Sunset

Sunset offers young families with modest budgets the opportunity to own homes and older couples looking to downsize a quiet city to settle into. This residential suburb of 5,400 may be Davis County’s smallest city, but people looking for homes within a lower price range and easy access to amenities outside their community see Sunset as their perfect fit. “Homes in Sunset are dated but functional,” says Associate Broker Sloane Peterson of Ridgeline Realty. “The bones are good. Most homes have only had one owner who took care of it and just didn’t update it. Over time, new owners will revitalize their houses and make more money off them when they save and search for a bigger home.”

While many move to Northern Utah in search of big houses with acreage that cost less than neighborhoods closer to Salt Lake City, like Farmington, most families here don’t have $650,000 to spend, and their main concern isn’t more space; they simply want to own their home.

With a median home price of $352,000, it’s easy to understand why 69 percent of Sunset residents are homeowners. Mid-Century Modern ramblers built between 1950 and 1960 account for most properties. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and outside, broad mature trees create a cozy feeling and provide shady spots over your front steps and sidewalk. $425,000 includes between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet with driveways that fit up to two vehicles: store lawnmowers and power tools in your shed out back. Sunset’s most expensive homes peak at $460,000, stretch across 2,800 square feet and feature finished basements instead of slab-on-grade or crawl spaces. These higher-end homes commonly include updates like one-car garages that were originally carports and remodeled kitchens.

Townhomes built in 2018 are rare and cost $348,000. Park your car in a reserved space less than 10 feet from your front door and let Homeowners Associations tend to your garden and maintenance needs. Three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms fit within 1,300 square feet and sidewalks line your entire development.

Sunset Elementary School’s after-school program helps care for children in families with two working parents. Students are also invited to participate in the nationally recognized Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement Club and the Hope Squad, which focuses on mental wellness, anti-bullying and resilience. Your children can form close bonds with their peers and take advantage of smaller student-teacher ratios at Doxey Elementary, where less than 300 students attend; all students will eventually merge at Sunset Junior High.

Spread a blanket and watch your kids run through grassy soccer fields at Rachel Runyan Memorial Park. Green leaves sprout from every direction on tall, mature trees, providing relief during summer; temperatures consistently fluctuate between 95 and 100 degrees throughout July and August in Northern Utah. Fenced-in tennis courts will keep your ball from flying out of bounds, and a concrete basketball court is the perfect spot for a one-on-one game. Swirly and straight slides, monkey bars and two swings help small children release pent-up energy.

Neighbors love dining at local restaurants along Main Street, especially Ally’s Pizza. Alex Ermatinger named the family-run spot after his niece when Ally’s opened in 1990 and recently passed it down to his great-nephew. Ally’s is known for Alex’s original dough and sauce recipes, but kids love the pizza rolls and candy counter.

Pick up groceries from Smith’s, and swing by Don’s Meats on your way home. The Utah butchery prepares grass-fed Angus beef steaks from cows born and bred in Utah. You’ll have to drive elsewhere to find a downtown area to hang out at or shopping centers and malls. Head south on Interstate 15 and arrive at Layton Hills Mall in 11 miles, continue for three more and wind up at Station Park in Farmington or keep cruising; Salt Lake City is 30 miles from your front door. If you want to stay close to home, drive two miles west on 1800 North and run errands at big box retailers in Clinton like Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s and Ross.

Most Davis County suburbs continue experiencing rapid growth while Sunset remains the same – but residents don’t mind. Without Sunset, most families wouldn’t be able to own their homes – a sentiment no neighbor takes for granted.

Written By

Alexandra Sosik

Photography Contributed By

Marcel De Lima

Video By

Samantha Houtchens