Housing market and best cities to live in Iowa: Competitive housing market in Iowa. Affordable housing costs overall. Des Moines: thriving job market. Cedar Rapids: excellent schools. Iowa City: vibrant arts scene. Ames: top-ranked education institutions. Davenport: growing tech industry. Waterloo: affordable cost of living. Safe neighborhoods statewide. Diverse housing options available.
Competitive housing market in Iowa.
Iowa's housing market is highly competitive, ranking 17th in the nation for housing competitiveness. With affordability metrics indicating that an average Iowan needs to work 37 hours per month to afford a mortgage, the state is actively improving its housing supply to address the shortage. This strategic focus on increasing availability makes the market more attractive for buyers, despite national trends. For more details and research on this topic, visit the Common Sense Institute's website.
Affordable housing costs overall.
Iowa offers several affordable cities for housing, including Ottumwa, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Burlington, and Muscatine, which have costs of living significantly below the national average. These cities provide affordable housing options, reasonable healthcare expenses, and lower utility and transportation costs, making them attractive places to live. For an in-depth analysis, check out the Top 10 Affordable Cities in Iowa on the AD Mortgage blog, which provides valuable insights into the most cost-effective places to live in the state. Whether you're planning to relocate or simply exploring options, these cities offer a blend of economic advantages and community charm.
Des Moines: thriving job market.
Des Moines boasts a thriving job market with a diverse range of industries including Insurance, Finance, Manufacturing, Health Care, Education, and Leisure, offering competitive opportunities and a high job growth forecast over the next decade. To explore more about the opportunities and lifestyle in this vibrant city, you can visit the Pros and Cons of Living in Des Moines page. While the city presents slightly lower average annual salaries compared to the national average, it continues to attract professionals due to its promising future growth prospects.
Cedar Rapids: excellent schools.
Cedar Rapids is recognized for its excellent schools and overall quality of life, ranking among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by Livability.com, and it is also noted for its high median earnings, low median monthly housing costs, and low unemployment rate, making it an attractive city for residents.
Iowa City: vibrant arts scene.
Iowa City stands out for its vibrant arts scene, featuring numerous art forms such as murals, temporary installations, literary walks, sculpture walks, and performances at venues like the Englert Theatre and FilmScene. This rich tapestry of artistic expression makes it an attractive place to live for those who appreciate art and culture. To explore more about what makes Iowa City the Greatest Small City For The Arts, visit the Think Iowa City website.
Ames: top-ranked education institutions.
Ames is highlighted for its top-ranked education institutions, particularly Iowa State University, which contributes to the city's vibrant academic and cultural scene. This makes Ames an attractive place to live, boasting a strong economy and a diverse community.
Davenport: growing tech industry.
Davenport is ranked among the top 50 Best Places To Live in the U.S., known for its low cost of living, shorter commute times, and a thriving downtown area. The city is also seeing growth in its tech industry with the proposal of an $800 million data center, which is expected to boost the local economy and property values. To learn more about what makes Davenport stand out, you can visit their official website for detailed information and updates.
Waterloo: affordable cost of living.
Waterloo, Iowa, offers an affordable cost of living, with a cost of living index of 82, which is 18% lower than the national average. The median home price is $117,000, and monthly rent rates are 18.2% lower than the national average, making it an attractive and affordable place to live. For more detailed information on the cost of living in this area, you can visit the AreaVibes website. This affordability makes Waterloo an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a cost-effective lifestyle.
Safe neighborhoods statewide.
Iowa's safest cities, such as Norwalk, Sioux Center, and Decorah, boast lower crime rates than national and state averages. With violent and property crime rates significantly below both state and national levels, these cities are ideal for a safe and secure living environment. To explore more about the safety of these cities, you can visit the Safewise Blog.
Diverse housing options available.
Iowa offers diverse housing options, with cities like Des Moines, Davenport, and Cedar Rapids providing a range of choices. Des Moines is known for its strong demand for housing and a mix of single-family homes and condos, while Davenport and Cedar Rapids offer balanced and competitive markets driven by industrial and manufacturing sectors, ensuring steady growth in median home prices. For a more detailed analysis on this topic, explore the Iowa Real Estate Market Overview to gain insights into market trends and opportunities.