What should I know before retiring to St. George, Utah?
What should you know before retiring to St. George, Utah? You should know that the outdoors, the weather, and the way of life here are the big draws, that the summers are hot, and that choosing the right home, on one level, in the right part of Washington County, matters more than almost anything else. I'm Nate Shaw, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Ascend in St. George, Utah, and I help people moving to Washington County to retire find a home that fits the next chapter.
I've lived here for more than 45 years, and I absolutely love the outdoors. If you're thinking about making the move, here's what I'd tell a friend over the kitchen table.
Why do people retire to St. George?
If you like to hike, mountain bike, and explore the national and state parks so close to St. George, there's always something to keep you busy.
A few of the places people fall in love with:
- Snow Canyon State Park, right next to Ivins, with red rock, black lava fields, and trails for every level.
- Sand Hollow State Park, near Hurricane, for fishing, ATV and off-road riding, and long days at the lake.
- Zion National Park, within an easy day trip from St. George.
- Golf. There are great golf courses all over the area, including courses set against the red rock in Ivins.
- Tuacahn Amphitheatre, tucked into the red cliffs of Ivins. It's amazing for plays and concerts, and you'll never find a better setting.
The weather is amazing almost year-round. Even in the summer, you can get out early in the morning or in the evening and keep exploring.
What's the weather really like?
Summers are hot. Plan on stretches of triple-digit heat in the middle of summer. People who love it here adjust their days around it. They hike, golf, and run errands early, stay cool in the afternoon, and get back outside in the evening.
The rest of the year is why people come. Fall, winter, and spring are mild and sunny most days, which is a big change if you're coming from snow country.
If you've never spent a summer here, visit in July before you buy. If you still love it, you'll love the other ten months even more.
A lot of people also think about where they'll spend the hottest weeks. Some take a summer trip to see family. Others are happy to stay, keep the AC on, and enjoy early mornings on the trail or the golf course. Either way, it's worth deciding before you buy, because it changes what you want in a home, like a shaded patio, a pool, or a good spot for an evening walk.
Which town in Washington County should I look at?
Each community has its own feel. Here's a quick lay of the land, based on what each one offers:
- St. George is the heart of growth in the area. It's the hub for major medical care, shopping, and restaurants, with deep historic roots.
- Washington City has everything St. George has. It's a neighboring community, divided by a couple of streets, with great golf, the riverwalk trails, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to I-15.
- Ivins has some of the most incredible views in the area, with red rock cliffs, black lava fields, and Snow Canyon as the backdrop.
- Santa Clara has a small-town feel with historic roots and easy access to St. George.
- Hurricane is a little smaller right now, but it has the most land available for new development, and it's close to Sand Hollow.
- Virgin, Leeds, and Springdale are outlying communities with a quaint small-town feel, without all the traffic and hustle and bustle.
You can read more on my Washington County communities page.
What should I look for in a home for retirement?
The right home makes the next twenty years easier. Here's what I'd look at:
- One-level living. Stairs that are fine today may not be fine later. A single-level home, or one with the main bedroom on the main floor, is worth a lot.
- Yard size and upkeep. Desert landscaping takes far less water and work than a big lawn. Think about how much yard you actually want to take care of.
- HOA rules and dues. Many neighborhoods here have an HOA. Read the rules and look at the monthly cost before you fall in love with a house. If you're looking at a 55+ community, ask what the dues cover.
- Distance to the places you'll go most. Medical care, the grocery store, the golf course, the trailhead, and the airport if family will be flying in.
- Room for visitors. If the grandkids will be coming, a guest room or casita can make a big difference.
- Summer comfort. A good AC system, shade on the west side, and covered patios matter here.
Can I buy here before I sell my home somewhere else?
Often, yes. There are several financing options that can let you buy your next home first, before you sell the one you're living in now. That way you can move once and sell your old home without trying to time both sales. Read how buying first works.
What does a move here usually look like?
Here's an example of how I'd help someone plan it. Say you and your spouse live in another state and you've visited St. George a few times in the spring. You love the red rock and the golf, and you're ready to look seriously.
First, we'd talk by phone or video about what you want: how many bedrooms, how much yard, whether a 55+ community interests you, and which towns caught your eye. I'd set up a home search so you can see what's actually for sale in your price range.
Next, I'd suggest a summer visit before you commit, so you know what July feels like. While you're here, we'd spend a day touring homes in two or three towns, so you can feel the difference between, say, Ivins and Washington City.
Then, if you're selling a home somewhere else, we'd look at whether buying here first makes sense, so you only move once. When you find the right home, I'd handle the offer, the inspection, and the closing, and a lot of the paperwork can be signed from home.
What mistakes do people make when they retire to St. George?
- Buying before spending a summer here. Visit in July first.
- Buying more house than they want to maintain. A big yard and a big house can turn into a lot of work.
- Skipping the HOA details. Rules and dues vary a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood.
- Choosing a home with lots of stairs. Think about the next twenty years, not just the next two.
- Picking a town without visiting it. Spend a day in each one you're considering. They really do feel different.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. George, Utah a good place to retire?
Whether St. George, Utah is a good place to retire depends on what you want, but people come for the outdoors, the national and state parks nearby, the golf, and weather that's mild most of the year. Plan for hot summers.
How hot does it get in St. George in the summer?
St. George gets hot in the summer, with stretches of triple-digit heat in the middle of the season. Most people plan their days around it and stay active in the mornings and evenings.
Are there 55+ communities in St. George?
There are 55+ communities in St. George and around Washington County. Ask about HOA dues, what they cover, and the community's rules before you buy.
What should I look for in a retirement home in St. George?
In a retirement home in St. George, look for one-level living, a yard you can manage, clear HOA rules, a good AC system, and easy access to medical care and the places you'll go most.
Can you help me find a home if I'm moving from out of state?
Yes. I help people moving to Washington County from other states find the right home and the right community, and I can handle a lot of it by phone and video before you visit.
Where do I start?
Start by telling me what you're looking for: how much space, which towns interest you, and when you're hoping to move. I'll tell you what I'd look at in your shoes, set up a search for you, and help you see the right homes when you visit.
I'm Nate Shaw, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Ascend in St. George, Utah, and I help people moving to Washington County to retire find a home that fits the next chapter. Call or text me at 435-229-2365, or search homes for sale. I'm happy to help with whatever, just let me know what I can do for you.