Prairie Hill Cohousing/Iowa City Cohousing

Description:

Prairie Hill Cohousing is a multigenerational eco-community on a 7-acre infill site in Iowa City, a university and cultural center with a population of 70,000+. We are located about a mile from the University of Iowa and downtown Iowa City, which has a bike-ability score of 81.

Iowa City ranks high in many national ratings of desirable communities, including 4th best place to live in America, according to the 2019 livability.org index. It has top-ranked public schools, a major research university and world-class university teaching hospital, a thriving arts and entertainment vibe, free summer festivals, and Big Ten sports. Home to the renowned Iowa Writers Workshop, it was the first UNESCO City of Literature in the U.S.

Prairie Hill’s 5,000 sq. ft. Common House and all 37 residences have been completed and occupied. At present, we have two homes available as resales. Please contact us to see these lovingly-maintained places, in person or virtually. We would love to show you around!

In 2019, Prairie Hill was named the year’s best owner-occupied new development in Iowa by 1000 Friends of Iowa: People United for Responsible Land Use, an honor based on the sustainability characteristics of our community. All buildings are super-insulated and built to meet Energy Star and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. Most homes were sited to permit installation of solar panels. In 2023, we achieved LEED Gold Status from the Green Building Council, quadrupling the number of Iowa residences with this certification.

At Prairie Hill, we are committed to being a diverse, inclusive community. We enjoy weekly common meals, visitors in our guest rooms, workout equipment, and a wide range of group outings and special-interest meetings. Nearly four acres of our site is reserved for gardens, restored prairie, orchard, and open space, including a large fenced community garden with individual plots as well. Many members are also gardening around their homes. We have been awarded state grants to support sustainable stormwater management practices on our site, following permaculture principles.

Our large open site is a great place to raise kids. The Common House boasts a playroom; while a city park with play equipment is right next door. There is plenty of space for outside exploration and play, and a broad view of the cityscape from atop Prairie Hill. Come see for yourself!