Moving From DC to St. George: 5 Years Later, Here's the Truth
Five years ago, we left Washington, DC for St. George, Utah. If you value work-life balance and an active life outdoors, I think it's one of the best moves you can make. It isn't perfect, and I'll tell you what I miss. But I've never once thought about going back.
Why I left DC
The traffic was awful. Most days started with a workout, then a long commute, a full workday, and another long commute home in the dark. Dinner, bed, repeat.
It felt like a rat race. Seeing friends usually meant another happy hour, not a hike or a real conversation. We wanted a life with more balance, warm weather year-round, and nature close enough to use on a Tuesday.
Why St. George, and not Phoenix, Boise or Denver?
Size was the deciding factor. St. George is small enough to feel calm, and it's warm most of the year. It's also about two hours from Las Vegas. When we want concerts, sports, big restaurants or a cheap flight, it's an easy drive. Then we come home to quiet.
DC vs. St. George, day to day
| DC | St. George | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Long commute both ways, home after dark | Short drives, time to hike or have dinner with friends |
| Weekend | Festivals and events around the city | Trails, national parks, road trips |
| Getting around | Walking and public transit | Mostly driving; downtown is walkable |
| Getting away | Trains and airports nearby | Las Vegas airport about 2 hours; Salt Lake City about 4 hours |
| Cost of living | Higher | Lower than DC, but higher than I expected for a smaller city |
What surprised me
The good: We moved for the outdoors and weren't sure we'd find community. We did. We have a real village here, more than we had in DC. We have dinner with friends on weeknights now.
Also good: Life can be walkable if you live in or near downtown St. George. I didn't expect that.
The hard part: It costs less than DC, but more than I expected for a city this size. Budget realistically, especially for housing.
What I miss about DC
- The food. The range of cuisines in DC is hard to beat.
- Walking everywhere. I loved walking to things, and DC's public transit made it easy.
- Community spaces and events. St. George has them, but they're more spread out and you have to look for them.
Why I stay
- Community. The friendships we've built here are the biggest surprise of the move.
- The outdoors. Hiking on a weekday is normal now. Zion is about an hour away, and several national parks are within a day trip.
- The warmth. The weather lets us use almost every day of the year.
My advice if you're in DC and thinking about it
If you value work-life balance and love being active, St. George is a great fit. You're close to national parks, and Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and California are all within driving distance. Flights out of Vegas make travel easy.
One practical tip: line up work before you move, or bring a remote job with you. And visit in July before you buy, so you know what summer feels like.
We came for the nature. Five years later, we stay for the nature and our people.
FAQ
Is St. George a good place to move from the East Coast?
If you want a slower pace, warm weather and easy access to the outdoors, many East Coast transplants find it a great fit. Expect to drive more and walk less, unless you live near downtown.
How far is St. George from Las Vegas?
About two hours by car on I-15.
Should I have a job before moving to St. George?
I'd recommend it. Having work lined up, or a remote job, makes the move much easier.
Thinking about the move?
Tell me what you're weighing and I'll share what I wish I'd known before we came.
Get in touchChristina Childs is a St. George REALTOR® specializing in luxury homes, with Red Rock Real Estate.