Iowa's Family-Friendly Havens: Where Children Thrive and Communities Flourish

Iowa's Family-Friendly Gems: Top Cities for Raising Children

Iowa, renowned for its wholesome values and strong communities, offers several outstanding cities for families. Let's explore some of the best places to raise children in the Hawkeye State and what makes them special.

Iowa City: A Cultural and Educational Hub
Ranked 24th on Fortune's list of 50 best places for families to live in the U.S., Iowa City stands out for several reasons:

• Education: Home to the University of Iowa and top-rated public schools. All three Iowa City Community School District high schools rank in the top 10 in the state, with a district graduation rate of 90.19%.

• Culture: As a UNESCO City of Literature, it offers a rich cultural environment with numerous events like the Mission Creek Festival.

• Cost of Living: 1% lower than the Iowa average and 7% lower than the national average.

• Healthcare: Boasts three well-reviewed hospitals within a 25-mile radius and 36 "above average" nursing homes within 50 miles.

• Recreation: Over 50 parks, trails, and green spaces, enhancing quality of life.

• Economy: Strong local economy anchored by the University of Iowa.

Des Moines: The Capital of Opportunity
Des Moines, Iowa's capital and largest city, offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere:

• Job Market: Ranked #9 best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, with a strong job market across industries like insurance, healthcare, and finance.

• Affordability: Des Moines boasts a cost of living nearly 10% lower than the national average, making it accessible for families looking for both affordability and quality living.

• Education: Des Moines Public Schools, Iowa's largest school district, provides a range of public, private, and magnet schools, many of which receive high ratings.

• Recreation: With family-friendly attractions like the Blank Park Zoo, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and the Science Center of Iowa, there is no shortage of activities for kids and adults alike.

• Healthcare: Des Moines is home to several top-ranked hospitals, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Des Moines.

Cedar Rapids: A Balance of Urban and Suburban Living
Cedar Rapids provides a great environment for families:

• Cost of Living: The cost of living index is 81.6, making it more affordable than many larger cities.

• Education: Part of a strong school system with numerous options.

• Economy: Diverse job market with opportunities in various sectors, including major employers like State Farm Insurance, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and Deloitte.

• Healthcare: Excellent hospitals include St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids.

• Culture: Rich cultural heritage with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters.

• Recreation: Extensive park system, including the popular Cedar River.

Ankeny: Rapid Growth and Family Focus
Ankeny has experienced significant growth while maintaining its family-friendly character:

• Education: The Ankeny Community School District is known for its excellence.

• Community Planning: Well-designed neighborhoods with ample green spaces.

• Economy: Strong job market with major companies headquartered in the area.

• Attractions: Numerous family-oriented attractions including High Trestle Trail, Ankeny Art Center, and Prairie Ridge Sports Complex.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls: Affordable Living with Strong Community
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area offers:

• Affordability: Housing cost-to-income ratio of 2.65% and a cost of living index of 74.5.

• Education: Strong schools, including Hoover Middle School with great scores.

• Economy: Major employers including John Deere, Tyson, and Hawkeye Community College.

• Healthcare: Nine area hospitals including UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital and MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center.

Conclusion
Iowa offers a diverse range of cities ideal for raising a family, each with its unique strengths. From the cultural richness of Iowa City to the economic opportunities in Des Moines, the affordability of Cedar Rapids, the rapid growth of Ankeny, to the strong community in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, families have excellent options for setting down roots in Iowa. These cities provide a winning combination of quality education, safety, community engagement, and family-oriented amenities that make the Hawkeye State an ideal place to nurture the next generation.

Image Credit:
"Downtown Iowa City, June 2021" by Stevat20 is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International. This photo depicts a view looking south down South Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City, and it was taken on June 6, 2021. The location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Reference Number: 100006609). You are free to share and adapt the image under the same license.
Link to the image on Wikimedia Commons