COMMUNITY PROFILES / WASHINGTON COUNTY
County Offices
197 East Tabernacle Street
St. George 435-634-5700
https://www.washco.utah.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
136 North 100 East
St George 435-628-1658
https://stgeorgechamber.com/
Anchored by the community of St. George, Washington County is earning a reputation as one of Utah’s hot spots for growth and development. Because the region’s location in southern Utah encompasses the haunting beauty of vast desert expanses, it developed primarily as a haven for retirees. The county is home to several communities and small population centers that serve as the gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Newcomers to this panoramic region will quickly hear the words, “Utah’s Dixie.” The nickname emerged from the area’s roots as a cotton-growing mecca and desert outpost. The moniker has stood the test of time, primarily because residents of Washington County proudly incorporate and display the word “Dixie” into local businesses, institutions, and organizations.
Washington County offers its residents the enviable advantage of living within a day’s drive from some of the nation’s most celebrated national parks, national monuments, and recreation areas. Included on this list are Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring National Monuments, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This region is also home to Utah’s largest national forest, dubbed as Dixie National Forest. Because of these magnificent pine-clad forests and vast expanses of land reserved for public use, Washington County has been able to preserve nearly all of “Utah’s Dixie” in its natural state of unspoiled beauty.
The community of St. George serves as the focal point of Washington County’s economy and also the leading urban center for all of southern Utah. Not surprisingly, St. George has also remained at the forefront of the county’s population boom over the past 20 years. The same qualities that prompted Rand McNally to praise St. George in Retirement Places Rated has encouraged the growth of tourism and year-round residents in all stages of life. This influx of families and young professionals has spurred the growth of business and industry, commerce, construction, and services.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare revolves around the Dixie Regional Medical Center, where more than 80 skilled professionals serve more than 100,000 residents. This 196-bed hospital is located on two campuses, one on River Road and one on 400 East, providing the major medical referral center for northwestern Arizona, southeastern Nevada, and southern Utah. Comprehensive services include behavioral health, cancer care, cardiology and heart services, emergency medicine, health information and patient support, home care, hospice, therapies and rehabilitation, the sleep disorder center, sports medicine, surgical specialties, women’s and children’s services, and wound care.
Washington County also demonstrates a strong commitment to quality education in its school system, distinguished as one of the state’s fastest growing. Innovative initiatives like the “alternative high school” have been successful in reducing the dropout rate, while other programs encourage self-expression and foster self-worth. St. George is home to the state-supported Dixie College, which infuses the intellectual and cultural stimulation of a college-town atmosphere. Dixie College allows students of all ages to launch a four-year degree program, earn two-year degrees or certifications, learn a new skill, or expand their interests with non-credit coursework. Although the institution primarily functions as a community college, some four-year degree programs are possible.
Lifestyle
Utah’s Dixie enjoys an ideal location along one of the nation’s key east-west routes between California and such destinations as Salt Lake City, Denver, and Albuquerque. This scenic region not only provides easy access to major western markets, it has become a mecca of prosperity for countless businesses and new residents. Recent years have seen such a flood of newcomers to this region that modern construction is abundant, from well-planned subdivisions to country estates. In addition to these lovely contemporary homes, newcomers can choose from well-kept older houses along tree-shaded avenues in intimate neighborhoods.
The past is richly represented in southern Utah. In fact, the St. George area is virtual historical treasure trove of 19th-century homes and buildings. Throughout the region, old dirt roads meander to fascinating destinations like ghost towns or prehistoric dinosaur footprints. Special events, celebrations, festivities, and attractions draw participants and spectators to St. George. The Huntsman World Senior Games attracts as many as 2,000 sports enthusiasts from across the nation and around the world. Other popular events include the renowned St. George Marathon and the annual St. George Arts Festival.
The exceptional quality and quantity of recreational amenities available in southern Utah are part of the magnetism of this scenic region. Dramatically varied topography encourages exploration and enjoyment, from the depths of Virgin Gorge to the alpine splendor of Pine Valley Mountain at an elevation that exceeds 10,000 feet. At every turn, new outdoor adventures await in national or state parks, canyons, coves, deserts, streams, mineral pools, and swimming holes. Active residents can indulge in horseback riding, biking, rock-climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, water-skiing, and downhill or cross-country skiing.
The community of St. George maintains a special department for leisure services that ensures well-planned and well-implemented programs and activities for all ages and interests. Included on the list of possibilities are crafts, dance, bridge, quilting, cooking, computers, framing, photography, and a diversity of sports and leagues for every season. Golfers will discover nothing short of a paradise in Washington County. With a number of spectacular golf courses within a 15-minute drive from the city, St. George boasts more golfing facilities in relationship to its population than any other location in the Sun Belt. Well-equipped parks, tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, and lush open space abound. Private clubs represent another source of quality recreational facilities.
Aficionados of shopping can choose from a variety of malls and centers, including Red Cliffs Mall or the name-brand bargains of Zion’s Factory Stores. World-class entertainment is available through the Celebrity Concert Series sponsored by Dixie College, Southwest Symphony, and the performances showcased at the Dixie Center—a major convention, arts and entertainment complex. Just outside of St. George with a red-mountain setting is the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, offering major productions indoors and outdoors.
Take your time discovering the unfathomable natural wonders and unique aspects of Washington County. Within each town is a mingling of pioneer history and modern life. With its robust economy, rapidly growing residential areas, college-town atmosphere, and unparalleled recreational amenities, Washington County is the ideal place to call home.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
St. George
City Hall
435-627-4000
https://www.sgcity.org/
Chamber of Commerce
435-628-1658
https://stgeorgechamber.com/
As Washington County’s largest and foremost city, St. George is strategically located along Interstate 15. Over the past 15 years, new residents have completely transformed the complexion of this community. St. George began as a small farming town, evolving into a choice retirement center. Today, families and residents of all ages are discovering the advantages of balmy weather and breathtakingly scenery. Like many treasures that remain hidden for decades, the discovery of St. George on a wide scale catalyzed sudden growth. The city blossomed almost overnight with services and amenities, including a hometown community college, major medical center, leading commuter airline, and rich cultural activities. Even with the shift toward sophistication and a cosmopolitan environment, St. George has preserved its original charm and friendliness. Proud of its high rating as a retirement community, St. George is widening its scope to offer a family-oriented lifestyle, dynamic local economy, and growth in every sector.
