Why Live in College Hill
College Hill in Iowa City, IA, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of historic and modern housing, catering primarily to college students and university staff. The area features a variety of home styles, including American Foursquare, Dutch Colonial, and Craftsman designs, with many homes dating back to the early 20th century. College Green Park, one of the city's oldest parks, serves as a central gathering spot with playgrounds, sports courts, and paved paths, hosting community events like Pride parades and flea markets. The neighborhood is lush with mature trees, particularly around Ralston Creek, which helps mitigate seasonal flooding.
Residents enjoy a pedestrian-friendly environment with amenities within walking distance, including the New Pioneer Food Co-op and the Iowa City Farmers Market, which operates from May through October. Dining options are plentiful, with local favorites like D.P. Dough and The Green House, and a variety of restaurants and shops are just a short walk away in downtown Iowa City. Cultural highlights include the Porchlight Literary Arts Center, offering workshops and events for writers.
College Hill is relatively peaceful during the day but comes alive with evening activities on weekends, reflecting its youthful demographic. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, contributing to its appeal. Children in the area attend Mann Elementary or Longfellow Elementary, South East Junior High, and the highly rated City High School. The University of Iowa is just 1 mile away, making it convenient for college students. Public transportation is accessible and fare-free, with bus stops along major roads, and the Iowa City Municipal Airport is within 2 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College Hill a good place to live?
College Hill is a good place to live. College Hill is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. College Hill is an urban core neighborhood. College Hill has 1 park for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 17.1 people per acre and a median age of 27. The average household income is $57,951 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 71.7% of residents. A majority of residents in College Hill are renters, with 78.5% of residents renting and 21.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving College Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
College Hill neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in College Hill?
The median home price in College Hill is $474,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $95,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,460 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $105K a year to afford the median home price in College Hill. The average household income in College Hill is $58K.
What are the best public schools in College Hill?
The best public schools that serve College Hill are:
What are the best private schools in College Hill?
The best private schools that serve College Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in College Hill, Iowa City, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near College Hill, Iowa City, IA?
Home Trends in College Hill, IA
On average, homes in College Hill, Iowa City sell after 151 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in College Hill, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $390,800, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$390,800
Median Single Family Sale Price
$390,800
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$235
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
29
Median List Price
$474,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%