Life in Iowa City

Iowa City is a vibrant town that offers far more than its population-size would suggest. Home to the University of Iowa and a medical center that is over 3,000,000 square-feet, Iowa City draws people from all over the world, providing a diverse and rich cultural experience.

The world-renowned Iowa Writer’s Workshop is only one example of Iowa City’s commitment to the arts. The Englert Theater hosts the Landlocked Film Festival and numerous other live concerts and performances throughout the year. In the summer, Iowa City sponsors several events as part of its Summer of the Arts program. These include the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the free Friday night concert series and outdoor summer movies.

Whether watching the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Staduim or bicycling across the state as part of RAGBRAI, the world’s largest organized bicycle ride, athletics are an important part of the Iowa City experience. Just a few miles north of the pedestrian mall, Coralville Lake and Marina offers boating, fishing, and swimming activities for the whole family.

Opportunities for shopping also abound. Coral Ridge mall offers year-round ice skating, a Children’s Museum, 120 stores and a 10-screen movie theater.

Families with children are happy to discover the area’s emphasis on education. Whether it is the excellent public and private schools or the fact that Iowa City has highest percentage of adults holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher than anywhere in the country, Iowa’s commitment to education is readily apparent.

Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature, earning that distinction in November 2008 and becoming only the 3rd city to do so. USNews & World Report ranks The University of Iowa #33 for best universities among public, private and for profit institutions for 2017.

Life in Iowa City has all the cultural benefits of a larger metropolitan area without the congestion. With an affordable cost of living and short commute times, Iowa City offers an easy lifestyle.