St. George, the county seat of Washington County is the largest city in the southern part of Utah, with a population of around 60,000. St. George has become not only a popular tourist destination and gateway to the surrounding dramatic scenery; it has also become increasingly popular as a place to relocate or retire to.

The outdoors is never far away in St. George and the whole area has become a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The town is known as the ?Year Round Golf Capital of Utah? and boasts around a dozen excellent golf courses - where it's difficult not to be distracted by the surrounding scenery.

Water sports and fishing can be found at several nearby lakes, while camping and hiking can be enjoyed in several nearby forests. A little bit further afield are the facilities of Lake Mead and Lake Powell. St. George even has a 25 mile system of trails that runs through the town and surrounding areas ? many boasting facilities such as restrooms and shelters.

St George lies at an elevation of almost 3000 feet ensuring an excellent climate year round ? making it possible to play many sports even during the winter months. Summer temperatures average around 100 degrees ? and even in winter the average temperature reaches 55 degrees. The area enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year.

And if you enjoy the climate, amenities and lifestyle of St. George ? you aren't alone. Washington County has actually become one of the fastest growing counties in the country in recent years ? growing by an amazing 50% between 1990 and 1995. Today, around 145,000 people call the area home.

Several respected organizations including AARP and Money magazine have rated the St. George area as one of the best places in the country to retire. And as far as homes appreciating in value ? the greater St. George area was number one in home appreciation during the first quarter of 2006.

So whether you are visiting for pleasure or business ? welcome to Dixie, as this part of Southern Utah is known.