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Iowa City LGBTQ City Guide

Iowa City, located in the eastern part of the state, and is well-known for being home to the University of Iowa. It is an important center of higher education, with a fun college town vibe. It’s also a city that offers plenty of business opportunities, and much to see and do for visitors and residents alike. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, but diverse and thriving LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and at home.

A Look at the History of Iowa City

Iowa City was founded in 1839. It was the first capital city of the state of Iowa, before the time that the capital was moved to Des Moine. The city has long been an important center of education, agriculture, industry, and opportunity, and it remains so to this day. Having grown steadily since its founding, today, Iowa City is a very diverse, progressive, and welcoming place where all can feel welcome and celebrated for who they are and what they add to the community. For so many reasons, Iowa City would make a wonderful place to call home!

A Few Fun Facts About Iowa City

  • Iowa City residents love to read. In fact, the city is one of seven officially designated as a World City of Literature by UNESCO.
  • The Iowa Writers’ Workshop offers an International Writing Program which is known worldwide as one of the best in the country and hosts writers in residence from more than 120 countries around the world. It was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Forbes Magazine named Iowa City one of the best places of its size to do business in all of the United States.

Read more fun facts about Iowa City here.

Iowa City’s LGBTQ Community                                    

Iowa City is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Iowa City

PFLAG Iowa City is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

What's the Weather Like in Iowa City?                                       

Those who live in Iowa City can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures typically dropping to around 13ºF in January. Summers are usually mild and pleasant, with the high temperature in July usually rising to an average of 85ºF. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors, and between blooming flowers and the bright colors of changing leaves, there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in both seasons. Iowa City receives around 37 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 27 inches of snow.

Can’t-Miss Events in Iowa City

Iowa City Pride

Iowa City Pride is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration draws wonderful, friendly crowds each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends, have fun, and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city.

Iowa City Book Festival

Huge names in literature from across the country and around the world travel to Iowa City for the annual Iowa City Book Festival. The festival includes readings from prominent authors and book-themed events for adults and kids alike. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun!

The Best Neighborhoods in Iowa City

Unlike some larger cities, Iowa City doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Because much of the city is very LGBT-friendly, there’s no gay neighborhood per se.  Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area.  

Iowa City does have many unique houses though, as from 1924 to 1943 a man named Howard Francis Moffitt built hundreds of whimsical houses throughout Iowa City and also in the nearby town of Coralville. Moffitt had no formal architectural training, and he based many of his designs on magazine photos. No two houses he created were alike, and his work left a unique architectural imprint on the city that lasts to this day.

Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find an Iowa City LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Many in the LGBTQ community like the Brown Street Historic District, which is a very walkable and welcoming area located close to the university.

Iowa City is generally a very affordable city, and the current median list price of homes for sale in Iowa City is around $265,000.

Arts and Entertainment

Riverside Theatre

Riverside Theatre is Iowa City's resident professional theatre company. Throughout the year, the group puts on an excellent variety of performances in several genres. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a performance for yourself!

Parks and Recreation

Coralville Reservoir

The Coralville Reservoir, located just north of the city, is often called “The Res,” and it’s one of the most popular spots around for outdoor fun. It’s the perfect spot for boating, fishing, and swimming, or for those who wish to stay on dry land, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, or simply relaxing too.

Catch a Hawkeye Game

In a college town with great sports like Iowa City, you don’t want to miss your chance to join in on the fun cheering for the Hawkeyes. Games are always exciting, and crowds are always loud and lively.

Iowa City Nightlife

Studio Thirteen

Studio Thirteen is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightspots in the city. Known for its fun theme nights, strong drinks, loud music, and friendly crowds, it’s definitely one spot to put on your list for a fun night out in Iowa City.

Hamburg Inn No. 2

Though not specifically an LGBTQ nightspot, any mention of restaurants or bars in Iowa City would be incomplete without mentioning Hamburg Inn No. 2. The restaurant is considered a major pit stop on the campaign trail and has famously served several presidential hopefuls – even being immortalized in an episode of “The West Wing.”

Contact an Iowa City Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Iowa City, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Iowa City, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact an Iowa City gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!

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