Firstly why Washington, Utah?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Washington
• State: Utah
• Population: 19,500 people
• Washington’s quick summary would be celebrated for its beautiful red rock landscapes and welcoming community this city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 300 annually
• While this many move-out: 478 annually
• Net Migration: -178 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 15

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it affords a small-town feel near St. George appealing to families

Perk #1: Washington Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 80%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $101,323
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Washington is $94,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-7323 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Washington’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 119 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,700
• Property Tax %: 1.23%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,100
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Washington
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Washington, St. George, and probably could include Santa Clara
• Avg. Age of Homes in Washington: 29 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Washington’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Washington are  Tourism, Education, and Retail
• Washington Job Scene: limited job market primarily in tourism and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence primarily in local services and community engagement , ,
• Washington Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Washington: 7.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 1

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Washington

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $118 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 91 connects Washington to St. George and surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Red Cliffs Drive
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Washington: 12,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Washington: dmv.utah.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: St. George Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Washington’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfire
• General Weather in Washington is best described as hot summers mild winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Washington i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Washington can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Washington are mostly very hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Washington is usually mild and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 63 days in summer
• Days in a row in Washington below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 18 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained generally with low pollution
• Washington Winter Air generally good air quality limited pollution risk

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Washington Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Washington 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Washingtons’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Washington County Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Washington Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Washington only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Washington only Police Officers is about 53
• Crime Rate Index: 17/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Washington’s Monthly utility bill average is $220
• Washington’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Washington’s Water Quality Score: 83

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Washington

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quiet town with a focus on outdoor activities and community events
• You might enjoy live performances at local venues
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Washington  features cozy bars and dining venues providing a welcoming atmosphere for relaxed evening outings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Washington

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family-friendly dining and a mix of local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Washington
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Washington can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on growth and community development
• Washington’s Longer standing religious establishment is Washington First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Washington Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Washington has 3 Parks?
• Washington Fields Park is Washington’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Washington Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and cultural events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Washington Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Washington can be described as quiet suburban life with access to outdoor adventures and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Washington hiking trails picnics visiting parks community events
• The Cities people commute to from Washington are Chester 15 miles away Petersburg 22 miles away Glen-Allen 16 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Washington or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Red Cliffs Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Washington’s Wildfire risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Washington is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Washington are Chester 15 miles away Petersburg 22 miles away Glen-Allen 16 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 17 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Washington has 0 days in a row below freezing and 63 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Washington people have an average (positive or negative) $-7323 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   15 homeless people living in Washington. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on growth and community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Washington.

Retiree & Senior Life in Washington

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from tax reductions aimed at property ownership costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Washington Senior Center hosts a variety of activities wellness programs and meal services for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Washington, Utah?

If Washington, Utah ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Washington, Utah, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!