Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Iowa City, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 77,990 inhabitants. In Iowa City, there are 3,013 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 78%, the majority of the Iowa City population is White; this is followed by 9% Black and 7% Asian. Iowa City tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 26 is far below the national average. Iowa City is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 38%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Iowa City offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Iowa City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Iowa City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, employment and more.
With a livability score of 85 out of 100, Iowa City is ranked #427 in the United States and #11 in Iowa. Based on this score, Iowa City would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Iowa City ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Iowa City ranks well for crime (B-), cost of living (B), education (A-) and housing (A-)
Living in Iowa City offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Iowa City provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Museum of Natural History, The Englert Theater, and Niles Kinnick Stadium.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Iowa City, the average school test scores reached an impressive 65%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Iowa City an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Iowa City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Iowa City real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Iowa City. The median home price for Iowa City homes is $402,531, which is 67.7% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Iowa City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.7, which is 90% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Iowa City | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 58.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.5% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 7.8% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 14.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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