Iowa City IA

Iowa City, IA – A charming blend of Midwestern warmth and cultural vibrancy, Iowa City is a place where literary history meets a lively college-town energy. Home to the University of Iowa and a UNESCO City of Literature, it's a haven for readers, writers, and creative minds. Whether you’re walking through the scenic campus, enjoying a local brew, or browsing at an independent bookstore, this city invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers (15-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Old Capitol Museum, Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, Devonian Fossil Gorge, Hancher Auditorium, Pedestrian Mall.
• Top Activities: Exploring downtown shops, attending live performances, biking along the Iowa River, joining local festivals, relaxing in city parks.
• Famous Food: Bread Garden Market sandwiches, beer from Big Grove Brewery, Hamburg Inn No. 2 pies, and gourmet eats at Pullman Bar & Diner.

Iowa City, IA is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere and its role as a key center for education, healthcare, and bio-research. The presence of the University of Iowa contributes significantly to the local job market. Below are some of the top jobs in Iowa City that are in demand right now.

Top 5 Jobs in Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is the perfect student-friendly destination for unwinding from class stress and hanging out with friends. Whether you want cozy coffee spots, outdoor fun, or vibrant nightlife, Iowa City has you covered.

The Pedestrian Mall (Ped Mall) – Right in the heart of downtown, the Ped Mall offers plenty of outdoor seating, cafes, bookstore browsing, and frequent live music. It's an awesome spot to meet up between classes or unwind during weekends.

Lake Macbride State Park – Just a short drive from campus, Lake Macbride is the best place for swimming, hiking, kayaking, and picnics. A perfect break to recharge and enjoy nature.

Java House – With several locations around town, Java House offers delicious coffee drinks, pastries, cozy seating, and a great study atmosphere. It's an ideal chill spot to get away from campus buzz.

FilmScene Cinema – A local indie cinema in downtown Iowa City, FilmScene is perfect for catching unique movies, indie films, and international flicks. Plus, their popcorn is legendary.

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom – A lively hangout spot offering craft beer, tasty bites, outdoor patios, and regular events such as trivia nights, live music, and special festivals. It's fun for relaxing with a group of friends.

Wilson's Orchard & Farm – Perfect for a weekend outing, Wilson's Orchard offers apple picking, freshly baked cider donuts, hayrides, and outdoor events. It's an enjoyable getaway if you're looking for easygoing outdoor fun.

Bread Garden Market – A casual market-style cafe located downtown offering freshly made food, baked goods, a great selection of snacks, and outdoor seating. Ideal for students to grab something quick, affordable, and tasty in between classes or study sessions.

Iowa City, IA, is a vibrant college town known for its world-class education, thriving arts scene, and deep literary history. It is home to institutions that offer diverse academic and technical programs that serve students from across the nation and around the globe.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Iowa City

University of Iowa – As the flagship public university in the state, the University of Iowa is a major research institution known for its nationally ranked writing, healthcare, engineering, and business programs. It also houses the acclaimed Iowa Writers’ Workshop, one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the world.

Kirkwood Community College – Iowa City Campus – This regional campus offers affordable and flexible two-year degrees, transfer opportunities, and vocational training in fields such as healthcare, business, and technology, making it a great stepping stone to four-year institutions or immediate careers.

The University of Iowa College of Nursing – Though part of the University of Iowa, the College of Nursing stands out on its own for its top-ranked undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. It is known for clinical excellence and research innovation in patient care.

University of Iowa College of Law – A standout among public law schools, the College of Law is consistently ranked in the top 30 nationwide. It offers extensive experiential learning, strong faculty mentorship, and a diverse range of legal fields for specialization.

University of Iowa College of Education – Recognized for producing top-tier educators, the College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with advanced research in educational leadership, counseling, and instructional design.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Iowa City

Cornell College – Located in nearby Mount Vernon, just 30 minutes from Iowa City, Cornell is a private liberal arts college known for its One Course At A Time curriculum, which allows students to deeply engage with one subject every three and a half weeks.

Mount Mercy University – Situated in Cedar Rapids, also a short drive from Iowa City, Mount Mercy provides private liberal arts education with strong programs in nursing, business, criminal justice, and education. It supports adult learners with flexible and accelerated degree options.

Coe College – Based in Cedar Rapids, Coe is a private liberal arts college valued for its supportive learning environment and broad academic offerings, including pre-professional programs in law, medicine, and engineering.

Grinnell College – Although located about an hour from Iowa City, Grinnell is one of the nation's top-ranked private liberal arts colleges. Known for academic rigor, social responsibility, and generous financial aid, it attracts students from around the world.

St. Ambrose University – Located in Davenport, within driving distance of Iowa City, St. Ambrose blends liberal arts with professional preparation. It offers strong graduate and undergraduate programs in healthcare, business, and education.

Iowa City, IA is home to a number of excellent high schools that provide quality education and a strong path to college and careers. Families in the area have access to both top-rated public and private schools offering challenging academics, extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments.

