Feeling good about the community you live in can be just as important as selecting the right home. As a local expert, I can help you find a neighborhood that best suits your needs. From local restaurants and activities to school information and market trends, explore the communities I serve below.
*Listed in Alphabetical Order
Apple Valley
Located in the heart of Southern Utah's red rock country, Apple Valley is a hidden gem that was incorporated on October 14, 2004, as one of Washington County's newest towns. The majority of its population is situated in a small valley called Little Plains, about 12 miles east of Hurricane. To reach the town, one must take HWY 59, which involves an 1,800 ft climb to 4,700 ft, offering a spectacular view of Zion National Park in the background, along with Mount Smithsonian, Canaan Mountain, and Little Creek Mesa framing the area. With an average temperature that is 5-10 degrees cooler than Hurricane and St. George, Apple Valley is an excellent escape from the heat. The town currently has approximately 400 homes, with new subdivision developments being engineered for the area. Apple Valley is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, and it offers plenty of adventure opportunities, from hiking and biking in the nearby hills to exploring ancient petroglyphs. In addition, the town has cozy cafes and shops where one can unwind. Apple Valley boasts an affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and small-town charm, making it a great place to call home. Discover the magic of Apple Valley for yourself today!
Hurricane
Despite its name, Hurricane, located in Washington County, Utah, does not experience hurricanes like those in Florida. The town was named after a whirlwind that blew off the top of a buggy being driven by Mormon leader Erastus Snow in the 1860s. Legend has it that he called the incident a hurricane and decided to name the hill where it occurred Hurricane Hill. The locals pronounce it "Her-ah-kun." The town experiences strong winds, especially during winter, with gusts over 50 miles per hour. Hurricane is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with world-class hiking, biking, and climbing, as well as stunning vistas in Zion National Park and hidden waterfalls in nearby canyons. It also has a rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic schools and a thriving local economy, making it an excellent place to call home. Hurricane was first settled by Paiute Indians and was originally named Timpoweap, meaning Rock Canyon, and is known as "The Fruit Basket of Southern Utah."
Ivins
Ivins City, settled between 1922 and 1926 by Swiss immigrant descendants, was originally called Santa Clara Bench. Early settlers farmed using water from a canal connected to the Santa Clara River and culinary water from Johnson Arch Spring, known then as Snow Canyon Spring. Families supported themselves by farming and grazing cattle on Pine Valley Mountain and in the Pinto areas. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased land and water stock for the project and sent Apostle Anthony W. Ivins to investigate. After the town was settled, a chapel was built and dedicated in November 1926 by President Ivins, who the town was later named after. Today, Ivins has grown into a modern city with paved roads, homes, churches, and buildings surrounded by beautiful scenery, including Snow Canyon State Park and Sand Hollow Reservoir. Ivins also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with performances at the Tuacahn Amphitheater and exhibits at the Kayenta Art Village. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, making Ivins a great place to visit or call home.
La Verkin
La Verkin and Hurricane have a close relationship, as the former is within walking distance of the latter. The name of La Verkin has origins that vary from a possible reference to the Virgin River or a transcription mistake related to "beaver skin." In 2001, the city gained national attention after passing a resolution that declared it a "United Nations-free zone." La Verkin is the southernmost intersection to Zion National Park, and its attractions include Pah Tempe Hot Springs, a historic sulfur spring on the edge of the Virgin River, and a noteworthy pony-truss bridge from 1908 that spans over the river. The town boasts breathtaking scenery, including striking red rock formations and the winding Virgin River, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and relaxing in local parks. La Verkin is also a great place to live, with top-rated schools, low crime rates, and affordable living expenses, making it one of Southern Utah's best-kept secrets.
