Livability Score

85
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (25) A+
Fair Grounds
Coffee Shop
The Encounter Cafe
Coffee Shop
Unknown Name
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Heirloom Salad Company
Coffee Shop
Java House
Coffee Shop
T'spoons
Coffee Shop
Devlin Family Cafe
Coffee Shop
Power Cafe
Coffee Shop
Food For Thought Cafe
Coffee Shop
The High Ground Cafe
Coffee Shop
Pat's Diner
Coffee Shop
Pat's Too
Coffee Shop
Deluxe Cakes and Pastries
Coffee Shop
The Java House
Coffee Shop
River Room Cafe
Coffee Shop
Fire Up Late Night Grill
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Java House Coffee
Coffee Shop
EMRB Cafe
Coffee Shop
Nodo Coffee, Carry-Out & Catering
Coffee Shop
The Filling Station
Coffee Shop
The Java House
Coffee Shop
Scooter's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Java House
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (18) A+
FilmScene at The Chauncey
Cinema
Iowa City Pedestrian Mall
Attraction
Englert Theatre
Theatre Arts
FilmScene
Cinema
Stanley Museum of Art
Museum
Old Capitol
Museum
Old Capitol Museum
Museum
Shambaugh Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Museum of Natural History
Museum
Riverside Theatre
Theatre Arts
Theatre Building
Theatre Arts
Hancher Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Kinnick Stadium
Stadium
Riverside Festival Stage
Theatre Arts
Duane Banks Field
Stadium
Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Stadium
Marcus Sycamore Cinema
Cinema
Colonial Lanes
Bowling Alley
Johnson County Historical Society Museum
Museum
Antique Car Museum of Iowa
Museum
World’s Largest Wooden Nickel
Attraction
Coralville Community Aquatic Center
Water Park
Food and Drink (52) A+
Liquor Downtown
Alcohol
Unknown Name
Fast Food
The Club Car
Bar
DC's
Bar
Brothers Bar and Grill
Bar
Reunion Brewery
Bar
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Sweets
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Sweets
Yotopia Frozen Yogurt
Fast Food
Pints
Bar
Tiki Tacos 'n Burgers 'n Wings
Fast Food
Freddy's
Fast Food
Sweets N' Treats
Sweets
Chipotle
Fast Food
Sports Column
Bar
Pancheros
Fast Food
Deadwood
Bar
The Airliner
Bar
Dublin Undergound
Bar
Joe's Place
Bar
Dunkin'
Fast Food
The Jobsite
Bar
Dairy Queen
Fast Food
Dave’s Fox Head Tavern
Bar
George's Buffet
Bar
Fitness (11) A+
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center
Community Centre
Hothouse Yoga
Gym
Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
Gym
Field House
Gym
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Iowa Gym-Nest
Gym
Sudanese Community Center
Community Centre
Planet Fitness
Gym
Muddy Feet Hot Yoga
Gym
Willow Creek CrossFit
Gym
Downward Dog Yoga
Gym
the Pro-Fit Gym
Gym
Core Fitness
Gym
Orangetheory Fitness
Gym
Thrive Gym
Gym
Studio 889
Gym
Groceries (19) A+
Bowery Street Grocery Store
Grocery Store
Bread Garden Market
Grocery Store
Insomnia Cookies
Bakery
New Pioneer Food Co-op
Grocery Store
Le Gourmet
Bakery
Cookies and More
Bakery
John's Grocery
Grocery Store
Natural Grocers
Grocery Store
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
Panaderia Acapulco 2
Grocery Store
Panaderia Acapulco 2
Bakery
Aldi
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Butter Custom Bakery
Bakery
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
World Food Market
Grocery Store
Fareway
Grocery Store
Scratch Cupcakery
Bakery
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Starlight Market
Grocery Store
Chong's Oriental Market
Grocery Store
New Pioneer Co-Op
Grocery Store
Co-Op
Grocery Store
Fareway
Grocery Store
Parks (105) A+
Unknown Name
Playground
Chauncey Swan Park
Park
Black Hawk Mini Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
College Green Park
Park
Oak Grove Park
Park
Seashore Hall
Park
Seashore Green
Park
Gibson Square
Park
Madison Patio (Maddy Patty)
Park
Ned Ashton Park
Park
Hubbard Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Riverfront Crossings Park
Park
North Market Square Park
Park
Highland Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Brookland Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Glendale Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Benton Hill Park
Park
Reno Street Park
Park
Sturgis Ferry Park
Park
Shops (74) A+
Kum & Go
Convenience Store
L&M Mighty Shop
Convenience Store
World of Bikes
Bicycle
The Broken Spoke
Bicycle
Om
Gift Shop
Pitaya
Clothing
Hawkeye Barbers
Hairdresser
Discerning Eye
Optician
Target
Department Store
Candy Nails
Beauty
Geoff's Bike and Ski
Bicycle
Sunkissed Tanning
Beauty
Raygun
Clothing
BP Shop
Convenience Store
Advanced Eyecare
Optician
University Capitol Center
Mall
Glassando
Fashion
GNC
Nutrition Supplements
Prairie Lights Books & Cafe
Books
Kum & Go
Convenience Store
Ewers Mens Store
Clothing
Austin Bruke Clothiers
Clothing
Iowa Book
Books
Kirkwood Beer and Liquor
Convenience Store
Aero Rental and Party Shop
Home Improvement
See more Iowa City amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 7.8% take public transportation in Iowa City.
Public Transit Stops (160)
Stops & Stations A+
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Voxman Music Building - Stop 1039
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Downtown Interchange
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Madison St/Lot 11 - Stop 1064
Bus Stop
Prentiss & Madison - Stop 1070
Bus Stop
UI Lindquist Center
Bus Stop
Schaeffer Hall/Downtown Interchange - Stop 0001
Bus Stop
Clinton & Iowa - Stop 1030
Bus Stop
Seamans Center - Stop 1051
Bus Stop
Main Library - Stop 1050
Bus Stop
Madison Street and Washington Street
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
PBB - Stop 1021
Bus Stop
Newman Center
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Macbride Hall - Stop 0120
Bus Stop
Riverside Drive and Riverside Court
Bus Stop
Riverside Drive and Myrtle Avenue
Bus Stop
Riverside Drive and Myrtle Avenue
Bus Stop
Hubbard Park - Stop 0146
Bus Stop
IMU - Stop 0125
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
7.8% B
See more Iowa City commute data

