Moving to Orem, Utah: Pros, Cons & What You Should Know

May 6

Hey there! Are you thinking about making a move to Orem, Utah? If you’re still in the research phase, trying to figure out the pros, cons, advantages, and disadvantages of living here — you’re in the right place!

Pro #1: It’s a True College Town

Orem has a strong educational vibe thanks to Utah Valley University (UVU), a four-year college right in town. Just next door in Provo is the famous Brigham Young University (BYU). With these two large universities so close, you can feel the energy and growth that comes from a young, student-driven community.

Pro #2: Educational Opportunities Everywhere

Beyond UVU and BYU, you’re not far from major educational institutions like the University of Utah and Westminster College in Salt Lake City or Weber State a bit farther north. Whether you’re a student or a lifelong learner, you’ll have no shortage of learning opportunities here.

Pro #3: Proximity to Silicon Slopes

Orem is just minutes from Lehi, the heart of Utah’s booming tech hub known as Silicon Slopes. With startups, tech companies, and entrepreneurial energy surrounding the area, many professionals are choosing Orem and nearby Provo as their home base for work and innovation.

Pro #4: Outdoor Access Galore

Love the outdoors? You’ll be thrilled to know Orem offers easy access to:

✅ Utah Lake for water activities

✅ Provo Canyon and Sundance Resort for skiing, hiking, and summer concerts

✅ Countless hiking and biking trails nearby

Whether you’re an adventurer or just love the idea of having nature right outside your door, Orem delivers.

Pro #5: Convenient Transportation & Airports

You’re only about 10-15 minutes from the Provo Airport (a regional airport with plans to expand) and roughly 35-40 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport. Plus, Orem offers solid public transportation options — especially helpful for UVU’s commuter students.

But What About the Drawbacks?

Con #1: Traffic & Congestion During Peak Hours

With two large universities nearby, traffic around Orem can get busy — especially during the school year and around key commute times. Expect congestion near University Avenue and major freeway exits.

Con #2: Rising Housing Costs

Orem’s popularity has driven up home prices. While there’s new construction, you’ll also find many older homes, and not all neighborhoods have homeowners associations (HOAs). For some, this freedom is a plus; for others, it means you might see more aging properties or older cars lining the streets.

Con #3: Limited Nightlife

If you’re hoping for a bustling nightlife scene, Orem might not be the best fit. It’s a fairly conservative, family-friendly city with a strong religious presence. Many people love the calm, community-focused vibe — but it’s something to be aware of depending on your lifestyle preferences.

Final Thoughts

Orem offers fantastic educational access, job opportunities near Utah’s tech scene, and endless outdoor adventures. But like any place, it comes with its trade-offs: heavier traffic during school terms, rising housing costs, and a quieter nightlife.

If you’re thinking about relocating, buying, or selling in Orem, my team and I are here to help! We love working with people who are exploring a move — whether it’s next week, next month, or next year.

Thanks for reading, and I’m wishing you a fantastic day. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime — we’d love to connect and help make your move to Orem smooth and stress-free.