#2. Iowa City
Iowa City is a great place to start a business and to live. It may be known for its college town atmosphere and culture scene, but the city thrives on entrepreneurship and is home to many corporate headquarters. It’s ranked on our Top 100 Places to Live list three years in a row so far, as well as ranked on our Top 10 Best College Towns. That alone may tell you that the city ranks high for college attainment (top 20), but it also ranks in the top 5 for jobs. As far as cost of living (and doing business), Iowa City ranks in the top 10 for affordable housing and food spending, as well as top 20 for growth in high wage jobs, commute time and culture.