The Avenues is Salt Lake’s oldest historic east-bench neighborhood, with mature trees, dense Victorian and Craftsman housing, and one of the highest walkability scores in Utah.

The Avenues location and character

The Avenues is the historic grid neighborhood on Salt Lake’s east bench, north of downtown and east of Capitol Hill. It runs roughly from 1st Avenue on the south to 18th Avenue on the north, and from State Street on the west to Virginia Street on the east. Streets numbered A through V run north-south. It is the oldest east-bench neighborhood in Salt Lake, originally platted in the 1850s and built out heavily between 1880 and 1920. The Avenues was designated a National Register Historic District in 1980 and remains one of the highest-walkability scores in the state.

Home types and pricing

Almost entirely historic single-family: late Victorian, Queen Anne, Foursquare, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow styles dominate. Most homes were built 1885-1925. Lots are typically 0.07-0.15 acres on a tight street grid with mature trees. Some carriage-house ADUs exist. Q1 2026 typical sale: $750K to $1.6M, with restored landmark homes closing $1.8M-$2.5M+. Smaller bungalows on 6th-9th Avenues: $625K-$900K. Larger restored properties on higher avenues: $1.4M+. Strong inventory turnover (60-90 sales per year).

Amenities within walking distance

Memory Grove Park (3-minute walk south), City Creek Park and Canyon, Mount Olivet Cemetery (a quiet walking destination), Lindsey Gardens. The Tower Theater on 9th and 9th, while a few neighborhoods south, is regularly visited from the Avenues. Coffee, restaurants, and small commerce are clustered on E Street, 4th Avenue, and 9th Avenue. University of Utah campus is a 10-minute walk east. Downtown is a 15-minute walk south.

Schools

Salt Lake City School District. Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Middle, and West High School. Wasatch Elementary rates among the top SLC District elementaries.

Who The Avenues fits best

Best fit for history-loving buyers willing to invest in restoration, professional and university-adjacent buyers, walkable-life seekers, families wanting a walkable urban setting with mature trees, downsizers buying a smaller bungalow for low-maintenance city living. Less ideal for anyone wanting newer construction, buyers with mobility constraints (many homes have steep stairs and steep streets), anyone who needs HOA-managed property care.

The Avenues pros and cons

Pros: Walkable to downtown, U of U, and Capitol Hill. Top-tier historic character. Established mature-tree streetscape. Higher resale stability than newer neighborhoods (historic premium). Light rail and bus access. Top-rated Wasatch Elementary.

Cons: Most homes need ongoing restoration investment. Steep streets and stairs are common. Parking constraints (some homes have no off-street parking). Tax/insurance costs reflect higher property values.

Looking for a home in The Avenues?

Kris Bowen has closed transactions across every block of The Avenues, including historic landmark properties. Knowing which restorations are well-done vs cosmetic, which foundations need attention, and which HOA-free properties have hidden compliance issues matters here. Call 801-999-8005 or email hello@krisbowen.com.

Frequently Asked Questions