Why Orem
Orem is a city located in Utah County in north-central Utah, approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. Situated near the eastern shore of Utah Lake, the municipality encompasses an area of 18.4 square miles at an average elevation of 9,956 feet. It lies directly adjacent to the communities of Provo, Vineyard, and Lindon, with Mount Timpanogos and the Wasatch Mountain range bordering the area to the east.
Originally known as Sharon and later referred to as the Provo Bench, the area was initially settled by farmers. Unlike many early regional towns that clustered homes into central city blocks, residents built their houses along major thoroughfares such as State Street to remain close to both transport routes and their agricultural fields and orchards. In 1914, the community was named after Walter C. Orem, president of the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad, in an effort to encourage investment and facilitate the transit of local fruit crops. The town formally incorporated in May 1919.
Educational and cultural landmarks feature prominently in the city. Orem is home to Utah Valley University, the state's largest public higher education institution. Campus highlights include the Woodbury School of Business, the UCCU Center, and the Fulton Library, which houses the expansive Roots of Knowledge stained glass installation. Elsewhere in the city, the Orem Public Library, situated beside City Center Park, features fairytale-themed stained glass window art created by Tom Holdman, an art gallery in the dōTERRA South Lobby, and the Library Hall venue used for public screenings and events.
Recreational facilities include more than 20 local public parks. Palisade Park features the Orem Splash Pad, which utilizes 1,000 gallons of water per minute across dozens of spray nozzles, while extreme sports enthusiasts utilize a quarter-acre cemented Skate Park. City Center Park serves as a venue for cultural gatherings, including the multi-day Oremfest. Established in 1949 to commemorate the completion of State Street, Oremfest includes a parade, carnival, car show, 5K fun run, outdoor concerts, and fireworks. Additional seasonal celebrations throughout the year include the Taste of Orem food festival, a Harvest Festival, and the wintertime Lights On display.
Local retail is centered around University Place, which opened in 1973 as the county's oldest shopping mall. Transportation across the city is supported by Interstate 15 and U.S. Route 89. Public transit options managed by the Utah Transit Authority include regional commuter trains departing from Orem Central Station and the Utah Valley Express bus rapid transit line, which connects the university campus along University Parkway into neighboring Provo.
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