This Underrated Utah College Town Blends Budget-Friendly Living With Big Adventure Energy

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.

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. 

Orem's location between the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Lake transforms it into an outdoor playground for students craving adventure beyond school pursuits. Provo Canyon is just about 20 minutes away and offers biking trails, hiking, or whitewater rafting through iconic red rock canyons. Bridal Veil Falls is a popular day trip, allowing students a chance to breathe and take a break from their studies. Ambitious hikers can conquer the 14-mile trail to the peak of Mount Timpanogos at 11,753 feet for incredible views. If heights aren't your thing, explore the Timpanogos Cave National Monument for tours of its incredible geological wonders. Utah Lake State Park is close to campus and spans about 148 square miles, providing fishing, swimming, boating, paddling, and camping, ideal for a reconnection with nature after intense screen time. Winter brings world-famous skiing at Sundance Mountain Resort, one of the 11 nearby ski areas for people seeking options outside of Salt Lake City's best ski resorts. Meanwhile, rock climbers can tackle routes at American Fork Canyon or the multi-pitch challenges in Little or Big Cottonwood Canyons.

Within the city, the community fully shows up with the Orem Farmers Market and Food Fest, held Wednesdays from May to October. The market showcases about 200 local vendors, live music, and fresh local produce. Cultural outlets like SCERA Center for the Arts host performances, and the Telos Discovery Space Center sparks curiosity. Moviegoers can hit the Megaplex or Cinemark theaters for the latest hits, and shoppers can explore University Place for a little retail therapy. This well-rounded city is perfect for those looking to blend scholastic endeavors with outdoor pursuits.