Iowa City
A vibrant, creative community with a rich literary legacy
City
Overview
Welcome to Iowa City! Known for its vibrant community, the city offers a rich array of festivals, concerts, and Big 10 athletic events to fill your calendar. Downtown Iowa City is a bustling area filled with locally owned restaurants, unique shops and art galleries. Whether you love taking in the city’s cultural scene or the local farmers market, expect to be submerged into it’s unmatched energy.
The presence of the University of Iowa ensures high-quality education, complemented by exceptional healthcare services from Iowa Hospital and Clinics, fostering a unique culture and lifestyle. With a median home price of $273,600 and a population of 75,678, Iowa City offers a city-like feel at a much lower cost and population density.
Iowa City Quick Stats
Each score is rated in comparison to other Iowa City neighborhoods to help you find the best of the bunch for your needs.
UpDo Signifies above or below the average for all communities.
$273,600
$1,094
15 min
75,678
College Atmosphere
The University of Iowa campus is nestled in the heart of Iowa City. Known for its top-notch education, it offers a diverse and welcoming community. Students will find a wealth of entertainment options, exciting activities, and endless opportunities to get involved—making it more than just a place to learn, but a place to grow, connect, and thrive.
Iowa City is sporty!
Among the many experiences students and locals cherish is the undeniable school spirit of being a Hawkeye. Cheering for victories and participating in iconic traditions like the Iowa Wave create lasting memories and a deep sense of pride. Every home football game, this magical moment brings fans together, making it a tradition every Hawkeye holds close for years to come.
culturally rich
Iowa City is where arts, culture, and community unite! With venues like Hancher Auditorium, The Englert Theatre, Xtream Arena, the Stanley Museum of Art, and the world-famous Prairie Lights, you'll have endless opportunities to explore and connect. This vibrant city is the perfect place to discover yourself while embracing a diverse range of perspectives.
Quick Compare
Use the chart to compare Iowa City to other community options. Select a category to sort the data and view extra notes on Iowa City's core differences.
Iowa City
These statistics reflect the vibrant life of a college community. Starting with the average age, you’ll notice that the median skews lower compared to the surrounding areas, which is typical for a university-centered neighborhood. The variety of rental options also contributes to a lower median rental cost, offering a range of choices to fit different preferences and budgets.
This area boasts the closest proximity to the University’s main campus and downtown campus, making it an ideal location for students, faculty, and those who enjoy the energy of a college-town environment. Iowa City truly offers a unique blend of community and opportunity—you won’t be disappointed!
Area Info
Iowa City
This vibrant community is bursting with opportunities tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're seeking peaceful retreats in beautiful recreational areas or the excitement of downtown's lively calendar of events, there's something for everyone. You'll find a welcoming atmosphere where residents embrace newcomers with open arms, making it easy to feel right at home!
Events
Iowa City is home to many large, community oriented events. Most of these take place in the downtown district, so try and live within walking distance if you’d like to fully engage!
Summer of the Arts
Calendar of FREE events for arts and cultural programs in downtown Iowa City during the summer months.
Taste of Iowa City
Get a sample portion of what the many different restaurants in Downtown Iowa City offer at this annual event.
Friday Night Concert Series
This free event kicks off summer starting in May. Liven up your Friday nights with local musicians in the Ped Mall.
Iowa City Jazz festival
Weekend extravaganza of live performances, artist booths, delicious dishes booths and a beverage garden for New and Old Jazz lovers alike.
Oktoberfest
Enjoy great craft beers, neighborhood food, beer games and live entertainment and contests. There is something for everyone at this family-friendly ticketed event. Includes BrewFest, Bier Hall and SodaFest.
University sporting events
Visit the Iowa Sports Schedule for info on all upcoming Iowa sporting events.
Recreation
Indoor or outdoor, Iowa City has plenty to offer for those looking to stay active.
Lake McBride
State Park offering picnic tables, playground and campground.
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Stroll among remains over 375 million years old! If you love history you will love learning more about the history of the Gorge.
Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
Fitness center open to the public with pools, climbing walls, wellness service and a cafe. You can work out and reward yourself with a beverage from the cafe afterwards.
Attractions
From theatres to museums, Iowa City is packed with attractions for all ages and interests.
Hancher Auditorium
The performance hub of the University of Iowa Campus for presenting world class dance, music and theater since 1972. It has become a part of Iowa City's historic landscape.
Stanley Museum
Admission is always free. Let your mind explore with a sense of wonder and curiosity the art collected here.
Food & Grocery
From vast grocery options to a thriving restaurant scene, Iowa City has nearby options from every walk of life.
Farmers Market
An open-air market held in the Chauncey Swan parking ramp. Runs from May through October!
Hy-vee
An open-air market held in the Chauncey Swan parking ramp. Runs from May through October!
Aldi
Affordable prices for groceries and home goods!
John's Grocery
Longtime gourmet grocery store providing a large selection of beer, wine, spirits, and produce.
Taste of Iowa City
Get a sample portion of what the many different restaurants in Downtown Iowa City offer at this annual event.
New pioneer food co-op
Sustainable, local, and fair-trade products.
Natural Grocers
Empowering the health and wellness in the community by offering the highest-quality products at Always Affordable prices.
Bread Garden Market
Market offering a variety of groceries, baked goods, prepared foods, and a coffee shop.
Education
Iowa City is home to highly regarded school systems, including the Iowa City Community School District, which consistently ranks among the top in the state. With a variety of public and private school options, families can feel confident in the quality of education and opportunities available.
Iowa City Community School District
The K-12 District serves more than 14,000 students and is the 3rd largest school district in the state of Iowa.
Regina
Pre-K through 12th Grade Catholic Educaton
University of IOWA
The University of Iowa is one of America's premier public research universities.
Transportation
Iowa City makes it easy to get around with an elaborate and no-cost public transportation system, as well as plenty of trails for the bikers.
Bus Routes
You can view all routes in Iowa City with this website, or download the Transit app for easy navigation.
Bike Trails
Iowa City has plenty of trails to choose from, including ones that go up into adjacent communities like North Liberty, Coralville, and Tiffin.
Childcare & Preschool
One of the most important decisions when relocating is finding trustworthy, high-quality childcare. Iowa City offers a variety of options to fit every family's needs.
Campus Connected
The university partners with private-owned childcare centers located within 1.5 miles of the Iowa City campus. These would be great options for anyone working at the main or downtown campus locations.
Local Search
You can use Winnie.com to search and narrow down all available Iowa City childcare centers.
Iowa City Housing
Housing Options
Iowa City is a lively community, home to The University of Iowa, where the spirited college town vibe is palpable. With students adding 42% to the population of 75,678, it's no wonder that the rental market is robust, with over 54% of households being renter-occupied. As you move closer to University properties, you'll notice that price points tend to trend higher per square foot.
For more info on how to make a decision, see our Buying vs. Renting guide.
Our Recommendations
Below are our recommendations for the best ways to find good rentals and homes to purchase in this area. These sites aggregate a wide variety of sources and offer excellent filtering options to narrow your search.
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Cost of Living Comparison: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, & Tiffin
