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Short Creek Real Estate: Colorado City and Hildale After the UEP

Short Creek — the twin communities of Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah — is one of the most unusual real estate markets in America. For decades, most of the community’s homes and property were held by the United Effort Plan (UEP) trust, which was controlled by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Following court intervention and the eventual reform of the UEP, the community has been systematically transitioning to private property ownership. This transition has changed the community dramatically and created a standard real estate market where one did not exist before.

The UEP Transition: What Changed

The United Effort Plan trust was originally formed in 1942 as a communal property arrangement where FLDS members consecrated their homes to the trust. In 2005, the Utah Attorney General’s office gained court oversight of the UEP after allegations of mismanagement and discriminatory housing practices. Key milestones: (1) 2005-2014: Court-appointed fiduciaries began transferring properties to private owners. (2) 2014: Hildale subdivision completed — individual properties could be deeded to owners. (3) 2017: Colorado City court-ordered to complete subdivision plats. (4) By 2019: approximately 85% of Hildale UEP properties transferred to private owners. (5) Colorado City subdivision proceeded more slowly but has since advanced. The community today has genuine private property owners living alongside some remaining FLDS members.

What Buying in Short Creek Looks Like Today

(1) Standard purchase process: properties that have been transferred from the UEP to private owners are sold through standard real estate processes. MLS listings, title insurance, escrow, and standard financing apply. (2) Title research is essential: any property in Colorado City or Hildale requires thorough title research to confirm the UEP transfer is complete and the seller has clear title. A title company experienced with this market is essential. (3) Pricing: Colorado City home prices have ranged widely as the market matures — from under $100,000 for basic properties to $500,000+ for larger homes. The market is still finding its equilibrium as community demographics evolve. (4) Community character: the community is visibly changing. New residents from outside the FLDS tradition have moved in. The first brewery opened in 2017. The DOJ reformed the police department. New affordable apartments are being built.

Who Buys in Short Creek Today

The buyer pool in Short Creek has diversified significantly: (1) Former FLDS members who obtained UEP-transferred properties and are settling into private ownership. (2) New residents attracted by the unique high-desert landscape, proximity to Zion National Park and Grand Canyon, and relatively affordable prices. (3) Investors and developers seeing opportunity in a community with an unusual market history. (4) People with family connections in the community who want to remain near relatives. The specialist who serves this market understands its unique history without judgment about any of the community’s religious traditions.

LDS Real Estate: Hub — Temples — Utah County — I-15 Corridor — Mission Field — Less Active — Tithing
Polygamy-Adjacent: Leaving a Community — Short Creek — Plural Families — Centennial Park — Sister Wives — FLDS Survivors — Kingston Group — AUB/Allred Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy property in Colorado City or Hildale today?

Yes. The community has transformed significantly since the UEP court intervention. DOJ reformed the police department, private property ownership is now standard, and new residents from outside the FLDS community have integrated into the towns.

What is the UEP trust and does it still control Short Creek property?

The United Effort Plan was the communal land trust that once owned most Short Creek homes. Following court intervention beginning in 2005, the UEP has transferred approximately 85%+ of Hildale properties to private owners. Colorado City properties have also been subdivided and transferred. Properties should have clear title confirmed before purchase.

What is the real estate process like in Colorado City/Hildale?

Standard process: MLS listings, title insurance, escrow, and standard financing apply for properties with clear private title. Title research is essential given the UEP history. Work with a title company experienced in this specific market. Price ranges have been wide as the market matures.