Windsor South - Orem, UT Area Guide

The city of Orem was founded in 1919, but prior to that, it existed as a section of Provo. Provo refused to tackle the problem of the area's increasing need for water, so residents chose to separate themselves from the city. This example of organization and determination shows why Orem grew so quickly into a prosperous town. Population growth after World War II led to the construction of Windsor South in the late 1940s.

Orem expresses its passion for the arts through the Orem Arts Council. The Council presents theater performances, dance and visual arts, as well as providing educational programs for children and adults. Every September, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival invites storytellers from around the world to share music, laughter and tales. Fairy tales, mysteries, ballads and poems plumb the depths of human emotion and let modern listeners form connections with the past. Adult admission costs $40, children $25.

While the Windsor South neighborhood remains residential, you still find a wide assortment of restaurants just minutes from home. These establishments usually cluster along State Street, and restaurants range from casual to fine dining and represent both American and international cuisines.

Maria Bonita serves classic Mexican fare in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Feel the warm, sunny beach breeze on your face as you bite into a shrimp taco. This family-friendly restaurant brings heaping plates of food to your table when you order the chicken and shrimp fajitas. Pile grilled shrimp, crisp chicken, red peppers, green peppers and onions onto your fajita wrap served alongside salad, rice and refried beans. Bring your appetite, but prepare to take home extras.

Pizza receives a sophisticated makeover with fresh, local ingredients at Pizzeria 712. Loyal fans love the crust that lands somewhere between thick and thin while a ton of ingenious toppings sit on top. Order the speck, a local favorite topped with soppressata and garlic, or try the butternut squash and bacon. Save room for the silky buttermilk panna cotta and tangy grapefruit compote. This pizzeria's exciting flavor combinations quickly turn you into a regular customer.

Stop at Hitching Post for a beer, or order drinks and appetizers from a national chain; this pretty much covers your in-town options. Night owls drive down to Provo, where they find an array of clubs and bars to suit nearly everyone. Dance to blues fusion at Light Blues, or catch local bands at ABG's Libation Emporium. Enjoy cheap drinks with a rowdy crowd at City Limits on Friday nights.

Residents of Windsor South typically drive everywhere, but free parking across the city and access to U.S. Highway 89 and Interstate 15 take the stress out of driving. Avoid driving by using Uber or taking public transportation, as you won't see taxis in this area.

Bicycling is generally safe, and many sections of the city maintain bike lanes and multi-use paths. However, crossing the highway that cuts through the center of Orem may pose some dangers for cyclists.

The Utah Transit Authority oversees both the FrontRunner train and a bus line — both travel between Orem and Provo, but can also take you as far as Salt Lake City. The bus stops frequently throughout the city, making it convenient for local trips. The nearest airport is the Provo Municipal Airport 11 miles away, but it offers a very limited selection of flights. Although it is 47 miles north, most residents fly out of Salt Lake City International Airport.

Windsor South residents enjoy well-appointed parks, modern recreational facilities and tranquil wildlife sanctuaries. Walk to Windsor Park and take advantage of its playground and paved trails, or have a picnic at Bonneville Park. Local children appreciate the skate park and the water slides at Scera Park, while adults relax on the "bubble couch" or compete at disc golf. These parks only welcome leashed dogs, but the city does not maintain dog-specific parks.

Every June, City Center Park hosts Summerfest — Orem's largest community event. This celebration lasts two days and includes a carnival, live music, games and more. The Utah Ballet and Utah Lyric Opera provide entertainment, and residents participate in a variety of contests such as Cutest Baby and Craziest Hairdo. Nearly the entire city turns out for the parade and fireworks. This event does not charge admission except to enter the carnival.

The cost of living in Windsor South is one of the lowest in Orem, and expect to find rentals running around $700.

Public transportation is a budget-friendly way to travel, and most fares are $3 or less. Driving won't cost an arm and a leg either, with gas prices 10 percent under the national average. As is typical for Utah, getting a pint at your local pub costs at least $6.

Amateur chefs especially appreciate grocery shopping in this area. In addition to Macey's and Smith's, Orem houses half a dozen ethnic markets, none of them more than five minutes from the neighborhood. Real Foods Market provides organic foods and caters to special dietary needs, while the local Costco caters to a need for bulk products.

This city does not host its own farmers market, so you need to visit downtown Provo, where the Provo Farmers Market opens on Saturdays. From June through October, hundreds of vendors arrive at Pioneer Park with wares, including locally grown produce, baked goods and preserves. While you browse, enjoy entertainment by local musicians, and stop by Provo's most popular food trucks for a quick and tasty lunch.

Residents typically do their shopping at University Mall or at nearby big-box stores and discount apparel chains. Take notice to interesting specialty shops down State Street, or drive to the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo for upscale boutique shopping.

Visit Soel Boutique on North University Avenue for unique and eclectic clothing and accessories that you can't find in traditional department stores. Put together a complete outfit, from footwear to hat, and find the perfect jewelry and handbag to finish the look. The shop even carries a selection of baby clothing and accessories.

Keep up with the trends and stick to your budget at Tiger Lily Apparel. Let the attentive staff help you choose the perfect outfit for any occasion, from jeans and tees to elegant formal wear. Men and women of every size and lifestyle find clothing that fits and flatters.