HOUSE rental in Iowa City surr area (Cedar Rapids, Coralville: rentals, loan)

[Minnesota MOM 3]

I must be missing something. Does nobody rent houses in the Iowa City area? MY family is moving there for a U of I position and I can't find anything decent to even look at. We have a big price range- that isn't it. I looked through the university housing already- everything that says available really isn't available. Does anybody know where else to look?

[1stpontiac]

Originally Posted by Minnesota MOM 3

I must be missing something. Does nobody rent houses in the Iowa City area? MY family is moving there for a U of I position and I can't find anything decent to even look at. We have a big price range- that isn't it. I looked through the university housing already- everything that says available really isn't available. Does anybody know where else to look?

Did you try craigslist? Or try a realtor in the area and see if they have any connections?

Also, the classifieds in the press-citizen or gazette newspapers?

[swlmc2]

what properties are available can depend on what time of year you look. generally, the best time to look is between February through April, when students and visiting faculty are either renewing or giving notice for the coming year. many aptartments and houses do go very quickly, and many landlords don't advertise, they just put out a sign in the yard. you might have better luck visiting for a week or two in march and just driving around town looking for yard signs. i think the uni also has an electronic bulletin board for housing. definitely keep trying craigslist and newspapers though, it may just take awhile to find what something.
you might also try some of the more reputable management companies.

[SE-IowaFamily]

Rentals this time of the year in Iowa City might be hard to get because of the College, etc.. However, if you don't mind a commute, I would recommend checking out Washington, Iowa or Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Washington has a nice downtown area and is only about 30 miles away and Mt. Pleasant is about 40-45 (4 lane Interstate the whole way.) Mt. Pleasant has a small college there and is VERY safe!

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by Minnesota MOM 3

I must be missing something. Does nobody rent houses in the Iowa City area? MY family is moving there for a U of I position and I can't find anything decent to even look at. We have a big price range- that isn't it. I looked through the university housing already- everything that says available really isn't available. Does anybody know where else to look?

Mt Pleasant is a bit far in my opinion from Iowa City and the University. Cedar Rapids is closer but other surrounding areas are even closer. You might try West Liberty, West Branch, North Liberty, Tiffin, Tipton, etc. Get out your map and look at the surrounding towns then call a realtor who also has rentals.

[Dport7674]

Have you been to the area before? Make sure you include Coralville in your search.

[golfgal]

Iowa City Houses And Homes for Rent

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by Dport7674

Have you been to the area before? Make sure you include Coralville in your search.

I actually forgot about Coralville so thank you for adding it to the list. I really try not to go there, I dislike all the traffic at the Mall.

[SharpHawkeye]

Have you looked at the UniverCITY program that the city does? Basically, it's a push by the city to move young professionals and families into houses near campus that used to be rental wrecks. The university completely renovates the houses, then puts them on the market--with packages of down payment assistance and I think loan guarantees. (Check website to be sure, I'm not an expert on it.)

I believe there are income requirements (but they're generous, and you could probably have no problem meeting them with a family as big as yours), you must be a UI employee, and you must agree to live in the home for five years (or pay a substantial fine). It's worth a look, if you're interested.





Planning & Community Development - UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership

[Dport7674]

Originally Posted by CSD610

I actually forgot about Coralville so thank you for adding it to the list. I really try not to go there, I dislike all the traffic at the Mall.

I honestly can't tell where Iowa City ends and where Coralville begins. Seems like one big town to me.