Iowa City neighborhoods (Coralville, University Heights: relocating, real estate, rental)

[saxman5672]

I'm looking at potentially moving to IC in the fall to begin a PhD program...can anyone recommend some specific neighborhoods near the campus that would be appropriate for a small family? Ideally looking for a quiet neighborhood with modest homes - nothing fancy, and also not in the middle of the bar scene. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[mthawki]

If you're looking to rent, just start combing the newspapers for listings that fit your criteria:

http://www.presscitizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
http://www.dailyiowan.com/

The IC bar scene is fairly focused on the downtown / campus area, so avoid rentals in that area if you're looking for peace and quiet. Generally, there aren't any bad neighborhoods per se other than maybe the Hollywood Blvd area on the SE side of town.
The city has a great bus system, so if you have to live out of walking range to campus, it's easy to get a ride if you don't want to drive.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by saxman5672

I'm looking at potentially moving to IC in the fall to begin a PhD program...can anyone recommend some specific neighborhoods near the campus that would be appropriate for a small family? Ideally looking for a quiet neighborhood with modest homes - nothing fancy, and also not in the middle of the bar scene. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

University Heights is walking distance to the west campus (hospital/arena area) and has modest homes and quiet neighborhoods. Ditto for Manville Heights, but probably harder to find less expensive rentals there. If you'll be spending most of your time in the Pentacrest area, you can catch a free Cambus from the West campus to get there. Most neighborhoods to the immediate east, south and north of campus are jam-packed with undergrads, not very kid-friendly. Lots of quiet neighborhoods in Coralville, but they wouldn't be walkable to campus.

[was3funk]

My wife and I are students and purchased a house on the East Side of Iowa City over by Regina and City High. We love the Bel-Air neighborhood and it takes us 5-10 minutes to get to school each day. We will soon be relocating back to NY and our house will be on the market, if you're interested let me know.

Thanks,

Bill

[gnichols]

There are no bad areas in the Iowa City/Coralville area. Personally, I'd avoid areas near the U because they are all clogged with students & parking is a horrible. Also lots of bars. Ugh. We have a good bus system, & the U also has a free bus system that runs around campus. You might try to contact one of the real estate management also. I work for the U, You 'll love it. Welcome!

[michellenoftsinger]

Coralville is affordable nice housing for families, though driving is necessary. Can ride a bike though.

[chrisfromiowa]

whats bad about Hollywood BLVD? Afraid youre gonna get shot in IOWA CITY IOWA? LOL

[mthawki]

If there was one place in town to put your money on some gunfire breaking out, that would be it. LOL