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Erika Rogers - Retirement Homes Specialist

Looking for a Second Home? Here's a 10-Step Checklist on How to Go About It!

Here's a handy 10-step checklist for finding a second homeSearch St. George Utah MLS and Washington County

  1. Determine how you will you use your second home. Do you want a second home for vacation, investment or retirement purposes?

  2. When researching locations consider climate, cost of living, recreational activities and proximity to your family or primary home.

  3. Choose a location with features that interest you. Do you golf or ski? Do you like hiking and nature trails? Do you enjoy the theatre and the arts? St. George Utah offers all of these amenities and many more!

  4. Determine your ideal travel distance. Can you drive there? Can you afford to fly every time? How close will you be to family and friends?

  5. Purchase your property through a real estate professional that has experience with second homes. The right agent or broker will make your search more efficient and more enjoyable.

  6. Make inquires with visitor centers or chambers of commerce.

  7. Do your research. There are a lot of resources online today, and some even geared specifically to buying second homes. Check out my website, www.relocatetosunnystgeorge.com for information regarding second home properties.

  8. Visit the desired destinations. Eat dinner at the local restaurants, walk through the main part of town, explore nearby parks and outlying communities. We have 360 days of sunshine here in St. George Utah so any time of year is a great time to visit!

  9. Get organized and make sure your finances are in order. Check your credit report and be pre-approved with a lender or lenders of your choice.

  10. Remember to have fun!

In 2006, AARP Magazine reported that St. George Utah was in one of the ten fastest growing counties for people who are 60 and older in the United States. A lot of those people are purchasing 2nd homes for themselves. St. George has an influx of people called "snow birds" from the months of October thru April. A lot of those "snow birds" have purchased 2nd homes to escape the cold temperatures of winter where their primary homes are.

Retire in St. George Utah - it's the BEST!

If you're looking for the best place in the country to retire, head to sunny St. George Utah! This friendly diverse community is tucked away in the southwestern corner of Utah. There are many advantages to choosing St. George Utah for retirement, one of them being four-season golfing.

Coral Canyon Golf CourseThere are 12 golf courses in the St. George area which are known for their challenging designs, affordable green fees and their spectacular scenic features. The St. George golf lifestyle is like no other, with mild winter weather and other nearby recreational areas combining to make St. George the place to be in your retirement years.

Considered one of the fastest growing retirement areas in the country, St. George, Utah is acquiring a reputation as "the" place to retire in Utah. AARP Magazine (July/August 2006 issue) lists St. George as one of the best places to retire in the country. AARP conducted an intensive nationwide search for "five cities that offer culture, cachet, or, in some cases, just peace and quiet." St. George was one of the choices.

A desert oasis, the St. George, Utah area has temperate weather and scenery with classic Utah flair. Temperatures average approximately 60 degrees during the year with summer temperatures in the 100's and winter temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Our temperate climate allows world class St. George golf courses to be accessible year round.

Entrada Golf CourseNear Utah's Zion and Bryce National Parks, the St. George retirement area provides several recreational opportunities. In addition to the wide range of St. George golf options, there's, hiking, biking, and exploring the natural resources of the area, all just around the corner. The St. George area also is within a couple hours drive to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. One of the top twenty marathons in the country is also hosted here in St. George Utah. All are perfect reasons why southern Utah is one of the best places to retire.

St. George, Utah is located approximately 120 miles from Las Vegas and midway between San Diego and Salt Lake City. Not far from the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, the area is secluded enough to offer the quiet of the perfect retirement community but close enough to major U.S cities for sparkling lights and big-city getaways.

Retiring in St. George, Utah also provides useful tax advantages, with several property tax exemptions that appeal to retiring taxpayers including exemptions for up to 45% of the fair market value of property as well as a Circuit Breaker property tax relief for individuals 65 or older.

What's So Great About St. George Utah?

I moved to St. George Utah in 1997 and I absolutely love living in Southern Utah. My husband has had several opportunities to relocate and I just won't hear of it. I've dug my heels in and I'm not moving! I love the climate, no smog, 4 National Parks within a days drive, low crime rate, great healthcare and friendly people that live here in St. George. Did I mention it only takes me 5 minutes to drive home, even in "rush hour" traffic?

Let me tell you a little about St. George. It sits in the middle of the greatest outdoor recreation area in the United States. Drive two hours in any direction from St. George and you will find such attractions as: The Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce National Parks, Lake Mead, Lake Powell and over 40 more national and state parks, recreation areas, monuments, and points of interest. Tuacahn Ampitheatre is a wonderful place to partake of some fabulous theatrical productions with Broadway quality actors. World-Class skiing, snowboarding, golf, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and sightseeing await within minutes.

St. George is located within the northern extension of the Mojave Desert. The desert climate leads to generally clear skies, relatively mild winters and hot summers. We enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year! The temperature varies from a low in January of 27.1 degrees to 102 degrees in July. St. George is 2,880 feet above sea level and the peaks of Pine Valley Mountain reach over 10,000 feet.