Iowa City, IABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Creativity abounds in Iowa City, with an inviting atmosphere from the prestigious university to its rich literary heritage. The city offers plenty of outdoor activities, opportunities to flex your creative muscle and a low cost of living.
Iowa City, IA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Iowa City, IA, and its surrounding areas have all kinds of fun surprises in store, from ancient sea floor fossils at Devonian Fossil Gorge to the UNESCO “City of Literature” designation and a public art program that turns everything from doors to benches to walls into colorful masterpieces.
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Iowa City has safe communities with friendly residents, and those who live here have access to top-notch health care. This college town in Eastern Iowa also makes the grade when it comes to education as the home of the University of Iowa, a renowned public research university, and quality education for K-12 students via the Iowa City Community School District.
When it comes to rolling up your sleeves and getting to work, Iowa City has built-in support for entrepreneurs and a thriving creative industry. It has established itself as a leader in education technology and is home to Fortune 500 companies.
Ask anyone in Iowa City, well, anything, and they’ll gladly answer your question. The phenomenon of “Iowa Nice” is alive and well in Iowa City. The community is tight-knit, and the Hawkeye spirit is alive and well, with the University of Iowa bringing residents together to cheer on the team. Here in Iowa City, residents can find plenty of local events to attend, get involved in their city (several volunteer opportunities exist), and just connect with those around them.
Iowa City, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Iowa City, IA Top Categories
Transportation
Environment
Education
Iowa City ranks highest for transportation, environment and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City gets all four seasons, with cold winters, cool springs, hot summers that reach the mid-80s and crisp autumn days. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 63°F (summer) and 34°F and 17°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Iowa City is around 28 inches, with December, January and February receiving the highest average snowfall.
The average annual rainfall in Iowa City is 37 inches. Though rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, June is the wettest month.
Iowa City averages 200 sunny days a year.
Rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards from Fin & Feather H2O and get on the water at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Grab your four-legged friend and head to the 12-acre Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park, which offers plenty of room to play fetch, get the zoomies and sniff some good smells.
Iowa City Weather
200 days
Average Annual Sun
37 inches
Average Annual Rain
28 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Iowa City, IA
If you want to be a writer, there are endless reasons why you should move to Iowa City. First, Iowa City is a rich literary city, thanks largely to the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the country’s first creative writing degree program that started in 1936. Residents can even take a self-guided literary tour in Iowa City with 10 historically significant stops and bronze book sculptures on Linn Street.
Pick strawberries, apples, pumpkins and more at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm, which also has a smokehouse where you can grab lunch and a Farm Market to pick up more produce.
Slurp ramen and share sashimi, short ribs and pot stickers at Ramen Belly.
Double Tap is a “beercade” with daily specials, lots of beers on tap, and more than 50 games and pinball machines. Serious gamers can join leagues and tournaments.
The Local and State Economy in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City’s diverse economy is made up of a variety of industries, including education, technology and advanced manufacturing. The largest employer in Iowa City is the University of Iowa. Other major employers are the Iowa City Community School District, Proctor & Gamble and ACT, Inc. (yes, that ACT!), headquartered in Iowa City.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Iowa City is 6%.
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax.
Iowa City residents are in good health, thanks largely to the nationally ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which also operates the nationally ranked Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Mercy Iowa City and UnityPoint Health are also major providers in the area.
There are several colleges and universities in Iowa City, IA, including the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College’s Iowa City Campus.
Quick Facts About Iowa City, IA
- Median Household Income
- $51,282
- Median Home Value
- $276,118
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,522
- Total Population
- 76,491
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $873
- Average Commute
- 14.48 minutes
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Iowa City is home to a variety of safe communities and provides residents with excellent education and health care options. Learn more about living in Iowa City, or consider other great places to live in the Midwest. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
