Lets talk about Southern Utah (Washington County) Zion park

[Davon Lowery]

After speaking with a broker in Virgin, UT, I learned that capitalizing on that  Zion national park tourist vacation rental market can be (relatively) pricey and challenging.

My investor and I are looking for something close to nature or smack-dab in nature; but, still close enough to modern amenities to resolve any issues should they arise (emergencies/food etc).

I learned that if you are in the mountains, you will more than likely not have year round access, no water/rights, 2 hours away from amenities and no management willing to make the drive to check on 1 cabin, needless to say it was a little discouraging to hear. 

However, this explains the lower prices for the intimate cabin setting that we are looking for.

My investor wants something close to an services and attractions, hence opportunity for vacation rentals, when not used by the primary owner; but, still have the ability to provide a private intimate/eco-friendly setting for those wanting to get a way from it all. I learned acquiring both, under $200K+ in Washington County might not be possible.

The broker also recommended Springdale, Rockdale, Zion, Virgin, Hurricane and ST George. I'm interested to hear your experiences.

Thanks.

[Tom Burckhard]

@Davon Lowery I can tell you a little bit about the area since I live in St. George and Zion NP is one of our favorite spots. If you look at my picture, I am at Observation Point in Zion. The picture reminds me of the things my wife and I are going to do once we are financially free due to real estate investing!

If you want to be closer to Zion, Springdale and Rockville are your choices and I think the most scenic.  Rockville has a number of BnB's and we've noticed a few for sale along the main road. Springdale is pricier but could probably command higher rents if you can find a place.  I have noticed a number of for sale signs but don't know if zoning allows nightly rentals.

St. George is about 40-45 minutes from the south entrance of Zion.  St. George proper does not allow vacation rentals unless it is an area zoned for it.  Too many issues with neighbor complaints; not to say it does not still occur, I'm pretty sure it does.  I believe there are some condos that allow it but I am not sure.  I know I would not want to live next to a vacation rental that rents to 20 or so people at a time and the pool party is still going on at two in the morning!

Hurricane, pronounced Hurricun!, is located between St. George and Zion but not necessarily one of the most scenic areas.

If you need more info just PM me.  I can give you a couple of recommendations for restaurants!

Tom