It’s the time of year when I want to check in and see the most recent data on affordable housing in Washington County, so here is a little update.
According to the Department of Workforce services, the median income in Washington County, Utah for 2020 was $71,904. The Census said the median income was $76,411 in Washington County in 2023. The median home price was $535,000 for Washington County in September of 2023 according to the Board of Realtors data website. When I ran the numbers in the MLS myself, I got $520K for September of 2024, which tracks with the board’s data showing that the median has come down a little since last year. Knowing all of this, I emailed my friend Scott Stout from Guild Mortgage to ask what kind of income is needed to buy a median home price, and what the median income could buy. This is what he told me:
To buy a $520K home with 7% interest rates and 5% down, a family would need about $102K in income. These numbers also assume low or no car payment, credit cards, student loans, etc.
With the median income of $71K, same assumptions, a buyer could shop for a $375K home. In our current market, that is essentially priced out, or extremely competitive. Many properties at that price point are scooped up by investors as rentals.
As discouraging as some of these numbers are, I see a glimmer of hope in the fact that year over year the median price has come down just a bit. I definitely believe that the drop results from the high interest rates which put downward pressure on prices.
I have a confession. I’m one of those people who take photos of their food on their phone. I have at least three pictures of the salad below on my phone. I told my husband that if I didn’t love him so much, I would run away with this salad.
This is the Cobb Salad at River Rock Roasting company, but with no bleu cheese and the Moroccan dressing. I always get this salad because I can’t eat cheese without a lot of discomfort, but I love this thing. The Moroccan dressing at River Rock is a little exotic trip in a cup. This post is a little guide to some of my favorite places and eats in Hurricane.
Food Sensitive
River Rock Roasting Company is one of the best places in town for the dietarily restricted. They have chickpea sandwiches, a few delicious salad choices that you can ask to have the cheese left off. I have done that a few times, and they always remember. They also have a garlic and mushroom pizza that you can ask to have vegan style, and they will put a cashew sauce on it instead of cheese. One of the added benefits of River Rock is a gorgeous view of the confluence park you can enjoy while you eat. I have heard their coffee is good, and if you like soda they have a fountain that has some different flavors from your standard Coke and Pepsi. You might want to walk past that before you decide on a beverage. The restaurant also often features local artists’ work. They sometimes get pretty busy, and the best way to avoid that is going at times that aren’t the peak food times. For example, meet at 15 minutes before the hour, or go late in the morning or after the lunch rush.
Quick and Easy
Costa Vida is one of my favorites for that food where it is all a mix of the same Mexican food, but prepared 7 different ways – burrito, salad, etc. all with beans and rice and veggies. I know it is a chain place, but there is a reason these spots are popular. They are not too expensive, and you may wait in line a little, but they have lots of tasty food and options for everyone.
A Little Quieter
If you want to sit down and enjoy a high quality meal, The Pig’s Ear American Bistro is a little pricier, but they have a fresh mix of American classics and some healthy options as well. I like the superfood kale and quinoa bowl, but they have fish tacos, french dips, and a pretty wide variety of other delicious options. They serve alcohol here as well.
Mexican Food
If you want atmosphere, Lupita’s will occasionally have live music on weekend nights. If you want a very delicious burrito from a hole in the wall, I love the chicken burrito with green salsa at El Jinete. The building is bright yellow and orange, and the parking is sometimes crowded.
Local Favorite
Triple TJ’s is my husband’s pick almost every date night. Triple TJ’s serves classic American food. I often get the salmon or the turkey croissant, but they have chicken fried steak, pastas, burgers, fish, and a few steak options. I love their fries because they are a good size with a light batter. I think that Alex likes them so much because they have this dessert—two large cookies with a big scoop of ice cream between, drizzled in chocolate. He will get that even if it’s not a special occasion just so he can enjoy his life more.
If you have another local place you are curious about, give me a call and I’m happy to share an opinion if I’ve tried it. If you are a local, feel free to leave reviews of your favorite places and why in the comments here.
This post and all posts on this site are written by a real human without the use of AI software.
What is up, friends? I haven’t posted in months because I have been doing so many things—having Covid, teaching at the college, planting my garden, doing my directed readings for my masters portfolio, burying my last living grandmother. When I recovered from Covid I again felt grateful for my good health. I relished the feel of digging in the soil with my bare hands as I planted peas, onions, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and some flowers to attract the bees. I filled my mind until I thought it would explode as I studied this semester. I reflected on my mortality at my grandma’s passing, and I felt so much gratitude for reaching the age I have and getting to have her for so long. In short, it’s been a busy spring.
