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Iowa City, Iowa

Population: 62,200
Located in Johnson County

Iowa City’s motto, “Small-Town Atmosphere, Big-City Choices,” rings true throughout Johnson County. Whether you’re looking for great schools, safe communities or low taxes, the area offers a dynamic combination of urban and rural environments and a high quality of life in the midst of America’s heartland.

People who work together to make a street, neighborhood, town or city a better place to live are at the core of this livable community. Though there are countless systems to rate communities available on the Internet, most often people vote with their feet.
The discoveries made at the University of Iowa impact residents throughout Iowa and the nation. The UI Health Sciences Center includes academic programs, clinical facilities and service agencies that prepare students and practitioners to serve a wide spectrum of health needs, while also searching for new knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

The University of Iowa has one of the most advanced health centers and one of the largest university-owned teaching hospitals in the world. Its components include the UI colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health; the UI Hospitals and Clinics; the University Hygienic Laboratory; and other related health services.

The University’s medical programs are highly rated. Audiology, pathology, nursing service administration, nurse practitioner, otolaryngology, physician’s assistant, dentistry, physical therapy, rehabilitation counseling, rural medicine, ophthalmology, paleontology, nursing, orthopedics and primary medicine care programs rank in the top 10 in the nation.

Creativity and ingenuity circulate throughout the University of Iowa campus. The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), administered through the Tippie College of Business, is a leading supporter of start-up and new businesses, offering entrepreneurial training, business-plan development, community lectures and individual mentoring. JPEC provides programs and assistance to all ages, conducting entrepreneurial summer camps for high school and elementary-age students and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship for undergraduates. The program also works to incorporate entrepreneurship education into Iowa high school classrooms. Each year, JPEC offers thousands of dollars in awards to help entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, including financial aid through the Young Iowa Entrepreneurs Award and Entrepreneurial Scholarships.

The University of Iowa is also the home of the number-one creative writing program in the nation and the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, whose graduates include authors John Irving, Frank Conroy and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. Created in 1936, the two-year post-graduate program was the first creative writing degree program at an American university. The Iowa Writers’ Workshop received the 2002 National Humanities Medal, becoming the first university-based group, and only the second organization, to receive the honor since the medals were first awarded in 1988.

The flow of creativity appeals to Iowans throughout the state, as the cultural domain of the University of Iowa draws distinctive performances, exhibits and events to the area. Iowa City is the home of Hancher Auditorium, the Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, Old Capitol Museum, the Division of Performing Arts, radio stations WSUI and KSUI, and the Big Ten UI athletic teams. The University also delivers programs outside the Iowa City area. Last year, UI Arts Across the Curriculum and Arts Share outreach programs visited 56 counties in Iowa.

When summer dwindles and the leaves turn color, the “Iowa Fight Song” can be heard, as thousands of Iowa alums, Hawkeye fans and students begin another athletic school year. As a member of the Big Ten, the Iowa Hawkeyes compete with 11 conference schools in the NCAA, one of the toughest conferences and most progressive athletic programs in the nation.

The summer months are filled with numerous opportunities to experience the cultural side of Iowa City. The annual Iowa City Jazz Festival attracts 20,000 visitors to downtown Iowa City each July. Visitors can listen to more than 20 bands on four different stages, with performances featuring nationally known musicians as well as performers from local colleges and high schools. Residents and visitors can also listen to talented musicians throughout summer at Friday night concerts and through the Saturday night jazz series on the pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City. The Iowa City Community Band, the North Liberty Community Band and Senior Center New Horizons Community Band also give summer performances.

The Iowa City Arts Festival is traditionally held the first weekend in June. The festival connects artists from the community and across the Midwest as they display their wares and talents. Free events include artist showcases; recitals; musical performances; and hands-on, interactive art sessions. A special children’s day offers activities to intrigue children of all ages.

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