St George Utah - Frequently Asked Questions

We get some frequently asked questions from time to time and are beginning our list building and posting of them here. Be patient at first here while our list may be short. We will be adding to it more and more for your benefit. Please use us when you go to buy- and we really appreciate you and your business!

What is it like living in a pre-dominant 'Mormon' (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) city? "Many a person has asked me about the social climate..." (read more)
We are considering moving to St. George in the next year and wanted to find out some info. What is St. George like for a family with young children?

I am biased about the area. I love it here. I have 5 children all under the age of 12. They are happy in the Bloomington Hills Schools they are in, the Bloomington Elementary school is awesome. They occasionally wear their Bobcat shirts which is the school mascot. The kindergarten teacher cried on orientation day because she loves working with our children. If it wasn't for the St George schools system, which I believe on a wide scale fosters morals and values and not just book knowledge... if it wasn't for that I could say St George is average, because every place might have its nice geological features. But it is not average. Generally speaking, as I'm sure some pockets exist that aren't as good, but generally speaking I think kids have a better chance to grow up happy and successful here. It has to do with the people and their emphasis on their children and family life, whatever that might be- being healthy. The Mormon influence being a majority, one quarter to a half, adds to that emphasis I think.

There is a possible down side. Because about 1/2 is Mormon it may be a challenge in only some instances to break into that social circle, but only because those kids may see each other more at church on Sunday, but not more difficult as it pertains to the religious teaching of tolerance and inclusion. Kids will be kids and generally speaking, I don't think there is any kind of social segregation of any kind. The same scenario can play out for adults. I am a Mormon and have heard from non-Mormons that it is like living in a skiing town when you don't ski, it's not a big deal. Awe, it is just like anywhere, if you reach out people tend to reach out back at you and it does take effort no matter where you are.
How is the job market there?

I have heard that St George employers have a more difficult time finding good employees, such that I think the unemployment rate is low and the job market bustles. I've heard the commercial real estate sector stayed stronger through our otherwise 'overbuilt' St George Ut Real Estate residential market. We've experienced some price reductions and depreciation in the housing market- probably not a bad time to buy in the next year or two (2008-2009) or even now.
Is there anything else I should know about St. George?

St George has an LDS (Mormon) temple at its center and the city has taken some expense to restore the Saint George Utah downtown area a bit, along with some historical features. The Library is new and large. St George has a couple strip mall areas and most of the major shopping can be found. Zion Nation Park is a close 45 minute drive and host a good day trip for a bit of leisurely hiking. Other National Parks exist in the area too. Other hiking can be found that is beautiful. I take the scouts down the Narrows (Zions carved out River bed Red Rock cavernous areas) every year; we love the repelling around here.