Ok so you've decided you want to leave your home state and relocate somewhere, but you're not sure where. Why would you choose Southern Utah?
Zion Canyon
I could sit here and type all night coming up with reasons! I tried to keep it brief and give 10 good reasons, but I ended up with 11. So without further adieu, here are some of the reasons why I chose to move here...
1. Excellent Economy
St. George (and Utah as a whole) is in fact a major U.S. center for technology, mining, and transportation. These industries contribute greatly to the states excellent economy, thus helping it to be a fairly prosperous state. The state is consistently ranked in the top three in the nation for being business friendly by Forbes Magazine. Not only does Utah have a very pro-business climate but companies benefit from energy costs that are 29% below the national average. Utah’s economy has expanded at 2% a year over the past five years—currently fourth best in the U.S.
2. Scenery
St. George is one of the most beautiful and geographically diverse regions in the continental United States. Utah's five spectacular national parks stretch across the southern half of the state. Each park offers the traveler unique, world-class scenic vistas and geological phenomena. In fact, Utah's National Parks feature some of the most astonishing landscapes in the world. Only about 20 miles outside of Hurricane is Zion National Park, the oldest and most visited park which features towering monoliths and deep canyons. Bryce Canyon's trademark towers called "hoodoos" beckon photographers all year long, who hope to catch the park's one-of-a-kind geology in the perfect light.
Utah's National Monuments and National Recreation Areas vary in size and scope, from vast swaths of untamed lands, water recreation-centric destinations, and historic sites of national significance. Southern Utah has five national monuments: Cedar Breaks and the adventurous Grand Staircase-Escalante in the southwest; Rainbow Bridge, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep in the southeastern side of the state. Southeastern Utah is home to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, best known for Lake Powell - a gigantic reservoir set in a redrock landscape with countless side canyons. Here you will also find Monument Valley Tribal Park, with its panoramic scenery and Navajo history that has been featured in countless films.
Explore the Backcountry of Utah
3. Recreation
Utah’s amazing physical landscape lends itself to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find some of the best skiing, rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, white water rafting, dirt biking, Jeeping, and camping in the country. People travel great distances to play in St. George’s wild backyard, and if you choose to live in St. George, the backyard can be your home.
4. Breathtaking and Affordable Properties
St. George’s real estate incorporates some truly beautiful homes enhanced only by the incredible scenery. With a vast variety of homes at all price ranges, you are sure to find something that suits your unique and individual taste.
5. Educational Opportunities
Utah has always had a thriving public school system, and St. George is no exception. Also quite close to St. George you’ll find two college campuses. Southern Utah University and Dixie State University (now a satellite campus of the University of Utah) are nearby.
6. Quality of Life
Those who live in St. George are given the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The cost of living is less expensive than other cities throughout the nation, most salaries are higher than average, and most people find that the beautiful rugged outdoors help contribute to their emotional well-being as well as adding an additional level of fun in their daily life.
7. Climate
For many individuals, St. George’s climate is ideal. The four seasons are delightfully represented; though winters are milder in the south, the warm and dry summers make it even more attractive.
8. Investment
The amazing growth seen throughout the region has helped to stimulate the economy and make for a great investment. The growing tourist industry in St. George makes it a great vacation investment because as the area grows, so does the value of your property.
Over 12 Golf Courses Await You in St. George
9. Golf
St George is Utah's golf capital. Weather is mild during winter and so golf is enjoyable year-round. As a result, some of the best courses in the southwestern US can be found here. For example, Golf Digest recently ranked The Ledges Golf Course at number 5 for best new public golf courses with green fees of $75 and above.
10. Retirement
A good climate, potential for investments, and numberless amenities help to make St. George the perfect place to settle down and enjoy your golden years. The multiple retirement communities and neighborhoods make it even more appealing.
11. Continued Growth
All the excitement generated by St. George’s prosperous economy has established a fertile climate for development. Combine this with the need for continued growth and it is no wonder that new homes and business are being built at a steady rate. This continued growth has ensured that citizens are given more opportunities for remarkable amenities, social programs, and services.
Common Questions
Why move to St. George?
The reasons I keep coming back to are a strong, business friendly economy, incredible red rock scenery, easy access to national parks and monuments, and year round outdoor recreation.
What is nearby for outdoor recreation?
Southern Utah offers some of the best skiing, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and water recreation around, plus five national monuments and access to places like Zion and Lake Powell.