Iowa City, IA Reviews

Iowa city area - 10/26/2020
I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and tries so hard. If your politic differ.. dear god help you. The high cost of rent and crooked landlords. It’s a dirty city ran by a group counsel.. Read More

Can't wait to leave - 2/2/2020
Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to drive to Des Moines and doing that in the winter when most of the shows are touring are questionable, even Cedar Rapids has better shows. This town ranks constantly high for retirees, no idea why. The following actually happened to me - standing on a street corner to get to the UI Wellness Center a young male yelled out the car: "if you weren't 60 I'd F.... ya." Restaurant staff and retail staff (except Four Seasons) want nothing to do with older individuals. Senior Center has a nice load of activities - which is great if you live in town. The city has built Some pickleball courts but they aren't near any senior communities. And all the senior communities being built has no outdoor activities. I swear this state feels that the only thing an older person needs to do is sit! I can hardly wait until I retire and Read More

Birthplace of Pancheros - 11/10/2018
Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid things is such a blast. People here are pretty nice, but like anywhere there are people who aren't as pleasant. It really just depends on who you surround yourself with. Iowa City is pretty safe, the only "dangerous activity" in my neighborhood is speeding. Sometimes you will see people walking on the side of the highway just like another review on here says, but honestly you do you honey. If you want to walk on the side of the highway go for it, I don't mind. Also the weather here can suck sometimes, but it'snever boring and if you don't like it, it will change in a month or two. And finally how could you hate the birthplace of Read More

Not the worst place I've lived. - 8/9/2017
We lived in Iowa City for about 8 years. It has the benefits and pitfalls of most college towns. The University of Iowa brings with it great cultural events and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants, diversity etc. What I loved most about Iowa City was how politically active most people seemed to be (I loved caucusing!), the volunteer culture and overall dedication and pride in being educated.
The biggest draw back is the weather - there is NO good season. Summers are humid and hot, in the Spring in constantly rains, you get about two weeks of nice Fall weather and then it's cold and nasty for two months until it finally snows and then you are miserable until May, when you might, again, get two weeks of nice weather before it turns hot and humid - this obviously isn't specific to IC - but a big drawback of living in this part of the Midwest.
It's a college town - it's going to be expensive. Daycare, housing etc is way more pricey than other places in the Midwest but if Read More

I don't know why people love Iowa City. It's awful - 1/22/2017
I am thankfully just finishing grad school and I can't get out of this place fast enough. Parking is a racket, the police are paid to waste the time of citizens, and the weekends are generally limited to dodging 19 year-old kids vomiting in the street. There is nearly zero culture, unless you're literally an alcoholic.

Iowa City maintains its high ratings for 'places to live' because they don't actually poll people who live here. If you're looking to move (or just travel), I'd suggest looking Read More

Pricey is Right - 1/1/2014
As 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 Read More

A Fair City - 1/1/2014
When 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 Read More

Iowa City - 2/1/2011
Great college Read More

Do not move here! - 1/9/2011
Unless you need to come here for graduate school or are already from Iowa, please do yourself a favor and avoid this place. I grew up in IN and thought it was awful until moving here. To make a long story short. I moved to Phoenix after college and loved it. Met my husband there and he ended up getting a fellowship at the University of Iowa. We have been trying to escape this place for the past 8 years.
Why?:

I hate to generalize, but most (not ALL but most) people I have met here are rude, unfriendly and cliquey (sp?). Customer service is nonexistent. The best way I can describe it is - most service people I have come in contact with act like you are annoying them by making them do their job. Most of the friends we have made are people who are also from out of state. I made more friends in my year in AZ than I have in 8 years in this place.

I think there is a misconception that IC is safe. It depends on your perspective, but I've seen a definite Read More

Do not move here! - 1/8/2011
Unless you need to come here for graduate school or are already from Iowa, please do yourself a favor and avoid this place. I grew up in IN and thought it was awful until moving here. To make a long story short. I moved to Phoenix after college and loved it. Met my husband there and he ended up getting a fellowship at the University of Iowa. We have been trying to escape this place for the past 8 years.
Why?:

I hate to generalize, but most (not ALL but most) people I have met here are rude, unfriendly and cliquey (sp?). Customer service is nonexistent. The best way I can describe it is - most service people I have come in contact with act like you are annoying them by making them do their job. Most of the friends we have made are people who are also from out of state. I made more friends in my year in AZ than I have in 8 years in this place.

I think there is a misconception that IC is safe. It depends on your perspective, but I've seen a definite Read More