The picturesque community of St. George, UT is located in the southeastern corner of the state bordering Nevada.
A strong economy, affordability, and a love for the great outdoors make this city a popular place to call home.
The city’s populace of 108,000+ is a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees from all parts of the country.
If you decide to move to this area, you’ll be in good company.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before making a move to St. George.
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Pros of Living in St. George, UT
The last few years have seen a steady rise in Utah’s populace,
St. George is a popular destination for many of the state’s newcomers.
Here are a few reasons why this city is so attractive:
1. Low Crime Rate
Utah as a whole is considered a safe place to live and St. George follows suit.
The city has a lower crime rate than other comparable cities in the country.
Violent crime is not much of an issue in St. George and property crime is lower than the national average.
Auto theft and burglary are the most common types of criminal activity in the city.
Overall, the city is one of the safest in the state and country.
2. Exceptional Schools
Schools in St. George are among the best in the state.
The area is home to 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 5 high schools, and three colleges.
St. George schools serve about 1,500 students each, with a teacher-student ratio of 21: 1.
High test scores and graduation rates are evidence of their academic quality.
Dixie State University, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University are some of the nearby colleges.
3. Affordability
Affordability is one of the city’s main attractions.
Although housing costs can be high, other expenses are reasonably priced to balance out the high housing costs.
Grocery, utilities, and transport costs are at or below the national average.
Overall, the city has a cost-of-living index of 88.3, compared to a 100.0 national average.
By saving on other major expenses, you can afford to pay a bit more for housing.
4. Booming Economy
Economically, St. George has done well in recovering from the pandemic.
The job market is steadily growing, and the unemployment rate is dropping.
Much of the city’s economic progress can be attributed to the thriving tourism industry.
The relocation of other businesses and tech startups is also a boon to the economy.
Dixie Regional Medical Center, Sunroc Building Materials, and SkyWest Airlines are some major employers.
5. Nature and Outdoor Activities
St. George is known for its rugged cliff, canyon, and desert terrain, and picturesque landscapes.
It’s a virtual paradise for those who love nature and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
Zion National Park is a hotspot for hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Or you can camp, fish, and view the exotic wildlife at Snow Canyon State Park.
6. Year-Round Temperate Climate
St. George is typically warmer than other parts of Utah due to its proximity to the Mojave Desert.
Summers are hot, winters are mild and spring and fall weather is cool and comfortable.
In winter, temperatures rarely fall below freezing, so you can still spend time outdoors.
There are days in summer when temperatures top 100 degrees F and you have to hide in your AC home.
For the most part, the climate is pleasant enough to enjoy year-round.
7. Convenient Location
St. George’s location puts it within easy reach of major cities in other states.
The Las Vegas casino nightlife is but a two-hour drive away.
Salt Lake City is only a 4-hour drive away for a day of fine dining and shopping.
A weekend beach trip or visit to Disneyland in southern California is but a 6-hour car ride away.
St. George Regional Airport is easily accessible for national or international travel.
8. Friendly Community
St. George is known for being a warm and welcoming environment.
It’s a place where you can make friends and get along with others.
Retirees can live around pleasant people who share many of their interests and values.
Families can live in safe and supportive neighborhoods where people watch out for one another.
The tight-knit, friendly atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
Cons of Living in St. George, UT
Alongside the good, St. George has some negative aspects you should consider before making it your new home.
These include:
1. Low Paying Jobs
Although St. George enjoys a thriving economy, there are few high-paying jobs.
If you work in the medical or legal field, you can look forward to a good salary.
Those who work remotely or have good retirement income will also get by.
Otherwise, you may have a hard time financially due to earning a low salary.
Utah’s minimum wage is less than $8.00.
The mean salary in St. George is around $22,200 annually.
2. Few Entertainment Options
St. George has limited amenities in the way of entertainment, nightlife, or cultural attractions.
The nearest city for a night on the town or cultural entertainment is 2 hours away in Las Vegas.
There are few options in St. George for high-end dining, shopping, or performing arts.
The surrounding towns are small and equally limited in what they have to offer.
Young people may find life in this sleepy town a bit dull.
