Southern Utah? (Sandy, St. George, Cedar City: cul-de-sac, real estate, house)

[emptynester]

I currently live in Sandy. Am considering relocating to Southern Utah, possibly Hurricane or Ivans. I am non-LDS and have heard that area was more heavily LDS than Sandy. Is that the case, or is it changing due to all of the incoming retirees?

[Marlene R]

Hi Emptynester,

Yes, we still have a large number of LDS people in Southern Utah. But you are correct in your assumption that there is a lot of change due to all the newcomers. For your information, there are over 20 different denominations represented in the area.

[emptynester]

Thanks for the quick reply. Are you noticing any slowdown in the growth there? I know the California market has recently slowed and wondered if that was effecting the market in Southern Utah.

[Elder_Shawn]

Originally Posted by emptynester

Thanks for the quick reply. Are you noticing any slowdown in the growth there? I know the California market has recently slowed and wondered if that was effecting the market in Southern Utah.

I've read reports here in Salt Lake that the St. George area real estate is still RED HOT!

[emptynester]

Thanks for the reply. I've heard the same as you. However, I was there a couple weeks ago looking at model homes. The agent running one of the models said that prices had leveled off and even dropped a little in some cases. Just wondered if that was the same impression Michele R has of what going on since I see from another of her posts that she is a real estate agent in Washington County.

[mommy3]

Yes, it is very LDS. The difference is that there are more active LDS down here than Sandy, however more than half of the people moving here are from California and out of state, many of whom are not LDS. There is a lot more diversity down here now and it's really nice. I grew up in Sandy and had many negative experiences with LDS and non LDS and I would never move back. I have lived in CA and MA as well. St. George by far is my favorite place. It is a totally different feel, the people are much nicer and more laid back here. People are also very supportive and accepting of eachothers religions and backgrounds. I have found that although there are more active members here than up north, the people are more kind and less judgemental.

[elliecap]

Hi, I recently relocated to St. George from Denver. It has been quite a change for me. My parents retired here from CA and we decided to come be near them. I don't know a non-LDS person in my neighborhood, but all the LDS people I know are very kind... actually I don't know another non-LDS person my age here. The thing that I miss the most is a big city feel. Shopping here stinks!! The only good store is TJMaxx. There is absolutely no night life, unless you want to drive to Mesquite and hang out with the retirees... which hubby and I have done a few times!! I don't know much about Sandy, but for me, St. George has been a culture shock and I'm having Nordstrom withdrawals (sorry, I had to get that out)! Well, about your question, I would say this area is heavily populated with LDS, but a lot of older people moving in are non-LDS. I'm having a hard time making friends being in my 30's because a lot of activities around here for families and young people are LDS in nature (I'm not saying this is a bad thing), but I'm not LDS. I can really see how being a mormon in Utah has it's advantages. Sometimes I wish we could join the church so I could make some friends and feel more involved, but I think that would be joining for the wrong reasons Also, my parents are non-LDS and she has met tons of friends... both LDS and not. She plays golf about 3 times a week and love all the ladies she plays with. Well, I've rambled on here. Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[mluv2cruz]

Hi, Our none LDS family moved to St George from CA about 1 1/2 years ago. We knew that St George was primarily LDS but visiting St George a couple of times in the past couple of years we also knew that it is a very nice community with families. I havn't had any problems with LDS members. Besides the knock at the door trying to convert me............ You just have to be straight up and tell them you are not interested and no means no! But other than that, you don't have the gangs & violence out here. It is blazing hot right now.......... We talked to our neighbors before we found our quiet little cul-de-sac. I don't have any friends out here, every one in my block is retired or barely speak english. But I do find that if you are non LDS you will get discriminated. I have witnessed it. When they meet you for the first time they are so friendly and the 2nd sentence is "are you LDS?" if not, then they dont talk to you again............ How sad.........That is ok with me, because I do not judge on religion! My neighborhood is non LDS but I see alot of the "snub" because I live right across the street from the temple. We are thinking of moving next year to Pueblo West, CO. Since we have made a pretty penny on our house, if we move we would have the same house for 1/2 the cost and we would be totally debt freeeeeeeeeeeeeee.............that sounds so so good!

[firetruck]

Hi all,
I too am considering a move to St. George, but I'll be coming from Phoenix. My fear is also that I will be judged and discriminated against not only for not being a mormon but especially so because I was one and have since "seen the light" and become a United Methodist. JOY!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a single, childless 45 year old female and would love to find friends and maybe even a relationship there but I don't know if I'm looking at slim pickins. Also I see there's only one bar in town. How's that possible? Doesn't anybody drink or do they just do it in private? What's fun to do at night? Any response would be appreciated.

[frogamigo]

Yes, real estate is still going up, enormously. The price of my parents' 2 bd. home in Enoch UT increased 50% this past appraisal. Much of the increase is due to the migration of Californians to the area, or Californians to Las Vegas pushing Las Vegans to the area, and so on. There is a domino affect. But housing prices are still probably no worse than in Sandy.

What about Cedar City? It is a *little* less costly, and the university keeps it diverse.