Iowa City

What makes a city a great place to live? Ask anyone and you might hear several different responses, ranging from good schools, parks and recreational space, clean air and water, availability of the arts or other cultural events, to a low crime rate, affordable housing, quality healthcare, activities and things to do.

Everyone wants access to a great quality of life. The Iowa City area is one of the best environments for living in the nation. We’re not making that up! Year after year, national publications call attention to the high quality of life we enjoy. The Iowa City area is consistently rated among the best places to live.

• No. 1 in Job Growth
  Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (8.9 percent in 2006).



• No. 1 in the state and No.4 in the nation in quality of place
  American City Business Journals 2005.



• No. 1 "Best Places for Business and Careers"
  Forbes Milken Institute Index 2005



• Top Wi-Fi hotspot
  MetroFreeFi.com 2006



• No. 3 in the nation "Best Place to Retire"
  Money Magazine 2006



• No. 3 in "Livability"
  Expansion Management Magazine 2005



• No. 3 among the small metropolitan areas to launch a business career
  Forbes Magazine 2005



• No. 9 "small Metropolitan area in the nation for families to relocate"
  World-wide ERC and Primary Relocation



• No. 10 of 50 "Smart" cities noted for economic vitality and quality of life
  Kiplinger’s Personal Finance



• "5-Star Quality of Life Metro"
  Expansion Management Magazine 2006



• "5-Star Business Opportunity Metro"
  Expansion Management Magazine 2006



• Johnson County is the No. 2 fastest growing county in the state
  2000 U. S. Census Reports

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