Sandy, UT

Sandy City, Utah, encompasses more than 20 square miles near Utah's capital, Salt Lake City. The town is a bedroom community with a strongly family-oriented population. More than 96,000 people call Sandy City home. The city is often called "Sandy," due to its famous "thirsty" soil that attracted a population of farmers in the 1800s.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Sandy City benefits from a strong economic base and a large, diverse work force. This combination results in a strong economy that serves to retain current businesses and draws in new businesses. Sandy City's major employers come from several different industries, including retail, health care, financial services and telecommunications. Sandy City's largest employers include:

• Becton Dickinson, a medical products manufacturer
• ACS Business Processing, a data entry company
• Alta View Hospital
• Jordan Commons, an entertainment complex
• Wal-Mart
• Harmon Music Group, an electronics manufacturer

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in Sandy is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Sandy City accommodate around 26,600 houses, out of which more than 25,700 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 21,600 are owner-occupied, while renters occupy around 4,000.

The Historic Sandy district, the original square mile of Sandy City, is different from other areas in the city. Lot and block sizes in this area are characteristic of nineteenth century Utah town sites, with historic and other older structures which often do not conform to current development standards. The district contains several older and unique architectural styles.

EDUCATION

There are three public high schools, three private high schools, six public middle schools, four public elementary schools and five private elementary schools in Sandy City. Residents who wish to further their education also have a variety of options in the surrounding areas. These include:

• Salt Lake Community College, located about eight miles from Sandy City.
• University of Phoenix-Utah Campus, located about eight miles from Sandy City.
• University of Utah, located about 14 miles from Sandy City.
• Brigham Young University, located about 18 miles from Sandy City.
• Utah Valley State College, located about 23 miles from Sandy City.
• Weber State University, located about 44 miles from Sandy City.

SHOPPING

There are several shopping options available to Sandy City residents and visitors, including South Towne Center shopping mall, Jordan Commons, and assorted specialty stores and boutiques. The city's dining options range from upscale establishments, where reservations are recommended, to fast-food pizza and burger joints.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Sandy City has a variety of cultural opportunities, including a museum, art center and amphitheatre. The Utah Symphony often plays at the amphitheatre, putting on summer concerts for free.

Currently, Sandy City is home to one sports team, the Real Salt Lake, which is part of the Major League Soccer Association. The home field for Real Salt Lake is the Rio Tinto Stadium. The stadium was built specifically for soccer it opened in October 2008 and hosted the MLS All-Star Game in 2009.

EVENTS

• Annual Concert Series: Beginning in mid-June of each year, Sandy City provides free music and movies in Meinig Park.
• Independence Day: The town's annual parade and fireworks is held at the South Towne Promenade between Sandy City Hall and South Towne Center.
• Sandy City Balloon Festival: Attendees of this festival can watch an early-morning balloon launch and also enjoy the glow of nighttime lifts along with music, food and entertainment. The balloon festival is typically scheduled for August and is free. Public balloon rides are not available.
• Heritage Festival: This annual festival is held in September and is designed to honor the history of Sandy City and its residents. The event includes free food, entertainment, a car show and inflatable rides for children.
• Deck the Hall: Santa Claus makes his appearance in Sandy City the Monday following Thanksgiving and, along with the mayor, lights up City Hall and the grounds, turning the area into a winter wonderland.

FOR VISITORS

There are several places worth visiting in Sandy City:

• The Living Planet Aquarium: This aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including freshwater fish that can be found in Utah, a stingray pool, jellyfish room, shark display and much more. The aquarium is open every day, although there are different hours for summer and winter months.
• Hill Gallery and Sculpture Park: Visitors to this art park can view the life-size works of artist Dan Hill, which is often referred to as "the art of people at play," while taking in breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains in the background. An indoor gallery displays paintings, photographs, carvings, cards and more from local artists.
• Veteran's Memorial Square: This square features a statue to honor all war veterans. Located at Highways 211 and 26, the square has become a gathering place on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.

LOCAL MEDIA

Sandy is primarily served by Salt Lake City media outlets, including the daily newspapers Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune.