Two of the most talked‑about resort communities in the St. George vacation‑rental market are Paradise Village and Desert Color. Both communities offer exceptional amenities and attract visitors from across the country, but from an investment perspective they operate quite differently.
Paradise Village
Paradise Village was one of the first master‑planned communities in the St. George area designed specifically for large vacation homes and group‑friendly rentals.Key advantages include:
• Established rental demand
• Family‑focused amenities including pools and water features
• Larger homes capable of hosting 20–40+ guests
• Proven track record of high‑performing vacation properties
Today, many Paradise Village homes range in value from approximately $700,000 to $3 million depending on size and amenities. Larger reunion‑style homes can produce $200,000–$350,000+ in annual bookings when professionally managed and properly marketed.
Desert Color
Desert Color is one of the newest and most recognizable resort communities in Southern Utah. The development is centered around its signature 2.5‑acre lagoon, creating a beach‑style experience in the desert.
Advantages include:
• Lagoon‑front resort experience
• New construction homes
• Modern architecture and amenities
• Strong destination marketing
Homes in Desert Color vary widely in price. Smaller homes and townhomes may start under $1 million, while larger luxury homes and lagoon‑front estates can reach $2.5 million to $10 million or more.
Revenue vs Return on Investment
While both communities can produce strong annual rental income, return on investment depends on the relationship between purchase price and revenue potential.
Paradise Village: $700K – $3M purchase price with $150K – $350K+ potential annual revenue.
Desert Color: Under $1M – $10M+ purchase price with $120K – $300K+ potential annual revenue.
Because Paradise Village homes were developed earlier and often carry lower acquisition costs for large homes, some investors have achieved strong returns relative to purchase price. Got a home you're thinking of turning into a vacation rental? Try our Rental Revenue Estimator.
