A small town with Black Mountains recreation and many festivals
Bordered by the Black Mountains and red hills to the east, Cedar City maintains a small-town feel even though it's home to nearly 40,000 people. Situated along Interstate 15, the city is a scenic stop between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, and it continues to draw in more homebuyers each year. “Cedar City's small-town vibe still shines through, even as the residential neighborhoods sprawl out,” says resident Branin Boyack, owner of local Smash Labs Rage Rooms and Axe Throwing on South Main Street. “My personal favorite feature in Cedar City is the scenery. To the east, you have beautiful mountains and streams sloping off to a wide valley in the west.” Though its natural beauty remains a significant claim to fame for Cedar City, it is also widely known as "Festival City, USA," because of the constant presence of activities throughout the year, from the Shakespeare Festival to the Renaissance Fair. “The town really rallies around everything. The locals really get involved in all the events here,” says Realtor Cindy Laffoon, who works with J&E Property Management and Sales LLC and has about a decade of experience in the area.
Cedar City maintains a small-town feel even though it's home to nearly 40,000 people.
Though its natural beauty remains a significant claim to fame for Cedar City, it is also widely known as "Festival City, USA."
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Hiking in Stephens Canyon and skiing in Brian Head
The city’s location allows for hiking trails through red rock and ski slopes down snow-covered mountains. “There are a lot of natural trails around Cedar City, where people walk, run and bicycle. We’re close to Brian Head if you like skiing or snowboarding. Zion is just an hour south of here, so it’s a central hub for all things outdoors and nature,” Laffoon says. Coal Creek Trail links Cedar Canyon to places like Bicentennial Park and East Canyon Park. “Being an outdoorsy person, I love spending time near the mouth of the canyon,” Boyack says. “You can play by the river or just sit in the shade and relax.” Cedar Ridge Golf Course also sits in the city's eastern part, and its 18-hole course borders many of the area’s trails. Snowmobiling is a popular pastime in the winter. High Mountain Trail, Thunder Mountain Snowmobile Complex and Cedar Breaks Trail are among the many busy spots after snowfall. During summer and fall, residents bring their all-terrain vehicles to off-roading trails in the east and south, and local ATV clubs venture to trails throughout Utah and Nevada.
Cedar City's location allows for hiking trails through red rock and ski slopes down snow-covered mountains.
In Cedar City, skiing and snowmobiling are popular pastime activities in the winter.
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Historic homes and new construction in Cedar City
In the center of Cedar City, the homes date back to the 1920s through the 1950s. The architecture includes Craftsman bungalows, Tudors and Cape Cods. However, most of Cedar City’s housing was constructed after 2000. “There's a lot of building right now. The market is picking up and it’s mostly new construction,” Laffoon says. The city continues to develop with more subdivisions popping up, including Rose Village, which is on the northern outskirts of the community and overlooks Three Peaks Recreation Area. Townhouses are typically concentrated in the northern part of the city near Interstate 15, although there are also some available near Lone Tree Mountain. Condos are in short supply, as there are no condo buildings in the western or easternmost parts of the city. The median sales price in Cedar City is $400,000. On average, they stay on the market for 49 days, compared to the national average of 41 days.
In the center of Cedar City, the homes date back to the 1920s through the 1950s.
Most of Cedar City’s housing was constructed after 2000, and the median sales price is $400,000.
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Retail and events in Historic Downtown Cedar City
Most shopping and dining attractions are concentrated in the Historic Downtown area, which features buildings that date to the 1880s. This walkable area has boutique shopping, cafes and diverse restaurants. “Downtown offers a great mix of longstanding establishments and delicious restaurants, which creates a vibrant atmosphere,” Boyack says. “One of my favorite places to eat is Centro Pizza. They have a great atmosphere and even better pizza.” On Main Street, there are also strip malls with grocery shopping and chains, including Cedar City Towne Center and Renaissance Square.
The Festival City Farmers Market operates downtown year-round near Southern Utah University, and Heritage Theater hosts events from comedy shows to the Cedar City Music Arts concert series just a few blocks away. Cedar City earns its name as Festival City, USA, thanks to its wealth of annual events. There are festivals every month of the year, including the Utah Shakespeare Festival. “The Shakespeare Festival brings people from all over the world in the summertime,” Laffoon says. Also in the summer, the Fourth of July parade allows locals to watch patriotic floats on Main Street. “We have the Harvest Festival in the fall where they parade the sheep down Main Street because they’ve been doing that for a hundred years. There’s a lot of festivals around rural life,” Laffoon says.
Most shopping and dining attractions in Cedar City are concentrated in the Historic Downtown area, which features buildings that date to the 1880s.
Heritage Theater in downtown Cedar City hosts events from comedy shows to the Cedar City Music Arts concert series.
