How would you describe your lifestyle in Orange City (work, school, activities)?
My husband, Jamie, and I have two small children, Cooper (6) and Clara (5). We are so grateful to live in Orange City with them. We feel that the small, close-knit community allows them to experience a childhood that was common years ago but is now rare. Our neighborhood is on a cul-de-sac and has many families. The kids are able to run from backyard to backyard and know they are safe. We have neighbors who enjoy regular pot lucks and the occasional neighborhood picnic together.
I have many family members who live in town, so my children get to go to school and enjoy other community events with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. My children attend Orange City Christian School. We were grateful to have great schools to choose from in town. The kids have great teachers and classmates who have become friends.
We feel Orange City has many amenities that make raising a family so easy. Our children love all of the parks, the Puddle jumper Trail, the library, the swimming pool, and taking our dog to the dog park. We are looking forward to a new park/splash pad that will be built close to our neighborhood! We have enjoyed some of the new businesses in town so much. The kids and I love to get ice cream at the Literary Dairy, spend hours at Kinderzone, and pick up a few macaroons from Brad’s Breads.
We attend Trinity Reformed Church and love that our church strives to be a welcoming place to all in our community.
Both my husband and I work at Orange City Area Health System. I have been employed with them since 2004, so have enjoyed “growing up” in this environment. Our medical system has administrators, providers, and employees who desire so deeply to advocate for health. We are so thankful to have a health system of this caliber just down the street.
What do you most enjoy about the community?
The people in Orange City are what makes this our home. I love that a small community intertwines its members in many aspects of life. I love serving my community members in my professional roles and am so grateful to receive care and/or services from my neighbors as well.
What makes Orange City unique?
I am continuously impressed that Orange City is willing to take risks to expand options and services. The new coffee shop, restaurants, housing developments, retirement community.. this kind of progressiveness is not seen in many small NW Iowa communities. Orange City has truly become a place that caters to all ages and stages.