Now I am getting ready to go help my brother move in Texas, go to girls camp with a bunch of 12-18 year old young ladies, and shuttle my kids to camps, pools, libraries, lakes, and anywhere the wind takes us this summer.
I just interviewed a couple of caregivers, and I can’t wait to make time to honor their work. They have really contributed a lot to the local caregiver community in the Washington County area, and I’m excited to tell a little about them soon.
One of the exciting things I’m working on is a podcast regarding attainable housing in our county. Housing costs have truly become a huge issue with the skyrocketing prices of homes. Just this week I have seen two of my favorite businesses, River Rock Roasting Company, and JoAnn, post notices on their doors that they will be closed some evenings. I’m sure there are complicated reasons, but we are seeing a lot of people in the service industry have to leave our area because they can’t afford to live and work here with rent the way it is. I attended a Housing Action sub-committee meeting today and heard that even the hospital is struggling to keep employees because the cost of housing in Washington County is pushing people away from our labor market.
I guess what I’m saying with this post is, Hello Summer! I can’t wait to enjoy everything you have to offer. I hope I can offer something back.
Picture from girls camp last summer. We are so lucky to live where we do.
I’m having my annual late summer blues. Every year at this time they creep around my house and make me feel like a little dried out raisin falling off the vine. I’m here to write myself some notes to remind myself that I’m not a raisin. I’m a grape.
I do not have to have an overarching purpose and passion in life. I mother my children. I work part time in real estate and teaching. I go to graduate school. I am learning to paint watercolor. I have a very good garden. I serve in my church. Those are all purposes to which I devote my time. None of them is the boss of me, and there is plenty there for me to find satisfaction with my life.
I do not have to rule the world in any of the areas where I devote my time. I don’t have to be in charge of anything for PTO. It is okay for me to just sign up and help when I can, and not run anything. I don’t have to be the top of my class in school. I don’t have to make all the money in my jobs. I don’t have to be a perfect leader for young women. I don’t have to be a perfect mom. I make mistakes and will continue to do so.
School will start in a few weeks, and that structure will help me escape this late summer listlessness.
If I can’t muster the desire to make and process blackberry jam before blackberry season is over, it is not the end of the world.
If I don’t post on my blog anymore even though I was so regular about it when I was younger and had fewer children and responsibilities, it’s okay. This blog is for me. My voice is not dead, even if she has been quiet for awhile. She can be quiet as long as she wants. I’ve been busy living. It’s okay to just do that.
Selling t-shirts, but not in charge.
Enough veggies to share with neighbors, and they don’t even want them.
Dear Friends, Family, and fictional characters we wish were real,
Merry Christmas! The Chamberlains have been blessed to stay employed this year. Alex and Jenny both turned 40. Jenny wanted to have a dance party and was sorely disappointed. Alex kindly had friends write on our sidewalk, which eased the pain, but Jenny is still on record describing 2020 as “the world’s biggest un-party.” Alex got the car of his dreams close to his birthday after many, many discussions with Jenny which shall not be revisited here. Jenny also started graduate school at DSU in the fall for a degree with a super complicated name, and she is loving it.
Jenny’s current jam remains I Will Survive (Polydor Records, 1978), by Gloria Gaynor, while Alex has been rocking out fairly consistently to Get Lucky (Columbia Records, 2013) by Daft Punk, featuring Pharrell Williams.
The children spent the spring part of school on our couch. The couch used to be yellow and modern, and now it’s more of a light brown with misshapen theme. In the words of Indiana Jones, “It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.”
Grace repainted her room white so that she can better decorate for each season. She’s currently jamming Commissioning a Symphony in C (BMI, 2001) by Cake.
Henry got a hat and excelled at online school. He discovered We’re not Gonna Take it (Atlantic Records, 1984) by Twisted Sister and repeats it often. His deepest wish is for reptiles to rule the earth once more.
Scott has developed an abiding love for Ava Max (Atlantic Records, 2020). He continues to look identical to Bastian from The Neverending Story, and thought that Frozen II was a worthy follow-up, and not a blatant cash-grab. He has been reading Amulet, which is usually pronounced “A Mullet” in our house.
Kaleb’s favorite song of the year is Speed Me Up (Atlantic Records, 2020) by Wiz Khalifa, featuring Ty Dollar $ign, Lil Yachty & Sueco the Child, and he wishes everyone to listen to it whenever it is his day to pick the music at our house. He is convinced that it’s called “Spickle me.”
We all enjoyed a lot of ultimate frisbee, pickleball, and a fall trip to Joshua Tree as highlights of the year.
Sending all our love and wishes for a *MUCH* better 2021,
Jenny Chamberlain 