Welcome to Southern Utah
St. George is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States, and for good reason. Nestled among stunning red rock formations with 300+ days of sunshine, proximity to five national parks, a growing economy, and a tight-knit community, it's attracting families, retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs from across the country. This guide covers everything you need to know about making Southern Utah your home.
St. George at a Glance
Neighborhoods & Communities
Each area has its own personality and price point. Here's what to expect.
Downtown St. George
Walkable & CulturalHistoric charm, restaurants, galleries, and town square events. Walking distance to shops, dining, and the Dinosaur Discovery Site. Mix of historic homes and newer condos.
SunRiver
Active Adult CommunityPremier 55+ community with golf course, clubhouse, pools, pickleball courts, and organized social activities. Resort-style living with mountain views.
Washington
Family-Friendly SuburbExcellent schools in Washington County School District. Newer construction, parks, shopping centers, and family neighborhoods. Quick access to I-15.
Ivins
Luxury & NatureAdjacent to Snow Canyon State Park. Home to Tuacahn, Entrada, and Red Mountain Resort. Stunning red rock views and high-end custom homes.
Hurricane
Affordable & GrowingMore affordable option 20 minutes from St. George. Closest city to Sand Hollow and Zion. Rapidly developing with new retail, restaurants, and housing.
Santa Clara
Quiet & ScenicSmall-town feel with Swiss heritage. Close to Snow Canyon and Ivins amenities. Agricultural roots with newer residential development.
Cedar City
College TownHome to Southern Utah University and the Shakespeare Festival. Cooler temperatures at 5,800 feet elevation. More affordable housing and a distinct cultural identity.
Leeds / LaVerkin
Rural & AffordableSmall communities between St. George and Zion. Very affordable with a rural feel. Close to outdoor recreation and national park access.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Housing
Median home ~$450K. Rentals: 1BR $1,100-$1,400, 2BR $1,300-$1,800, 3BR $1,600-$2,200. Higher than national average but lower than Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
Utilities
Electric $120-$200/mo (higher in summer for AC). Water $40-$70/mo. Natural gas $30-$60/mo winter. Internet $50-$80/mo from local providers.
Groceries
Near national average. Walmart, Smith's (Kroger), Costco, WinCo Foods, and local markets available. Fresh produce year-round at farmers markets.
Transportation
Car-dependent city with limited public transit. Gas prices slightly above national average. SunTran bus system covers major routes. Most commutes under 20 minutes.
Healthcare
Intermountain Healthcare St. George Hospital is the regional hub. Growing specialist network. Health insurance costs comparable to Utah average. Multiple urgent care options.
Taxes
Utah state income tax: 4.65% flat rate. Sales tax: ~6.75% in Washington County. Property tax: relatively low at ~0.55% of assessed value. No inheritance or estate tax.
Year-Round Weather
Wildflower season. Perfect hiking weather. Light winds.
Very hot & dry. Early AM & evening outdoor time. Monsoon season.
Ideal weather. Clear skies. Peak tourist season for parks.
Mild & sunny. Occasional light snow melts quickly. Snowbird season.
Essential Services for New Residents
Moving to St. George: FAQ
Is St. George Utah a good place to live?
St. George is consistently ranked among America's best places to live and retire. With 300+ sunny days per year, proximity to 5 national parks, a growing economy, excellent healthcare at Intermountain Hospital, and a safe community, it attracts families, retirees, and remote workers. The main trade-offs are hot summers (100-115°F) and a car-dependent layout. The population has doubled in 20 years, making it one of the fastest-growing metros in the US.
What is the cost of living in St. George Utah?
St. George's cost of living is moderate compared to other Western cities. Median home prices hover around $450K (lower than Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or Phoenix). Rentals range from $1,100-$2,200 depending on size. Utah has a 4.65% flat income tax and relatively low property taxes (~0.55%). Groceries and utilities are near national average, though summer electric bills can be higher due to AC. Overall, it is more affordable than most comparable Sun Belt cities.
What are the best neighborhoods in St. George Utah?