Leeds
Positioned in the heart of Southern Utah's state and national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Quail Creek, and Snow Canyon, the town boasts a rich history, once noted for its abundant fruit and sorghum production, and having the longest growing season in Utah. The town's Main Street is dotted with numerous buildings dating from the 1800s, including 15 houses constructed before 1900, adding to its quaint country charm. With its friendly locals and long pleasant seasons, Leeds is a delightful place to visit and live. Leeds may be a small town off the beaten path, but it is full of surprises, from hidden waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, to stunning mountain vistas. The town is a haven for adventure seekers, with easy access to nearby Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and other recreational areas. When you're ready to unwind, Leeds offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're picnicking in the town park, stargazing on your back porch, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, you'll feel right at home in this close-knit community. Come and experience the magic of Leeds for yourself!
Santa Clara
Santa Clara City, settled by Jacob Hamblin in 1854 and incorporated in 1915, is located along the Santa Clara River and is famous for its fruit and produce production. The City used to have numerous fruit stands that lined the streets, but after the abandonment of Highway 91 in favor of the Freeway (I-15), most of them have disappeared. In an effort to bring new life to the downtown area, the City completed a $10,000,000 historic downtown streetscape renovation project in 2007. Nestled at the base of the red rock cliffs, Santa Clara offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. The mild climate, sunny skies, and breathtaking scenery make it the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Visitors can hike to the top of Red Mountain, mountain bike on nearby trails, or relax at the local reservoir. In addition to outdoor activities, Santa Clara's quaint downtown offers charming shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. With its close-knit community, welcoming atmosphere, and unbeatable location, Santa Clara is Southern Utah's best-kept secret, and the ideal place to call home.
Springdale
Every major destination needs a host city to provide nourishment, rest, and entertainment before embarking on an adventure. In the case of Machu Picchu, Cuzco serves as the basecamp, Athens for the Acropolis, and Springdale for Zion National Park. Springdale, with a population of 529, sits on the southern edge of Zion and serves as an incorporated annex to the park. The town offers breathtaking views of the towering red, white, and pink cliffs of Southern Utah and is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure opportunities such as hiking the famous Narrows or canyoneering in the stunning slot canyons. Along with its vibrant arts and culture scene, Springdale's shops and restaurants offer the perfect escape to relax after a long day of outdoor activities. With its friendly community, thriving economy, and prime location, Springdale is a magical town and the perfect home base for anyone seeking adventure and inspiration in Southern Utah.
St George
St. George, located in southwestern Utah, is a beautiful and diverse city with plenty of activities for all types of visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Zion National Park for hiking, water sports, and stunning natural scenery. The city's downtown area features historic buildings and cultural attractions like the St. George Art Museum. St. George also offers a variety of dining options and opportunities to learn about its pioneer heritage. Families can enjoy activities such as the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, wildlife museum, and nature center, while art and music lovers can visit Dixie State University, the Southwest Symphony, and the Tuacahn Amphitheater & Center for the Arts. With its warm climate and wide range of activities, St. George is an ideal destination for adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Toquerville
Toquerville, Utah was settled in 1853 by Brigham Young, who sent skilled men to various locations to establish new communities. When the settlers arrived, they found the Paiute Indians living along the creek and cultivating a small piece of ground. They named the new settlement "Toquerville" after the Indian word 'toquer', meaning black, due to the abundance of black rock in the area. Initially, water was scarce, and many families moved to Kanarra, but as the water increased, the town prospered remarkably well, becoming known for its fruits and nuts, particularly excellent figs. Toquerville's historic buildings and artifacts, surrounded by stunning scenery, provide adventure and culture. The town has a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and friendly locals, making it a perfect place to call home.
Washington City
Washington City is located in south central Washington County, Utah and is part of the St. George Metropolitan Area. The area is known as Utah's Dixie due to the Mormon pioneers who settled in St. George to raise cotton, which was then milled at the cotton mill in Washington. Today, Washington City is a charming community that offers stunning scenery, endless recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, exploring local history at the Washington City Museum, and easy access to nearby attractions like Zion National Park. The city also boasts top-rated schools, friendly neighbors, and a thriving local economy, making it a great place to call home. The city was established in 1857 as part of Brigham Young's Cotton or Southern Mission, with two groups of pioneers founding the city at Adair Springs. Washington City was granted a city charter in 1876 and has had a city government ever since.