheeled commuting in Salt Lake City.
- Bike Lanes and Trails: Protected bike lanes along 400 South and 200 East provide safe routes to downtown offices, restaurants, and parks like Liberty Park (2 miles away). The nearby 9-Line Trail is perfect for recreational rides or commuting to the west side.
- GREENbike Program: Salt Lake City’s bike-share program, GREENbike, has stations near The Citizen, offering affordable rentals for short trips. A 24-hour pass costs around $7, ideal for quick commutes or errands.
- Bike Storage at The Citizen: The Citizen provides secure bike storage, so you can keep your bike safe when not in use.
Pro Tip: Always wear a helmet and use bike lights for evening rides. Check out the SLC Bike Map (available at slc.gov) for the best routes.
3. Walking: Embrace the Urban Lifestyle
The Citizen’s walkable neighborhood is one of its biggest perks, with many amenities just steps away, allowing residents to skip vehicles altogether and enjoy short Salt Lake City commute times on foot.
- Nearby Destinations:
- Smith’s Marketplace (0.5 miles) for groceries.
- Trolley Square (8-minute walk) for shopping and dining.
- Library Square (0.7 miles) for cultural events and the Salt Lake City Main Library.
- Downtown Salt Lake City (1 mile) for business districts, restaurants, and entertainment venues like the Eccles Theater.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Walk Score or Google Maps to find the quickest pedestrian routes and discover hidden gems in the Central City neighborhood.
4. Driving and Ridesharing: Flexibility for Longer Trips
For residents who prefer driving, The Citizen’s location offers easy access to major roads and highways, making Salt Lake City commute times straightforward and manageable.
- Key Routes: The Citizen is minutes from I-15 and I-80, connecting you to the Salt Lake City International Airport (7 miles, ~13-minute drive), the University of Utah (2.5 miles, ~10-minute drive), or suburban areas like Sandy or Draper.
- Parking at The Citizen: The community offers on-site parking, including garage options, so you can keep your car secure. Guest parking is also available for visitors.
- Ridesharing Options: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. A ride to downtown costs approximately $6–$10, while a trip to the airport runs around $15–$20, depending on demand.
Pro Tip: To avoid peak traffic, plan commutes outside of rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM). Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.
5. Carpooling and Vanpooling: Eco-Friendly Group Travel
For residents commuting to the same workplace or nearby suburbs, carpooling or vanpooling can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
- UTA Vanpool Program: UTA offers a vanpool service for groups of 7–15 people traveling to similar destinations. Costs are split among riders, and UTA provides the vehicle and maintenance. Check rideuta.com for eligibility.
- Carpool Apps: Apps like Waze Carpool or Scoop connect you with neighbors or coworkers for shared rides, cutting down on gas and parking expenses.
Pro Tip: If your employer offers commuter benefits, ask about subsidies for carpooling or vanpooling programs to save even more.
6. Commuting to Major Employers and Destinations
The Citizen’s central location makes it easy to reach Salt Lake City’s key employment hubs and attractions:
- University of Utah: 2.5 miles (~10-minute drive or 15-minute TRAX ride via the University Line).
- Intermountain Medical Center: 7 miles (~15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride).
- Downtown Business District: 1–2 miles (~5-minute drive or 10-minute TRAX ride).
- Salt Lake City International Airport: 7 miles (~13-minute drive or 25-minute TRAX ride via the Green Line).
Pro Tip: If you work downtown, consider combining walking or biking with TRAX for a stress-free, car-free commute.
7. Tips for a Smooth Commute
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like Transit, UTA GoRide, or Google Maps to check schedules and avoid delays.
- Stay Weather-Ready: Salt Lake City winters can bring snow, so keep sturdy boots, umbrellas, or tire chains handy for driving or walking.
- Combine Modes: Mix and match commuting methods—bike to a TRAX station, walk to a GREENbike station, or use ridesharing for late-night returns.
- Stay Connected: Follow @RideUTA on X for real-time transit updates or road closures that might affect your commute.
Why The Citizen is Perfect for Commuters
The Citizen’s modern apartments, complete with amenities like secure bike storage, on-site parking, and proximity to transit hubs, make it an ideal home base for commuting in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re zipping to work on TRAX, biking to a local café, or driving to the mountains for a weekend getaway, The Citizen’s location ensures you’re never far from where you need to be.
Ready to simplify your commute? Discover the perfect home to complement your Salt Lake City lifestyle at The Citizen. Explore our range of modern floor plans and find the ideal apartment for you.
