11 Best Places To Live In Iowa In 2025
Iowa's low living costs, rich cultural heritage, and sprawling natural areas make it a top destination for anyone moving into the Midwest. The state provides an array of options to suit your lifestyle, whether planning to settle near the city or isolate yourself in a tiny village on the fringes of its territory. While many people will naturally select major metro areas like Des Moines, nothing beats the comfort of settling in a quaint little town with a friendly community to welcome you.
With numerous outdoor opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle and exciting cultural events to foster close-knit relationships among members, these have all the hallmarks of an ideal home. Whether seeking a hub to ease into your retirement life or seeking better career opportunities in your young profession, here are the best places to live in Iowa in 2025.
Audubon
Popularly known as home to the "World's Largest Bull," Audubon lures residents with more than the larger-than-life bull statue standing at the town entrance. The tiny community allows locals to step outside and revel in its pleasant outdoors while playing at the Audubon Golf & Country Club. Meanwhile, the Nathaniel Hamlin Park & Museum provides an intimate look into the past inside a 19th-century mansion. The historic dwelling is listed on the NRHP and still retains some of its original furnishings and artifacts.
A stroll through the quiet downtown district offers opportunities to interact and mingle with fellow residents, especially while watching a family-friendly movie at Rose Theater. The best part about living in Audubon is that the median home listing price is around $150,000, way below the United States average.
Charles City
Sitting about three hours northwest of Davenport, Charles City has a captivating heritage that intertwines with the evolution of the American tractor, which new residents can learn more about inside the Floyd County Museum. This remarkable facility stores a vast collection of archives and artifacts, most of which are related to tractor history. The community takes pride in the arts, which is evident in the multiple art venues across its downtown area. Enthusiasts converge inside the Charles City Arts Center to examine an intimate selection of pieces produced by local artists.
Elsewhere, citizens who crave the outdoors often head to Charles City Whitewater for recreational activities like paddleboarding, tubing, and canoeing. The town also houses the Floyd County Medical Center to ensure ready access to quality medical services. Also, the median home price is $139,900.
Atlantic
This adorable river town in Cass County earned the moniker "Coca-Cola Capital of Iowa" for the annual convention that draws the brand's enthusiasts and collectors from across the country. Atlantic harbors beautiful natural spaces that include several golfing venues for recreational purposes. This includes Nishna Hills Golf Club, whose well-groomed greens challenge players of all skill levels. The community preserves its railroad heritage at the Rock Island Depot, which was constructed in the late 19th century and stands out for its rustic Renaissance style.
An air of camaraderie hovers over the local community thanks to social hubs like the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. This resourceful facility runs various community-based events and programs to elevate social welfare. Finally, the median real estate price in the region is an affordable $210,000.
Jefferson
Jefferson is a relaxed little town in Greene County with a strong sense of community and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It is home to several community-based venues, including the Sierra Community Theatre. This is where locals converge to catch the latest Hollywood productions. Meanwhile, the Greene County Community Center is a local hub for recreation, fitness training, sports, games, and other social activities that unite the citizens.
Thanks to the Greene County Medical Center, Jefferson residents are guaranteed access to quality medical attention. Furthermore, its median home price of $180,000 strengthens its case as a potential destination for movers.
Webster City
Between its affordable cost of living and brilliant natural scenery, Webster City is one of the best places to live in Iowa in 2025. The median home price is $189,900, which places it below the state average. Furthermore, residents have plenty of options for their outdoor recreation, especially inside the sprawling Briggs Woods Park. This unique park presents a rich lineup of amenities, ranging from hiking trails and a golf course to camping sites and a fishing lake.
Elsewhere, the Webster City Community Theatre connects people through the arts by staging dramas, comedies, musicals, and other live productions by amateur local talent. The major industries fueling the town's economy are manufacturing and food processing, with brands like Vantec being among the largest employers.
Newton
If you fancy suburban living with ready access to the big city, this vibrant community about 30 miles from Des Moines is the perfect option. Newton is awash with world-class attractions that encourage communal gatherings, such as the Iowa Speedway. This popular arena showcases adrenaline-filled NASCAR-grade races that draw motorsport fans nationwide. The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is an outlet for nature lovers, presenting a pleasant oasis where you can explore peaceful trails to enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air.
