Orem, UT is a small city located about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, just next to the City of Provo. The area is known for its stunning natural surroundings, a high percentage of families in the population, and friendly neighborhoods. If you’re thinking about moving to Orem, but want to learn more before your move, this complete guide to living in Orem has all the details you need.
Family City U.S.A
Yes, that’s Orem’s calling card, nickname, and local slogan. Why? Maybe it’s because of the great schools in the area. Or perhaps it’s due to the affordable cost of living, which makes it easy for couples and young families to purchase their first home. Or perhaps it’s because of the kind, caring community that welcomes newcomers with enthusiasm. Whichever reason you prefer, it’s no wonder that Orem was named the Best Place to Raise a Family in the US by Forbes in 2016, and ranked #13 in Money Magazine’s 2018 edition of the Best Places to Live.
Orem Demographics
With any move, it’s important to know some basics about who your neighbors will be. In Orem, you’ll be part of a total population of more than 93,000 people. You’ll be part of a relatively “young” city, where the median age is just 25 years old, and families with kids under 18 make up half the population. If you choose to own a home in Orem, you’ll be in good company; 60% of Orem residents choose to buy a home, rather than renting.
One important thing to note about Orem: folks here are largely religious! In fact, more than 93% of people living in Orem are part of the Mormon Church (AKA the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). This makes sense since Utah was the birthplace of the Mormon religion, but it’s a higher percentage than other parts of the state, including Salt Lake City, where only 61% of the population identify as Mormon.
Jobs in Orem
Wondering where you’ll work when you move to Orem? Folks living here have about a 16-minute commute on average and work all over Utah County in different industries. The top employers in the area include Brigham Young University, the Utah Valley Hospital, and Vivint, Inc over in Provo. The median household income in Orem is $56,000 per year, which is lower than the state average, but higher than the average for the whole of the U.S.
Where to Live in Orem, UT?
Finding the right neighborhood in any city is difficult, especially if you’re moving to Orem for the first time. Orem has plenty of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from, from urban dwellings in the heart of downtown to gated communities and lush estates on every side of the city. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Orem that you should consider:
- Geneva: This master-planned community includes more than 3,000 homes, with housing for up to 26,000 residents. Homes here are all new constructions and usually sell for around $250,000.
- Cascade: This quiet neighborhood on Orem’s East Side is beloved by residents as a perfect place for families. Cascade is safe, close to local schools and amenities, and homes here are big and beautiful.
- Berkshire: One of the most popular Orem neighborhoods, Berkshire is located near the Riverside Golf Course and Provo River. Homes here are expensive, selling for upwards of $1 Million.
- Windsor Hollow: Homes in this top Orem neighborhood sell for at least $300,000, and many are newer constructions. The community is very close to Timpanogos High School, making it a perfect choice for families with school-aged children.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Orem?
This is perhaps one of the most important details to know when you move to a new city. But if you decide to move to Orem, you’re in luck, because the cost of living here is fantastic! Orem is mostly on par with the American average for costs in categories like goods & services, groceries, and transportation. Utility costs in Orem are even more affordable, at 25% less than the US average.
One cost that is slightly higher than other parts of the country is housing. Homebuyers in Orem can expect to pay a median home price of $215,000 for an average house in the community. For a standard mortgage, that means you’ll be paying about $1,253 per month. Most people living in Orem also pay between $800-$1,500 per month in property taxes (usually these are rolled into your mortgage, so be sure to ask your lender about tax rates for your home!) Renters get a bit of a financial break here, due to the median monthly rent of just $900 in the City.
Orem Schools
There are a total of 66 schools in Orem, including 22 elementary schools, 9 middle schools and 12 high schools for families to choose from. One of the best schools in Orem is the Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS), which offers rigorous pre-college courses in a variety of STEM applications. UCAS is by application only and has open houses throughout the year for prospective students and their parents. Among Orem’s public high schools, the Mountainview High School is a top-ranked choice and won a Silver ranking in the 2017 Best High Schools report from US News.
Orem’s Weather
Wondering what the weather’s like in Orem, UT? The average temperature in Orem is a lovely 52 degrees, though summers can get up into the mid-70s, and the temperature usually drops to just around freezing (32 degrees) during the coldest months of the year. You can expect about 25 inches of snow in Orem from November to March, but you’ll also get to enjoy 223 sunny days per year, which is more than the US average.
What are the Best Things to do in Orem?
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Utah was made for people who love the outdoors. From some of the best hiking, horseback riding and climbing spots in the USA, to the “Greatest Snow on Earth” that makes ski enthusiasts come back year after year, we’ve got it all. So if you love to bask in the sunlight, moving to Orem might just be perfect for you.
Two of our favorite local outdoor spots are Mount Timpanogos Park and Neilsen’s Grove Park. At Mount Timpanogos Park, you can enjoy 44 miles of Utah’s natural beauty on paths that are ideal for everyone from hardcore runners to those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Neilsen’s Grove Park is the oldest established park in Utah and features a gorgeous fountain and over 24,000 tulips that bloom each Spring.
Want to know how to get to Mount Timpanogos Park? Here is a handy link to a map! Trying to find your way to Neilsen’s Grove Park? Plug the address into your GPS and you’ll be good to go.
Our Favorite Orem Restaurants
What are the best restaurants in Orem? Good question! We love trying new and delicious food in Orem, UT, and we’ve found some restaurants that bring folks back time and again. Whether you’re visiting or here to stay, here are two top eateries to try in the city.
Texas Roadhouse
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If you’ve never had a blooming onion at Texas Roadhouse, moving to Orem means you’ll finally have the chance! Make sure to get your fill of their soft, always-warm rolls and honey-cinnamon butter, too.
- Hours: 4PM-10PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM-11PM Friday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM Sunday
- Website: https://www.texasroadhouse.com/locations/284-oremut
- Address: 1265 State St, Orem, UT 84097
- Phone Number: (801) 226-2742
Tucanos Brazilian Grill
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Need a little spice in your life? Check out Tucanos Brazillian Grill to satisfy all your cravings for classic South American Cuisine. From fried bananas to Brazillian-style flan, this restaurant will quickly become one of your local favorites.
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM, 11AM-11PM Friday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
- Website: http://www.tucanos.com/
- Address: 545 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84097
- Phone Number: (801) 224-4774
Moving to Orem
So, should you move to Orem, UT? We might be a little biased, but we think the answer is YES! For more information on this wonderful city, or to get started planning your move, give us a call anytime at (801) 770-0765. We can’t wait to hear from you!
