Many logos. Many hats. (Flickr)
A college student finding off-campus housing is a big deal. Finding an an apartment or house in a city that’s consistently rated as one of the best college towns in America? Well, that’s an even bigger deal. For students looking to move off campus with their friends for the first time, or returning students looking for that next new spot to create memories, Rent College Pads has you covered.
We’ve compiled a list of rental services in the Iowa City area, and sorted them using their reviews on Google to help make your decision a little easier. Here are the landlords you might want to consider when you’re looking for a Iowa City apartment near Iowa:
Big Ten Property Management serves the University of Iowa Campus Community in Iowa City, IA, Coralville, IA, North Liberty IA area. Big Ten Property Management offers diligent comprehensive property management services to their clients and provides one of the best places to live for renters.
Big Ten offers a vast knowledge of and insight into the local Iowa City rental market in all areas of the industry. Big Ten Property Management believes in providing the highest level of service through hard work, integrity, and honesty when dealing with tenants & investors. The principal owners of Big Ten Property Management have been committed to these principles and the management of real estate in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
Prestige Properties (3.9 Average Review)
Prestige Properties tout their rentals as having the charms of the past, while providing modern day comforts and amenities. The properties are all within an 11 block radius of campus making your commute easy. Plus, they stay open later the day rent is due, which for students can be the difference between a late payment and being on time.
Here is our favorite review
Prestige properties is very good. People there are very nice, whenever you need help, just let them know, they will be very happy to help you. I’m a student and live in an apartment of Prestige Property, the location is good, price is good, and the house inside is good. I’m very satisfied of my living here and I will extend my contract. Very pleasant living experience.
Southgate Companies (3.8 Average Review)
Southgate Companies has what you’re looking for. With 600+ apartments available in the Iowa City market, you will definitely be able to find what you’re looking for. Southgate is also a locally owned and operated company with its employees living right in the community.
Here is our favorite review
This is my first time renting from Southgate and it has been a really pleasant experience! The staff actually listen to what you’re looking for in a place to live and have great options for housing. The property management take care of any issues very quickly and efficiently! I have already renewed my lease with Southgate for next year, and if I stay in Iowa City, I will definitely continue renting from them.
Westwinds Real Estate Services (3.7 Average Review)
Professional. Personal. Practical. These are the first words that greet you on the Westwinds website and that’s what the company is all about. The team’s dedicated service and staff are interested in helping YOU find your next place to live.
Here is our favorite review
Top notch, respectful, organized, modern tools, well trained and courteous staff. I’ve dealt with two other property management companies in town and WW is by far the best.
AM Management (3.7 Average Review)
AM Management has been serving the area for 40+ years with 30+ of those years being focused on student living. Their planning and developing shows no signs of slowing down as they have a wide range of different properties available for all types of students.
Our favorite review
Best property management that I’ve encountered in Iowa City throughout the 10 years that I’ve been in the area. AM is more expensive than some other property managements, but let me tell you–you get what you pay for.
AIC by Hodge Construction (3.5 Average Review)
AIC is happy to help you find what you’re looking for in the friendly neighborhood of Iowa City. Their professional management staff will help guide you as you sort through a wide variety of houses with varying amenities and layouts. As their website says, When You’re Here, You’re Home.
Our favorite review
AIC is the best!!! Everybody is really friendly and all my maintenance requests were taken care of right away. Overall great living experience!
Aspire at West Campus (3.2 Average Review)
Located right on the University of Iowa campus, Aspire offers prime living arrangements for students. Including in the housing is a community center with fitness facilities, walking/biking trails nearby, and a Cambus stop right outside the buildings. Oh, there’s also complimentary cable and internet so you’ll have no problem lounging around in your downtime.
Our favorite review, short but sweet
Excellent apartment complex. This is the graduate housing for University of Iowa. Brand new. Was completed i think in 2012- 2013. Very tasteful interiors.
Hawk’s Ridge (3.1 Average Review)
With fully furnished apartments and unmatched amenities, you will find everything you need with Hawk’s Ridge. Spa and Sauna, 24-hour fitness center, an indoor basketball court and much more will have you enjoying your collegiate years in style.
Our Favorite Review
The best place I have ever lived and plan on staying here for all of my college! fully furnished and all utilities included. Top quality living!
Watts Group (3.1 Average Review)
The Watts group, starting in 1994 prides themselves on blending top notch expertise with a astounding customer services. Though the Group offers many different divisions, the one we are focusing on is the rentals. The group rentals team works hard to assure that each tenant has a positive rental experience.
Our favorite review
I only briefly had Brandi has a manager for my property as I sublet it. She is incredibly helpful, efficient, and responsive, and even made sure that I got the entirety of my security deposit back when I was concerned about an inaccuracy. I love the fact that they even assist their renters in sublease, which is unheard of with other agencies I’ve gone through. I would firmly suggest renting through them- they are highly professional.
Kacena Real Estate Management (3.0 Average Review)
Kacena Real Estate Management, or K-REM was founded in 1993 and they include many different properties. The staff is dedicated to finding a home tailored to you. The website prides themselves on having high-renewal rates from long term renters who enjoy the friendly staff and great housing.
Our favorite review
Kacena Realty has been a blessing to me. I’m very impressed with my property manager, SM, there and I think everyone should know! He is very forthright, efficient, and service oriented. That’s the trifecta!
Heritage Property (2.2 Average Review)
Heritage Property prides themselves on serving the Iowa City community with a nice variety of available housing options. Heritage Property prides themselves on having 24 hour phone support in addition to having non-smoking regulations on all properties.
Our favorite review
Been renting with them for two years. They respond pretty quickly to maintenance requests, especially about the heating/air conditioning. Everyone seemed friendly in my interactions with the office staff. Apartment building its the nicest but its not bad and hey….. its college (for some of you at least).
And there you have it, the top 10 landlords in the Iowa City area. Check these our and more Iowa off-campus housing options all in place. Be sure to scout the neighborhood, check which places have the closest proximity to a Taco Bell and start setting up some showings.
Callie Kollenbroich
Callie Kollenbroich has been the Operations Coordinator and Content Writer/Editor at Rent College Pads since 2015. When she's not working, you can find her at home, eating peanut butter out of the jar and bingeing an unhealthy amount of Forensic Files. She's not as lame as she sounds.