Meanwhile, citizens frequently flock to the Newton Community Theatre to support budding local talent by watching plays and musicals by homegrown performers. Residents have MercyOne Newton Medical Center to fall back on for medical necessities. Finally, buying a decent home in the town will cost you approximately $198,000.
Dyersville
Dyersville is where the classic Box Office movie "Field of Dreams” was filmed. It is a quaint municipality in the Dubuque metropolitan area with many exciting local attractions. Prominent among them is the Field of Dreams Movie Site, where the 1989 movie was shot. Here, visitors can examine several artifacts and memorabilia from the film. The town hosts a quirky selection of museums that are perfect for family getaways, led by the National Farm Toy Museum. It excites guests with a whimsical collection of mini trains and models.
The Dyersville community has several choices for outdoor recreation, including Rolling Knolls Golf Course. This 9-hole course features well-maintained fairways and greens, perfect for beginners and intermediate golfers. Lastly, Dyersville is just over an hour from Cedar Rapids, and a decent real estate property here will cost you about $187,500.
Creston
This Union County stands out for its lively downtown region and friendly locals who make newcomers feel at home. A stroll through the urban core reveals an eclectic mix of restaurants, brewpubs, boutiques, and coffee shops. Hot Air Brewing is where locals converge to enjoy tasty, locally crafted beers, while Spencer's Chophouse and Tavern serves luscious steaks and cocktails in a welcoming environment. Those who need an outdoor escape to breathe fresh air head to McKinley Park to enjoy a beautiful natural space with walking trails, swimming areas, and a skate park.
Furthermore, Green Valley State Park ensures an extended stay in the open spaces with a chance to boat, camp, swim, and hike secluded trails. Greater Regional Health is the primary healthcare provider in Creston, and the median home price is only $143,900.
Denison
This Boyer River community has been described as having welcoming residents, beautiful nature, and a lively business environment. The downtown neighborhood presents multiple local attractions where people find mutual courses, including watching the latest Box Office productions at the Donna Reed Theatre. The Stables at Copper Ridge is another family-friendly event venue where enthusiasts gather to watch amazing horse shows. An outdoor escape will bring you to Yellow Smoke Park, which promises activities like picnicking, hiking, fishing, and camping.
Also, locals have prompt access to quality health care thanks to the Crawford County Home Health Hospice and Public Health. Finally, despite all its desirable facilities, Denison's median home price is $239,900, below the state average.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a sleepy rural town near Iowa City that impressively balances its small-town feel with access to vital urban conveniences. Citizens can enjoy a high-quality retail therapy experience at Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg, which houses dozens of designer outlet stores and brand-name shops. Those who collect souvenirs can shop at Squirrels Nest and sort through a lovely collection of vintage treasures featuring home decor items, antique furniture, and similar primitives.
On the other hand, outdoor lovers can use the opportunity to test their swing at Stone Creek Golf Club. This 18-hole course boasts manicured greens and terrific natural views designed for professionals and amateurs. Lastly, buying a home in Williamsburg will set you back about $235,000.
Waukon
The seat of Allamakee County is an enticing option for movers in a small-town atmosphere with a lively social scene. Waukon presents residents with a host of indoor and outdoor opportunities, such as catching first-run Hollywood movies at Town Theater & Pizza Hub. Families often flock to WW Homestead Dairy to indulge their sweet tooth with delicious ice creams, butter, and cheese.
On the other hand, Waukon City Park encourages locals to embrace the lush outdoors in the town. The lovely sanctuary provides a lineup of amenities, including walking trails, camping shelters, picnic areas, and more. Lastly, quality medical services are accessible at Veterans Memorial Hospital, while aspiring homeowners can expect to spend around $235,000 for a decent property in Waukon.
Starting anew in any of these best places to live in Iowa in 2025 will not only ease your financial burden but also go a long way in improving your overall quality of life. These lovely locations provide access to rich natural spaces tailored for comfortable outdoor recreation and host hospitable communities that will make you feel at home with their trademark Midwestern hospitality. Ultimately, they enable you to live a fulfilling life, embracing the joy of community and the comfort of small-town atmospheres.
