Iowa is a state that offers a lot of benefits for families who want to live there. It has a low cost of living, a high quality of education, a rich culture and history, and plenty of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Iowa is also known for its friendly and welcoming people, who make newcomers feel at home.
But where are the best places to live in Iowa for families? That depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore seven amazing best places to live in Iowa for families, based on factors such as affordability, safety, amenities, diversity, and family-friendliness.
These are not ranked in any particular order, but rather represent a variety of options that you can consider.
Ames
Ames is a city in central Iowa that is home to Iowa State University, one of the largest public universities in the nation.
Ames is a vibrant and diverse community that offers a lot of opportunities for education, culture, entertainment, and innovation.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 people, and a median household income of $53,000. The median home value in Ames is $209,000, which is slightly higher than the state average of $158,000, but still affordable compared to many other places in the country.
Ames is a great place to live for families who value education and culture. The city has a highly rated public school system, as well as several private and charter schools.
The city also has many museums, libraries, parks, trails, and festivals that cater to different interests and ages.
Ames is also known for its low crime rate, its clean environment, and its progressive and inclusive atmosphere.
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, with a population of about 133,000 people. It is located in eastern Iowa, along the Cedar River. Cedar Rapids is a hub of commerce, industry, and culture in the region.
It has a median household income of $56,000, and a median home value of $145,000. Cedar Rapids is one of the most affordable places to live in Iowa for families.
Cedar Rapids is a great place to live for families who enjoy urban amenities and convenience. The city has a diverse and vibrant downtown area that offers many shops, restaurants, bars, theaters, museums, and galleries.
The city also has many parks, trails, golf courses, and sports facilities that provide outdoor recreation and leisure.
Cedar Rapids is also known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement. The city hosts many events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate its history, culture, and diversity.
Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital and largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 215,000 people. It is located in central Iowa, at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers.
Des Moines is the economic and cultural center of the state, and a major hub for finance, insurance, health care, and agriculture.
Des Moines has a median household income of $52,000, and a median home value of $149, 000. Des Moines is one of the most livable places to live in Iowa for families.
Des Moines is a great place to live for families who want to have access to everything that a big city has to offer, but without the hassle and expense of living in one.
The city has a dynamic and diverse downtown area that features many attractions, such as the Iowa State Capitol, the Des Moines Art Center, the Science Center of Iowa, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
The city also has many neighborhoods that offer different styles and vibes, from historic to trendy, from urban to suburban.
Des Moines is also known for its excellent public school system, its low crime rate, its friendly people, and its high quality of life.
Dubuque
Dubuque is a city in eastern Iowa, along the Mississippi River. It is one of the oldest cities in the state, and has a rich history and heritage.
Dubuque has a population of about 58, 000 people, and a median household income of $50, 000. The median home value in Dubuque is $152, 000, which is close to the state average.
Dubuque is one of the most scenic places to live in Iowa for families.Dubuque is a great place to live for families who love nature and adventure.
The city offers stunning views of the river and the bluffs, and has many parks, trails, and wildlife areas that allow for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping.
The city also has a lot of cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Dubuque Museum of Art, the Fenelon Place Elevator, and the Field of Dreams movie site.
Dubuque is also known for its diverse and welcoming community, its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and its family-friendly events and festivals.
Iowa City
Iowa City is a city in eastern Iowa that is home to the University of Iowa, one of the top public universities in the country.
Iowa City is a college town that has a lot of charm, culture, and creativity. Iowa City has a population of about 76,000 people, and a median household income of $50,000.
The median home value in Iowa City is $213,000, which is higher than the state average, but still reasonable for the amenities and opportunities that the city offers.
Iowa City is a great place to live for families who appreciate education and innovation. The city has one of the best public school systems in the state, as well as many private and alternative schools.
The city also has a thriving literary and artistic community, with many bookstores, libraries, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Iowa City is also known for its diversity and inclusivity, its low crime rate, its healthy lifestyle, and it’s fun and festive atmosphere.
Sioux City
Sioux City is a city in western Iowa that is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers.
It is the fourth-largest city in the state, with a population of about 82,000 people. Sioux City is a regional center of commerce, industry, and transportation in the area.
It has a median household income of $48,000, and a median home value of $122,000. Sioux City is one of the most economical places to live in Iowa for families.
Sioux City is a great place to live for families who enjoy a mix of urban and rural living.
The city has a modern and diverse downtown area that offers many amenities and attractions, such as the Sioux City Art Center, the Sioux City Public Museum, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
The city also has many neighborhoods that offer different types of housing and lifestyles, from historic to contemporary, from urban to suburban.
Sioux City is also known for its proximity to nature and recreation, with many parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses nearby.
Waukee
Waukee is a city in central Iowa that is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a population of about 24, 000 people, and a median household income of $88, 000.
The median home value in Waukee is $255, 000, which is higher than the state average, but reflects the high demand and quality of living in the city.
Waukee is one of the most desirable places to live in Iowa for families.
Waukee is a great place to live for families who want to enjoy a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
The city has a highly rated public school system, as well as several private and parochial schools. The city also has many parks, trails, and community centers that provide recreation and socialization for all ages.
Waukee is also known for its safe and clean environment, its friendly and supportive people, and its active and vibrant community.
These are just some of the amazing best places to live in Iowa for families.
There are many other options that you can explore, depending on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
Iowa is a state that has something to offer for everyone, and you can find your perfect place to call home here.
FAQs
Q: What are the best places to live in Iowa for families?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different families may have different preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. However, some of the factors that can help you decide are affordability, safety, amenities, diversity, and family-friendliness. In this article, we have listed seven amazing best places to live in Iowa for families, based on these factors. These are Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City, and Waukee.
Q: How did you choose these places?
A: We chose these places based on our own research and analysis of various sources of data and information, such as census statistics, crime rates, school ratings, cost of living, housing prices, cultural and historical attractions, natural and recreational resources, and community events and festivals. We also considered the opinions and feedback of residents and experts who live or work in these places.
Q: How can I find out more about these places?
A: You can find out more about these places by visiting their official websites, reading online reviews and testimonials, browsing through social media pages and groups, contacting local realtors and agents, or visiting them in person. You can also use online tools and platforms that allow you to compare different places based on various criteria and metrics.