Why Utah?
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Why Orem, Utah?
Provo/Orem has it all! Provo/Orem has been recognized nationally for its high quality of life and a beautiful place to live, being next door to the Wasatch Mountains. With its access to retail and restaurants as well as mountain trails and vistas, Provo/Orem is an ideal place to live. Outside Magazine recently rated Provo/Orem as its #2 greatest place to live in the U.S. Utah was also ranked the Happiest state in America by Wallet Hub.
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Low Cost of Living
The Provo/Orem, Utah area has a reasonable cost of living. Food, energy, and healthcare costs are lower than the national average. Housing costs are similar to other small cities across the U.S. and are much cheaper than large metro areas like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Overall, Provo/Orem is less expensive than the national average.
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Student Housing
Provo boasts many great student housing options. Since Provo/Orem has two universities, there are many furnished student apartments available for rent. Some have private bedrooms. Sharing a bedroom with a roommate can save you even more money. You can rent a room in an apartment for $400-500/month.
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Transportation
The UTA bus system will help you get anywhere you need to go in Provo/Orem and beyond. Many students also walk and ride bikes. If you need to go to the Salt Lake International Airport (about an hour’s drive by car) or anywhere within a few hundred miles of Provo/Orem, there are two shuttle services that can help you get there: The St. George Express and the Salt Lake Express. The Frontrunner is a commuter train that runs from Provo/Orem through Salt Lake City to Ogden. Other transportation options include Lyft and Uber.
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Other Educational Opportunities
Provo/Orem is a college town and is home to two universities, Brigham Young University (BYU) and Utah Valley University (UVU). BYU has many award winning programs, accounting and its MBA school, for example. BYU was rated in 2017 by U.S. News & World Report #11 in the nation for best value and #61 in National Universities. UVU is an open enrollment university, accepting 100% of its applicants. It offers a diverse list of degree programs ranging from aviation to modern dance. Both universities host many cultural and sporting events which are free or of very little cost to the general public. When you are ready to make the transition to university classes, being in Provo with so many great education options should make the transition to university easy.
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Low Crime Rate
Provo/Orem is a safe, friendly place to live. According to areavibes.com, Provo/Orem has a 47% lower violent crime rate than the Utah average, and is 67% lower than the national average. In property crime, Provo’s property crime is 21% lower than the Utah average and is 4% lower than the national average. Utah was ranked the 4th safest place to live in America in a study done by Niche.com
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Outdoor Fun
Definitely one reason to move to Utah is the amazing outdoor adventures which are practically at your fingertips. In just a 20 minute car ride, you could find yourself picnicking in Provo Canyon, hiking, or feeling the mist from Bridal Veil Falls. Sundance Ski Resort is approximately 45 minutes from Provo/Orem. In the summer, you can hike or mountain bike there and ski in the winter. Utah also has many canyons and other ski resorts, including Park City, within a 60-90 minute drive from Provo/Orem. Deer Creek Reservoir is 20 minutes from Provo. Deer Creek and other nearby lakes are perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Utah also has amazing national parks, within a 3 hour drive from Provo/Orem. Some of them include Arches, Zions, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon National Park. These parks boast amazing sandstone arches, rock formations, and views that attract tourists from around the world.
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Entertainment
The entertainment possibilities in and around Provo/Orem are almost endless. See the Provo/Orem activity guide for activities offered through Provo/Orem Recreation including swimming, sports, classes, concerts, plays, dances, museums, film festivals and special events.
9
Low Crime Rate
Provo/Orem is a safe, friendly place to live. According to areavibes.com, Provo/Orem has a 47% lower violent crime rate than the Utah average, and is 67% lower than the national average. In property crime, Provo’s property crime is 21% lower than the Utah average and is 4% lower than the national average. Utah was ranked the 4th safest place to live in America in a study done by Niche.com
More things to do in and around Provo/Orem
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah is host to the annual Sundance Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the world where the entertainment world come together to celebrate and award film makers from around the globe.
BYU Theaters & Fine Arts Museum
BYU has many performing groups and plays. They also bring in top-notch performers from Broadway and beyond. The BYU Fine Arts Museum has several permanent collections but also have other temporary art exhibits that change a few times a year. The museum and parking are free.
Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point is located near Lehi, Utah, about 15 minutes from Provo. Thanksgiving Point has shops, a deli, a golf course, gardens, a dinosaur museum and a children's curiosity museum, a movie theater, and many seasonal events and concerts.
The Velour
The Velour is a venue for local bands and is located in the heart of Provo on University Avenue. It’s a fun place to go for live music.
Splash Summit Waterpark
Splash Summit Waterpark has several fast water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Swimming at Splash Summit is a fun way to spend a summer day.
Peaks Ice Arena
Peaks Ice Arena is an indoor ice area. It’s a great place to skate or to watch hockey. Peaks Ice Arena was also home to the 2002 Winter Olympics where Hockey and other ice skating events were held.
Provo River Parkway Trail
Provo River Parkway Trail is a 15 mile trail that goes from Utah Lake up into Provo Canyon. You can access it in several points. It’s great for walking or biking and is open year round.
The Shops at Riverwoods
The Shops at Riverwoods is an outdoor mall located in Provo, near Provo Canyon. It has 12 restaurants and many shops. With its immaculate landscaping, statues, and lighting, it’s a festive place to visit.
Provo Town Square
With a view of the majestic Wasatch Mountains in front and the setting sun behind, local students and young adults flock to Provo Town Square for the Rooftop Concert Series every Friday night from May until September.