cost of living B

The cost of living in Iowa City is 104/100 - which is 16% higher than Iowa.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. C-
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax D
See more Iowa City cost of living data

crime B-

Iowa City crime rates are 2,039 per 100k, which is 26% higher than Iowa
Property Crime
1,775 crimes per 100k C
Violent Crime
264 crimes per 100k B
See more Iowa City crime data

employment C

The median income in Iowa City is $48,148 - which is 12% lower than Iowa.
Med. Household Income
$48,148 F
Unemployment Rate
3.2% B
See more Iowa City employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (47)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
UI QuickCare
Clinic
Iowa City Police Department
Police
Iowa City Fire Department
Fire Station
Unknown Name
Ambulance Station
Johnson County Sheriffs Office
Police
Unknown Name
Police
University of Iowa Police
Police
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Mercy Iowa City
Hospital
Emma Goldman Clinic
Clinic
Mercy Cancer Center
Hospital
Westlawn - Student Health Services
Clinic
Medical Laboratories
Doctor
John W Eckstein Medical Research Building
Doctor
Medical Research Center
Doctor
8JC Burn/Trauma Unit
Doctor
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Pharmacy
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Hospital
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Hospital
Iowa City VA Health Care System
Hospital
Melrose Dental Office
Dentist
Walgreens
Pharmacy
UIHC Quick Care
Clinic
Mergen Orthodontics
Dentist
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Air Quality
Median Air Quality A+
See more Iowa City health & safety data

