I’m proud to call this area home, and helping others get to know it is one of my favorite parts of working in real estate. A move is about more than an address. It’s about where you’ll spend your time, the opportunities you’ll find, and the connections you’ll make along the way.
From my perspective, here are five reasons to take a closer look at Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and Tiffin.
1. Opportunities to Feel Connected
To me, a welcoming community isn’t just a place where people say hello. It’s a place where you can participate, contribute, and begin to feel like you belong.
Events such as Iowa City’s free Friday Night Concert Series and North Liberty’s City Slate create opportunities to get out, enjoy something new, and spend time with others. You don’t have to have a full social circle before you arrive, but these gatherings give you somewhere to start.
What I appreciate about our connected communities is that you don’t have to limit your experience to the city on your mailing address. Exploring a neighboring community might lead to a new favorite activity or even a new friendship.
2. Education Options to Explore
For people moving with children, education is often an important part of the conversation. Our area includes public school options through the Iowa City Community School District and Clear Creek Amana Community School District, along with private options such as Regina Catholic Schools.
I always encourage people to look beyond a school’s name or a single ranking. Ask about the programs, activities, and support that matter to your student. Visit when possible, and confirm school assignments for the specific address you’re considering.
The goal isn’t to find what someone else considers the “best” school. It’s to understand your options and find an environment where your student can feel supported and engaged.
3. Housing Options for Different Chapters of Life
One thing I enjoy about helping people explore this area is the variety. From historic Iowa City homes and established neighborhoods to condominiums and newer developments, there are different styles of living to consider across our communities. mariamccaw.com
Maybe you love the character of an older home. Maybe you’re looking for a condo, a backyard for entertaining, or a home with room for your next chapter.
My job is to listen to what matters to you and help you weigh the options. That means considering more than bedrooms and square footage. Your budget, commute, maintenance preferences, and everyday routines deserve a place in the conversation, too.
The right home should support the way you want to live.
4. Plenty of Reasons to Get Outside
Sometimes the best part of a day is the simplest, whether it’s a walk after work, a bike ride, or an afternoon with no particular agenda.
The area’s parks and trails offer opportunities to make outdoor time part of your routine. The Iowa River Trail in Iowa City and Clear Creek Trail in Coralville are two places to begin exploring, with additional routes throughout the surrounding communities.
I appreciate having options that don’t require planning an entire getaway. When you’re getting to know the area, make time to explore a park or trail alongside the neighborhoods on your list. It’s a wonderful way to picture what an ordinary day here could look like.
5. Career Opportunities With Major Local Employers
The University of Iowa, including University of Iowa Health Care, is one of the state’s largest employers. UI Health Care offers opportunities across a range of fields, from patient care and pharmacy to social work, imaging, and food and nutrition services.
For someone considering a move for work, that range is worth exploring. But I also encourage people to think beyond the position itself. What will your commute look like? Where would you enjoy living? How do you want to spend your time outside of work?
A job may be the reason you start looking at the Iowa City area. My hope is that the life you discover here gives you reasons to stay.
Come Discover What Feels Like Home to You
These five reasons are a starting point, but everyone’s priorities are different. What matters most is finding the combination that feels right for your life.
That’s why I created Iowa City Area Living: to make it easier to explore our communities, find helpful information, and get a feel for the area as a whole. Whether you’re considering a move or have lived here for years, I hope it encourages you to discover something new.
I’m proud to be part of this community, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Connected communities. One special place to call home.
Meet Maria
Meet Sara Marshall
.jpg)
