Drive through almost any established Utah neighborhood and you will see split-level homes. They are one of the most common architectural styles along the Wasatch Front, built in large numbers during the 1970s and 1980s when suburban development was expanding rapidly. Understanding how these homes work can help you decide if one is right for you.
What is a Split-Level?
A split-level home has staggered floor levels, typically with a short staircase separating each section. The most common layout features three levels: a lower level (often partially below grade) with a family room or additional bedrooms, a main level with the kitchen, living room, and primary bedroom, and an upper level with additional bedrooms and a bathroom. The front entry usually lands between two levels, with stairs going both up and down.
This design was a practical response to Utah's hilly terrain. By stepping the floors with the grade of the land, builders could create more living space on a narrower lot without requiring a full basement excavation or a towering two-story facade.
Why Buyers Like Them
Split-levels offer natural separation between living zones. The kitchen and living areas on the main level stay connected for everyday life, while the lower level provides a secondary space for a family room, home office, or guest area. This built-in zoning appeals to families who want open common areas but also need private spaces.
They also tend to be more affordable per square foot than comparable two-story or ranch-style homes in the same neighborhood. The efficient use of the lot means you get more interior space without paying for a larger footprint.
Things to Consider
The stairs are both the defining feature and the main consideration. For buyers with mobility concerns or plans to age in place, the multiple half-flights can be a challenge. On the other hand, the lower level of a split-level often walks out to the backyard on grade, which can provide accessible living space on one floor.
Older split-levels may have smaller windows on the lower level and less natural light in the downstairs areas. Updated homes often address this with larger window wells, sliding glass doors to the backyard, or recessed lighting improvements.
A Staple of Utah's Suburban Landscape
In communities like West Jordan, Sandy, Murray, and Draper, split-levels make up a significant portion of the housing stock. They were built to serve the growing families of Utah's tech and finance boom, and they continue to offer solid value and functional layouts for today's buyers. When you see a split-level with updated kitchens, hardwood floors, and a fenced backyard, you are looking at a home that was designed to work well and has held up over time.
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