Saint George, UT

Here's a handy 10-step checklist for finding a second home

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!

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.

This market is a difficult trial to those closely associated with it, i.e. Builders, Lenders, Appraisers, Title Co's and Realtors. IMO, professionals in each of those groups would be wise to exercise CAUTIOUS optimism, and find the exceptional opportunities that exist in times of irrational panic. I am personally buying properties, and will continue buying. I expect, and intend to look back in the next few years and be grateful for the opportunities that existed in the "doom and gloom" of 2008. I believe that intelligent buying now, will be rewarded. My advice, find the opportunities that exist in YOUR market, and take the lead. The public will regain confidence gradually, as they see industry professionals who recognize opportunity. Ray Cox ERA Brokers Consolidated raycoxrealestate@hotmail.com 435-467-7653

Bloomington Hills is a neighborhood within St. George Utah. It is located to the east (and slightly north) of Bloomington (which are at the southern end of St George). In the early 80's, Bloomington was considered "the place to be" by residents. Bloomington Hills was considered more of an affordable second choice option. Now, Bloomington Hills is a beautiful, equally desired neighborhood.

Bloomington Hills is built around the city golf course, St George Golf Club, which the city took over in 1983. This course features a par 73, 18 hole course and is approximately 7,200 yards. The par 3's are said to be the most difficult in Washington County, with at least 190 yards on average. Like neighboring Bloomington, homes can be purchased (and a few lots remain) directly on the course, or you can purchase away from the golf course. Bloomington Hills has many neighborhood amenities such as parks and trails.

There's an area near the golf course which offers Condo or Townhome style living. Most lot sizes in Bloominton Hills are approximately a quarter acre. Since Bloomington Hills is literally built up on a hill, many residents can enjoy a spectacular view of the golf course, entire valley, and nearby red mountains which Southern Utah is famous for. It's ironic that Bloomington Hills came as a "second choice" to Bloomington, when you have the privilege to see such an incredible view from your property – it seems to me that this would invite more popularity. I suppose the residents who "settled" for the more "affordable" option don't have much to regret.

Trails are existing and new trail plans are currently underway for Bloomington Hills. It's a great place to live if you are an outdoor enthusiast. There is a wonderful pond off the golf course filled with ducks, swans and other wildlife for visitors to enjoy a peaceful resting spot. Neighbors are outgoing and friendly, but you can find this throughout the entire St George area, which is part of the charm. The "small town" feel packed with big city amenities is what Bloomington Hills and St George have to offer.

Overall, this neighborhood is a desirable place to call home. New schools have opened in the area and students can enjoy the close proximity to the school as well as enjoying the new construction and modern amenities it brings. Affordable homes or luxury living are available in this community. If you are interested in locating a home in this community, visit my Property Search page. Should you be interested in selling your Bloomington Hills property, give me a call and allow me to present a current market analysis on your home.