-The American Chamber of Commerce Cost of Living Index for the second quarter of 2008 shows St. George area is becoming a more affordable place to live than it has been in recent years. With a composite score of 97.3, we are below the national average. The cost of uilities and health care are especially bright spots in this index.
- In recent travel and tourism news: St. George was named the #1 place to visit by tripadvisor.com and Forbes Magazine recently named Springdale one of the top 10 prettiest towns in America. You can expect more interest in your Springdale properties as a result.
- In August 2008, Inc. Magazine named St. George as the second best small city in the country to do business in. The Dixie Business Alliance has a new program to foster entrepreneurship.
- The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce launched a new promotion called Destination Dixie to attract out-of-area shoppers during the Holiday Season to stimulate more retail and hospitality business.
- Washington County Realtors sold $290 million in property in September 2008 and are startibng to close the gap on inventory according to Vardell Curtis.
- 86% of properties valued over $500,000 were sold by Realtors in Washington County, according to Alan Carter, Southern Utah Title Developer Services. Hard work on the part of realtors means we are gaining ground on FSBO’s.
- Intermountain Health Care continues to grow their world class health care system. The Outpatient Health Care Pavilion is expected to be completed in a few months. The new health science building will ensure a steady stream of quality health care providers will be attracted to our area and will provide good jobs. This sector of our economy continues to grow along with many others.
- DRMC (Dixie Regional Medical Center) just won the 2008 HealthInsights Award of Excellence. They are listed again in 2008 as a 5-star hospital in HealthGrades.
- Enrollment at Dixie State College is on the rise and more and more four year programs continue to be offered.
- Several Washington County manufacturers have expanded this year including YESCO who just opened their new facility in Ft. Pierce Industrial Park. In addition, Ram Company completed their expansion projectand they are already at capacity with their orders. Also, Wilson Electronics continues to grow and look for expansion opportunities globally.
Please contact Plante & Associates at 800-557-9096 for more information regarding any real estate needs, or visit our website at www.AboutStGeorgeUtah.com
