Why Iowa

Video of University of Iowa | Internal Medicine | Life in Iowa City

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.

No. 5

Best College Towns

100%

Municipal Equality

No. 19

100 Places to Live

N0. 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

Galleries, festivals, readings, 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.

Our food choices cover many ethnic types and price points and always provide a ring of quality. Our locally-sourced restaurants are phenomenal.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We take the state's motto seriously: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. You see it in action throughout our communities.

EARTH-CONSCIOUS

We are a green community, set on making an example of responsible living.

Our generous health care coverage extends beyond UI Hospitals & Clinics and our many satellite clinics to other area options, including the nearby VA Health System.

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.

Whether it's retail chains, trendy one-of-a-kinds, or vintage shopping, Iowa City and its neighbors offer an abundance of choices.

Whether it's in a formal business incubator or piloted storefront, we provide markets and know-how for innovators from a variety of fields.