So, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $273,600 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Iowa City sits at 215.8 per 100K. Rent is about $1,094/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 75,264 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Kinsley Morgan
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Susan K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Miles Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Jeremiah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Daniel M.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
All Countries
