Locals + Culture

Soul of a City: Embracing Salt Lake's Spirit Through the Eyes of a Newcomer

10/10/2024 | Rachael LePrey
Lauren Kerr

Every city, like every person, has its unique rhythm and charm.

Just as relationships take time to grow, so too does the connection with a new place. Madeline Hale, a Pilates instructor and new resident of Salt Lake City, beautifully captures this journey of discovery. Originally from Austin, Texas—a city she describes as “feminine” and a “water city”—Madeline’s move to Salt Lake has been a profound challenge. Transitioning from the nurturing embrace of Austin to the rugged, ambitious “masculine” landscape of Salt Lake City has taught her that sometimes, the most unexpected places hold the greatest opportunities for connection and belonging.

Salt Lake City can feel a bit hard to crack open at first. Madeline calls it a “backyard city”—a place where much of its magic happens behind the scenes, in private spaces or hidden pockets of community. This resonates with my own experience moving here from San Francisco. The city didn’t immediately feel welcoming. I found myself navigating a cultural landscape that seemed divided between its deep-rooted traditions and a growing counterculture. As someone who doesn’t easily fit into defined boxes, I felt caught between these two extremes, wondering where my place was in this evolving city.

But something profound is happening in Salt Lake City; something that’s both beautiful and full of promise. The city is growing, and with it, a middle ground is emerging—where tradition and counterculture blend in ways that foster creativity, diversity, and community. Salt Lake’s evolution, while subtle, is powerful. The energy is shifting, becoming a place where individuals who might not fit into any one mold can find their space.

Madeline’s experience reflects this shift. While she initially felt out of place in a city driven by outdoor pursuits and fast-paced ambition, she discovered that by building the community she wanted to be a part of, she began to see Salt Lake’s true soul. Whether through teaching pilates, connecting with neighbors, or finding favorite spots around town, she realized that Salt Lake’s magic lies in the relationships we create and I agree with her. The city may not have the immediate, walkable warmth of other places, but for those willing to engage and connect, Salt Lake offers a deep, welcoming spirit that’s as diverse as its growing population.

This idea of building community—rather than waiting to find it—is key.

Salt Lake’s evolution is fueled by people who actively shape its future, creating spaces for art, expression, and inclusivity. The city’s growing diversity, both in thought and culture, is setting the stage for a future where individualism is celebrated, and connections are made in unexpected places. The beauty of Salt Lake’s transformation lies in the way it’s becoming a city where you don’t have to fit into a specific box. Instead, you can create your own path and find others who share your values and passions.

And just as the city is evolving, the soul of businesses within it plays a vital role. Companies like cityhomeCOLLECTIVE, Mamei Pilates and more, embody this spirit by building businesses that reflect the soul of the city and its people. It’s not just about commerce—it’s about crafting spaces that honor the landscape, foster connection, and integrate seamlessly into the communities they serve. The driving energy behind businesses that capture “Soul” is vital, ensuring that the pulse of the city resonates through every project, every connection, and every relationship formed. How can we creatively and individually all help this growing city evolve with soul in the community and our businesses? Be vulnerable with how you show up in your spaces, show your heart, show your mind, speak up, listen, hear, wear your heart on your sleeve, lead with love, be you.

The cities that grow from countercultural movements often become the most progressive and art-filled places, and Salt Lake City is no different. It’s in the midst of this quiet transformation that we find the city’s true spirit—one that is rooted in tradition and open to new possibilities. Madeline’s story reminds us that the beauty of a city isn’t just in its landscape, but in the connections we build, the community we create, and the way we engage with its evolving soul. It’s in understanding where you’re at, understanding that balance is needed. If you live in the rigid masculine mountains maybe we needed to include the feminine in our everyday life, to balance that polarity.

cityhomeCOLLECTIVE understands that finding a home is about more than just a house—it’s about finding a space where you can connect, create, and thrive in a growing, evolving community. Let us help you find your place in Salt Lake City’s beautiful transformation, as we build businesses and homes that reflect the soul of the city, its people, and its landscape.