Parowan offers small-town charm with views of the Tashar Mountains
Initially settled by Mormon pioneers in the mid-19th century, Parowan is a small town with rural charm and scenic views of the Tushar Mountains. Locals can still visit some of the town’s oldest structures along Main Street, alongside mom and pop shops and restaurants. As the area has grown, minimalist ranch-style homes have filled the area, connected to the larger town of Cedar City by Interstate 15. Though locals have to leave town for things like chain retailers, Parowan residents enjoy annual events like the Iron County Fair and proximity to mountainous hiking trails.
Homes sit on quarter-acre lots, sometimes with private utilities
One-story bungalows and ranch-style homes throughout Parowan sit on spacious quarter-acre lots dotted with pear trees and other foliage. Most properties were built since the 1960s, though some vintage homes from the late 19th century can be found near the town center. Prices typically range from $250,000 to $700,000, depending on age and condition. A few all-ages manufactured home communities offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units for between $20,000 and $140,000. Some manufactured properties with more than a quarter-acre of land can range from $250,000 to $450,000. New residential development has begun to pick up since 2020, and empty lots typically sell for between $40,000 and $300,000 for up to 20 acres.
Since this is a more rural area, things like utilities can be a little more complicated. “In the town, there’s usually incorporated water, but out in the county, you’re putting in your own private wells and septic,” says Chad Schmuker, an Iron County native and local real estate agent at Equity Real Estate. “Water rights aren’t super cheap anymore. A half-acre share is a little over $10,000, and it’s $20,000 for over an acre.”
Main Street houses a range of locally owned shops and restaurants
Parowan’s Main Street area is home to historic sites like the Parowan Old Rock Church Museum, formerly used as a church and community center in the community’s earliest days. Surrounding the historic town center are family-owned eateries like Parowan Café, which is known for its diner fare and fresh cinnamon rolls. Dede’s Farmhouse Café is another local favorite, serving American fare in a rustic wood-built cabin. For groceries, Parowan Market has been a staple for over 40 years, passed down through three generations. Locals drive to Cedar City for large chains like Walmart.
Lots of annual gatherings, including the Iron County Fair
The local community holds lots of gatherings and festivals throughout the year. In October, residents get together for the annual Fall Fest and car show, featuring craft and food vendors spread out along Main Street. In addition to local events, the regional Iron County Fair takes place in Parowan every Labor Day weekend at the Iron County Fairgrounds. The five-day event includes a rodeo, livestock showcases and carnival rides.
Public parks in town and hiking trails in the mountains
Public gathering spaces are focused on the community’s east side, including playgrounds and grass fields at Lions Park and multiuse athletic fields at Valentine Peak Sports Complex. Parowan Heritage Park pays homage to the pioneers who originally settled the town with statues and plaques set among natural foliage and a small waterfall. Parowan is bordered by the Tushar Mountains, which include large nature preserves like the Dixie National Forest. “The National Parks are huge here,” Schmuker says. “There’s mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, and the trails go on forever.”
Parowan schools score in the B range
Parowan Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, has a free after-school program where students get help with homework, play games and do arts and crafts. In the winter, the school hosts a holiday concert with students of all grade levels. Starting in seventh grade, local kids attend Parowan High, which also earns a B-minus. The school features a Future Farmers of America chapter, as well as theatre and pep band programs.
Interstate 15 connects to Cedar City
Interstate 15 borders Parowan, leading about 20 miles to Cedar City and around 190 miles to Las Vegas. Though there isn’t any local public transit, there’s a Greyhound bus stop on I-15, served by intercity routes. The Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital, less than 20 miles away, is the nearest major medical center. Cedar City Regional Airport is also around 20 miles away.
