$342,530Average Value$235Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
An extension of campus and the city center
Locals only know where Downtown Iowa City ends and College Hill begins when off-campus housing starts popping up past the Iowa City Farmers Market. "It's in the name. It's where a lot of college students live, and there's even some sorority houses that circle around College Green Park," says Taylor Blazeck, Realtor with Urban Acres Real Estate and Iowa City expert. Formerly known as College Green, this neighborhood has a mix of renters and owners living in both historic and modern housing. Amenities are at residents' fingertips — or rather footsteps — with shopping, dining, entertainment and education within walking distance.
Lounging on the College Green
In College Hill, greenery is as plentiful as college students in the neighborhood. Trees line every street, fill the spaces between houses and create a mini forest around Ralston Creek, lessening seasonal flooding. "The trees are very mature, given that College Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Iowa City," Blazeck says. "As old as the Pentacrest and the University of Iowa." The neighborhood also shares its name with one of the oldest parks in the city, College Green Park. A gathering place for all ages, kids can play all day at the playground and sports courts while people walk the paved paths with their pups. The grass lawn draws groups looking to lounge. Blazeck says, "A lot of students in the spring and summer will have their blankets out on the green. They lay down to study or just hang out and play frisbee and other games." Many community events occur annually at College Green Park, from Pride parades to flea markets and cookouts.
Seasonal farmers markets and literary connections
Residents are just a short stroll away from what they might want or need. Inside the neighborhood, New Pioneer Food Co-op supports the local economy by locally sourcing its products. Across South Van Buren Street, the Iowa City Farmers Market sells an even fresher supply, directly delivered from farms to shoppers. The open-air market happens every Saturday morning from May through October on the Chauncey Swan parking ramp. After shopping the stalls, people can head across the street to grab a cheesy calzone at D.P. Dough or a boozy botanical beverage at The Green House. Down the block, The Black Angel's moody lighting coaxes customers to cozy up at their high tops. Attentive servers suggest craft cocktail and po'boy pairings brought to tables in record time. Heading deeper into downtown promises about 50 more restaurants, plus shops and entertainment sites. People enjoy catching flicks at FilmScene at The Chauncey or the Pedestrian Mall, which is less than a 10-minute walk west. Brand-name stores are also at the Pedestrian Mall, as well as Old Capitol Town Center across South Clinton Street. For a connection with Iowa City's literary culture, Porchlight Literary Arts Center is right inside College Hill. The center allows writers from every background and identity to build community in a shared creative space. Visitors can attend free writing workshops, outdoor readings and prose exchanges. The center also orchestrates master classes, writing consultations and weekend retreats.
Greek Life beside historic homes
College Hill harbors a blended culture, especially in its housing stock. Apartments sit beside sororities, town houses and historic homes with American Foursquare, Dutch Colonial and Craftsman designs. The median year that houses were built is 1920, but some listings can date back to 1880. Renovations to these historic houses have increased values, with prices ranging between $275,000 and $425,000. However, homes over 3,000 square feet can range between $850,000 and $950,000. There is a mix of owner-occupied homes and rentals, as college students and university staff are drawn to neighborhoods near downtown. College Hill is relatively peaceful while students are in class, but Blazeck says, "Anybody who's moving to that area understands that there's going to be evening activities going on on Fridays and Saturdays." House parties and bars playing live music late into the night are taken with a grain of salt, as they are an accepted part of the area's lifestyle.
Elementary students reunite at South East Junior High
While the neighborhood has primarily college-aged students, children living in College Hill are zoned for two elementary schools based on their address. Those living north of Iowa Avenue attend Mann Elementary School, while students living south of Iowa Avenue attend Longfellow Elementary School. The schools integrate at South East Junior High, which Niche lists as the fifth best public middle school in Johnson County. All three schools earn a B rating from Niche. Students graduate from City High School, home of the Little Hawks, which earns an A-minus Niche rating. College students are only 1 mile from the A-rated University of Iowa and can get there by foot in 25 to 45 minutes, depending on their route.
Walking, biking and mopeding the town
Blazeck says the city center's pedestrian-friendly design continues in College Hill. Since many university students don't have cars, it's common to see residents walking, biking or driving mopeds around the city. The bus system is also heavily used because rides are fare-free through the city's multi-year pilot program. Stops are along main roads like East Burlington Street, East Jefferson Street and Rochester Avenue. Within 2 miles is the Iowa City Municipal Airport, just across the river.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tamra Garman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
College Green Park
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
36 min drive
Bus
Rochester Ave & Parsons Ave
Bus
Burlington St & Lucas St
Bus
Jefferson St & Van Buren St
Bus
Market St & Governor St
Bus
Jefferson St & Lucus St
Bus
Clapp St & Hotz Ave
Bus
Dodge St & Burlington St
College Hill Demographics and Home Trends
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.
Walk to campus & downtown from this gorgeous 1926 two story historic home in the coveted Longfellow School District. MOVE IN READY! Classic crafted original wood trim w/hardwood floors exude timeless charm and elegance. Main Level: Enter to a comfy LR w/masonry surround gas fireplace. Pass through adjacent glass French doors to a window-lined office that can serve as a main level bedroom. Formal
DUPLEX 614 & 614-1/2 Iowa Ave. 614 is a 5 bedroom 2 bath unit rented through July of 2026 at $3000. Tenants responsible for all utilities. Landlord responsible for lawn care. Lots of parking of assigned parking off of alley. Property has an accepted offer with contingencies. Accepting backup offers. 614-1/2 is 3 bedroom 1 bath upper 1 unit rented though July of 2026 at $ 2400. Tenants
154.71 acres, m/l, located 1 mile north of Iowa City, Iowa on the west and east sides of IA Hwy 1 will be offered in two parcels, individually and/or in combination via a One-Chance Sealed Bid Sale. These farms are in a prime location along Hwy 1 with excellent development opportunities. See individual auction listings for details. SEALED BID SALE All sealed bids are required to be made on
One bedroom, one bath, available immediately. Off street parking, safe and quiet neighborhood, historic district.No Pets, No Smoking. Close walk to campus/downtown. Call or text Jon
One bedroom, one bath, available immediately. Off street parking, safe and quiet neighborhood, historic district.No Pets, No Smoking. Close walk to campus/downtown. Call or text Jon
121 S Governor Street Iowa City IA - Really Nice Two Bedroom House Downtown Iowa City! Call Us Now or Email Us Now To Schedule A Private Showing! Sorry No Pets! No Smoking! Really Nice Two Bedroom One Bathroom House! FREE Parking! On U of I Campus! Walk to Class! Hardwood Floors! FREE Off Street Parking! On City & Cambus Routes! Washer & Dryer! Walk Just a Few Blocks To Downtown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tamra Garman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,497
Median Age
27
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$34,742
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,951
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
71.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
76/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
79/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
