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The stark beauty of the desert in southwest Utah
is mesmerizing. One minute it is ablaze in golds, reds
and yellows and the next changes to a patchwork of blues and
purples. In an endless shimmering sky, puffy clouds
cross the sun and create dancing shadows over the landscape.
It is in this spectacular setting that you will find the oasis of St. George,
a booming community that beckons to golf enthusiasts, hot, dry
weather devotees, artists, professionals and seniors from across
the country. Located about six miles north of the Arizona
border and roughly 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the community
has seen rapid growth in the last ten years, and today
retirees make up 30% of its population. With an overall population of
50,000 (130,000 in the county), the city is small enough to have a hometown feel, yet
large enough to offer a variety of amenities.
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This being Utah, the Mormon Church has had a
history and an influence in St. George (and still
does). Brigham Young built a summer home, now a
museum, here (he was essentially the area's first
"snowbird"), and the gleaming white St. George
Temple, built in 1877, is hard to miss. Today, all
religious denominations are represented, but a lingering
effect of the Mormon influence is that there are no bars,
and restaurants do not serve liquor. This is clean
living country (although Vegas is not far off if it gets too
clean). And St. George is safe. The crime rate
is well below the national average; 95% of crimes are
non-violent.
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Golf is a way of life in this desert community,
and there are courses for every kind of player. Eight
of the ten golf courses are within 15 minutes of each other.
These patches of deep green intertwine with red sandstone cliffs,
making for a gorgeous mosaic. Sunbrook Golf Course has
recently been named as Utah's best.
Climate in St. George, Utah
This area is semi-arid and receives about eight
inches of rain a year, usually arriving during two "rainy
seasons," one in early spring and the other in late
summer. Temperatures in July and August can reach 100
degrees or more but with little humidity. Evenings cool off
considerably, usually dipping into the 60s and 70s. Winters
are mild, with daytime temperatures averaging in the
mid-50s. The sun shines 300 days of the year.
Cost-of-Living In St. George, Utah
When housing, utilities, transportation and food
are considered, St. George rates a 105, with 100 being the
national cost-of-living average. St. George has been
"discovered" and is no longer a sleepy village. It
is the second-fastest growing city in the U.S., and prices,
particularly real estate prices, are starting to reflect that,
although they are still lower than many other golfing
communities. Property tax is $11.92 per $1,000 valuation,
with real estate assessed at 55% of market value.
Real Estate in St. George, Utah
Housing is an interesting mix of the old, pioneer
homes in town and the sprawling, southwestern-style developments
popping up. Real estate prices are climbing as the area
grows, and they are above the national average.
The average
cost for a single family home with four bedrooms, two baths, 2,400
square feet is roughly $310,000. Two bedroom condominiums
average $199,000. New planned communities include The Golf
Club of Sand Hollow, Red Hawk and Knoll Pasture.
SunRiver St. George is an active adult
retirement development located south of town that boasts a
beautiful community center built around an 18-hole golf
course. Assisted living facilities include Atria St.
George, The Meadows, Legacy House and Sterling Court.
There is also a significant RV retiree population
in and around town.
St.
George, Utah Continued....
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