Discover the Best Areas around St. George, Utah to live

If you're considering a move to St. George, Utah, you might be curious about the surrounding areas that offer unique living experiences. This guide explores the top five neighborhoods outside of St. George, highlighting their distinct features and benefits.

Introduction to St. George and Surrounding Areas

1. Washington: The close neighbor

Washington, Utah, is a close neighbor to St. George and shares many similarities with it. It's hard to tell where St. George ends and Washington begins because they blend seamlessly together. This city is the second most populated in Washington County, with a mix of old and new developments, offering a variety of housing options. Major shopping centers like Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot are located along the main corridor, making it convenient for residents.

Washington Fields, a popular area within Washington, features a mix of new construction homes. Prices in this area can vary significantly, with properties ranging from $500,000 to over $5 million. The variation in price is often due to the size and features of the homes rather than their location. For instance, a $5 million mansion might sit next to a more modestly priced home. If you're considering moving to Washington, it's essential to consult with a real estate expert to find the right property for your needs.

2. Santa Clara: A unique charm

Santa Clara, located on the other side of St. George, has a distinct feel compared to its neighboring cities. Unlike Washington and St. George, Santa Clara has a more mature, green landscape with many trees and a river running through it. The city boasts a mix of older and newer constructions, including some estate-type homes and mansions.

Santa Clara has a historic charm, with remnants of its past as a fruit-growing area still visible. The Old Highway 91, which used to be the main route before the I-15 was built, runs through the city. This highway is lined with historic fruit stands, adding to the city's unique character. However, Santa Clara's small size means that there is often limited housing inventory available, making it a desirable but competitive market for potential homebuyers.

3. Ivins: Embracing the desert landscape

Ivins, located just above Santa Clara, offers a different experience from both St. George and Santa Clara. The city embraces the high desert landscape, with stunning red rock formations and a more arid environment. Ivins is famous for the Red Mountain and the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, a natural amphitheater that hosts various performances throughout the year.

The city is home to two notable communities: Kayenta and Entrada. Kayenta is known for its large lots, minimal development, and homes that blend into the natural landscape. The community emphasizes preserving the natural beauty of the area, offering breathtaking views of the Red Mountain. On the other hand, Entrada is a gated community with a golf course and newer homes. Both communities are highly desirable but offer very different lifestyles.

Ivins also provides access to Snow Canyon State Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's stunning red rock formations and hiking trails attract visitors from all over. If you're looking for a place that offers a unique desert living experience with easy access to outdoor activities, Ivins might be the perfect fit for you.

4. Hurricane: Gateway to Zion

Hurricane, located about 30 minutes from St. George, offers a more isolated and serene living experience. The city is closer to Zion National Park, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hurricane has everything you need, including a shopping corridor along State Street with major stores like Walmart and Ace Hardware.

The city's open spaces and proximity to outdoor attractions make it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Hurricane is home to two major reservoirs, Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek, offering opportunities for water activities and relaxation. While Sand Hollow is more popular, Quail Creek provides a quieter alternative for those looking to escape the crowds.

Hurricane also has a significant number of homes with RV garages, catering to residents who enjoy exploring the spectacular outdoors of Southern Utah. The city's unique zoning allows for nightly rentals in specific areas, making it a popular destination for vacation homes and rental properties. If you're interested in owning a property in Hurricane, it's essential to work with a real estate expert who can guide you through the zoning regulations and find the right property for your needs.

For more information about Washington County, you can visit the official Washington County website or learn more about the region on Wikipedia.

To stay updated on local news and events, check out the Southern Utah News and St. George News. For those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area, a visit to Zion National Park is a must.

5. Smaller satellite cities to consider

Beyond the four primary cities above, a few smaller satellite communities are worth knowing about, especially for buyers prioritizing acreage, slower pace, or budget:

• Toquerville — between Hurricane and La Verkin on SR-9 (the route to Zion). Larger lots, more rural feel, popular with buyers wanting acreage. About 40 minutes to St. George.
• La Verkin — sits right at the Zion National Park gateway. More small-town, working-class feel. The nearby Sand Hollow Resort area draws golf and STR buyers.
• Apple Valley + Hildale (Utah/Arizona border) — these are the historic "Short Creek" communities, several thousand feet higher elevation than St. George (cooler summers), much more affordable, but very different cultural mix. Drive to St. George is 50+ minutes.
• Veyo + Dammeron Valley — northwest of St. George at 4,200-4,500 ft elevation. Real winter snow, much cooler summers (10-15°F below valley-floor temperatures), small-town feel, longer commute to St. George services (35-45 minutes).

