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Iowa City
Iowa City is Iowa’s fifth largest city, is home to the University of Iowa and has been listed as one of America’s “Best Places to Live.”
The Community
Iowa City is a community of around 70,000 people that love their city, their community and the Hawkeyes, and is the fifth largest city in Iowa. The city offers a lot professional and recreational activities for young adults, married couples, families with young children and the senior population.
Iowa City has been voted “Best Place to Live” and has been recognized by many national publications and has been recognized on more than 40 different lists. Several of the top highlights include:
- 2023 SBA Iowa Small Business Community of the Year Award – Iowa District Office, May 2023
- #10 “10 Best Cities for Singles,” – Kiplinger, April 2012
- “Top City for Starting Over in 2012,” – The Street.com, January 2012
- #5 “Top 10 Cities for Book Lovers,” Livability.com, September 2011
- #2 “Best Places for Business and Careers” list (smaller metros) – Forbes, April 2010
- “Healthiest Town in the United States” – Men’s Journal, February 2010
Iowa City History
Iowa City was established in January of 1839 as a small Iowa settlement. There was a meeting between the two commissioners of a small settlement just south of town to select a new capital city for Iowa. They decided that the land would be perfect for the capital city and it was deemed the territorial capital city in June of 1839. It became the official capital city in 1841 after construction had begun on the capital building. It remained the capital of Iowa until 1857 when the capital was moved to Des Moines.
Iowa City Attractions
Iowa City is full of fun for all ages with plenty of attractions geared towards children, teens, young adults, adults, seniors and families. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, a world-class educational institution and home to many top-tier sports programs including Iowa Football, Basketball, Wrestling and Field Hockey. Iowa City is also home to Hancher Auditorium, the University of Iowa performance hall hosting Broadway musicals, contemporary dance & classical music events. Whether you are looking for a sporting event, a night out on the town, dinner with friends, live music, dancing, a night at the movies, a good book to curl up with, a shopping spree, a community event or a fun way to brush up on your history, Iowa City is sure to keep you entertained. We’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions for all ages in the Downtown District and throughout the city as a whole. Enjoy your adventures throughout Iowa City!
- Libraries: Time for a good book
- Live Music & Shows: Local favorites and national names take the stage
- Movies: Mainstream movies, intriguing documentaries and more
- Museums: History and art
- Night Clubs & Dancing: Show off your dance moves and enjoy the night
- Pubs / Sports Bars: Watch the game while you enjoy good food and a great time
- Wine / Martini Bar: Grab a drink with new friends
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Shopping: Great finds for your closet, home & more
From Art Galleries to books to clothing to home goods to jewelry to health and fitness to shoes to groceries Iowa City has just the store for you. Here are some quick links to find some of our favorites in Downtown Iowa City and around the rest of Iowa City.
