2019 Best Places to Live in Cerro Gordo CountyAbout this List

Clear Lake

• Town in Iowa
• 14 reviews

Former Resident: I grew up and spend most of my life in Clear Lake, Iowa. Clear Lake offers a wide variety of entertainment from live music, entertainment, theater, a large lake excellent for water sports and fishing, and more! The thing I like the most about Clear Lake is the welcoming atmosphere the community provides for guests. People leave and end up coming back because they loved it so much. Clear Lake's population ends up basically doubling in the summertime because it is such a hot spot for tourists between the lake, and the historical Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly played his last show!
Read 14 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 7,612 Population

Mason City

• Town in Iowa
• 61 reviews

Current Resident: Mason City is a decent sized town that has a small town feel, yet has some big town stores and restaurant. I would still appreciate some more stores coming to town though!
Read 61 Reviews

• B

• B-

• 27,453 Population

Clear Lake Township

• Town in Iowa

• B+

• B+

• 1,788 Population

Lake Township

• Town in Iowa

• B+

• B+

• 292 Population

Falls Township

• Town in Iowa

• B

• B+

• 1,116 Population

Ventura

• Town in Iowa
• 1 review

Current Resident: It's a very small town. A place where everyone knows everyone, and all business are locally owned. The Viking is a great place to eat! The cost of living is not bad, and it's a quiet, natured town. Once in a while, we have bands come in and perform in here.
Read 1 Review

• B

• C

• 791 Population

Grimes Township

• Town in Iowa

• B

• B-

• 748 Population

Plymouth

• Town in Iowa

• B

• B+

• 394 Population

Grant Township

• Town in Iowa
• 1 review

• B

• A-

• 355 Population

Mason Township

• Town in Iowa
• 1 review

Niche User: My overall experience of Mason City has been very pleasant. I love living in a neighborhood that feels the way it should be. What I mean by that is everyone here has been welcoming, kind, and generous of each other's need. I've lived in many places throughout my life and have never had a neighbor come over just to say, "Hi". The City is also very beautiful in my opinion and I love the artsy vibe I get when I'm in town. The art and statues displayed on the streets are perfect inspiration for any artist of need of it. Environmentally, it is quite lovely as they keep the parks clean and have many dedicated clubs to gardening. Like, many other areas in Iowa Mason City keeps expanding as far as buildings and job opportunities so I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Read 1 Review

• B

• B-

• 212 Population

Owen Township

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 291 Population

Thornton

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 471 Population

Geneseo Township

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 1,219 Population

Rockwell

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 970 Population

Lime Creek Township

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 517 Population

Pleasant Valley Township

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 325 Population

Rock Falls

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B+

• 170 Population

Meservey

• Town in Iowa

• B-

• B-

• 189 Population

Bath Township

• Town in Iowa

• C+

• B-

• 196 Population

Dougherty Township

• Town in Iowa

• C+

• B-

• 199 Population

Mount Vernon Township

• Town in Iowa
• 1 review

Current Resident: Mount Vernon is an adorable little town with all the love and cheer one usually only see's in a hallmark movie. While it is separated from other big cities by a good 20-30 minute drive, there are tons of hidden gems throughout the town. First street has numerous little shops ranging from organic spices to eclectic jewelry. The townsfolk are nice for the most part, with only the occasional grouchy attitude towards the college students.
Read 1 Review

• C

• B+

• 162 Population

Swaledale

• Town in Iowa

• C

• B-

• 117 Population

Lincoln Township

• Town in Iowa

• C-

• B+

• 295 Population