Whittier features a mix of housing options, including primarily single detached homes and well-kept duplexes, many built before the 1960s, providing character and charm throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood benefits from a comprehensive cycling network, making bicycle travel convenient and pleasant. Numerous parks close to residential areas offer excellent opportunities to spend time outdoors in a peaceful environment. A variety of dining choices and several coffee shops add to the local flavor, while general and specialty grocery stores are within easy reach for everyday needs. Bus lines run through the area, and highways are nearby, simplifying travel by car.
Whittier has a character that caters to a fairly diverse group of people. Most areas in Whittier are very quiet, as the streets are usually very tranquil. On the other hand, most locations within the neighborhood have reasonably good access to green spaces, including Liberty Park, since there are about 10 of them nearby for residents to relax in. Finally, even though the ambience is not the most lively in this part of Salt Lake City, its main streets can still be quite dynamic, and with its a few nightlife venues, there are options for nighttime activities.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
At 600 Harvey Milk Boulevard, Liberty Park is Whittier’s defining outdoor amenity and Salt Lake City’s oldest and second-largest municipal park. Its 100 acres include paved walking and biking loops, a pond, playgrounds, tennis courts, volleyball, picnic areas, the Liberty Park Pool, and historic structures. The park gives surrounding residential streets an unusually expansive green centerpiece.
Located inside Liberty Park at 589 East 1300 South, Tracy Aviary adds a distinctive cultural and educational destination to Whittier’s backyard. The eight-acre attraction features more than 300 birds, themed habitats, botanical gardens, keeper demonstrations, interactive programs, and nature-play opportunities. Its presence makes the neighborhood notable for offering a major wildlife experience within an everyday city park.
Whittier Elementary, at 1600 South 300 East, is a neighborhood anchor rather than merely a nearby school. The Salt Lake City School District campus serves local families and helps give the area its community identity, with school-community council involvement, family programming, and walkable access from surrounding streets. Its location reinforces Whittier’s traditional, residential character.
The 900 South corridor around 900 East forms one of Whittier’s most walkable commercial edges, with independent restaurants, cafés, boutiques, salons, galleries, and specialty shops clustered close together. The district’s compact storefronts and pedestrian-friendly scale complement the surrounding older homes, giving residents a convenient place to meet, eat, shop, and participate in neighborhood events without heading downtown.
Along 1500 East between Emerson and Kensington streets, 15th & 15th offers Whittier-area residents a small but unusually characterful shopping and dining node. Caputo’s Market & Deli, The King’s English Bookshop, Tulie Bakery, Mazza, Finca, and local galleries create a destination that feels intimate rather than chain-dominated. Its surrounding bungalows and mature trees add to the neighborhood appeal.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This popular downtown market is an easy outing from Whittier, offering Utah-grown produce, prepared food, crafts, and local vendors. October 10 is near the end of the season, making it a good chance to enjoy fall ingredients and support regional farmers before the market closes for winter.
View event details →Residents of Whittier can reach this west-side market quickly for a relaxed Sunday activity featuring local food, produce, and community vendors. Its setting near Jordan Park and the International Peace Gardens also makes it easy to combine shopping with a walk, picnic, or family time outdoors.
View event details →This family-friendly Halloween experience transforms Red Butte Garden into an immersive Neverland with glowing displays, interactive storytelling, botanical scenery, and themed characters. It is a convenient east-side Salt Lake outing from Whittier, especially for families seeking a festive alternative to a traditional haunted house.
View event details →The Redwest Country Festival brings live country music and festival energy to the Fairpark, one of Salt Lake City’s most accessible venues from Whittier. It offers a convenient regional concert option for adults and music-loving families, with the Fairpark location making public-transit or short-drive access practical.
View event details →Friday evenings at Millcreek Common provide a casual neighborhood outing close to Whittier, with farm products, prepared food, and locally made goods. The market’s fall schedule is ideal for grabbing dinner, browsing vendors, and enjoying an autumn community atmosphere without traveling far from central Salt Lake City.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Whittier
Local characteristics and demographics for Whittier
