Orem, Utah
Orem, Utah, dubs itself “Family City U.S.A.” Corny, perhaps — but valid. Located 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, the town features quality schools and day hikes easy enough for the little ones. A modest cost of living enables residents to stash money away for the college fund.
Speaking of which, parents can keep their kids close at a couple of universities nearby: Utah Valley University or Brigham Young University, a private school affiliated with the Mormon Church.
As might be expected this close to Utah's Wasatch Range mountains, winter gets chilly — although easy access to ski slopes helps residents make the most of it. When things warm up, the town gets together for a summer series of weekly outdoor concerts accompanied by tasty food truck munchables.
The family’s eldest members can find community at Orem Senior Friendship Center, which offers Tai Chi and Zumba. — Max Zahn
