How long have you lived in Orange City?
12 years
Where did you move from?
18 years in Iowa Falls. 4 years in Ames. 4 years in Iowa City.
Why did you move to Orange City?
After finishing dental school in Iowa City, my wife and I knew we wanted to live in a small town in Iowa. We were looking to live in a thriving, growing small town that wasn’t just a bedroom community for a larger city. Orange City was one of the few towns in Iowa that fit that description.
How would you describe your lifestyle in Orange City (work, school, activities)?
I have worked as a dentist at Orange City Dentistry for all 12 years we have lived in Orange City. My commute to work is a whopping three minutes and 30 seconds which is amazing, especially as a dad to four young girls. Our kids are a part of the MOC-FV school district. My wife and I have been able to get involved in a lot of fun things in Orange City like Tulip Festival, RAGBRAI, church committees, daycare board and other activities.
Outside of work, raising kids and being a part of different organizations, I also enjoy running. I have appreciated Orange City’s commitment to increasing the sidewalks and trails around town.
There are a lot of activities, and our family stays busy with area school events, arts and recreation programs and restaurants to enjoy.
What has surprised you the most about living in Orange City?
What surprised me the most about living in Orange City is how much people care about the community and how much young people want to live or move back to Orange City. I grew up in a town where people couldn’t wait to move away from town. Orange City is the opposite of that. People really want to stay here and because of that, people are really invested in making this community a great place to live.
What do you most enjoy about the community?
Everything I need daily is within a five-minute drive of my home and much of it is within walking distance. The convenience of living here is amazing. Orange City is also a great place to raise our kids. The schools are great. The parks and recreation activities are great. I never worry about my children’s safety while riding their bikes around town. It’s a great life.
What makes Orange City unique from other places you’ve lived?
Orange City is definitely the cleanest town I have ever lived in. I remember visiting Orange City as a middle schooler for Northwestern College basketball camp and my group of friends and I noticed right away how clean everything was. Now as an adult, it’s nice to live in a community where people care about each other and their surroundings.
Another unique strength of Orange City is that its residents are a range of generations that truly connect with each other. Our family has felt loved and supported by older neighbors and friends from church. People care about us as if we were family.
What should others outside of Orange City or those considering a move to Orange City know?
People from outside of Orange City can have misconceptions of what this town is about. It’s really a great place that offers a wonderful quality of life where people want to get to know you.
Anything else you would like to add?
I haven’t met anyone that comes to visit Orange City and isn’t blown away by the quality of the community. Come pay us a visit!
