Is Murray A Good Place to Live in 2024?

Murray, Utah, is a growing town near Salt Lake City. About 50,637 people live there. This town feels like a dense suburb with a mix of houses and apartments. We will investigate whether it’s a great place to live, checking out things like the cost, jobs, schools, and more.

Murray was founded on January 3, 1903. Since then, it has had its own police, fire, and other services. Since 1977, it’s been a Tree City USA, which shows its care for nature. Murray is also at the heart of Salt Lake Valley.

Murray’s jobs are in health, shops, and services. Significant employers include the healthcare giant Intermountain. Murray’s taxes are also low, making it suitable for living and business.

Location and Geography

Murray, Utah, is a lively suburb near Salt Lake City. It’s close to the city’s heart but has its unique feel. In the Salt Lake Valley, Murray sits at 4,265 feet above sea level. This gives folks beautiful views and easy access to outdoor fun like hiking and skiing.

Proximity to Salt Lake City

Murray’s big plus is how near it is to Salt Lake City. A quick 15-minute drive gets folks to the center of the action. This means being close to lots of jobs, fun things to do, and a happening nightlife.

Living here also means easy travel around Utah and beyond. Murray’s spot in the Salt Lake Valley is perfect for quick trips, thanks to major highways.

Climate and Weather

In Murray, the weather makes every season unique. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are warm and dry. The Wasatch Range adds a beautiful view and many chances to try winter sports and other outdoor fun anytime.

Statistic	Murray, Utah	National Average
Cost of Living	21.3% higher	–
Elevation	4,265 feet	–
Location	Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City Metro Area	–
Primary Industries	Technology, Healthcare	–

Housing and Real Estate

Murray, Utah, has many housing options, such as single-family homes and townhouses. According to Niche, the median home value is $415,700, higher than the US’s $281,900. Rent is $1,376, above the $1,268 national average. The area has owned and rented homes, with many in dense suburban areas.

Types of Homes in Murray

In Murray, you can find homes for any budget. There are:

Single-family homes from starter to luxury
Townhouses and condos for simpler living
Apartments, both standard and luxury, for those renting

Murray’s variety means there’s a home for everyone.

Home Prices and Rental Rates in Murray

A home in Murray is usually $415,700, higher than the national figure of $281,900. Rent averages $1,376, above the national figure of $1,268. Despite costs, the economy and location draw in buyers and renters.

Metric	Murray, Utah	National Average
Median Home Value	$415,700	$281,900
Median Rent	$1,376	$1,268

Murray, Utah, offers many homes at different prices. Though costs are above average, its economy and location attract many, making it a good choice for those looking to buy or rent.

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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Murray, Utah, is a bit higher than in other places. Niche gives Murray a C—for the cost of living, which means it’s under the average. Yet, people here make around $81,693 a year, more than the national average of $75,149. This makes it easier to handle the higher costs.

Comparison to National Averages

In Murray, the typical home costs $412,700, much more than the national average of $281,900. Renting a place in Murray is about $1,376, higher than the national average of $1,268.

Major Expenses Breakdown

Living in Murray costs about $2,130 for a person and $4,866 for a big family. Murray is among the top 16% of the world’s most expensive places to live, ranking 1472nd out of 9,294 cities for living costs.

Food costs reflect the prices of meat, dairy, fresh produce, and meals. Transport covers how people get around, car and public transit use, and parking. Housing is about space, buying or renting, and bills. Health is from doctor visits, dental care, and medicine. These main areas shape the living costs in Murray.

Employment Opportunities

Murray, Utah, has many jobs in different fields. You can work at Intermountain Healthcare, Walmart, or the Murray City School District. The job market in Murray is excellent, and gets a B+ grade, meaning there are many jobs.

Major Industries and Employers

Murray has a large healthcare field. Intermountain Healthcare is a key job provider, and Walmart is also important, offering many jobs. Murray City School District needs teachers, administrators, and support staff, so you can find jobs there, too.

Job Market Trends

Murray’s job market is strong and has many kinds of jobs. Its nearness to Salt Lake City helps with job variety. Jobs in Murray keep growing, especially in healthcare, retail, and education.

Position	Salary Range
Custodian	$15.50 hourly
Facilities Supervisor	$14 – $21 hourly
Group Fitness Instructor	$16 – $21 hourly
Recreation Coordinator	$23.85 – $36.17 hourly
Van Driver	$15 – $17 hourly

Murray, Utah, offers jobs for everyone, from starters to experts. Employers like Intermountain Healthcare and Deer Valley Resort have good pay and benefits. Murray is an excellent place if you want a new job or career.

Education System

The Murray City School District (MCSD) runs public elementary, middle, and high schools in Murray, Utah. The district is about 10 square miles and began in 1906. This happened when Murray added more land and people, becoming a second-class city. Starting with Arlington, Pioneer, and Liberty Schools, the MCSD has grown over the years.

Niche rates the Murray schools as “above average” for academics and student success. These schools offer quality education but could use some improvement in some areas. Plus, the city has places like Broadview University and Bridgerland Technical College. This gives students more chances for higher education.

