Iowa City, IA Reviews


24 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Iowa City

Iowa City, Iowa is a mid-sized city located in the eastern part of the state. It is home to the University of Iowa and has a vibrant cultural and arts scene. It has a population of around 75,000 people and has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. With its affordable cost of living, diverse community, and strong job market, it is a popular destination for many individuals and families. In this context, we will summarize the user reviews from BestPlaces.net about living in Iowa City.

According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, Iowa City is a wonderful place to live. Many users praise the city's strong sense of community and its friendly residents. For example, user "Samantha" says, "The people of Iowa City are so welcoming and always willing to lend a helping hand. It's a great place to raise a family." Similarly, user "John" mentions, "I have never felt more at home in a city than I do in Iowa City. The locals are always willing to strike up a conversation and make you feel like you belong."

Another aspect that stands out to many users is the city's affordability. User "Maria" writes, "I moved to Iowa City for college and ended up staying because it's so affordable. I can easily find a nice apartment for a reasonable price and still have money left over for fun activities." User "David" echoes this sentiment, stating, "I was pleasantly surprised by the low cost of living in Iowa City. It's a great place for young professionals starting out."

In terms of amenities and activities, Iowa City has plenty to offer. Users rave about the city's diverse range of restaurants and its lively downtown area. User "Emily" says, "There is always something going on in Iowa City. Whether it's a festival, concert, or farmer's market, there is never a dull moment here." User "Mike" adds, "The food scene in Iowa City is top-notch. I've lived in bigger cities and still find myself impressed by the variety and quality of restaurants here."

While many users have positive things to say about living in Iowa City, some do mention a few drawbacks. User "Rachel" expresses, "The only downside to living in Iowa City is the harsh winters. But the beautiful fall and spring seasons make up for it." Similarly, user "Tom" states, "I wish there were more job opportunities in my field here. I love the city, but have had to consider moving for career advancement."

Overall, the user reviews on BestPlaces.net paint a positive picture of living in Iowa City. The city's strong sense of community, affordability, and abundance of amenities make it a desirable place to call home for many individuals and families. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a warmer climate or a specific job market.

 based on 24 Reviews
Get to know Iowa City with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Iowa City

Do NOT move here!! - 1/8/2011
Unless you need to come here for grad school or are already from Iowa, please do NOT move to Iowa. Don't say I didn't warn you. I grew up in IN and thought it was an awful place until I moved to Iowa. I moved to Phoenix after graduating from college and loved it. To make a long story short, my husband ended up getting a fellowship at the University of Iowa and we ended up here. We have been trying desperately to escape for the last eight years.
Why?:
Most of the people (not ALL but most) we have met here are extremely rude, narrow minded and cliquey(sp?). Not friendly at all. Almost all of the friends we have made are also people from out of state. I hate to generalize but I want to be honest and spare others from this awful place. Customer service? LOL. No such thing.

There is nothing to do. Especially if you have kids. There is one bowling alley that is run down and pathetic (and packed since there is only one), one indoor jungle gym, an overpriced Read More

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Look around - 5/12/2010
Iowa City is a great place to live, there is always something to do, if you are not able to find anything Des Moines is not too far away. When it comes to finding a place to live if you are planning on renting look around first. There are good cheaper places to live if you keep away from downtown or the football stadium, if you are willing to pay more go closer to downtown.  Read More

ICY HELL - 2/18/2010
Iowa City has very very harsh winters.
From December to late March I have been miserable and I cannot wait to move because I'm most def NOT a winter person. I HATE snow and there's a lot of it here, along with freezing rain and many potholes that jack up your Read More

Great for families - 2/10/2010
Great schools, low crime, University brings cultural opportunites. Not so hot for singles 30 years and Read More

Jewel in America's heartland - 4/30/2009
Throughout the nation, and perhaps in many parts of the world, the Iowa City area is known as “a “jewel in America’s heartland” - a place with a world-class university, an abundance of natural beauty, and civic and cultural amenities that give true meaning to the term, “high quality of life.”

Iowa City, home of state’s first capitol, is a place with a sense of history and a vision for Iowa’s future. The city’s history and tradition of civic involvement and leadership helps transform the region and state’s economy.

Iowa City's diversity shines through its bustling commerce and industry; first-rate education; arts, culture and entertainment for all ages; beautiful rolling landscape bursting with recreational opportunities; and metro, historic and family-friendly neighborhoods that welcome residents home at the end of the day. Read More

Great schools - 10/31/2008
I have lived in Iowa City for over ten years. I came to the University of Iowa and graduated with a great education. I now work as a teacher in the area school district. The teachers and administrators of this district are extremely caring, well- educated, dedicated, and hard working individuals always looking for ways to enhance student Read More

Climate - 7/7/2008
The weather here is horrible. Absolutely horrible. Every season. A handful of nice days in the Read More

Iowa City - 2/24/2008
Iowa City is a beautiful town. Iowa City has many parks. Iowa City has
many nice rests and shops/stores. Iowa City has an excellent school system.
Iowa City is a nice town to raise a family. Iowa City has a very low crime
rate. The people in Iowa are loyal, passionate and die hard fans of the Hawkeyes. Iowa City is a bit on the expensive side in terms of cost of living.
University of Iowa has an excellent reputation academically. The job market in
Iowa City leaves a lot to be desired. Pick wisely the part of Iowa City in which
you chose to live unless you enjoy listening to Univ of Iowa students Read More

Iowa City - Pros/Cons - 2/16/2008
Pros:
1. Very low crime rate
2. Excellent school system
3. Affordable place to live
4. Diverse, stable economy
5. Home to the University of Iowa
6. An overall good place to live and raise a family

Cons:
1. Not very much to do
2. High housing Read More

perfect family site - 6/25/2007
I lived in Iowa City all my life. Iowa City is a great place to raise a family. The public schools are great, the people are friendly, the crime is very low and never serious. You could leave you car and house doors unlock (my mothers bad habit) and can sleep tight all night. Iowa City is a wonderfull place for a family. Great place for adults, and entertaining enough for Read More

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