Orem, Utah, is a city located in Utah Valley and is part of the Provo-Orem metropolitan area. It is known for its outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery. However, there are some drawbacks to living in Orem, and here are 19 reasons why you might want to think twice before moving to Orem.
1. Traffic
Orem is located in a major metropolitan area, and as such, traffic can be a major issue. Rush hour traffic can be particularly bad, and if you live in the city, you’ll have to deal with it every day.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Orem is quite high, particularly for housing. The median home value in Orem is $316,000, which is well above the national median of $184,700.
3. Crime Rate
Orem has a relatively high crime rate, especially for violent crime. The violent crime rate in Orem is 321 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 209 per 100,000 people.
4. Limited Job Opportunities
The job market in Orem is not very strong. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is higher than the national average of 3.7%. Additionally, the average salary in Orem is $40,958, which is lower than the national average of $50,620.
5. Limited Dining Options
Orem is not known for its dining options. There are some good restaurants, but they can be few and far between. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of restaurants available.
6. Poor Air Quality
Orem is located in a valley, which means the air quality can be quite poor. The air quality in Orem is rated as “unhealthy” by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is much worse than the national average.
7. Limited Shopping Options
Orem is not known for its shopping options. There are some stores, but they tend to be limited in selection and often more expensive than other cities. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of stores available.
8. Weather
Orem has a semi-arid climate, which means it is hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. Additionally, the city can be subject to high winds and dust storms, which can make living conditions unpleasant.
9. Lack of Public Transportation
Orem does not have a public transportation system. This means that if you don’t have a car, you will have to rely on other forms of transportation such as Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
10. Poor Road Conditions
The roads in Orem are in poor condition. Many of the roads are in need of repair and can be dangerous to drive on. Additionally, the traffic can be quite congested, which can make driving difficult.
11. Not Much Nightlife
Orem is not known for its nightlife. There are some bars and clubs, but they tend to be limited in selection and can be expensive. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of establishments available.
12. Low-Quality Education
The schools in Orem are not known for their quality. The public schools are often overcrowded and underfunded, and the private schools are often expensive. Additionally, the college options in Orem are limited.
13. Lack of Cultural Diversity
Orem is not known for its cultural diversity. The city is largely white and the population is largely Mormon. This can make it difficult to find people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
14. Lack of Arts and Entertainment
Orem is not known for its arts and entertainment options. There are some museums and theaters, but they tend to be limited in selection and can be expensive. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of establishments available.
15. Poor Healthcare
The healthcare system in Orem is not known for its quality. The hospitals are often overcrowded and underfunded, and the doctors can be difficult to get appointments with. Additionally, the insurance options in Orem are limited.
16. High Sales Tax
The sales tax rate in Orem is 6.85%, which is higher than the national average of 6.00%. This means that you will pay more for goods and services in Orem than you would in other cities.
17. Limited Housing Options
The housing market in Orem is not very strong. The median home value in Orem is $316,000, which is well above the national median of $184,700. Additionally, the housing options in Orem are limited.
18. Limited Outdoor Activities
Orem is not known for its outdoor activities. There are some parks and trails, but they tend to be limited in selection and can be expensive. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of activities available.
19. Not Much to Do
Orem is not known for its activities. There are some things to do, but they tend to be limited in selection and can be expensive. Additionally, there is a lack of variety in the types of activities available.
Orem, Utah, is a beautiful city with some great outdoor recreation and scenery. However, there are some drawbacks to living in Orem, and these 19 reasons should be taken into consideration before making the decision to move there.