Things to Do in Woods Cross, Utah

Woods Cross, Utah, is a charming suburb located just 20 minutes north of downtown Salt Lake City, offering a perfect blend of suburban comfort and easy access to urban amenities. Woods Cross provides an inviting environment for those seeking a welcoming community with plenty of outdoor activities and local attractions. This article explores the top things to do in Woods Cross, highlighting its parks, trails, community vibe, and proximity to entertainment and nature.

Explore the Abundance of Parks

One of the standout features of Woods Cross is its impressive array of parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and family gatherings. Among these, Hogan Park stands out as a local favorite. This park is well-known for its excellent pickleball courts, which are consistently bustling with players of all skill levels. Pickleball enthusiasts will find six well-maintained courts that cater to both casual players and competitive matches, making it a hub for active recreation in the community.

Beyond pickleball, Hogan Park offers basketball courts where residents can shoot hoops and enjoy friendly games. For those who appreciate America's pastime, the park maintains well-groomed baseball fields suitable for team practices and exciting games. The park is thoughtfully designed with plenty of benches and shaded seating areas, allowing visitors to relax and watch the action unfold.

Families will appreciate the large grassy areas ideal for picnics, recreational activities, or simply enjoying a sunny day outdoors. These open spaces encourage community interaction and provide a safe and welcoming environment for children and pets to play.

Enjoy Scenic Trails for Biking, Running, and Walking

Woods Cross offers excellent access to outdoor trails that appeal to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The Legacy Parkway Trail is a 14-mile recreational path that winds through scenic landscapes, bordering the west side of Woods Cross and linking to neighboring communities. This trail is perfect for biking, inline skating, running, or leisurely walks, providing a smooth and well-maintained surface suitable for all skill levels.

The trail stretches from Redbarn Lane in Farmington to the Jordan River Parkway Trail near Interstate 15 in North Salt Lake, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban surroundings. It is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enjoy the trail's offerings.

In addition to the Legacy Parkway Trail, Woods Cross features numerous smaller parks and trails scattered throughout the neighborhoods, making it easy for residents to find a nearby spot for daily exercise or weekend adventures. These trails and green spaces also serve as social hubs where neighbors meet, fostering a close-knit community spirit.

Experience the Welcoming Community Atmosphere

Woods Cross is known for its small-town charm and friendly residents. Visitors and newcomers often remark on the warm greetings and smiles encountered throughout the city. This welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to build friendships and feel a sense of belonging quickly.

The community is deeply rooted in family values, with many households consisting of young families and children. This focus on family is reflected in the local events, community programs, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. Although Woods Cross is a smaller suburb with limited restaurants and shopping options, its proximity to larger commercial centers allows residents to enjoy a peaceful suburban life without sacrificing convenience.

Whether spending time at a local park, attending community events, or simply walking the neighborhood streets, residents of Woods Cross enjoy a close-knit environment that feels like home.

Visit Excellent Local Schools and Educational Facilities

Education is a priority in Woods Cross, and the city is home to several highly regarded schools. Davis County, where Woods Cross is located, ranks fifth out of 185 counties in educational quality, reflecting the community’s commitment to learning.

A notable institution in the area is Legacy Preparatory Academy, a charter school that serves both elementary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and junior high (seventh through ninth grade) students. Known for its low teacher-to-student ratio, admission to Legacy Preparatory Academy is lottery-based. The school emphasizes the arts, offering exceptional programs in dance, theater, music, and visual arts.

Another important educational facility is Odyssey Elementary School, which offers a popular French immersion program and is recognized for its innovative design as a LEED Gold certified building. This certification highlights the school’s commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient practices, providing an environmentally friendly learning environment for students.

Junior high students who do not attend Legacy Preparatory Academy are typically bused to Mill Creek Junior High in neighboring Bountiful. Woods Cross High School serves local high school students and offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including numerous sports such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, and wrestling. The school’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) program prepares students for various career paths with courses in agriculture, business, marketing, health science, information technology, and engineering.

Take Advantage of Proximity to Salt Lake City and Outdoor Adventures

One of Woods Cross’s biggest advantages is its location. Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, residents enjoy easy access to the city’s wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This proximity allows for a balanced lifestyle where suburban tranquility meets urban excitement.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Woods Cross is ideally situated near some of Utah’s best recreational areas. During winter, nearby mountains offer world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. In warmer months, residents can explore various lakes for kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. The surrounding Wasatch Front provides extensive hiking and biking trails, offering fresh mountain air and stunning scenery year-round.

This combination of city convenience and outdoor accessibility makes Woods Cross a well-rounded community for those who value both lifestyle and adventure.

Considerations When Living in Woods Cross

While Woods Cross has many attractive features, there are a few factors potential residents should consider. Most homes in the area were built in the 1980s and 1990s, with only a few neighborhoods featuring newer construction from the 2000s. The limited new housing stock means that options can be competitive, especially for first-time buyers.

Housing prices in Utah, including Woods Cross, have risen significantly, making affordability a challenge for some. Utah currently ranks eighth among the highest home markets nationwide, which can make purchasing a home more difficult without expert guidance and careful planning.

Air quality is another concern, particularly for those with asthma or allergies. Due to the surrounding mountains, air pollutants can become trapped in the valley, leading to occasional poor air quality days. Local refineries in nearby North Salt Lake also contribute to this issue. Fortunately, storms often help clear the air, but residents sensitive to air quality should be prepared for seasonal fluctuations.

The weather in Woods Cross experiences extremes, with hot summers and cold winters. While this allows for a full range of outdoor activities, some may find the temperature swings challenging. Lastly, Woods Cross has limited nightlife options, so those seeking vibrant evening entertainment will need to travel to Salt Lake City or other nearby cities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Woods Cross, Utah

What kind of outdoor activities are popular in Woods Cross?

Residents enjoy pickleball, basketball, baseball, biking, running, walking, and inline skating, especially on the Legacy Parkway Trail and in local parks like Hogan Park.

How are the schools in Woods Cross?

Woods Cross offers excellent educational opportunities, including Legacy Preparatory Academy with its arts focus and Odyssey Elementary with a French immersion program. Junior high and high school students attend well-regarded schools in Woods Cross and neighboring Bountiful.

Is Woods Cross a good place for families?

Yes, Woods Cross has a family-friendly atmosphere with a close-knit community, plenty of parks, and schools focused on quality education, making it ideal for raising children.

How far is Woods Cross from Salt Lake City?

Woods Cross is approximately 20 minutes north of downtown Salt Lake City, making it convenient for commuting and accessing city amenities.

Are there new homes available in Woods Cross?

New construction is limited in Woods Cross, with most homes built in the 1980s and 1990s. Some neighborhoods west of Redwood Road have newer homes from the 2000s.

Conclusion

Woods Cross, Utah, offers a unique combination of small-town charm, family-oriented living, and access to both urban and outdoor recreational opportunities. Its abundance of parks, extensive trail system, welcoming community, and strong educational institutions make it a desirable place for many residents. While there are challenges such as limited new housing, rising prices, and air quality considerations, the overall lifestyle benefits make Woods Cross a compelling choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a balanced suburban experience near Salt Lake City.

For those interested in exploring real estate opportunities in Woods Cross and throughout Utah, resources such as Best Utah Real Estate provide comprehensive listings and expert guidance to help find the perfect home in this thriving region.