Homes with Utah lake and mountain in Orem Utah

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Orem, UT is the #60 Best City to Live in the USA

Homes with Utah lake and mountain in Orem Utah
iStock/Jason Finn
Orem, UT
Quality of Life
Liv Score

613
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 60
Demographics 35
Economy 89
Education 57
Health 58
Housing 66
Infrastructure 49
Amenities 39

Why Orem is one of the best cities to live in

Tucked between the eastern shore of Lake Utah and the soaring landscapes of Mount Timpanogos and Cascade Mountain, Orem, UT, is a natural beauty that allows for a ‘best of all worlds’ lifestyle with one day on the water and the next on the slopes. Located just 41 miles south of Salt Lake City, residents enjoy small-town living with access to both city amenities and outdoor adventures, earning Orem a spot among the best places to live in the U.S. In addition to stunning surroundings, Orem is known for its robust economy, sociability, reasonable cost of living and kid-friendly lifestyle, which earned it the moniker of Family City USA. Orem is also a popular home away from home for a slightly older crowd. With only 4 miles separating Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University in neighboring Provo, the combined metro area is home to nearly 70,000 students during the academic year. 

What are Orem’s major industries and employers?

The diversified economy encompasses education, health care, manufacturing, technology and construction. Outside the university, the largest employers include U.S. Synthetic Corporation, Timpanogos Regional Hospital and Clearlink Technologies.

What are the major colleges and universities in Orem?

Utah Valley University 

What is the weather like in Orem? 

A high desert town, Orem has four distinct seasons. January is the coldest month with average highs of 37 degrees and lows of 20 degrees, and July is the hottest with average highs of 92 degrees and lows of 61 degrees. Orem only gets an average of 12.8 inches of precipitation annually.

What is there to do outside in Orem?

Explore the area along the 17-mile Murdock Canal Trail, which passes through seven cities in the Utah Valley. The trail is suitable for walking, running, biking, skateboarding and horseback riding. 

Orem, UT is Remote-Ready

What makes Orem a great place for remote workers?

Orem’s cost of living is below the state average, which means your dollar goes further here. The Orem Business Alliance is committed to providing resources for local businesses, such as networking opportunities and webinars. This is designed to help companies to grow and stay relevant, which in turn helps relocating workers find work that not only supports but satisfies.

What Locals Love in Orem, UT

What is the best local bookstore in Orem?

Serving the Utah Valley for more than three decades, Dragon’s Keep is perfect for the comic book or anime aficionado. In addition to Marvel, DC and other comics, the store features trading cards, miniature gaming and board games and hosts regular event nights.

How do you spend a weekend in Orem?

Take the kids on a play date in Family City USA. Opt for an arcade and laser tag outing at Nickel City Fun Center or head to Hang Time Adventure Park for some serious climbing, jumping and swinging, and everyone enjoys All Together Playground, an all-abilities wonderland built by 4,100 volunteers.

What can you do for free in Orem?

Visit Utah Valley University’s stunning Roots of Knowledge installation at Fulton Library. This incredible public art project comprises 80 vibrant, intricately designed glass paintings depicting the quest for progress from the dawn of time to the present day.

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Orem?

After a day at the desk, everyone craves a little adventure. Grab some friends and escape the every day by working together to solve clues and beat the clock at Red Giant Escape Rooms or Escapes in Time.

What’s something only locals know about Orem? 

With the towering mountains as inspiration, it’s no wonder the area celebrates tall tales. Don’t miss the famed Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, held annually the weekend after Labor Day.

Is Orem, UT a good place to live?

Stunning scenery, a reasonable cost of living and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure make Orem a best place to live in Utah.

Thinking of Moving to Orem?

What is the Orem, UT real estate market like?

With the city snug between Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountain Range, it’s no surprise that Orem real estate is ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of the best neighborhoods in Orem include the newer master-planned community of Geneva, the quiet neighborhoods of Cascade offers homes for sale in Orem located near great schools, the uniquely located Berkshire that’s near the Provo River and the Riverside Golf Course, and Windsor Hollow full of newer homes and near Timpanogos High School. Though we only touched on a few neighborhoods, there are several Orem real estate agents available to help you find a new home.

Quick Facts About Orem, UT

Average Commute
16.12
Median Home Value
$441,033
Med. Household Income
$71,931
Total Population
103,981
Walk Score
41
Median Property Tax
$1,967

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