Downtown green: Eco-friendly housing projects becoming an urban trend

Building green isn't cheap, however, usually costing about 20 percent more than typical construction.

"People that live downtown really want to live downtown, and they find a way to make it work," said LouAnn Lakis, a sales agent with real estate brokerage Urban Utah.

Lakis said urban dwellers tend to enjoy a less complicated lifestyle that doesn't include long commutes or lots of yard work. She added they are willing to sacrifice some of the amenities of suburban living such as larger homes and bigger lots for the simplicity of city life that allows them to enjoy the attributes of an active urban community.

Wiese said as more businesses relocate to Salt Lake City, they bring new workers who often want to live near where they work, as they have in many big cities around the nation.

"They're bringing in people who are coming from urban areas and who are used to living in an urban environment," she said. "We also are seeing a lot of baby boomers and empty nesters who don't want to take care of their house anymore, who want to travel, and a condominium is great because they know when they're gone, their place is safe and their lawn won't be overgrown" when they return.

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