Iowa city, Coralville or North Liberty (Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye: middle-class, apartments, home)

[msdelila]

Hi Everyone,

Me and my husband will be moving to Iowa this summer and I was wondering where a nice place would be. I will be starting grad school at U of I, and he will be looking for a job (probably in Cedar Rapids since he's an engineer). Anyways, we're looking for a beautiful neighbourhood, but not too far away, nor too hick.

We would like to live in the suburbs, but also a place where there is easy access to alot of restaurants, shopping and cafes. Can I find those in Coralville and North Liberty? or would I only find that in Iowa city.

We don't plan on living in downtown Iowa city, perhaps on the outskirts of the city if there is a quiet place. Can anyone give us a suggestion? Unfortunately I was unable to visit Iowa before accepting my position, so I couldn't check out the place.

[iowegian]

If you want close proximity to shopping and restaurants, I'd rule out North Liberty for the time being. There are some little stores and a few restaurants but nothing on the same level as Coralville or Iowa City, both of which could fit your needs nicely.

Coralville has Coral Ridge Mall (the second largest mall in Iowa) and that area is surrounded by retail stores and chain restaurants. The Coralville Strip (2nd St.) is also lined with restaurants and stores. It also has easy access to I-80 for an easier commute to Cedar Rapids, although North Liberty does have the advantage of being closer to CR. I think this would be my strongest recommendation for you. If you are looking for a more middle-class/upscale neighborhood, look north of I-80 and I'm sure you'll find what you want. Coralville is a nice suburb, you won't have to worry about anything in the area (or most of the state, for that matter) being "too hick."

The west side of Iowa City could fit your needs as well, you would be farther from shopping but there is a small area with a few restaurants, a grocery store, and a cafe at the corner of Mormon Trek and Benton. This would be closer to campus, but overall there is less going on in this neighborhood than there is in Coralville.

[jmgg]

Coralville is kind of a suburb, but in reality it is connected to Iowa City as one town. The entire north and west area of Coralville/Iowa City would fit your needs just fine. There is also a very nice area on the east side of Iowa City around Scott Blvd, but easy proximity to campus or Cedar Rapids would be hindered.

[zz4guy]

I would live in North Liberty area. Housing is cheaper. They do have some strip malls and shops. Less congestion than Iowa City/COralville. NL is an area that is growing very fast. Your home value will probably rise greatly if you are there for any length of time.

[Dport7674]

Iowa City and Coralville are pretty much the same town and I'd live there berfore North Liberty

[SharpHawkeye]

Welcome to Iowa City!

Coralville north of I-80 would be a good area: very well-kept suburban area, close to the Coral Ridge area, good schools.

North or east Iowa City would also be a good fit, but a bit farther from the shops and things you're looking for. Of course, nothing in Iowa City is ever too hard to get to.

North Liberty would also be OK. It's a bit of a bedroom suburb, but it has some of its own local shops and places. Anywhere decently close to Hwy. 965 would get you to Coral Ridge pretty quick.

The only areas to avoid are going to be: Iowa City south of Hwy. 6 (for sure) and central Coralville around 19th/22nd St. (if you can help it).

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by SharpHawkeye

Welcome to Iowa City!

Coralville north of I-80 would be a good area: very well-kept suburban area, close to the Coral Ridge area, good schools.

North or east Iowa City would also be a good fit, but a bit farther from the shops and things you're looking for. Of course, nothing in Iowa City is ever too hard to get to.

North Liberty would also be OK. It's a bit of a bedroom suburb, but it has some of its own local shops and places. Anywhere decently close to Hwy. 965 would get you to Coral Ridge pretty quick.

The only areas to avoid are going to be: Iowa City south of Hwy. 6 (for sure) and central Coralville around 19th/22nd St. (if you can help it).

Good Advice. I understand that the police don't go into some areas south of Hwy. 6 without backup after dark.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by Dport7674

Iowa City and Coralville are pretty much the same town and I'd live there berfore North Liberty

I'd agree with this. I'd look into Coralville north of the interstate, or really anywhere south except a few pockets of bad apartments that you'd realize right away anyway. In Iowa City look west of campus near Mormon Trek or Sunset, those have nice suburban like areas, as well as anything on the east side. Once you get west of Summit Street you clear out a lot of the students. As others said, stick north of Hwy 6, that area is going through a lot of upheaval right now, and it's pretty crazy, especially by Iowa City standards.

[LPerkins33]

Originally Posted by jmgg

Good Advice. I understand that the police don't go into some areas south of Hwy. 6 without backup after dark.

that's a load of crap, this isn't the projects of NYC or South side Chicago. I've walked through that area at 2am without a care in the world. And I'm a skinny white kid

[neanerbean]

I do have a question for all of you who post about Iowa city DO you currently (I mean right now) live in Iowa city?