A major college town in Eastern Iowa, Tiffin, IA, is a progressive place with a strong sense of community. Tiffin is rated highly for jobs, diversity, weather, and is attractive for young families. If you’re moving to Tiffin, IA, and want more info about your new town, you’re in luck! Below we’ve collected the noteworthy pros and cons of living in Tiffin, IA. From the amenities Tiffin, IA offers to the cost of living and public schools, we’ve got it all below.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Money-Saving Moving TIP– Use a Moove In storage unit in Tiffin, IA instead of a mover’s warehouse to store your things. Self-storage is usually more affordable than a moving company’s storage warehouse, sometimes by quite a bit. Also, you can easily access your things while they’re in your storage unit. You can’t do that if your things are in your mover’s gigantic warehouse!
PRO- Tiffin has Beautiful Summertime Weather
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities in the heat of summer, Tiffin, IA, will be a delight. BestPlaces rates Tiffin 8.7 out of 10 (8.7/10) on their Comfort Index, a high score indeed. (The average score nationally is 7.8/10.) With temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s from May through September, summer in Tiffin, IA, is surprisingly long. Considering the low humidity and comfortable nights, it’s no wonder summer is a favorite time of year in Tiffin! That makes beautiful summertime weather a top pro of all the pros and cons of living in Tiffin, IA!
CON- The Winter is Long, Cold, and Snowy
We realize that, for some folks, cold and snow might be a big pro, especially if you love winter sports. However, for many people, freezing weather for five whole months can be a drag. In Tiffin, IA, winter settles in and sticks around for a good spell. It starts in October but, in November, the weather can really pack a wallop. It gets colder and snowier after that, lasting until at least April and, some years, longer. That’s a long time to deal with heavy jackets, snow shovels, and snow boots; you have to admit. It also makes winter weather a significant con of living in Tiffin, IA.
PRO- The Cost of Transportation is Affordable
While this pro might not be high on some lists, it’s still significant, especially if you commute. If you do, you’ll be glad to know that transportation costs in Tiffin, IA are reasonable and affordable. Tiffin has a transportation cost index of 72/100, nearly 30% lower than the national average. You’ll pay less for things like gasoline, car repairs, and car maintenance, along with taxes and fees. For some families, the savings could be substantial. However, if you work from home, they might not cause as significant a drop in your monthly budget.
CON- Average Overall Cost of Living
OK, first, the good news; Tiffin, IA, has an overall cost of living index of 96/100. Compared to, say, Seattle, Chicago, or Denver, you’ll spend less on many of your most significant bills. That being said, you’re not going to get the chance to save a considerable amount when living in Tiffin, either. Housing costs, for example, are only 3% lower than the national average, about $270,000. Healthcare costs are even higher at 116/100, 16% higher than the national average. Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are also above the national average, albeit only slightly. In other words, if saving on your monthly bills is essential, you might be somewhat disappointed in Tiffin, IA.
PRO- There are Many Good Restaurants
Here’s the thing; when you’re snowed in all winter, cooking becomes a way to keep your sanity. For those who can’t cook, though, eating is the next best thing! Luckily, Tiffin has a good selection of quality restaurants available, serving a variety of enjoyable cuisines. From tasty Salvadoran pupusas to Thai, BBQ, and wood-fired pizza, your tastebuds will be your best buds in Tiffin! Below are some of the top eateries in Tiffin, IA, for your perusal:
Bryan’s Off 6– Traditional American done just right!
Casa Tequila Authentic Mexican Grill– Traditional Mexican fare done with a modern flair.
Jon’s Ice Cream Store and Restaurant– Homey, friendly, and delicious. What more can you ask for in a restaurant?
Park Place Live– One of Tiffin’s top-rated food joints!
PRO & CON- Tiffin is Growing Fast
Depending on your definition of pros and cons, fast growth could be both. Tiffin, IA has seen what can only be described as explosive growth since 2000, a 72% increase in its population. Today, everywhere you look, there’s a construction project of some kind being performed. The original town center in Tiffin is currently being upgraded and urbanized. Plus, a beautiful and extensive new trail system is almost complete. When it’s done, it will connect to Kent Park and Coralville to the east.
Of course, noise, dust, dirt, and delays come with all of this construction. For some, that’s a real drawback, especially in summer. If you’ve just moved to Tiffin, though, the changes and improvements will almost certainly make your life here more enjoyable. When it comes to the pros and cons of living in Tiffin, IA, fast growth is a bit of both!
Tiffin, IA is a Livable, Safe, and Growing American Town
Long winters aside, we think you’ll agree that Tiffin, IA is a livable, inviting town. The summer weather is splendid, and while not exceedingly low, the cost of living is still below the national average. Overall, it’s a good choice when raising a young family.
Another good choice, if you’re moving here, is to reserve a storage unit online. That way, when your movers arrive, your storage unit will be ready and waiting. For more flexibility, many newcomers rent a storage unit in Tiffin, IA. For example, you can rent a small apartment while you house hunt and only use some stuff. The rest can stay in your storage until you find a place to call your forever home.
Questions about renting a storage unit in Tiffin, IA? If so, chat with us online any time you like. You can also reserve a storage unit in Tiffin online in under 10 minutes with no credit card needed! (it’s easy!) You can also visit us in person at our Tiffin, IA self-storage location. The on-site manager can help you with all your storage needs and questions! Until then, best of luck with your move to Tiffin, IA!