Choosing an Iowa City Neighborhood: A Mom’s Guide to Westside Iowa City

Moving to the Iowa City Area?

Check out our “Moving to Iowa City Guide” and learn everything you need to know, from buying and selling your house, to schools, grocery stores, neighborhoods, and more! Brought to you by The Bails Team at Urban Acres Real Estate.

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.


westside iowa city neighborhood guide suburbs where to live


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.


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!


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!


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!


hawkeye football kin nick iowa city westside neighborhood


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!


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.


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.


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!

Photo: Bails Team Urban Acres

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!

REALTORS®
Mike Bails | 319.321.5500
Phil O’Brien | 319.331.1701
Marcy Willier | 319.936.5899
Chelsey Riggan-Kuepker | 319.631.1434
Briley Desmet | 319.330.5078
Matt VandeBerg | 605.321.1700

Katie
Katie is a spouse, mother, and professional communicator. She became acquainted with Iowa City as a student at the University of Iowa, earning degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and most recently her MA in Strategic Communication. Katie and her husband met and fell in love in Iowa City, deciding to never leave. Their family can often be found eating their way through downtown, walking their dog in City Park, or cheering on their beloved Hawkeyes at live sporting events.

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