Updated April 12, 2023
Are you considering moving to the Iowa City area and need help deciding where to settle down? Let me tell you about Iowa City’s west side. You may just fall in love!
Iowa City is essentially divided into two halves by the Iowa River, which snakes through town from north to south. Eastside Iowa City includes much of the main campus of the University of Iowa, Iowa City’s downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods, both old and new. Westside Iowa City boasts the world-class University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC), as well as the majority of the University of Iowa’s sports facilities. It also encompasses the enclave of University Heights, a small town with a population of roughly 1,000 people near Kinnick Stadium.
A Local Mom’s Guide to West Iowa City
Because of its easy access to Coralville, Iowa City, UIHC, and the interstate, the Westside is a popular choice for people looking for a quick commute. Many areas are also well-connected to the city bus lines, so if you’re interested in public transportation, refer to the bus schedules for routes and times.
With a nice mix of professionals, young families, and older families, Iowa City’s Westside is a diverse and welcoming place to raise a family and connect to your neighbors. Check out all the amenities and opportunities available, and you’ll understand why this area of town is so popular!
Schools
There’s no doubt about it; we Iowa Citians love our education. From elementary schools on up through college, the schools are top-notch. If you have a house picked out, check out this map of elementary school boundaries to find out which school you’ll be assigned to.
- Ernest Horn Elementary
- Irving Weber Elementary
- Lincoln Elementary School
- West High School
- The University of Iowa
Restaurants
Hungry? Look no further than your own neighborhood for some delicious and diverse dining locations. From authentic Mexican food to hand-crafted hamburgers, your options are almost limitless!
- Stella
- Sidekick Coffee and Books
- Maggie’s Farm Woodfire Pizza
- Wig and Pen Pizza
- Heirloom Salad Co
- La Regia Taqueria
- Pancheros Mexican Grill
- Zio Johno’s Spaghetti House
- El Ranchero Mexican
- Panda Express
- Midtown Family Restaurant
Amenities
Family-friendly opportunities and businesses abound! Hit up the Johnson County Fair to see the animals and ride the carnival rides, or take in a show at Hancher. Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop by Dane’s Dairy for some good old-fashioned ice cream–it’s a westside tradition!
- Johnson County Fairgrounds
- Hancher Auditorium
- Java House-Mormon Trek
- Dane’s Dairy
- Hartig Drug
- Ronald McDonald House
- Iowa City Municipal Airport
- University of Iowa Museum of Art
- City Park and City Park Pool
Grocery Stores
With two smaller grocery stores and a Walmart grocery store close by, you can easily pick up some groceries on your way home from work. Several HyVee stores and Costco are also just a few minutes drive away.
Sports Facilities
Much of the University of Iowa’s sports facilities are located on the westside. Catch a football game at Kinnick Stadium and a basketball game or wrestling meet at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and you’ll be cheering, “Fight fight fight for Iowa!” in no time. Go Hawkeyes! Some facilities are also open to the public for recreation purposes, so check them out!
- Kinnick Stadium
- Carver-Hawkeye Arena
- Finkbine Golf Course
- Duane Banks Field Baseball Stadium
- Hawkeye Softball Complex
- Iowa Soccer Complex
- Cretzmeyer Track
- Ashton Cross Country Course
- Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex
- Hawkeye Recreation Fields
- The Fieldhouse
Parks
Ask any westsider what they love most about their neighborhood, and you’re sure to hear about the great parks! Kiwanis Park and Willow Creek Park are two huge favorites, and City Park’s new massive adventure playground is a summertime necessity for young kids. Find your new favorite green space to explore and relax!
- Kiwanis Park
- Willow Creek Park
- Willow Creek Walking Trail
- Hunters Run Park
- Sturgis Ferry Park
- Villa Park
- Benton Hill Park
- Mormon Handcart Park
- City Park
- Harlocke Hill Park
- Ryerson’s Woods
Churches
Connect with a faith community at one of Westside Iowa City’s many churches and mosques. With an incredibly diverse roster to choose from, you’re sure to find a place for worship and fellowship with others.
- Iowa Korean United Church
- St. Andrew Presbyterian
- Iowa City Seventh-Day Adventist
- First Mennonite Church
- Veritas Church
- All Nations Baptist Church
- Christ the King Lutheran Church
- Iowa City Institute of Religion
- Iowa City Mosque
Health Care
If you’re a doctor, nurse, medical student, or just want to live close to a world-class hospital, there is no better place to be than Westside Iowa City. But UIHC is not the only medical facility in the area. This side of town offers several high-quality health care facilities.
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC)
- V.A. Medical Center
- Planned Parenthood – Iowa City Health Center
- University of Iowa Community Medical Services
- UI Sports Medicine
- Hope Lodge
As you can see, Iowa City’s Westside has so much to offer, from its restaurants and parks to its short commutes and plentiful opportunities. We hope you find the neighborhood that is perfect for you and your family . . . it just might be waiting for you here on the Westside!
Folks, who live here: What do you love about Westside Iowa City?
Check out more Iowa City neighborhoods and suburbs!
ABOUT THE BAILS TEAM: URBAN ACRES REAL ESTATE
Hiring the Bails Team at Urban Acres Real Estate means you’ll have access to the real estate expertise you need anytime, anywhere. This real estate team includes Mike Bails, Phil O’Brien, Marcy Willier, Chelsey Riggan, Briley Desmet, and Matt VandeBerg. Together, they have over 50 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the entire residential and commercial real estate picture in the Iowa City area – it’s what they like to call a panoramic view of real estate.
If you are ready to buy or sell, give them a call today and tell them Iowa City Moms sent you!