Ever lived in a town that's won an award? North Liberty, Iowa, can make this claim to fame. Money Magazine named it one of the best small towns in the entire country.
Located near Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Iowa, is a nice slice of suburbia
Ever lived in a town that's won an award? North Liberty, Iowa, can make this claim to fame. Money Magazine named it one of the best small towns in the entire country.
Located near Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Iowa, is a nice slice of suburbia. This smallish Midwest town spans a little more than 7 square miles and is called home by about 13,374 people. The town was called North Bend way back when, thanks to its location near the spot where the Iowa River bends. Now, though, people just stick to North Liberty, and the town is one of the fastest growing in the entire state. Who can really say why so many people end up here? Its great location close to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids probably has something to do with it. Its host of outdoor attractions, recreational amenities and flat-out options for fun probably don't hurt either.
It's far from sunny Florida, but it does get hot and humid here. In the summer, you can expect temperatures well into the 80s and even some days that clear 100. Winters have bite, with average winter temperatures in the 20s, so load up the van for a spring or fall move. You won't enjoy unloading your couch when temperatures drop to a frosty 25 degrees below zero in town.
Besides choosing the mildest time of the year to move, you'll also want to head into town prepared. Make sure you have proof of income and references to give to landlords. Have your checkbook on hand, as well. Landlords typically want a deposit to hold an apartment or house rental. Showing up prepared to put money down can go a long way toward impressing those in a position to say yes or no.
If you're moving to North Liberty with pets in tow, here's what you need to know: You'll need a license for your dog, but cats get away scot-free. Who said life was fair? Fortunately, it's fairly easy to find a pet-friendly apartment to rent. Be prepared for it to cost you extra, though. Some landlords require a pet deposit while others charge extra rent if you have an animal as a roomie. If you find a rental property that will accept your critter without charging more, jump on it. It won't stay vacant for long.
Neighborhoods in this town tend to have that suburban flair. There are plenty of parks here, and you can have your fill of grass and trees even if you never set foot in one. There are also plenty of grocery stores and restaurants. You might even find a bar or two. Get ready for lots of driving, though. North Liberty folks aren't big on walking. Some parts of town can be a little pricey. In fact, rents in the three listed below are a bit higher than average for the state. Still, they're a lot lower than rental rates in many cities across America. Look at the rents in the Big Apple, and you'll never complain again.
City Center: If the words City Center make you think of high-rises and lightning-fast subways, take some time to think again. Did you forget this was the suburbs? Instead, think single-family houses and townhouses for rent at rates a bit higher than the rest of the state. After you check out rentals here, head to the park with a fattening treat you picked up at the local Dairy Queen. The neighborhood only has a WalkScore of 26, but at least you can get there on foot.
Oxford / Tiffin: This is still the heart of suburbia. One of the best things about this area is you'll have the Augusta Restaurant and Seven Villages Restaurant to keep you well-fed. Hope you can afford a car, though. This neighborhood has a WalkScore of 0.
Penn: So there's good news and bad news about almost any place to live. First the good news: It's not hard to find an apartment in North Liberty here. You'll find plenty of apartment complexes and single-family property rentals here, and prices aren't too shabby. Also good -- you'll get to check out Penn Meadows Park, Rookies Fine Foods and Spirits and Capanna Coffee and Gelato. The bad news? Penn's WalkScore is only 8. You'll need wheels to get around to almost anywhere worth going.
There are rules here for such things as how long you can allow your grass to grow, when you have to shovel and which types of home improvement projects you can do without a permit. If you're cool with that, you'll get to enjoy acres of green space, hiking trails, and places to walk man's best friend. The North Liberty Community Center offers a ton of recreational activities, and the town puts on lots of special events. There are enough fairs to keep you in cotton candy for months. Arts and entertainment are definitely not lacking here, and you can even find places to let loose and down a few after dark.
If you like to get out to shows, and you're really not happy unless you're taking in world-class performances, you'll be over the moon to learn of two nearby venues. The US Cellular Center, located in Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City's Hancher Auditorium serve up shows you won't want to miss. Who says you can't get a serving of small town living with a side of big city appeal?