Public Schools in Murray

The Murray City School District includes several public schools:

Elementary Schools: Horizon, Longview, Viewmont, and Willow
Middle Schools: Hillcrest and Riverview
High Schools: Murray High

The schools are seen as average but working to improve their education. Some districts’ schools do better than others regarding graduation and student skills.

Higher Education Institutions

Murray also has higher education options:

Broadview University – Offering degrees at different levels
Bridgerland Technical College – Focusing on practical education

These places let Murray’s folks and those nearby continue studying and growing their careers.

School District	Graduation Rate	Reading Proficiency	Math Proficiency
Alpine School District	91%	52%	49%
Canyons School District	86%	56%	54%
Kane County School District	92%	54%	54%
Davis School District	94%	52%	52%
North Summit School District	95%	57%	68%
Wasatch County School District	89%	52%	47%
Cache County School District	94%	60%	63%
Park City School District	93%	55%	51%
Success Academy	95%	77%	67%
Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science (Nuames)	95%	82%	79%

Transportation and Commute

Murray, Utah, is close to Salt Lake City, so people can easily get around. It’s near main roads like Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, which makes getting from place to place quick and easy.

Murray also has the TRAX light rail system for those who don’t want to drive. This system links Murray to Salt Lake City and nearby places. It’s a good choice for getting around without a car.

Commute Times in Murray

Most people in Murray can get to where they need to go reasonably quickly. Traffic on the city’s main roads has changed over the years, showing different ways people travel there.

Highway	1990 AADT	2001 AADT	Percent Change
I-15	122,800 – 158,894	158,894	29.4%
I-215, I-15 Interchange	68,600	125,508	83.0%
State Street (4500 to 4800 South)	35,900	32,404	-9.7%
5300 South (700 West to I-15)	22,300	29,816	33.7%
4500 South	31,200	33,180	6.3%
4500 South (700 to 900 East)	22,800	27,625	21.2%
Van Winkle Expressway (6100 to 6200 South)	N/A	35,960	N/A
900 East (Van Winkle to 5600 South)	N/A	N/A	N/A

Some roads in Murray have more cars now. But others see less traffic. This means people in Murray have different ways of getting around.

Many people talk online about getting to work in Murray. Some drive long distances, up to 50 miles. But, some are lucky with short trips, just 7-8 miles.

In general, Murray is an excellent place to travel. It has trains, buses, and easy highway access for everyone’s needs.

Safety and Crime Rates

Murray, Utah, is often seen as safe, getting a C+ for crime and safety. Still, some areas in the city show more crime. The Murray Police Department does a lot to keep everyone safe with community policing and fighting crime. But people are still worried about crime.

Crime Statistics in Murray, Utah

Murray has a 55 per 1,000 crime rate, which is high for the U.S. The chance of getting into crime in Murray is 1 in 18, much higher than most places in Utah. With almost 50,000 people, Murray’s crime rate is very high compared to other communities its size.

There are four violent crimes per 1,000 people in Murray, with a minimal chance of you getting hurt. Property crimes are more common, happening 51 times per 1,000 people. This means you have a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim of property crime. Murray also sees a lot of car thefts, with a 1 in 137 chance of losing your car.

In 2022, Murray had 366 crimes, more than the U.S. average and higher than most U.S. cities. There were 175 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, which is a little lower than the U.S. average. But, at 2,470 for every 100,000, property crime numbers were much higher than the U.S. average. This means more property crimes happen in Murray than in most cities.

Neighborhood Safety in Murray, Utah

Even with higher crime, Murray residents often feel safe and at home. Neighborhoods are tight-knit and friendly. Yet, the property crime rate worries people. Murray is known for high property crime, with a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim.

Crime reports in Murray are updated yearly with data from local police. In the last five years, violent and property crimes have slightly dropped. Still, keeping the community safe is very important for everyone.

Healthcare Facilities

Murray, Utah, has excellent healthcare for its people. It has the famous Intermountain Medical Center, a top hospital with the latest treatments and technology technology.

Hospitals and Clinics

Intermountain Medical Center is highly respected. It’s 76th out of 2,400 hospitals worldwide and scored highly on the Newsweek list. In 2023, this hospital performed 414 transplants, including liver, kidney, heart, and kidney/pancreas transplants. It’s also been a top heart care place for three years. With 6,000 employees, it helps people in Murray and the Salt Lake Valley.

Murray has many clinics, urgent care centers, and specialists, along with the Medical Center. This means residents always have healthcare nearby. Salt Lake City is close by, too, so please contact us for more help.

Availability of Specialized Care

Murray offers many types of special care. Intermountain Medical Center excels at transplants, setting a record in 2023. It’s also famous for heart care, having been in the top 50 in the U.S. for three years.

Murray also has good telehealth. Intermountain Health has led in this for 20 years. Now, it’s more popular because of the pandemic. This service helps people in Murray or the Salt Lake Valley.

Murray has many fine places for older people to live. There are 15 senior living places, with an average score of 19,385. They have reviews and lots of pictures.

