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
Claudiu Varzaru
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar City, UT over the last 12 months is $397,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction Townhome, Middle Unit, 1,716 SF, 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath Superior 2x6 construction sets this brand-new middle-unit townhome apart, with extra insulation between units for outstanding sound reduction and energy efficiency. Step inside to durable tile flooring throughout the main living areas and cozy carpet in the bedrooms, complemented by beautiful tiled bathrooms and quality cabinetry
STOP SCROLLING--YOUR DREAM HOME JUST HIT THE MARKET! Nestled in the mountains, Ashdown Forest neighborhood, this incredible 6-bedroom, 3-bath home offers nearly 3,800 sq. ft. of living space PLUS an impressive 1,000 sq. ft. 4-car garage! The bright, open floor plan is perfect for gathering, featuring a spacious kitchen with a huge pantry, cozy fireplace, and a fully finished basement with room
Beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home in a desirable, well-maintained trailer park community. This move-in-ready home features an open floor plan, fresh interior paint, new flooring, and a fully updated kitchen with modern countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures. Spacious primary suite with private bath, plus two additional bedrooms for guests or office space. Both bathrooms have
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
NO HOA! Some see this amazing brand new twin home built by MHP homes in the Old Farms Subdivision! This single-level home features beautiful quartz countertops, waterfall island, huge pantry, gas appliances and is thoughtfully placed just minutes from I-15 and downtown Cedar. Washer, dryer and fridge included. Come see it today!
Prime I & M-1 Lot for Sale - Fully Equipped with Utilities Discover the perfect opportunity with these high-quality I & M-1 zoning, ideal for industrial and manufacturing use. Located in a prime area with easy access to major roads, this lot offers a range of essential utilities: City Water - Reliable municipal water supply. City Sewer - Fully connected to the city sewer system. Natural Gas -
Jason Spencer
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
Clean, Comfortable, and Ready to Make Your Own | This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been cared for by its original owner and sits in a quiet neighborhood. Inside, vaulted ceilings create an open feel, while the bright kitchen and dining area bring in plenty of natural light with a charming bay window overlooking the outdoor space. The covered back patio offers a comfortable place to
Ultimate Multi-Gen Living with Separate Entrances & RV Space! Looking for a true dual-living setup or the ultimate next-gen house hack? This massive home features two completely independent living spaces, including two kitchens, two laundry rooms, and a separate walk-out entrance-perfect for extended family or independent guest quarters. With 8 flexible rooms, you can easily convert extra space
Located in the prestigious Saddleback Ridge community, this custom home lot provides a rare opportunity to build in one of Cedar City's most scenic areas. Enjoy breathtaking views of Shurtz Canyon, Pine Valley, and Cedar Mountains while remaining close to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails. Water impact fees are paid. Access to all city utilities. Owner
Skye Longhurst
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.
Exceptional opportunity to own 6 acres of I&M-1 Industrial-zoned land in one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing industrial corridors. This development-ready parcel offers access to essential infrastructure, including city water, sewer, natural gas, and three-phase power. Ideally suited for a variety of industrial and commercial uses, including manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, contractor
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Prime 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 curving
Jason Spencer
Stratum Real Estate Group PLLC South Branch Office
Stunning location near city trails, open field behind. Huge back yard with patio. Main level offers a beautiful and open great room, 1/2 bath, new flooring, and a fireplace. Upstairs are the bedrooms and two baths.
Perfect END UNIT! On the main level you'll find an open spacious living room, kitchen, dining area, laundry and a half bath. Upstairs you have a generous primary bedroom, with ensuite bathroom and walk in closet; and guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Relax and BBQ outside on your fenced in patio. This well kept townhome is in a desirable location, close to town, stores, schools and hiking
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
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: 2549923 Fabulous corner unit, 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhome available for a single family to rent. Great location just off Main street near Spirit Fitness. This townhome has a Master Bedroom with a private bath, large room and closet. All bedrooms are upstairs. The other 2 bedrooms share a bathroom located in the hall. There is a nice kitchen with granite counters and a
Property Id: 2175384 Like-New 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath Townhome in Cedar Reserve! Available August 15th. Welcome home to this beautifully maintained townhome featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an attached garage. Located in the desirable Cedar Reserve subdivision, this home offers modern finishes, a private fenced yard, and a comfortable, low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy exclusive
Property Id: 2726019 Beautiful 3-bed, 2 1/2 bath townhouse. This place is only a couple of years old and in great condition. New appliances, washer and dryer (Included), granite countertops, and new floors. One bed, one bath studio also available to rent separately at $800 or combine with the 3 bed 2.5 bath for $2,500. Tenants are responsible for electric, gas, and HOA.
Property Id: 2549924 One block away from Southern Utah University, male student rental. 5 bedrooms are currently available. Great location and full yard! All utilities including WiFi are included in rent. All information, pictures and video walk through are listed on this website.
Property Id: 1685284 All utilities included (water, electric, internet, lawn care). Private room in a shared house. There are two other rooms in the basement, with one male and one female renting, and three rooms upstairs on the main floor that are completely separate from the basement. Each level of the house is separate from the other with their own living room, kitchen, and washer/dryer.
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,
Beautiful large home, 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom, with large 2 car garage, in great location (on the south end of Cedar City) near schools, shopping, restaurants, etc. Home was built in 1997, features 3056 total square feet, Main level of home includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, laundry room, formal living room and an open concept family room, kitchen & dining area all together. The Basement includes
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