500 S Gilbert St

Iowa City is a growing community on the banks of the Iowa River. The student body at the University of Iowa makes up a significant portion of the local population, and Hawkeye spirit runs deep both on and off campus — expect to see black and gold everywhere, especially on game days. Iowa City's historic downtown sits right across the river from the university and hosts a wide assortment of storefront shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and performance venues.

History buffs will appreciate the beautifully preserved architecture and the museums in and around the Old Capitol building. As you get farther from the river, the landscape takes on a more suburban feel, with charming single-family homes and a quieter environment than you'd find closer to campus. Coral Ridge Mall in nearby Coralville is one of the larger shopping destinations in the region, drawing visitors from across eastern Iowa.