If you’re looking for the best places to live in Iowa, you’ve come to the right place.
Iowa is a great state with plenty of cities and towns that offer the best of both rural and urban life.
From small-town charm to modern amenities, there are lots of great options when it comes to choosing where to call home. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to live in Iowa.
1. Des Moines
Des Moines is often considered one of the best places to live in Iowa.
The capital city has an excellent job market, lots of entertainment and recreational activities, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
It also boasts top schools, including Des Moines University, Drake University, and Grandview University.
Des Moines is full of life and culture. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and theaters to explore, plus a variety of cultural attractions including the Art Institute of Des Moines and the Science Center of Iowa.
The city also has two major malls – Valley West Mall and Merle Hay Mall – as well as numerous outdoor activities in nearby parks like Gray’s Lake Park.
2. Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is another popular choice among Iowa’s best places to call home.
The city has a thriving art scene as well as plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment options.
It’s also known for its highly-rated schools, including Kirkwood Community College, the University of Iowa, and Coe College.
Cedar Rapids is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and fishing. The city also has numerous local parks and trails to explore, including Cedar River Trail, Squaw Creek Park, and Ellis Park.
There are also plenty of cultural attractions in Cedar Rapids such as the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, the African American Museum of Iowa, and the Brucemore Historic Estate.
3. Iowa City
For those looking for a college town vibe without sacrificing access to urban amenities, Iowa City is a great option. Home to the University of Iowa, this vibrant city is full of restaurants, bars, museums, and more.
The downtown district offers plenty of shopping options alongside unique eateries, and there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as kayaking in the Iowa River or strolling along the picturesque Iowa River Trail.
The city has top-notch schools, including the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College. Plus, with its close proximity to Chicago and Minneapolis, there are many opportunities for travel.
Iowa City is a great place to live if you want an urban lifestyle full of culture and educational opportunities.
These are just some of the ideal places to live in Iowa. Each city offers something different, so it’s worth exploring each option before making your decision. Whether you’re looking for a big city feel or a more rural atmosphere, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs.
4. Mount Vernon
If you’re looking for a smaller town with a friendly atmosphere and lots of charm, look no further than Mount Vernon.
This small town has all the amenities of a larger city but also retains its rural character and close-knit community feels.
It’s also home to Cornell College and several other institutions of higher learning.
Mount Vernon is the perfect place for outdoor activities, including fishing in the Wapsipinicon River or exploring nearby parks like Big Creek State Park.
The town also has plenty of shopping options, such as local boutiques, antique stores, and farmers’ markets. Plus, there are numerous restaurants serving up delicious food from all over the globe.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a bustling city life, Mount Vernon is an excellent choice the living in Iowa. It’s full of charm and friendly people plus lots of great amenities that make it a great place to call home.
5. Ames
No list of great places to live in Iowa would be complete without mentioning Ames.
This lively town boasts numerous festivals and events, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of outdoor activities.
It’s also home to Iowa State University, which is well-known for its engineering programs.
Ames is a great place to take in the sun with its many parks and trails, including Reiman Gardens, Brookside Park, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The town also has plenty of shopping options in its downtown district, such as local boutiques and antique stores.
The city’s nightlife scene is vibrant too, with a variety of bars and restaurants offering up craft beers and specialty cocktails.
When it comes to living in Iowa, Ames stands out for its excellent education opportunities plus all the entertainment and outdoor activities it has to offer. It’s the perfect place to call home if you want an exciting urban lifestyle full of culture and things to do.​
6. Mason City
Mason City is a great destination for anyone looking for a small-town feel with big city amenities.
It’s home to North Iowa Area Community College, as well as historic sites like the Charles H. MacNider Museum and the Music Man Square.
Mason City also has plenty of outdoor activities, dining options, and shopping opportunities.
The local parks offer great fishing opportunities, while nearby Clear Lake is perfect for swimming and boating. The town also has a thriving arts scene with several museums, galleries, and theaters that host performances throughout the year.
Plus, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants serving up delicious ethnic cuisine from all over the globe.
Overall, Mason City is an excellent destination to live in Iowa as it combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. It’s full of culture and entertainment options plus outdoor activities that make it an ideal place to call home.​
7. Marion
The city of Marion is best known for its excellent schools and vibrant community life.
The University of Iowa Health Care System has a campus in Marion, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pursue higher education or healthcare careers.
The town also boasts numerous parks and nature trails, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Marion is also home to a thriving food scene with numerous restaurants serving up delicious cuisines from all over the globe. The town also has plenty of shopping options, such as local boutiques and antique stores.
Overall, Marion is an excellent choice to live in Iowa. It’s full of educational opportunities, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture that make it a great place to call home.
It’s an ideal destination for those who want big-city amenities but still enjoy the small-town charm.
8. Burlington
Burlington is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and has plenty to offer its residents.
The city has an excellent school system, as well as lots of recreational activities and local attractions.
It’s also home to Southeastern Community College, which offers a variety of educational opportunities.
Burlington stands out for its excellent education opportunities plus all the outdoor activities and entertainment it has to offer.
The town is home to several parks, such as Crapo Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots. It also has a vibrant arts scene with museums, galleries, and theaters that host performances throughout the year.
Plus, there are several pubs and restaurants serving up craft beers and delicious ethnic cuisine from all over the world.
Burlington is an ideal destination, as it combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. It’s full of culture and things to do plus a great school system that
9. Coralville
Coralville is located near Iowa City, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to be close to the action but still enjoy some peace and quiet.
The city boasts numerous parks and trails, as well as excellent schools, including the University of Iowa. It’s also known for its vibrant arts scene and unique shopping options.
Coralville is an ideal destination to live in Iowa as it offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. It also has a great selection of restaurants serving up delicious cuisines from all over the world. Plus, there are several pubs that offer craft beers and cocktails.
The city also has numerous local attractions, including the National Iowa Varsity Baseball Museum and the Iowa Children’s Museum. Coralville is home to several cultural events throughout the year, making it a great place to explore and discover something new every day.
10. Sioux City
Sioux City is another great option if you’re looking for the best place to live in Iowa.
It offers an array of recreational activities such as fishing and hiking, as well as plenty of cultural attractions like art galleries and museums. It’s also home to Briar Cliff University and Morningside College.
Overall, Iowa has many excellent cities and towns that are perfect for settling down or visiting on vacation. Whether you’re after small-town charm or urban amenities, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this great state.
Thoughts and Conclusion
Iowa has something to offer everyone, no matter what kind of atmosphere or activities you’re after.
From bustling cities to cozy towns, Iowa offers plenty of great places to call home or visit for a few days.
With an excellent job market, top-rated schools, and lots of recreational activities, these best places to live in Iowa are sure to provide something for you.
