UPDATED: Apr 25, 2023
Whether you want to visit the coveted Field of Dreams or you long to be among the first to cast your presidential ballot, there are a few more things to consider before buying a house in the Hawkeye state. Namely, figuring out the very best places to live in Iowa and what they have to offer you.
If you’re considering relocating to the Midwest, read on to explore the best Iowan cities and find one which suits you and your plans for the future.
Before you move, it’s always important to do your research, but this is especially true when you’re looking to settle down in an entirely new state.
You’re probably familiar with Iowa’s affinity for sprawling cornfields, but what else does it have to offer? Here are a few pros and cons to consider before moving to Iowa:
Pros
Cons
If you think that the Hawkeye state could be your new home, it’s time to look at Iowa’s very best cities to live in.
Population: 67,029
Median home value: $251,566
Median monthly rent: $829
Median household income: $67,026
Home to both Iowa State University and bustling metro amenities, Ames is a great place for those looking to grow in their education and career. In 2015, Bloomberg Business even named Ames one of the top 15 “Cities That Have Done the Best Since the Recession” and top 25 “Best Places for STEM Grads.”
Ames is a great choice for budding business owners, college students, and the environmentally-conscious with their abundant green space and city-wide emphasis on sustainability.
Population: 134,621
Median home value: $162,491
Median monthly rent: $767
Median household income: $75,289
Situated on both banks of the Cedar River sits the central hub for arts and culture in eastern Iowa. Here are just a few of the diverse art and culture collectives that can give you an especially enriching experience in Cedar Rapids:
For more information check out homes for sale in Cedar Rapids and the area’s market report.
Population: 73,432
Median home value: $267,500
Median monthly rent: $967
Median household income: $70,123
The original capital of the state and home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City offers rich history and exceptional higher education.
This northeastern city is split into four main neighborhoods: Downtown, North Liberty, South Amana and Coralville suburbs – all connected by lush parks and scenic trails perfect for hiking and sight-seeing. The city also has numerous dog parks, farmers markets and plenty of community events that are sure to get you settled into life as a true Iowan.
Population: 100,606
Median home value: $131,700
Median monthly rent: $771
Median household income: $68,559
Located on the idyllic banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport plays host to numerous annual music festivals perfect for jazz and blues enthusiasts. Between the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, and the Mississippi Valley Fair in the summers, and year-round access to recreational trails and shopping districts, Davenport residents are sure to have their hands full of places to see and things to do.
Population: 45,729
Median home value: $300,770
Median monthly rent: $935
Median household income: $111,703
If you’re not totally sold on city life, the residential city of Urbandale may be more your speed. This historic suburb of Des Moines is home to the Flynn Mansion, one of Urbandale’s first residences which is still available for viewing in The Living History Farms open-air museum.
Although this property dates back to the 19th century, Urbandale has seen plenty of expansion in recent years as more and more businesses continue to move in.
If you think you may be interested in moving to this rapidly growing area, check out local homes for sale and Urbandale’s housing market report for the latest info.
Population: 3,977
Median home value: $224,800
Median monthly rent: $858
Median household income: $123,837
Considered a suburb and part of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, Le Claire is most famously known as the site of the reality television series “American Pickers,” as well as the birthplace of William Frederick Cody, aka Buffalo Bill Cody.
From its many attractions, like the coveted LeClaire Levee riverboat – which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River – to a charming assortment of boutiques and restaurants fit for shopping and dining, Le Claire has it all.
Population: 4,460
Median home value: $250,000
Median monthly rent: $757
Median household income: $100,149
Originally known as Pinhook back when it was just a rest stop on Military Road, Mount Vernon is now known for Chalk the Walk, its annual sidewalk chalking festival which takes place each May. This community project – which gathers over 200 skilled artists every year – epitomizes the sense of community and appreciation for art that’s at the heart of Mount Vernon.
Population: 17,908
Median home value: $343,500
Median monthly rent: $984
Median household income: $130,374
Serving as the axis of the western Des Moines suburbs, Clive is the perfect community for tree-huggers or those who want to relax and appreciate the world’s natural beauty. Best known for its Greenbelt Park and scenic trail system, Clive is the perfect setting for hiking, cycling, fishing and picnicking.
Population: 208,966
Median home value: $181,559
Median monthly rent: $855
Median household income: $69,074
As the largest city and capital of Iowa, Des Moines serves as the state’s juggernaut of financial services and insurance businesses. If you’re looking for big city Iowa living, this just might be the place for you. Des Moines even made our 2021 list of the best cities for young people.
Like any metropolitan area, Des Moines has a limited and competitive real estate market, so keep this in mind as you embark on your search for homes for sale in Des Moines.
For more information on what to expect when looking for a new home in Des Moines, take a look at our housing market report.
Population: 73,676
Median home value: $291,240
Median monthly rent: $1,073
Median household income: $105,133
The fastest-growing city in Iowa, Ankeny was recognized in 2008 as one of the top 10 towns for families by Family Circle and in 2009, it was ranked No. 62 in Money Magazine’s top 100 places to live list.
Be sure to look into Ankeny’s housing market trends for more information or if you’re interested in Ankeny’s homes for sale.
Though Iowa may not be the first place on many home buyers’ minds when looking for a new home, it’s certainly a great option. With underrated but extensive historical landmarks, cultural and artistic venues and beautiful views of the Mississippi River, Iowa could be the perfect place for you to settle down.
Iowa brings affordable housing, highly regarded educational systems, and both small town and big city feels to the table. So, if you’re in the market for a new home, stick to your research, understand what you envision for your future, and consider these factors when deciding where to live to see if Iowa is the right fit for you.
Statistics for each city were pulled from several reliable sources. These are accurate as of March 2022.
Cities sourced from World Population Review
Cities sourced from Rocket Homes
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