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Iron County School District and Southern Utah University
Students can attend Iron County School District, which earns a B-minus rating on Niche. Private boarding schools like Moonrise Academy and Mountain Springs Preparatory are also in Cedar City. Southern Utah University is one of the area's most highly attended post-secondary schools and the city’s top employer. The university has the largest helicopter fleet in the world, so degrees in aviation are a popular choice for students. The campus also has attractions like the Southern Utah Museum of Art and the Garth & Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History.
Cedar City students can attend Iron County School District, which earns a B-minus rating on Niche.
Cedar City is home to the Southern Utah Museum of Art, located on the campus of Southern Utah University.
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Travel via Interstate 15 and Cedar City Airport
Interstate 15 runs through the heart of Cedar City, taking residents to Las Vegas in 170 miles and to Salt Lake City in 250 miles. Most commutes are limited to Cedar City limits because of its distance from major metropolitan areas. Main Street runs throughout the city, connecting residents to commercial corridors and businesses. If traveling outside Utah, Cedar City Airport offers flights to the international airport in Salt Lake City.
Low crime rates and the environmental factors of Cedar City
According to the FBI, the violent crime and property crime rates in Cedar City were low in 2023, compared to the state of Utah and the United States.
Cedar City experiences all four seasons, with warm dry summers and snowy winters. Environmental factors include major fire risk, with the Black Mountains just east of the city.
Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cedar City, UT sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar City, UT over the last 12 months is $398,999, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$11,000 preferred lender incentive! Welcome to the Belmont--where smart design meets Southern Utah living! Located in Cedar City, just under an hour to Zion National Park, Brian Head Ski Resort, and St. George. This 3,779 sq ft home offers 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (or 6bdrms + an office), and a daylight walkout basement with a private ADU. Designed for flexibility & income potential, the ADU
Brand-new construction offering 1,877 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The open layout includes a functional kitchen with a walk-in pantry, dining nook, and seamless flow into the main living area. Upstairs, a versatile loft provides additional flexible space. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and private bath. Enjoy
Beautifully maintained unit offers extra privacy, abundant natural light & a great floor plan perfect for everyday living or a vacation retreat. Great community close to parks, entertainment, shopping & restaurants. Inside, the home has rich finishes that are timeless & even a large living room! Private, fully fenced backyard with a covered patio. Attached 2-car garage. Home comes with washer,
Brand-New 3 Bed, 2 Bath Mobile Home offering modern finishes and move-in-ready convenience. Open-concept layout with bright living spaces and well-appointed kitchen. Spacious primary suite with private bath. Enjoy year-round comfort with central A/C. Exterior features include a fully fenced yard--perfect for pets or outdoor living. Affordable, low-maintenance living in a central location.
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Brand-New 3 Bed, 2 Bath Mobile Home offering modern finishes and move-in-ready convenience. Open-concept layout with bright living spaces and well-appointed kitchen. Spacious primary suite with private bath. Enjoy year-round comfort with central A/C. Exterior features include a fully fenced yard--perfect for pets or outdoor living--and a private tool shed for extra storage. Affordable,
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Welcome to this spacious 4-bed, 3-bath home in Zion Park subdivision. Built '92, main level 1,214 sq ft + finished basement 1,120 sq ft (total 2,334 sq ft). Attached 2-car garage, fully fenced/landscaped yard (easy upkeep), plenty storage: under-stairs, closet + dedicated basement room. Location is killer for families--0.6 miles to South Elementary, same to Cedar High, and just 0.7 miles to SUU
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Gorgeous updated home w/views in all directions! Overlooking the golf course, red canyons, and city lights at night! Open plan w/large open living room, fireplace; modern kitchen w/all the updates: 6 burner professional range, wall ovens & tons of cabinetry. The main floor also contains an office/bedroom, the master suite feat. another fireplace; laundry room & pantry. Downstairs the open walkout
Chelsey - 1/3 Acre Lots Under 100K! AND... ~$20,000 worth of fill dirt are already onsite for both lots and are including in the sale so you can start breaking grown immediately! Discover Chelsey, a brand-new community offering spacious ⅓ --perfect for building your custom home. Choose your own builder or work with one of our approved partners, with utilities already stubbed to each of the
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhomes with 1,716 sq. ft. over two levels. Built with 2x6 exterior walls and extra insulation, plus R-13 insulated shared walls for efficiency, comfort, and privacy. Interiors feature quartz countertops, tile flooring, carpeted bedrooms, and a master suite with separate tub, tiled shower, and walk-in closet. Homes include fridge, range, microwave, dishwasher, and
Great 3 or 2 bedroom home close to down town. Home is located in walking distance to shopping, parks, and city recreation. Lot rent is $500.00 per month and covers water, sewer, trash and snow removal.
