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.
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.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
Located in the state of Iowa, Iowa City is a moderately-sized city with a population of 75,849 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (78% White). Given that fact, Iowa City could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Iowa City residents is 26. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 38% of the Iowa City population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Iowa City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Iowa City can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Iowa City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Iowa City has received a livability score of 83/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Iowa City ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Iowa City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Iowa City has received high marks for crime (C+), cost of living (B), education (A-) and housing (B-).
Iowa City has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Iowa City has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Iowa City: 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.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Iowa City market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Iowa City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Iowa City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Iowa City are simply unattainable. The median home price for Iowa City homes is $223,900, which is 68.6% 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 4.7, which is 95.8% higher than the Iowa average.
| 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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