Where is Iowa City?
Iowa City is 220 miles directly west of Chicago on Interstate 80. It's also within a 4-5 hour drive to Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis. It has the cultural, educational, social, and political opportunities of a bigger city with the values and ambiance of a Midwestern town.
# 5
Best College Towns
100 %
Municipal Equality
# 19
100 Places to Live
# 4
Best Places to Live
Rankings and Recognition
- Iowa City ranked No. 5 on Business Insider's "20 Best College Towns in America" list.
- Iowa City scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index - rating laws, policies, and services for inclusivity of LGBTQ people.
- Iowa City ranked No. 19 on the Money list of "100 Best Places to Live."
- Iowa City ranked No. 4 on Livability's "Best Places to Live" list, as well as by the American Institute for Economic Research among their "Top 20 College Towns."
You'll Find This in the Iowa City Area
The Arts
Galleries, festivals, and performances. The variety and frequency will amaze you.
Community Careers
The area has one of the state's most active employment markets. Opportunities exist with employers large and small, public and private.
Dining
Our food choices cover many ethnic types and price points and always provide a ring of quality. Our locally-sourced restaurants are phenomenal.
Cultural and Global Competency
Our efforts center on building key leadership skills to provide a welcoming and respectful environment to all.
Earth-Conscious
We are a green community, set on making an example of responsible living.
Health Care
Our generous health care coverage extends beyond UI Health Care to other area options, including the nearby VA Health System.
Education
Formal and informal learning opportunities are available for all age levels and abilities. You pick the topic, and you're likely to find a classroom for it.
Parks and Recreation
We work hard at our leisure activities. Our parks, facilities, and programming deliver opportunities for all to get out and enjoy.
Shopping
Whether it's retail chains, trendy one-of-a-kinds, or vintage shopping, Iowa City and it neighbors offer an abundance of choices.
Start-Up Hub
Whether it's in a formal business incubator or piloted storefront, we provide markets and know-how for innovators from a variety of fields.