Walking along the hill road of Manville Heights, which curves along the Iowa River, one gets the impression of unusually large homes for a college town. This neighborhood reflects the residential preferences of local school districts and hospital workers.

Manville Heights is a hilly area located within walking or a short driving distance from the University of Iowa campus and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), featuring many brick mansions and Colonial-style homes built in the early to mid-20th century. The median sale price in this area has been recorded at around $600,000 over the past 12 months, with listing prices often exceeding $700,000.

To the south of the river lies the Peninsula area, developed as a planned community. This neighborhood, designed with New Urbanism principles, features pedestrian-friendly alleys and uniform exterior regulations, resulting in a limited number of listings despite being relatively new, with prices typically ranging from the high $400,000s to $600,000.

Windsor Ridge, located on the eastern outskirts, is considered one of the top-rated school districts within the Iowa City school system, primarily consisting of large single-family homes built since the 2000s. While it lacks the historical character of Manville Heights due to its high proportion of new constructions, it appears to be meeting the demand from medical professionals and university staff with its spacious lots and modern amenities.

The background for these three areas becoming high-end residential neighborhoods is the presence of the University of Iowa and its affiliated hospital, which are key pillars of the local economy. The stable incomes of faculty, specialists, and those working in law and business schools have led to consistent demand, and particularly, Manville Heights is evaluated as having a unique position in the area due to its riverside views and walkable commuting conditions.

The average home value in Iowa City is estimated to be around $280,000 to $300,000, which shows a gap of more than double compared to the median price in Manville Heights. Strict zoning regulations and limited new supply are also cited as factors contributing to the price differences between upscale and general areas.

There are a significant number of Korean medical professionals and faculty members residing in Iowa City who work at university hospitals and research institutions, often keeping an eye on Manville Heights or Windsor Ridge for residential purposes. However, due to the small-town nature, there are not many listings available, so it seems practical to organize budgets and prioritize school districts in the spring to early summer season before the start of the academic year.