Top Public High Schools In Iowa City

• Iowa City West High School – One of the highest-rated public high schools in the state, West High excels in college readiness, AP course offerings, and athletics.
• Iowa City High School – Known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and outstanding fine arts department. It's a competitive school with a solid graduation rate.
• – A newer high school, Liberty offers modern facilities and continues to grow its strong academic and extracurricular programs.
• Clear Creek Amana High School – Located just outside of Iowa City, CCA High provides a supportive learning environment and growing academic reputation.
• Solon High School – Situated in a nearby district, Solon boasts excellent academics, a community-focused atmosphere, and standout athletic teams.

Top Private High Schools In Iowa City

• Regina High School – A well-regarded Catholic school offering strong academics, values-based education, and a range of extracurricular activities.
• Heritage Christian School – Offers a classical Christian education with low student-to-teacher ratios and a focus on rigorous academics.
• Willowwind School – While primarily serving younger grades, Willowwind provides individualized learning paths and an innovative curriculum extending into middle school with some high school-level courses.
• Zion Lutheran School – Offers a Christ-centered education emphasizing strong academics and character development, serving up to early high school level.
• Scattergood Friends School (near West Branch) – A unique Quaker boarding and day school offering project-based learning, sustainability programs, and a global student body. Just a short drive from Iowa City.

Iowa City, Iowa, is a vibrant college town best known for its strong collegiate sports culture. While it does not host any major league professional sports teams, the city and the surrounding region are actively involved in minor league and semi-professional sports, and residents enjoy close ties to sports franchises in nearby cities. The University of Iowa plays a significant role in the area’s athletic spirit, with the Iowa Hawkeyes being one of the most followed teams in the state.

🏈 Football – Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)

• Iowa Hawkeyes Football – A member of the Big Ten Conference, the Hawkeyes play their home games at Kinnick Stadium, which holds over 70,000 fans. While not a professional team, they draw NFL-level attention with a rich football history, bowl appearances, and numerous players drafted into the NFL, including stars like Dallas Clark, George Kittle, and Micah Hyde.

🏀 Basketball – Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s & Women’s Teams (NCAA)

• Men’s Basketball – The Hawkeyes' men’s basketball team competes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament, producing NBA players like Keegan Murray and Luka Garza.
• Women’s Basketball – The women’s team has seen tremendous success recently, thanks to standout players like Caitlin Clark, who set NCAA scoring records and led the team to the national championship game in 2023. Their exciting style of play has brought national spotlight to the program.

⚾ Baseball – Cedar Rapids Kernels (MiLB)

• Cedar Rapids Kernels – Located about 30 miles north of Iowa City, the Kernels are a Class A minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Based in Cedar Rapids, they have served as a key stepping stone for young players working their way through the minor league system. Their ballpark, Veterans Memorial Stadium, is a family-friendly venue that draws strong local support.

⚽ Soccer – Iowa Raptors FC & FC Midwest United (Semi-Pro)

• Iowa Raptors FC – Based in nearby Cedar Rapids, the Raptors compete in leagues such as the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). They represent the growing interest in soccer across the state and offer opportunities for local talent to compete on a national level.
• FC Midwest United – Another semi-professional team, this club also competes in UPSL and seeks to develop soccer talent in the heartland while building a community fan base.

🏒 Hockey – Iowa Heartlanders (ECHL)

• Iowa Heartlanders – Although located in nearby Coralville, just minutes from Iowa City, this ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) team brings professional hockey to Eastern Iowa. Affiliated with the Minnesota Wild of the NHL, the Heartlanders play at Xtreme Arena and offer fans high-energy, fast-paced games.

Though Iowa City lacks major league professional teams, its passionate fan base, college athletics, and access to regional pro and semi-pro clubs make it a vibrant and exciting place for sports lovers.

Iowa City, IA is a vibrant college town packed with charm, history, and a love for literature. As one of the most unique places in the Midwest, it has some fun and surprising facts that will impress anyone. Here are some cool things to know about Iowa City:

1. UNESCO City of Literature – Iowa City is the only UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, highlighting its global literary importance.
2. Birthplace of the Iowa Writers' Workshop – The world-famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop was founded here in 1936 and has produced dozens of Pulitzer Prize winners.
3. Presidential Past – Iowa City was the original capital of Iowa before it moved to Des Moines in 1857. You can still visit the beautiful Old Capitol building today.
4. Ped Mall Fun – The downtown area has a pedestrian-only mall full of art, shops, and cafes. It’s a favorite hangout spot for students and locals alike.
5. Haunted Herky – Legend has it that the University of Iowa’s mascot, Herky the Hawk, haunts certain buildings on campus—at least during Halloween!
6. A City of Firsts – The first female lawyer in the U.S. Supreme Court, Arabella Mansfield, studied law in Iowa City in the 1860s.
7. Home to 100+ Public Sculptures – You can find sculptures and murals all over town—more than 100 in total—mixing art with everyday life.
8. Tailgate Central – Iowa City’s Kinnick Stadium is one of the loudest and most passionate college football venues in the country, especially on fall Saturdays.
9. Book Lover’s Paradise – With more than 10 independent bookstores, Iowa City is a dream for avid readers of all ages.
10. River Vibes – The Iowa River runs right through the city, and it’s a favorite spot for kayaking, fishing, and peaceful walks along the water.