Small Utah Cities Shine In Livability For Families And Startups

Small cities often strike a balance that larger metropolitan areas struggle to achieve, offering residents the convenience of modern life without the overwhelming pace that comes with millions of people. Southern Utah, with communities like Cedar City, St. George, and Washington, demonstrates how small cities can thrive while still holding on to the values of affordability, community, and quality of life.

Recent WalletHub research into the Best Small Cities in America (2025) underscores why this region is gaining attention. Of the more than 1,300 small cities evaluated nationwide, the top overall spots are held by places such as Carmel, Indiana; Brookfield, Wisconsin; and Apex, North Carolina, reflecting strong performance across affordability, economic health, education & health, quality of life, and safety. (WalletHub lists these in its core rankings of best small cities to live in.)

Utah’s small cities also show up favorably in this broader list, though their overall rankings are lower than their business-startup rankings. For example, St. George, which ranks first among Utah cities in the WalletHub Best Small Cities to Start a Business list, does not top the list of best small cities to live overall. Cedar City and Washington likewise fall further down in the overall livability rankings, though they still gain recognition in certain performance dimensions. The business rankings are more flattering to these Utah cities: St. George is first nationally in that category, Cedar City is third, and Washington is fourth.

Three Cities, Three Advantages

Each of the southern Utah cities offers its own advantages. St. George, the largest of the three, serves as the economic and cultural hub in the region, providing infrastructure, health care facilities, and retail access with amenities that approach those of mid-sized cities. Washington, nearby, offers many of those same benefits with a quieter, more affordable environment while still being close to St. George’s conveniences. Cedar City, anchored by Southern Utah University, provides cultural events, shorter commutes, and proximity to natural attractions—while maintaining a strong sense of local identity and affordability.

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Nationally, safety and affordability remain key strengths for Utah’s small cities. Many smaller communities in Utah report lower violent crime rates than those in more populous states, and while housing costs have risen, they remain more affordable than in many coastal or large metro markets. Cedar City and Washington often serve as more accessible points of entry for homeownership, and St. George strives to balance population growth with investments in safety and public infrastructure.

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While no small city offers everything a large metropolis does—such as expansive public transportation, specialist medical centers, or a full spectrum of entertainment—the combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, safety, affordability, and close-knit community life continues to make southern Utah’s small cities highly appealing.