Relocating from SoCal to Johnson County (Iowa City, Dubuque: for sale by owner, real estate, lease)

[gerryo17]

I have recently taken a job in Iowa City and I was wondering if anybody could suggest areas within a 30 min commute for a 3Br/2ba with an acre or two for animals (if it exists). Just my wife and I now and looking for elbow room and not to keen on suburbia. May have to rent awhile until we figure the lay of the land. Thanks a bunch.

[iowegian]

I did a quick search on Realtor.com and found these:
Iowa City, IA, Real Estate Listings and Iowa City Homes for Sale - REALTOR.com®

It looks like Solon and Riverside are the places to look for the most part. They are also far enough out that they don't feel too suburban. Oxford is also more rural if you can find a place there.

Hope this helps

[notfromtheseparts]

You could also look at FSBO Iowa City - For Sale By Owner Houses and Condos in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon, Johnson County - there is a lot of stuff in as well as outside of IC and check out craigslist also.

[gerryo17]

Thank you Iowegian and notfromtheseparts. Not being familiar with the area any little bit of info helps. I'll check it out.

[SharpHawkeye]

There are a lot of nice houses with land between Iowa City and Solon, Check around Highway 1, Prairie Du Chien Rd and Newport Rd. Likewise, between Iowa City and North Liberty, there are some nice houses with land around Dubuque St and North Liberty Rd. But be forewarned, houses (more like estates) in this area are some of the most expensive around. $500k minimum.

If you're looking for something less fancy, you might look around Solon. Solon is a cool little town with a great school district. I'm moving there in August when my lease expires.