Utah’s unique landscapes and educational offerings make it a magnet for those looking to combine outdoor adventure and academic studies, fostering some of the nation’s finest college towns. With several stunning parks and world-renowned skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, the state is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its universities, like Utah Valley University, anchor vibrant communities that easily blend academic rigor with youthful energy. Among these communities is Orem, Utah, which shines as one of the coolest college towns in America and an underrated adventure hub.
Also known as “Family City, U.S.A.,” Orem is among Utah’s largest cities, with a median age of about 27 and a population of just under 100,000 people as of 2020 (via World Population Review), largely made up of local students. Located in Northern Utah at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Orem sits about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City and 15 minutes north of Provo. Visitors can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport or Provo Airport, then use a bus, rental cars, or the UTA FrontRunner commuter rail to get around.
Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, with average temperatures hovering between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration. Summers can be hot and stormy, and winters are typically very cold with freezing temperatures and regular snowfall, but skiers rejoice. Orem’s location offers easy access to many recreational opportunities, combining suburban comfort with exciting adventures, providing a nurturing and youthful environment perfect for students wanting a town that balances scholastic opportunity with leisure and exploration.
Why Orem excels as a college town
The perfect college town offers affordability, strong scholastic opportunities, plentiful job opportunities, and a lively social scene to balance the requirements of student life. Orem delivers on all fronts, earning a seat among the small college towns in WalletHub’s 2023 analysis, which took into account 31 factors that make up daily life in the city financially, socially, and scholastically. The affordability of the city is one of its hallmarks. Rent in Orem is about 19% less than the national average (via Apartments.com) which eases financial burdens for budgeting college students. However, it should be noted that the general cost of all types of housing in general is about 14% higher than the national average. Safety also enhances the appeal; the Utah Department of Public Safety reported a 2023 crime rate of about 47 crimes per 1,000 residents, creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere for the busy and distracted minds of young students. Utah Valley University, Orem’s academic backbone, offers demanding programs with personalized student programs, creating individual growth and career readiness. Plus, in-state tuition is just under $6,000 a year, offering even more affordability to its students.
Orem’s proximity to Salt Lake City, a 45-minute drive or quick commuter rail ride, opens doors to a wider system, with more internship opportunities, cultural events, and networking opportunities, which every student knows is key to success. The city’s focus on tech fuels economic growth with start-up companies and information companies providing graduates with job prospects. In addition to the city’s young population, which creates a vibrant social environment, the UVU campus buzzes with clubs, sports, and activities to help students unwind and organize.
Explore life beyond the classroom in Orem
