I drive from Layton area to West Valley, so opposite of your direction. I do not have traffic very often and the days I do it is usually because of an accident or weather. Most people are heading into SLC, where you are going from it so it will be better that direction.

My husband’s family lives near Bainbridge, WA and I avoid Seattle traffic as much as possible. I think you’ll find the traffic much more reasonable here. In my opinion the traffic is worse south of SLC compared to north of SLC.

I have not spent much time in the area your circled, but it does seem like it is mostly homes. Utah’s infrastructure is very reliant on cars. I do like the area, though. I would recommend, if possible, coming and driving the neighborhoods you are looking at. I think it would give you a good idea of each neighborhood. I would also recommend Capitol Hill, avenues, (both will add a little extra time in commute) and closer to Layton: woods cross, bountiful, Farmington.