I just moved here recently and adjusting a little bit to the culture shock coming from NYC. What are some of your favorite spots or top things you think I should do to help with the transition? Bonus points if it helps me meet people

Welcome! The culture shock will likely last a while and will get you from time to time even if you've lived here for years. A few things:

1) With respect to Deputy General Council's suggestion, I very much would not encourage you to seek out LDS churches as the means to meet people unless you want to become involved in that church (often referred to as "THE church" in Utah). Even if you make your intentions clear, you will have at least one people try to convert you at some point even if you've made it clear that you do not want to join. If you are LDS or interested in joining, it can be an excellent place to meet people especially the singles ward as a younger adult.

2) I echo Meetup being a good place to meet people. There are some that especially attract transplants such as Young Professionals SLC and the hiking groups.

3) If you identify a female, the Junior League of Salt Lake is a great way to meet great women, have fun, and give back to the community. It's super low key, and unlike NYC, isn't difficult to get into.

4) Beehive Sports is a great way to meet people if you're into team sports (softball, volleyball, corn hole, dodgeball, kickball, darts, etc.). I haven't done it yet, but have a lot of friends who continue to have a great experience and make close friends.

5) If you are interested in trying to ski/ board, look into getting an IKON or EPIC pass. They will stop selling them very soon. Even if you're only going to go a few days, it's usually more cost effective to get one. IKON will allow you to go multiple places near SLC vs EPIC is only Park City. If you go to Park City, I'd suggest avoiding the Park City side and stick to the Canyons side when it's super busy.

6) As mentioned, classes can be great too. This doesn't need to be limited to the University's continued Ed classes. There are cooking classes, ceramics classes, climbing, etc.

7) If you're into climbing or open to trying it, climbing gyms are a popular place to meet people.

8) check out other events and networking groups such as the Black Chamber of Commerce. I've met a lot of great people there. They have a First Friday event monthly. You don't need to be a member (or black) to attend.

I've heard from friends who have moved from out of state as adults/ young adults that it can feel a bit cliquey. I think it's just harder to make friends as you get older especially in cities it's transient. Don't let that discourage you. Be persistent with people and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. People here tend to be very kind up front despite the varying degrees of sincerity.

P.S. Deseret Book and Seagull Boook aren't normal bookstores. They're LDS/ religious bookstores. 😂

Ski season will start soon, so I’d get the Ikon pass and check out the local resorts that are covered. I’d there were enough interest on this bowl, I could arrange some professional ski meetups.

The Front rock climbing gym and Momentum rock climbing gyms can be a cool place to work out and meet people.

There are actually some pretty good restaurants downtown: Takashi is very good sushi. Valters is very good Italian. Those two kind of are on their own plane but Copper Onion, SLC Eatery, Lola on 9th, Pago, White Horse Kitchen and HSL are all very good.

Depending on your age / interest level, the local church can be a way to meet people. The churches are all geographically organized so if you Google “LDS Chapel Finder” you could find the church that you would be assigned to. If you go to that, everyone there is going to live relatively close to you. If you’re not a member, it could be awkward and there may be some pressure to covert, etc. , but if you made it clear you were only there to meet people and didn’t plan to join, you could use that as a way to meet people near you.

There are also mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing groups. You could use the Mountain Bike Project, All Trails Project and Mountain Project website forums to look for meet ups.

There are also lots of yoga studios around that can be a good way to meet people.

What did you enjoy doing in New York?

If nothing else, Utah offers amazing outdoors experiences.

The U of U has continuing ed classes which can be a great way to meet people.

Facebook groups focused on something you’re interested in, with in-person meetups is another good way to go.

Ski and join The Front. If you want a younger/family vibe go to Brighton. Honestly going to be difficult to form real friendships without doing some sort of outdoor activity. Moved here 2 years ago and all of my friends I met skiing, just gotta give it time/reps of going to the same place. A nod to the guy you see every time turns into a what’s up. A what’s up turns into a convo. Repeated convo turns to friendship. I’d say close to 90% of my friends here have moved in the past 2-3 years — everyone is looking to meet new people

None… ever since i moved here my social life went down the tank LOL… 😂 there are bars that do quiz nights and stuff life dave and busters and a bar named sue in highland…

I’d echo DGC1 in that hobbies are the best way to meet people and experience SLC. Obviously skiing/biking/hiking/climbing are huge here but there is also plenty else to do and see.

Use the Meetup app. Stuff going on every week - easy way to get involved in a group and meet some friends with similar interests.

One more thing.. it really is "Small Lake City." This can be great in a lot of ways, but I'd be extra careful about not burning bridges. There's a much greater chance you'll cross paths with someone again here than in NYC.

Socially, Salt Lake City is difficult to tap into if you don’t already know people. Most people make friends from church, college, or high school. But once you’re in, it’s really easy to meet people.

Avoid the church. One thing not mentioned here is to hit the local breweries… there are many of them and some have very good beer and food. You wouldn’t think this to be true in Utah. DM me, happy to meet up or help introduce you to more people with similar interests.

If you did Yelp back in NYC, join the Yelp Elite group in SLC. The community manager puts on awesome events and great way to meet people.

Sushi: I personally think Takashi is overrated. Sapa is better. Also like Wasabi in Draper.

Desserts: Try out a cookie at Crave or Chip
Have a dirty soda from Fiiz or Swig

Burgers: Lucky 13, Patty Shack, In n Out

Brunch: Gormandise, Penny Ann’s

Tacos: Tacos Don Rafa stand by the old Sears on State St. That stand has been around 25 yrs and open 365 days a year. Tacos Lopez and Tacos Rey de Oros are my favs too.

Visit Salt Lake webpage should have a list of upcoming events.

SL County Library (various locations) and Salt Lake City Public Library have events there

Harmons Grocery has a list of cooking classes but they will be in different Harmon’s locations. (They have amazing selection of ready to go soups, sandwiches, sides, salads)

Good Things Utah on ABC 4 usually has list of events or ideas to do around the area.

Lots of martial arts, boxing, CrossFit, Zumba classes all over the place.

One upcoming event to attend is the Festival of Trees. The lights around Temple Square and Gallivan Center and candy ornament display in City Creek also good.

Ever tried to pole dancing at a fitness studio?

No, for real! Salt Lake is pretty tuned into the whole aerial arts scene- think Cirque du Soleil. Something to do with the proximity to Las Vegas, probably

Pole dance, pole based strength building, Lyra, aerial silks… Think of it like those gymnastics classes you used to take an elementary school, but for adults

Really big on the social interaction, with everyone encouraging each other and spotting each other, much like with rock climbing

Mostly women in the scene, that age typically ranges from post college, lots of people in their 20s, and then probably 30% of the women I meet there have kids at home (myself, i’m pregnant and still go to my pole studio!)

OP, feel free to send me a DM, I'd be happy to give you more info/ answer any questions etc., or meet for coffee. It isn't letting me DM you.