6. Comparing the four major cities: What to consider

Choosing the perfect place to live outside of St. George requires a careful comparison of the communities based on various factors. Each area offers unique characteristics, amenities, and lifestyles, making it essential to weigh your options thoughtfully. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Proximity to St. George

• Washington: The closest to St. George, practically blending into the city. Ideal for those who want to stay near the hustle and bustle but still enjoy a slightly quieter environment.
• Santa Clara: Also close but offers a distinct, greener landscape and a sense of historical charm. This area is perfect for those who appreciate a mature, tree-lined environment.
• Ivins: A bit farther out, embracing a more natural, high desert landscape with stunning red rock views. Ideal for nature lovers and those who enjoy a serene setting.
• Hurricane: The farthest from St. George, offering a more isolated and quiet lifestyle. Proximity to Zion National Park makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Housing Options and Prices

Each area offers a range of housing options, from modest homes to luxurious estates. However, the availability and style of homes can vary significantly:

• Washington: Offers a mix of old and new developments with a wide price range. Newer areas like Washington Fields feature a variety of homes, from $500,000 properties to multi-million dollar mansions.
• Santa Clara: Limited housing inventory due to its small size. Offers a mix of historic homes and newer constructions, including some estate-type properties.
• Ivins: Known for its unique communities like Kayenta and Entrada, which offer different lifestyles. Kayenta focuses on blending homes with the natural landscape, while Entrada offers a gated community with a golf course.
• Hurricane: Features homes with RV garages and vacation rental opportunities. The city's zoning allows for nightly rentals in specific areas, making it a popular choice for investment properties.

Amenities and Lifestyle

Each community offers different amenities that cater to various lifestyles:

• Washington: Convenient shopping centers along the main corridor, including major stores like Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot.
• Santa Clara: Historic charm with remnants of its past as a fruit-growing area. Offers a more relaxed and green environment.
• Ivins: Access to outdoor activities, including the Tuacahn Center for the Arts and Snow Canyon State Park. Ideal for those who enjoy a blend of culture and nature.
• Hurricane: Proximity to outdoor attractions like Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek. Offers a more isolated and serene lifestyle with opportunities for water activities.

Community Feel

The overall vibe and sense of community can greatly influence your decision:

• Washington: Feels like an extension of St. George with a seamless blend of the two cities. Offers a suburban feel with easy access to urban amenities.
• Santa Clara: Distinct and charming with a historic feel. Great for those who appreciate a close-knit community with a unique character.
• Ivins: Embraces the high desert landscape with a focus on preserving natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil and scenic environment.
• Hurricane: More isolated and serene, offering a slower pace of life. Perfect for those who value peace and proximity to nature.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Deciding on the perfect place to live outside of St. George depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. Whether you prioritize proximity to urban amenities, a unique historical charm, stunning natural landscapes, or a serene and isolated environment, the surrounding communities offer a variety of options to suit your needs.

For those who want to stay close to the conveniences of St. George, Washington is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more mature, green environment with historical significance, Santa Clara might be the perfect fit. For nature lovers and those who appreciate breathtaking red rock views, Ivins offers an unparalleled experience. Lastly, if you seek a quieter lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities, Hurricane provides an ideal setting.

No matter which community you choose, each area offers its own unique benefits and lifestyle opportunities. By considering factors such as proximity, housing options, amenities, and community feel, you can find the perfect place to call home outside of St. George, Utah.

If you're ready to dig deeper into any of these communities, check their live market data at the community pages linked above, or reach out directly — we've walked inventory in all four major cities (plus the satellites) and can match your priorities to the right submarket.

Related reading:

• St. George market stats — current median sale, days on market, sale-to-list ratio.
• Pros and cons of living in St. George
• St. George cost of living breakdown
• Are vacation rentals allowed in St. George? — zoning for STR investors