Reviews & Comments
Iowa City, IA
Pricey is Right -
1/1/2014As another reviewer mentioned, Iowa City is "pretty pricey". I don't have the figures to back up my claim, just experience as I have lived here and other towns around the country over the last thirty-odd years. Right now, it seems a new vehicle (prices on these are increasing everywhere anyway) with a significant option like AWD will cost you anywhere from $2000 to $4000 more right here in Iowa City than anywhere over fifty miles away. The housing bubble here hardly broke, but many of us now have to face the reality that our houses, which we paid more for than the average in the first place, have been devalued twice by the assessor's office, while the actual housing prices and taxes around town have only increased. Food and clothing will be at a premium here as always, most noticeably in the whole foods category, since our local co-op has become a self-promotion organ and dealer in very expensive organic wines, organically raised meats, and fresh seafood. Popuar opinion reckons that it's the high price of having so many young overpaid Ph.D.'s and doctors living in a relatively small area. When you have an unbelievable amount of cash thrown at you on a regular basis, price-checking becomes a meaningless chore. Just wait til they retire, and have to do it on a fixed income. The whine will be heard in outer space.
Iowa City, IA
A Fair City -
1/1/2014When talking about Iowa City, I always qualify, "For Iowa" becuase I know this little town is no great shakes when compared with many places in the United States. It's in Iowa, which means things are pretty low-key, right down to the landscape. But for Iowa, there are a large number of things to do, as far as outdoor recreation with family goes. Walking, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, all can be done right from your front door, or from a short drive away. Cinema is conveniently located, and there is always something musical or sportswise going on at the University. The library is wonderful, and the senior citizen's center is far above the average for the whole midwest. You would have to go to St. Louis or Minneapolis to find a similar or better quality of life and more events. And, as far as that goes, in all cardinal directions, there is a large city with plenty more to do all the time if you get bored here. (Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, or Minneapolis) It also costs more to live here than anywhere else in the state, according to my experience, but it seems better to be a little poorer and live in an interesting place than be filthy rich and live in the middle of nowhere.