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Living in Coralville, IA: A Complete Guide on What to Expect

Living in Coralville, IA: A Complete Guide on What to Expect

If you're planning a move to Coralville, IA, no doubt you want to know what to expect. Coralville is a charming community just north of Iowa City, with access to all the amenities while still enjoying a more quaint, small-town vibe. Locals in Coralville appreciate the unique blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles, as Coralville is both home to a fantastic shopping scene and the beautiful Coralville Reservoir with numerous surrounding parks and natural areas to explore. 

Those moving to Coralville often immediately notice the lower cost of living and the incredibly fresh food, as the city is at the heart of a large agricultural band where farm-to-table is the norm. The people are friendly, and there's plenty to do. 

Here's what you need to know before you move to Coralville, IA.

Coralville Cost of Living

Coralville boasts a very affordable cost of living with available housing in many neighborhoods at 27.1% lower than the national average. Coralville is also inexpensive compared to Iowa City and is a popular place to secure a home for an Iowa City commute.

Weather in Coralville

Iowa weather is wild, as is the weather in Coralville. As the locals say, you can experience all four seasons in a single day, and you never know what's coming next. Spring and Fall are the best seasons with some truly glorious days for outdoor recreation. Winters can dip down into extreme cold and tend to be on the drier side, even when it's snowing. Summers can range from mild to scorching with high humidity.

Any Coralville local will advise you to dress in layers. Lightweight layers and a windbreaker jacket can help you adapt quickly to the changing weather and stay comfortable no matter what each day brings. If you find yourself adding or removing sweaters throughout the day, you won't be alone. As a result, many Coralville, IA, residents have become skilled at accessorizing and convertible outfits that look good in several layered configurations.

A serene lake with a tree in the background and its reflection visible on the water's surface.

The People of Coralville

Coralville, like many Iowa cities, has a signature country charm. People will smile and greet you when waiting in line or passing on the sidewalk, and you might just get some early invites to picnics and barbecues, depending on the weather.

The population of Coralville is around 23,000, but that population changes with the school year, as many students of the University of Iowa choose Coralville for less expensive housing and a reasonably short commute. Many of the people who live in Coralville work in Iowa City.

However, Coralville neighborhoods have their own unique charm, and Coralville offers a variety of attractions beyond its proximity to Iowa City.

Festivals in Coralville, IA

Coralville has a great year of festivals if you love to party with the community at large. Brrr-Fest is a winter celebration of craft beers. FryFest is a fun festival for people of all ages. The festival is named after a local sports hero and football coach, Hawkeye Fry. The 4thFest (as you might guess) is a spectacular 4th of July celebration and the Aisle of Lights is a holiday festival held in the park and City Hall.

Four people toasting with beer glasses in a casual setting.

Coralville Cuisine

What about the restaurants in Coralville? Food in Coralville and Iowa City is famously fresh. Iowa is known for farmland and agriculture, so farm-to-table is the way things are done. There are two large farmer's markets during the summer, as well as a big winter market where you can buy fresh produce to cook at home. Coralville has a delicious selection of local restaurants featuring local and international cuisine, as well as access to the top dining spots in Iowa City, just a short drive away.

 

Things to Do in Coralville

Coralville has two bustling shopping hubs, the Coral Ridge Mall and the Iowa River Landing. The Coral Ridge Mall is a favorite place to gather, shop, and generally have a good time out of the weather. The mall is fully indoors and features a carousel in addition to the usual department stores, trendy shops, and pop-up kiosks.

The Iowa River Landing has more of an outlet mall vibe with walkable outdoor plazas connecting the shops and upscale businesses. This is a lovely place to spend a clear afternoon, and many locals do.

In addition to shopping, Coralville is also nestled among the trees, with the Coralville Reservoir as a favorite spot for outdoor activity. Coralville is also surrounded by beautiful parks, with a few great parks closer to the center of town. There are endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and adventure if you are so inclined.

A vibrant display of fireworks in various colors lighting up the night sky.

Living Coralville Local Lifestyle

What's it like to live in Coralville? The community combines the charm of a bustling modern city with the relaxed pace of suburban neighborhoods and local comfort. 

You can find a beautiful apartment in Coralville, IA when you explore the Hampton at Coral Ridge. We have spacious apartments and townhomes where you can build your dream lifestyle here in Coralville. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about how to love being a local.