Iowa City and the surrounding area has something for everyone: affordable housing, excellent schools, Big Ten sports, abundant outdoor and recreational activities, a variety of shopping and dining options, numerous cultural events and entertainment venues—and world-class health care.

It's Affordable
The cost of living in Iowa City compares favorably with other university communities and ranks below the national average, according to numerous cost-of-living indices.
It's Welcoming
Iowa City embraces cultural diversity, economic development, and community involvement with options and opportunities for newcomers and longtime residents.
It's Smart
A spirit of innovation, education, and collaboration makes Iowa City a great choice for the best and brightest students, employers, and employees.
Mandela fellows at farmers market

Where to Live

From family-friendly neighborhoods to vibrant downtown condos and apartments to the welcoming charm of neighboring rural communities, the Iowa City area offers lots of housing options for renters and homebuyers.

Learn More

Entertainment, Culture, Dining

See live theater performances and Broadway touring productions; attend book and poetry readings and other literary events; check out art museums and gallery shows; catch local musical acts and big-name concert headliners; and enjoy drinks or dinner at craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.

Learn More

Schools and Child Care

Outstanding public schools, private school options, and high-quality daycare services make the Iowa City area attractive to parents and families—and a smart move when considering your kids’ educational growth and long-term future.

Learn More

Explore Iowa

Beyond Iowa City lies a wealth of discovery across the Hawkeye State—parks and recreation areas; county fairs and local festivals; small-town shops and roadside attractions; hunting, fishing, and boating options; miles and miles of bicycle trails; and the understated beauty of rolling hills and Midwestern skies.

Learn More

OnIowa skate park

Community Engagement

The University of Iowa and UI Health Care offer numerous outreach and engagement programs that inform, inspire, and improve people's lives, and provide benefit to communities across Iowa and beyond.

UI Health Care's Community Engagement Office

Faith-Based Communities

At the University of Iowa and throughout the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor, you will find a variety of faith-based organizations and groups dedicated to serving the spiritual, social, and cultural needs of its members.

Browse resources

Spouse/Partner Careers

Dual-career services at Iowa can assist your spouse or partner in finding a great job in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or surrounding areas—with career coaching, resume reviews, and networking opportunities with companies seeking employees.

Spouse/Partner Opportunities

Stay Connected

Newspapers, TV and radio stations, area magazines, and online resources—get the latest news and information about what’s happening locally, throughout the state, across the nation, and around the world.

The Gazette

Iowa City Press-Citizen

Little Village Magazine

Des Moines Register

Iowa Public Radio