Residents Love Living in Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs offers authentic experiences seasoned with small-town charm.
It’s hard to beat the quality of life in Council Bluffs, IA. The region is buzzing with great job opportunities and plenty of things to do, yet it boasts a laid-back, small-town vibe, where the locals are friendly, and the community is safe and affordable. Ahead, discover why residents love living in Council Bluffs, IA.
In This Article
More Homebuying Power in Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs maintains a diverse and affordable housing stock.
“The community offers a great variety of housing types and price points starting with some small condos or starter homes in the $150,000 to $175,000 range,” says Mark Hanwright, partner at Heartland Properties Inc., a real estate developer. “Newer neighborhoods are available in the $350,000 to $500,000 range, which include acreage living on the outskirts of town all the way up to palatial homes and golf course communities.”
The New Zealand native met his wife, Jennifer, while attending Drake University in Des Moines. The couple lived in Chicago for a while, but in 2010, they moved their family to Council Bluffs, Jennifer’s hometown.
“We now live on Jennifer’s family farm (it has been in her family for over 175 years) in the original farmhouse, which we restored in 2018,” he says.
Hanwright’s employer is actively adding to the region’s housing inventory.
“Currently, we are working on several development projects that include multifamily, single-family and commercial uses within the Council Bluffs area,” he says.
Great Careers in Council Bluffs, IA
In addition to being friendly on your wallet, Council Bluffs also offers plenty of ways for residents to make a living. The region is home to several industries, like advanced manufacturing, gaming, education, health care, pork and beef packaging, and technology. Plus, the area is a great place for people to launch and grow a business, as it boasts community support and plenty of helpful resources.
“Council Bluffs and the surrounding metro areas offer endless opportunities for employment, including Fortune 500 employers as well as local family-owned businesses,” Hanwright says.
Companies in the area include a Google data center, Conagra Brands, MidAmerican Energy, Black Hills Energy and American Games.
“You can earn a great income while also enjoying an affordable cost of living,” he says.
Ample Activities in Council Bluffs, IA
After work and on weekends, residents can find plenty to do in Council Bluffs.
In fact, the city always has something on the calendar, hosting special events and festivals throughout the year. The region is home to three casinos (Harrah’s Council Bluffs, Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs and Horseshoe Council Bluffs), and Stir Concert Cove at Harrah’s is a popular venue to catch live music. Plus, Mid-America Center, a multipurpose venue, hosts concerts as well as sporting events and other entertainment options.
The Historic 100 Block, located downtown, is home to plenty of nightlife and locally owned dining options. Hanwright says a few of his local favorites include 712 Eat + Drink, Barley’s bar and Lincoln’s Pub.
“Special events occur regularly on the 100 Block, like Bike Night, where hundreds of motorcycles gather for outdoor entertainment,” says Vivian Kvam, who is the co-founder of local marketing firm Tandem Works and a transplant to the region.
Kvam was born in Nevada and has lived in many places around the Midwest. She says she came to Council Bluffs to start her own business, and it’s a move she doesn’t regret.
“I love the area and the community here,” she says. “It’s friendly and supportive with room for involvement.”
Sports & Rec in Council Bluffs, IA
Speaking of involvement, Council Bluffs has much to offer by way of sports and recreational assets.
The Iowa West Sports Plex provides a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities for youth and adults. This 75,000-square-foot indoor turf facility regularly hosts youth and adult league soccer, baseball and softball, with potential for flag football, rugby, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee.
Hanwright says the area’s parks and outdoor recreation options – like the splash pad at Fairmount Park – are not to be missed.
“Our county recently purchased and revamped a local ski hill, and there are a lot of hunting, hiking and camping areas, plus Lake Manawa [State Park] and four golf courses,” Hanwright says.
Kvam adds that the city is working to further enhance the community.
“The city continues to develop and expand its offerings to cater to the diverse interests of its residents and visitors,” Kvam says.
Get to Know Council Bluffs, IA
Want to learn more about living and working in Council Bluffs? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greater Council Bluffs, Iowa.