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Pad Ready, Geotechnical report has been done, Potential Floorplans Available. Saddleback Ridge is known for it's amazing views of Cedar Mountains, Shurtz canyon, and Pine Valley. It's a prime location to build your dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of mountain living while being just minutes away from Cedar City's shopping and dining. Perfect for nature enthusiasts with easy access to walking
Skye Longhurst
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
I & M-1 Lots for Sale - Fully Equipped with Utilities Discover the perfect opportunity with these high-quality I & M-1 zoned lots, ideal for industrial and manufacturing use. Located in a prime area with easy access to major roads, these lots offer a range of essential utilities: City Water, City, 6'' fire lines for building sprinklers, and Sewer. All lots have storm drains in the cubing so lots
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Discover this stunning 0.46-acre parcel of land, offering picturesque views and plenty of potential. All utilities are available, making it an ideal spot for building your dream home or investment property. Enjoy the beauty of nature combined with convenient access to essential services, creating a perfect setting for your future. Water is available to the site but not legally connected yet.
Saddleback Ridge is known for it's amazing views of Cedar Mountains, Shurtz canyon, and Pine Valley. It's a prime location to build your dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of mountain living while being just minutes away from Cedar City's shopping and dining. Perfect for nature enthusiasts with easy access to walking trails, Southview Mountain Bike trails and nearby national parks. Water impact
Skye Longhurst
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
I & M-1 Lots for Sale - Fully Equipped with Utilities Discover the perfect opportunity with these high-quality I & M-1 zoned lots, ideal for industrial and manufacturing use. Located in a prime area with easy access to major roads, these lots offer a range of essential utilities: City Water, City, 6'' fire lines for building sprinklers, and Sewer. All lots have storm drains in the cubing so lots
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
The Henley is a thoughtfully designed apartment community in Cedar City with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes, surrounded by the natural landscape that defines southern Utah. Set away from the busiest corridors yet connected to everyday conveniences, it offers a setting where nature becomes part of daily life, with wide skies, fresh air, and easy access to nearby trails and open space. The
Welcome to the Annie, a beautiful residential community ideally located minutes from the hottest retailers (crumbl cookie, Starbucks, chipotle, cafe rio, Walmart) the best schools (cedar high and SUU is a mere few blocks away) and major employers. These carefully curated apartment homes were purposely built with various floorpans comfortably accommodating you throughout all stages of your leasing
- All Private rooms and Private bathrooms- Full-Sized Beds- Free On-Site Parking, Street Parking Available as Well- Utilities included with Rent- Smart TV in every unit- Close to Campus- Partially Furnished with bed, desk, couch, and coffee table.Pricing Options:Listed Price is our discounted year long price. Contact us if you are interested in doing a Fall and
Welcome to Coal Creek Townhomes - Your Ideal Home in Cedar City, UtahDiscover modern living at Coal Creek Townhomes, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Cedar City. Our brand-new community offers spacious two and three-bedroom townhomes, thoughtfully designed to cater to your lifestyle needs.?Key Features:Spacious Layouts: Choose from
Property Id: 2479850Freshly painted. New laminate flooring thoughout home. Large fully fenced back yard. If renter is willing to mow the lawn front and back, rent will be reduced by $60 per month. Lawn mower included. Close to Canyon View Middle school and High School. Great neighborhood. Open kitchen and dining room.
Property Id: 15881623 bed, 2.5 bath (Girls only) townhouse in Cedar City! Private room (not furnished) and Private bathroom currently available. Built in 2020, this modern unit includes all utilities, washer/dryer, and amazing amenities like dishwasher and central heating. Don't miss out on this gem! All girls home, perfect for college students. No smoking or pets allowed. Available
Beautiful townhome in Fiddlers Canyon. 3 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bathrooms, 1734 sqft, granite counters through out, fenced in patio and much more! 2-car garage, gas fireplace, washer and dryer included for renters convenience.
Rooms available for student housing for the 2026/2027 school year. $1900 per semester for rent and $175 for utilities per semester. Ask us about our summer incentive rate. WiFi included. Includes queen bed, dresser, laundry onsite, couch and love seat. Close to SUU. Lease options are May 8th 2026 to April 22, 2027 or August 29th 2026 to April 22nd 2027.Offered through Asset
Rooms available for student housing for the 2026/2027 school year. Private room with shared bathrooms. Each room has a vanity and mirror. $1875 per semester for rent and $150 for utilities per semester. Ask us about our summer incentive rate. WiFi not included. Includes twin bed, dresser, washer and dryer, couch and love seat. Close to SUU. Lease options are May 8th 2026 to April 22,
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, very Cute upstairs unit. Nice open floor plan, off street parking (shared driveway). Great location near SUU! NO SMOKING, NO PETS! Swamp cooler, baseboard heat, gas fireplace, Area in bathroom for a stackable washer and dryer. Shared backyard area to enjoy, (only 2 tenants share this house - upstairs & downstairs tenants).OWNER PAYS, WATER, SEWER AND GARBAGE AND
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