St. George, UT 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

St. George is quickly becoming a popular destination for retirees because of its warm and dry climate, scenic views, and active outdoor recreation. It is one of the more affordable communities in Utah, and has a wide variety of shopping, golfing, and hiking. With easy access to several states and larger cities, it is a perfect spot for the traveling retiree.

Climate & Geography 

Located in Southern Utah in the tri-state junction of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, St. George has a hot and dry desert climate. The air is significantly hotter in summer than the rest of Arizona because it is part of the Mojave Desert. Residents can expect little rain and 300 days of sun a year, as well as cool winters with some snowfall and freezing temperatures.

St. George is surrounded by mountains, with its downtown in the basin and residential areas further out toward the hills. The dry climate is perfect for retirees looking for warmth without the humidity.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Residents have plentiful access to outdoor recreation. The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and the Pine Valley Mountains are to the north, and the Beaver Dam Mountains are to the west. Zion National Park is just 30 miles away, as well. All of these offer hiking, biking, and camping. Pioneer Park is another great way to see the red cliffs and is located close to downtown.

St. George is considered the golf capital of Utah with twelve easily accessible golf courses that are mostly open year round. Residents can visit either the downtown area or Ancestor Square, which both have historic buildings, restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The cost of living is just above the national average, which is mostly due to the cost of  housing and health care. Other factors including utilities, transportation, and groceries are all below the U.S. Although above the national average, St. George’s cost of living is below the rest of Utah.

The state taxes Social Security benefits at 5 percent, and St. George has a 6.5 percent sales tax. However, Utah has lower-than-average property taxes, and for primary residences, homeowners can receive a property tax exemption of 45 percent. 

Health Care

St. George has one hospital, Dixie Medical Center, which is ranked by U.S. News as the No. 4 hospital in Utah. It is also ranked as high performing in aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, hip replacements, and knee replacements.