This city is routinely ranked as one of the safest, healthiest, and most liveable, educated, connected, and economically viable cities in the United States. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated it as the world’s third City of Literature, along with Edinburgh, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia.

Home to the University of Iowa— a Big Ten research institution—and globally recognized education companies ACT and Pearson Education, the city has deep roots in education. Iowa City also garners accolades for its older adult population. Above all, the Milken Institute named it #1 for Small Cities for Successful Aging, crediting access and affordability of health care, high employment rates, accessible transit, and a business-friendly economic environment as notable attributes.