Living in Okoboji, Iowa – Here’s What It’s Really Like [Insider’s Guide]

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Okoboji is a beautiful community located in Dickinson County, Iowa. It is one of the towns in the area fondly referred to as the “Iowa Great Lakes”.

Living in Iowa, especially in Okoboji, is having access to numerous recreational places, gorgeous real estate properties, excellent education, and great jobs. People who settled here were captivated by the unsullied beauty of the area and the peaceful environment that allowed them to live comfortably.

If you are eyeing Okoboji for your next home, this article provides what you need to know about the Okoboji lifestyle.

Living in Okoboji, Iowa

Superb Restaurants

Okoboji is known for its beautiful landscape and variety of leisure opportunities. Residents of the area also enjoy a relaxing suburban atmosphere, and most of them own their homes. There are numerous bars and dining places in Okoboji, including Minerva Restaurant and Bar, Maxwell’s Beach Cafe, Nautical Bar and Grill, Barefoot Bar, and The Waterfront.

Good Employment Opportunities

The nearby cities and surrounding towns provide ample employment opportunities for Okoboji residents, especially in high-tech manufacturing, wholesale trade, medicine, ecotourism, and successful agribusiness.

Young professionals will find something for them here. Okoboji is a place for work, leisure, and retirement. If you’re ready to put in a little effort, the Okoboji job market is a fantastic area to obtain employment.

  • Okoboji residents make $48,670 per year on average.
  • The projected annual income of the average Okoboji household is $58,636.
  • The Okoboji income tax rate is 9.0%.
  • Additionally, the region’s economy is inclusive, offering employment in tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.

Stellar Public Education

Multiple schools and institutions are located in Okoboji, making it an excellent location for families. Residents are predominantly young professionals and retirees. Families living in the area receive quality education from Okoboji’s public schools, mainly from Okoboji Community School District, which serves Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and the West Okoboji area. The district has one elementary school, a middle school, and a high school.

Housing and Neighborhood

The lakefront homes of many Okoboji neighborhoods provide the best living conditions for residents. Skillful home builders developed these homes to give residents the utmost comfort and convenience.

Most residences in the region were built way back in the early 1900s, with several houses developed in 2022. Many homes in Okoboji also have two attached garage spaces, fireplaces, recently updated kitchen areas, hardwood or tile floors, and stainless steel appliances.

One of the highlights of Okoboji neighborhoods is the picturesque view of the lake. In addition, this close-knit community promotes a sound and harmonious life for everyone in the area.

The Okoboji Life

One of the best things about living in Iowa is being able to live and experience the sought-after Okoboji life first-hand!

If you are an outdoor lover who likes to live in the comfort of nature, you will find Okoboji the perfect place to live in. The extraordinary life in Okoboji revolves around having the best living conditions. People who like to take advantage of the natural setting of Okoboji, Iowa confess that there is no reason for them to leave.

The Great Lakes of Iowa surrounding the Okoboji area instill feelings of attachment, home, warmth, and tranquility. If you are wondering about accessing urban features, worry not since city amenities are still accessible even if you live in Okoboji. The duality of living here is one of the favorite pros of locals.

During summer, the tranquility of the surrounding greenery makes it an ideal location to unwind after an exciting day. Relax with music and have a picnic by the lake!

The Cost of Living in Okoboji, Iowa

The Cost of Living in Okoboji, Iowa

One of the essential things to consider when moving to a new place is to know its cost of living, what factors contribute to these expenses, and the most expensive element in the cost of living of that area.

The Cost of Living Index measures how much it “should cost” to maintain a standard of living in a specific place or neighborhood. Housing, food, electricity, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other essentials are among the categories that are factored into a COL estimate.

The cost of living index is relative to the average in the United States, which is set at 100. The cost of living in Okoboji, Iowa is almost the same as the national average, with an overall cost of living index of a little over 100, indicating a slightly higher general cost of living.

A cost of living comparison offers insights to residents and potential homebuyers on how shifts in the rates of these costs can affect their finances. It allows individuals and families to track what and how much they should spend. Considering one’s financial situation, one can use this cost of living comparison to choose the most suitable place to settle down.

Here is a detailed comparison of Okoboji’s cost of living index compared to the state of Iowa and the United States.

COST OF LIVINGOKOBOJIIOWAUNITED STATES
Overall101.280.1100
Grocery101.494.4100
Health116.3108.2100
Housing11955.4100
Median Home Cost$347,200$161,700$291,700
Utilities100.998.5100
Transportation63.771.4100
Miscellaneous118.896.3100
Living in Okoboji, Iowa – Here’s What It’s Really Like [Insider’s Guide]

Wrap Up

Okoboji is a beautiful place where you will find peace and a warm home. Although living here might be a little expensive, the quality of life you will get in Okoboji justifies the cost of living associated with the region.

If you decide to purchase a home in one of the many fantastic communities in Okoboji, please get in touch with me at 712-336-4000, so I can assist you with your home-buying journey.

Follow me on my social media platforms below to get the latest updates about Okoboji, Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on the latest statistics, the current population of Okoboji is around 800.

Manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, retail, wholesale trade, and agriculture are among the prominent business industries in Okoboji, Iowa.

The overall cost of living in Okoboji is 101.2, which indicates that living in the city is more expensive compared to other regions in Iowa.

Okoboji, Iowa, has an average of 208 sunshine days each year. The annual average rainfall in the city is around 29 inches, and the yearly snowfall averages 39 inches.

July’s average high temperature is around 84°F, making it the hottest month in the summer. January’s low temperature is only 7°F.