Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $824 for rent here. Household incomes average around $49,359 in Fort Madison. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Lydia Lewis
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
34 upvotes
Sarah H.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Josiah Nguyen
wish I knew this sooner
31 upvotes
Scott P.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Gabriella Gray
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Oliver Brown
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Julia Ortiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
lake_jordan44
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Madelyn Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Emilia Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Weston Wood
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Easton Taylor
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Brooklyn Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
2 upvotes
Owen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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