A strong sense of belonging supports a vibrant culture in Orange City
The small and close-knit community of Orange City is defined by multigenerational families proud of their city’s history. “In previous studies, our residents have frequently highlighted a strong sense of belonging, civic identity and neighborly connection,” says Ryan McEwen, community development director of Orange City, on why people enjoy living in Orange City. He says the city has a strong Dutch cultural legacy that dates back to its founding in 1870. “We proudly embrace our heritage through commercial and residential architecture and windmills,” McEwen says. Strong schools, green spaces and annual events draw families to the community, but Northwestern College brings students to Orange City.
Ranch-style homes built from the1920s to today
Ranch-style homes are the most common housing style in Orange City. Many were built from the 1920s to the 1950s, the 1980s to the early ‘00s and newly constructed from 2021 to 2025. The median lot size is around a quarter of an acre. Yards are often neatly kept with trees and bushes. Some streets closer to downtown have sidewalks. The average home value in Orange City is around $300,000, higher than the Sioux City Metro Area, which has an average home value of about $250,000. Kanaal Huis is a 55+ condo community where condos range from around $260,000 to about $290,000.
A-rated public schools and private options for younger students
Niche rates MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District as the No. 3 best school district in the state out of over 300 districts. MOC-Floyd Valley Elementary, Middle and High Schools all earn an A grade from Niche. High schoolers can take dual enrollment classes through Northwest Iowa Community College. Orange City Christian School is a private kindergarten through eighth grade school that doesn't currently have a Niche score.
Northwestern College is a B-plus-rated Christian college with around 1,000 undergraduates. “It provides wonderful weekend activities that our whole community roots for,” McEwen says. "Students often perform music and theater, and the campus itself is beautiful to explore.”
Orange City blends Dutch culture with outdoor family spaces
Windmill Park’s miniature windmill garden, picnic shelter and castle-inspired band shell pay tribute to the city’s Dutch heritage. The park is currently undergoing updates that will include a new section of tulips, sculpture and gazebo. It’s the site of the annual Tulip Festival, which started in 1936. Traditional Dutch costumes, a carnival midway and daily parades are some of the sights of the summer celebration. “If you enjoy live music, the Orange City Arts Council holds concerts and performances every Wednesday evening in our downtown Windmill Park,” McEwen says. “These may include classical music, local bands, or theater performances.” Orange City Farmers Market runs every Saturday in the summer.
The city’s newest green space focuses on inclusion. "Our new Puddle Jumper Park has been a huge success and allows children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors,” McEwen says. It’s off the Puddle Jumper Trail, a 2-mile trail with a bridle path for horses. Orange City Municipal Aquatic Facility and the public 18-hole Landsmeer Golf Course offer more recreation options.
Downtown offers groceries, boutiques and cultural attractions
“Our downtown is unique compared to other small-town communities in that it's very walkable and slower paced without having a highway run near or through it,” McEwen says. Eateries downtown include 88 Chinese Restaurant and The Fox Hole, a casual American restaurant with specials inspired by Dutch cuisine. Fareway Meat and Grocery and Dollar Fresh Market are two grocery options, but there are also several smaller grocers and markets.
There are several boutiques and small stores. “Many of the shops feature local art, Dutch-inspired merchandise, and handcrafted goods,” McEwen says. The Dutch American Heritage Museum has exhibits that tell the story of Orange City, and the Holland Plaza Theater is the local movie theater. The town has 15 houses of worship of a variety of denominations.
Remote location with limited transit and highway access
Orange City is a fairly remote area. There is no public transportation, but residents can schedule a bus through RIDES, a local non-profit. Interstate 129 is about 45 miles south, near Sioux City. Sioux Gateway Airport has daily flights to Chicago and Denver. Orange City Area Health System is a few miles from downtown. Tornadoes and severe storms can affect the city.
