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- Population: 7,179
- Median home value: $194,100
- Median rental price: $818

- Top schools nearby: Hazel Point Intermediate School (grade A), John F. Kennedy High School (grade A−), Viola Gibson Elementary School (grade B+)
- Top private schools nearby: Xavier High School (grade A−), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B−), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#6. Hiawatha, Iowa

Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

- Population: 4,845
- Median home value: $295,800
- Median rental price: $1,152

- Top schools nearby: Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A−), Solon Intermediate (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#5. Tiffin, Iowa

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- Population: 41,401
- Median home value: $208,200
- Median rental price: $906

- Top schools nearby: Indian Creek Elementary School (grade A), Westfield Elementary School (grade A), Linn-Mar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Xavier High School (grade A−), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B−), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#4. Marion, Iowa

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- Population: 20,393
- Median home value: $272,900
- Median rental price: $1,198

- Top schools nearby: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#3. North Liberty, Iowa

FamVeld // Shutterstock

- Population: 22,494
- Median home value: $271,800
- Median rental price: $1,022

- Top schools nearby: West Senior High School (grade A+), Wickham Elementary School (grade A), Lincoln Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#2. Coralville, Iowa

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- Population: 1,353
- Median home value: $379,000
- Median rental price: $1,455

- Top schools nearby: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. University Heights, Iowa