Overall, healthcare in Murray, Utah, is top-notch. It has excellent hospitals and services. Plus, it offers strong telehealth. This and other good things in the city make it a wonderful place to live.

Recreational Activities

Murray, Utah, is near Salt Lake City and perfect for fun. It’s close to canyons for hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Murray has a great Rec Center for inside fun. Murray Park also has sports, trails, and a pool.

The city offers shopping, schools, and more for everyone’s needs. It’s also a great place to go to outdoor spots and health care places.

Construction can cause slow times, but the city is known for being friendly. People here are proud and keep up traditions.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Murray Park: A sprawling park with sports fields, walking trails, and a public swimming pool.
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Millcreek Canyon: Nearby natural wonders offering hiking, rock climbing, and skiing opportunities.

Sports and Recreation Centers

Murray Recreation Center: Offers a wide range of fitness classes, sports leagues, and other activities for residents.
Private Fitness Studios and Gyms: Murray has various private exercise facilities catering to diverse fitness interests.

Outdoor Recreation Indoor Recreation

Hiking
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Murray Park
Murray Recreation Center
Fitness Classes
Sports Leagues
Private Gyms

Cultural and Social Life

Murray, Utah, is full of life with its events and gatherings throughout the year. These events help bring everyone in the community closer. Many new buildings are coming up, adding to the city’s excitement.

Local Events and Festivals

Murray City shines bright with its yearly parties, which showcase its culture and unity. Events like the Murray City Parade, Arts in the Park, and the Farmer’s Market are loved by all. Murray Park’s 100th birthday will bring special celebrations all year, highlighting its long history.

Dining and Nightlife

Murray’s food scene is great, with lots of places to eat. The night scene might not be like big cities, but there’s fun and friendship to find here.

Even with money troubles, Murray stays strong, thanks to Moody’s ratings and steady finances. It makes money from property taxes and online sales and supports businesses like retail and healthcare. Houses, cars, and schools keep growing, boosting the city’s life.

Still, with housing not easy to get for many and property crimes a worry, Murray has challenges. Balancing making homes affordable with growing businesses is key for its future.

Murray, Utah, is buzzing with its events, festivals, and food variety. Its vital financial health and steps to protect its past make it a great place to live near Salt Lake City.

Community and Demographics

Murray, Utah, is near Salt Lake City and home to about 48,969 people. The area has a lot of people close together but still feels like a suburb, which means it has both city and small-town perks. Most people here are white, but there are more Asians and Hispanics now. This mix makes Murray’s culture diverse and interesting.

Pros of Living in Murray, Utah

Murray, Utah, is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a top-notch life. It’s a suburb of Salt Lake City, so it’s close to the city’s fun. Yet, it’s quiet and perfect for families. In Murray, you’ll find about 48,969 people living in urban comfort but with a cozy feel.

Murray shines in its education system. It has nine elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These options make it an ideal place for families. The city also scores 79 out of 100 for livability and ranks well in the state and the country.

Nature lovers will love it here, too. The city is close to the amazing canyons for outdoor fun. The short 20-minute commute beats the national average. It means more time to have fun in the city.

The cost of living in Murray is lower than in big cities nearby. The median home price is $313,800, above the Utah average. But it’s still more affordable than Salt Lake City.

Murray is known for being a warm and welcoming place. Its residents are 86% White, 4% Asian, and 2% Black. Everyone feels at home here. The city’s features and vibe make it a top pick for a happy family life.

Cons of Living in Murray, Utah

Murray, Utah, is great because it’s close to Salt Lake City. It offers a good standard of living. But, there are some things to think about before moving here. Housing costs, for buying or renting, might be high for you. The median home price is $415,700, more than the Utah average by almost 40%. And most people here are White. So, you might not see as much variety in different cultures.

Traffic gets pretty bad in Murray, and construction is always happening. That can be tough to get around. Safety is also a worry. Murray has a low safety grade, marked as an “F.” This matters a lot if you have kids or want to live in a safe place.

Metric	Murray, Utah	National Average
Median Home Value	$415,700	$281,900
Median Rent	$1,376	$1,268
Area Feel	Dense Suburban	N/A
Rent vs. Own	Rent 35%, Own 65%	N/A

People might still like Murray even with these issues. But it’s important to first know about the high living costs, less cultural variety, and safety worries.

Conclusion

Murray, Utah, is an excellent place to live, with good jobs and a high quality of life. It may not be super diverse, but it’s safe and great for families. It has good schools, lots of things to do, and is close to other cool places. Even though living here can be expensive, the friendly community makes it worth it.

Murray has about 50,000 people. It has grown 9.1% since 2000, but it has decreased by 2% from 2021 to 2020. Most people here are white, and the average age is 37. Houses and RentRent are a bit pricier here, but most think the future looks bright.

Murray is a good place overall, with some ups and downs. It’s good if you like suburbia, which is near a big city. Even though it’s not the cheapest and is less diverse, Murray’s community and family feel are vital. It’s near Salt Lake City, which is a big plus for many potential residents.

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