housing A-

Iowa City home prices are $223,900 - which is 69% higher than Iowa
Home Price
$223,900 A-
Home Appreciation Rate
15% A
Home Affordability
4.7x (home price to income ratio) F
See more Iowa City housing data

schools A-

The Iowa City graduation rate is 93% - which is 6% higher than Iowa
School Test Scores
65% C+
High School Grad. Rates
93% A+
Elementary Schools (15) F
Longfellow Elementary School
Horace Mann Elementary School
Mark Twain Elementary
Lincoln Elementary School
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Regina Catholic Education Center
Bohumil Shimek Elementary School
Ernest Horn Elementary School
Grant Wood Elementary School
Willowwind School
Robert Lucas Elementary School
Helen Lemme Elementary School
Alexander Elementary
Central Elementary School
Montessori School Of Iowa City
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Kirkwood Elementary School
Weber Elementary
Hillside Christian School
Norman Borlaug Elementary School
High Schools (4) F
Iowa City High School
Regina Catholic Education Center
Elizabeth Tate Alt. High School
West Senior High School
See more Iowa City education data

ratings F

Iowa City has an overall rating of 48% from 25 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes F
User Surveys (21)
From AreaVibes A-
See more Iowa City user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

Iowa City, IA Area Guide

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( 25 Ratings )

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Iowa City Reviews

Write a review about Iowa City Tell people what you like or don't like about Iowa City…
The city of government nepotism 2 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 21, 2022) Built new school, in wrong place to allow family to build pricey hones around it. School had no thought and had to use portable buildings in the first year to house students. School was not properly bid and given to relatives of city council members. So many welfare folks coming ...Read More in from Chicago, bc they can no longer get IL freebies. If u like crowds and drugs, by all means, libe here. Read Less
The city works against you constantly 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 24, 2019) My biggest issue is that way too many of the police here are out to get their citizens for traffic violations. They will ticket you as many times as they want for the same violation in one day. They watch traffic meters constantly so if you are literally even one minute over, bam ...Read More , you’re fined. They overcharge parking meters, parking ramps, you name it. The government here doesn’t care at all about their people. Living here these past few years is like living in constant paranoia of them finding yet another way to charge you for silly little rules everyone in other states have forgotten about long ago. This being said, I definitely recognize that most of the police officers are not like this; it’s always the few that overshadow the many it seems. However, the downtown is pretty! Read Less
Worst City Ever 0 rating By Mr. Todo Mundo ( Apr 06, 2017) Iowa City is the worst city I've ever lived in. I've lived in 4 different states and oversees, and the level of incompetence of the leadership is among the worst I've seen. Taxes are high, cost of living is on par with major cities (without the amenities), there are very few serv ...Read More ices available and the people while nice, are some of the laziest people I've ever met. The mayor, city council, and city employees are non-responsive to important neighborhood issues and don't engage with the general public. We are currently doing what we can to relocate to another city. Read Less
Iowa City, IA - The City of Art 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 10, 2010) My main reason for visiting Iowa City, Iowa was to go to some of the festivals offered during the Summer of the Arts program. This was an inexpensive way to experience the program. We stayed an entire week in Iowa City and on Friday night there was a free concert in the downtown ...Read More pedestrian mall. I went to a jazz festival and watched an open air summer movie which was a great experience. I also visited the Eglert Theatre for some of the Arts events. I also visited a local Art museum.