3. High Housing Costs
St. George has grown exponentially in the years after Covid.
Many of the city’s new residents are from other parts of the country.
Wealthy out-of-staters are willing to pay more for residential properties, which keeps driving home prices higher.
In 2021, the average price of a home in the city was around $500,000.
As more people flock to the area, there’s little expectation of home prices dropping.
4. Strange Alcohol Laws
Utah is a Mormon country with its own set of morals and norms.
As a result, many of Utah’s cities have restrictive laws for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Many grocery stores aren’t allowed to sell beer containing more than 5% alcohol.
Stronger beer can only be sold in state-operated liquor stores.
Some restaurants will only serve alcohol with a food order.
In some places, alcohol can only be bought within certain hours or on certain days.
If you’re not Mormon, these restrictions can encroach upon your lifestyle.
5. Tourists
St. George is a popular hotspot for tourists from all over the country.
The gorgeous parks, red cliffs, and rugged countryside are perfect for outdoor fun and recreation.
During summer, the city fills with people, crowding restaurants and hotels and causing food prices to skyrocket.
St. George is also a favored stopping point for truck drivers and people traveling cross-country.
These single-day visitors further add to the congestion in the area.
6. Dangerous Wildlife
Unlike cities with high humidity, St. George doesn’t have a big mosquito, flies, or tick problem.
There are, however, nasty creatures like tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes to look out for.
Scorpions and poisonous spiders can creep into your home, terrorizing your family.
You’ll need to invest in pest control services to protect your property.
Rattlesnakes are also common in St. George and their bite can be fatal.
These are risks you should be aware of before moving to this region.
7. Nuclear Fallout
In the 1950s, nuclear bombs were tested in the desert region close to St. George.
The fallout was felt for years to come.
Livestock died and over the years, people got sick and died due to being exposed to radiation.
About 60,000 people were impacted by radiation exposure, many of whom developed cancer.
8. Large Population of Mormons
Approximately 70% of the population of St. George are Mormons.
The religious influence of the Church of Latter-Day Saints is very strong in this region.
Many of the city’s laws, cultural norms, and policies follow church traditions.
If you’re not a member of the LDS church, you may find living among so many Mormons uncomfortable.
Pros and Cons of Living in St. George, UT – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in St. George, UT | Cons of Living in St. George, UT |
|---|---|
| 1. Low Crime Rate | 1. Low Paying Jobs |
| 2. Exceptional Schools | 2. Few Entertainment Options |
| 3. Affordability | 3. High Housing Costs |
| 4. Booming Economy | 4. Strange Alcohol Laws |
| 5. Nature and Outdoor Activities | 5. Tourists |
| 6. Year-Round Temperate Climate | 6. Dangerous Wildlife |
| 7. Convenient Location | 7. Nuclear Fallout |
| 8. Friendly Community | 8. Large Population of Mormons |
St. George Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: St. George Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. George a good place to raise a family?
St. George is considered by many a safe, family-oriented community.
The city has beautiful parks and playgrounds where kids can play and enjoy family fun.
The public school system is top-notch, and the people are welcoming and supportive.
Is St. George a good place to retire?
Seniors will find St. George a great place to retire.
The city is safe to live in and enjoys a temperate climate year-round.
Seniors will be able to spend a great deal of time outdoors golfing, walking, biking, and exploring.
Add affordability and beautiful surroundings to the mix, and you can see why it’s a great place to retire.
What’s the local economy like in St. George, UT?
Currently, the economy in St. George is booming with new companies moving to the region annually.
Some of the most important industries are healthcare, retail trade, tourism, education, and construction.
Job growth for the future is promising.
Are taxes high in St. George, UT?
The combined state and local tax rate in St. George is 6.75%, slightly higher than the U.S. average.
Property taxes are roughly 1% of your home value, minus 45% if your home is your primary residence.
Some retirees may also have their Social Security benefits taxed as part of their taxable income.
Is crime a problem in St. George?
St. George, like many cities in Utah, enjoys a low crime rate.
Both property and violent crime are lower than the national average.
It’s one of the safest places to live in the country.
