We’ve spent many trips to St. George to get to know it, visit son, etc., so what follows are a lot of items responding to various contributions of readers of this thread.
Yes, property taxes are really that low (about 1/2 of 1% of house value) since homeowner’s get about half off on their residence. Other property taxed at slightly over 1% of value, so California’s Prop 13 pales in comparison in terms of taxes one actually pays. Since income taxes are about 1/3 those of CA, our tax bite will fall considerably.
Crime and homelessness is vastly lower. From following the on-line local newspaper, I’ve noticed most crime is from outsiders from Las Vegas, or travelers on I-15, or the low-life repeat offenders common to any city. Local cops are proactive and pull over for minor infractions and discover drugs, intoxication, or suspicious activity and take it from there. Today I read of a guy stopped for throwing a cigarette out the window, so was pulled over, acted suspicious, vehicle searched and he was busted for drug possession with intent to distribute. Was sent to the local jail, which is named, no kidding, Purgatory Correctional Facility.
Utah is rated the most open-carry state in the nation, so be careful when driving there about cutting off a car with Utah plates (joke). Reciprocality laws permit a Utah resident who carries to do so in most every other state. But not California, naturally. Which must be why CA has so little crime and Utah so much. !!!
About Mormonism. St.George is about 2/3 Mormon and the influx of people from the rest of the country is rapidly reducing that percentage. Plenty of other church denominations abound. Mormonism is a spectrum, with many dedicated and devout, and many Mormon in name only. But their stress on health (no coffee, smoking or liquor–rules often broken), education, and fitness is a plus. In general, the people are healthier, younger, whiter, and more courteous than I am used to. Politically conservative, so low taxes and clean government, old-fashioned Americanism, all fine with me, but not for everyone.
Will we miss San Diego weather, cultural amenities, the ocean? Absolutely. But in truth, how often do you go to the beach? The drive and parking make it a one hour chore for us, so is a 2 or 3 per year event. The great quality plays and concerts are also an hour away, while at St. George plays and concerts downtown or at the 8,000 enrollment university are a ten minute drive, albeit not of San Diego quality. Mesquite, Nevada is a scenic 45 minutes away if you want casinos, and Las Vegas another hour on I-15. Ethnic restaurants? All over, and all types. Oh, and they are cheap. Bars? Not many, but growing in number, with two micro-breweries so far.
All this is making the influx of residents mind-blowing. Any house hitting the market is snapped up immediately. Bidding wars? I’ve been told by one broker that when something new comes on the market the way to get it is not just be pre-qualified, no contingency, full price in your offer, but simply offer more. But maybe that is just broker-talk. I’m hoping to buy troubled houses or condos with all cash, quick close, then fix them up, then get a loan & rent out. Rinse, repeat. Yeah, rents are soaring too.