During my stay in Iowa City I stayed at Park House Hotel which is a nationally declared historic building. The hotel has been fully restored and is a very classy yet homey place to stay. I dined at a fine restraunt downtown that offered a lounge and bar for entertainment. The community was very welcoming and nice to a tourist like me who often got lost and had to ask for directions. On my trip I was introduced to the literary center of Iowa City and went to many book readings and local coffee houses.The nightlife was quiet interesting. I went to a local club that offered a live band and bar. The experience was absolutely pleasant and I plan to return in the near future. Read Less
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Worst City Ever 0 rating By Mr. Todo Mundo ( Apr 06, 2017) Iowa City is the worst city I've ever lived in. I've lived in 4 different states and oversees, and the level of incompetence of the leadership is among the worst I've seen. Taxes are high, cost of living is on par with major cities (without the amenities), there are very few serv ...Read More ices available and the people while nice, are some of the laziest people I've ever met. The mayor, city council, and city employees are non-responsive to important neighborhood issues and don't engage with the general public. We are currently doing what we can to relocate to another city. Read Less
Iowa City, IA - The City of Art 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 10, 2010) My main reason for visiting Iowa City, Iowa was to go to some of the festivals offered during the Summer of the Arts program. This was an inexpensive way to experience the program. We stayed an entire week in Iowa City and on Friday night there was a free concert in the downtown ...Read More pedestrian mall. I went to a jazz festival and watched an open air summer movie which was a great experience. I also visited the Eglert Theatre for some of the Arts events. I also visited a local Art museum.

During my stay in Iowa City I stayed at Park House Hotel which is a nationally declared historic building. The hotel has been fully restored and is a very classy yet homey place to stay. I dined at a fine restraunt downtown that offered a lounge and bar for entertainment. The community was very welcoming and nice to a tourist like me who often got lost and had to ask for directions. On my trip I was introduced to the literary center of Iowa City and went to many book readings and local coffee houses.The nightlife was quiet interesting. I went to a local club that offered a live band and bar. The experience was absolutely pleasant and I plan to return in the near future. Read Less

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Compare Iowa City, IA Livability

      vs

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Iowa City? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Chauncey Swan Park
      Black Hawk Mini Park
      Unknown Name
      College Green Park
      Oak Grove Park
      Seashore Hall
      Seashore Green

      Entertainment

      FilmScene at The Chauncey
      Iowa City Pedestrian Mall
      Englert Theatre
      FilmScene
      Stanley Museum of Art
      Old Capitol
      Old Capitol Museum
      Shambaugh Auditorium

      Food & Drink

      Liquor Downtown
      Unknown Name
      The Club Car
      DC's
      Brothers Bar and Grill
      Reunion Brewery
      Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt
      Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Iowa City? Of all people who commute, 7.8% take public transportation in Iowa City.
      Drive to Work
      59%

      18% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      8%

      3% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      15%

      12% higher than the US average

      B Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in Iowa City? The cost of living in Iowa City is 104/100 - which is 16% higher than Iowa.
      Iowa City
      104

      4% more expensive than average

      Iowa
      90

      10% less expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      B- Crime

      What is the crime rate in Iowa City? Iowa City crime rates are 2,039, which are 26% higher than Iowa
      Total Crime
      2,039 per 100k people

      12% lower than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 50

      12% lower than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      6%

      Year over year crime is up

      C Employment

      What is the median income in Iowa City? The median income in Iowa City is $48,148 which is 12% lower than Iowa.
      Median household income
      $48,14813% lower than the US average
      Income per capita
      $30,0341% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      3%

      32% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Iowa City a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
      Iowa City VA Health Care System
      University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
      Mercy Iowa City
      Mercy Cancer Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hartig Drug

      Doctors

      Dr. Jack Sherry, DPM
      UI QuickCare - Mormon Trek
      Free Medical Clinic
      8JC Burn/Trauma Unit
      Medical Research Center
      Medical Laboratories
      John W Eckstein Medical Research Building
      Mercy Family Medicine of West Iowa City

      A- Housing

      What are Iowa City home prices? Iowa City home prices are $223,900 - which is 69% higher than Iowa
      Median home value
      $223,90021% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $9763% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      47%

      27% lower than the US average

      A- Schools

      Does Iowa City have good schools? The Iowa City graduation rate is 93% - which is 6% higher than Iowa
      High school grad. rates
      93%

      12% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      65%

      36% higher than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      15:1

      4% lower than the US average

      F User Ratings

      Is Iowa City a good place to live? Iowa City has an overall rating of 48% from 25 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      48%

      25 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      35%

      4 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      79%

      21 total surveys

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