Top neighborhoods include: Downtown St. George for walkability and culture; SunRiver for active adult/55+ living with golf and amenities; Washington for families with excellent schools; Ivins for luxury homes near Snow Canyon; Hurricane for more affordable options near Zion; and Cedar City for a college-town feel with cooler temperatures. Each area has distinct character and price points ranging from $275K to $2M+.
What jobs are available in St. George Utah?
Major employers include Intermountain Healthcare, Washington County School District, Dixie Technical College, Utah Tech University, SkyWest Airlines, and the construction/real estate sector fueled by ongoing growth. The remote work revolution has brought many tech and professional workers to the area. Growing sectors include healthcare, education, tourism/hospitality, construction, retail, and professional services. The unemployment rate is consistently below the national average.
What are the schools like in St. George Utah?
Washington County School District serves the area with generally well-regarded public schools. Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State) offers four-year degrees. Dixie Technical College provides vocational training. Several charter schools and private schools offer alternatives. Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University. School quality varies by specific school and neighborhood, so researching individual school ratings is recommended.
What is the weather like in St. George Utah year round?
St. George has a hot desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summer (June-August): very hot, 100-115°F with low humidity. Fall (Sept-Nov): pleasant, 70-90°F, ideal weather. Winter (Dec-Feb): mild, 50-65°F days, occasional light snow that melts quickly. Spring (March-May): warm, 65-85°F, wildflower season. The city averages 300+ sunny days per year and receives less than 10 inches of annual rainfall.
Explore Your New Community
Get to know Southern Utah before and after your move
Moving to St. George Utah: The Complete Relocation Guide
St. George, Utah has emerged as one of America's most desirable relocation destinations, consistently ranking among the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation. Located in Utah's southwest corner at the junction of the Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau, the city offers a unique combination of year-round sunshine (300+ days), proximity to five national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Arches), a growing economy, and a strong sense of community. The population has more than doubled in 20 years, driven by retirees, remote workers, families seeking outdoor lifestyles, and entrepreneurs attracted to Utah's business-friendly environment.
The cost of living in St. George is moderate by Western standards. Median home prices hover around $450K—significantly less than comparable Sun Belt cities like Scottsdale, Boise, or coastal California. Utah's flat 4.65% income tax, low property taxes (~0.55%), and no inheritance tax make it financially attractive for retirees. The local economy is anchored by Intermountain Healthcare, Washington County School District, Utah Tech University, SkyWest Airlines, and a booming construction sector. Remote work has accelerated growth as professionals discover they can earn big-city salaries while living in a community surrounded by red rocks and national parks. New residents should be aware of the intense summer heat (100-115°F June-August), the car-dependent layout, and Utah's unique alcohol regulations. However, most relocators find that the sunshine, outdoor recreation, safety, and quality of life far outweigh any drawbacks.
Essential Services for New Residents:
- •Real estate: Agents specializing in relocation, new construction, luxury homes, 55+ communities
- •Home services: HVAC installation (essential for summer), plumbing, electrical, landscaping
- •Healthcare: Intermountain Hospital, urgent care, dental, specialists, mental health
- •Schools: Washington County School District, charter schools, Utah Tech University, SUU
- •Financial: Banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, financial advisors, insurance
- •Utilities: City of St. George utilities, internet providers, solar installation
- •Automotive: Registration/DMV, auto repair, detailing, insurance
- •Community: Chamber of Commerce, volunteer organizations, social groups, churches
Communities by Area:
- •St. George - Metro hub, downtown culture, shopping, dining, hospital, university
- •Washington - Family-friendly suburbs, excellent schools, newer construction, I-15 access
- •Ivins - Luxury living near Snow Canyon, Tuacahn, Entrada, Red Mountain Resort
- •Hurricane - Affordable housing, Sand Hollow access, Zion gateway, rapid growth
- •Cedar City - College town, cooler climate, Shakespeare Festival, affordable housing
- •Santa Clara - Quiet community, Swiss heritage, Snow Canyon access
