Livability has released this years Top 100 Places to Live study. The site puts out a new list every year and, the 2020 edition features four great Iowa cities, two in the top 20 of the prestigious yearly list.

  • #15: Ames
  • #20: Iowa City
  • #83: Des Moines
  • #94: Cedar Rapids

Ames, Iowa's top city, is referred to as 'ridiculously friendly' by the writers of the study. It scores well in employment opportunities, and gets high marks for its local restaurant and meet up options. No surprise, much of praise is due to Iowa State bringing in a good number of diverse and well educated folks. Ames Main Street Farmers Market received a shoutout as did Cornbred Barbecue and Stephens Auditorium.

Iowa City, similarly, scores high because of the University of Iowa. The patio at Gene’s got a shoutout as did the cities love for Hawkeye football. Livability made note of how vibrant and alive Iowa City is when the Hawkeyes are in town.

Des Moines, Iowa's most populated city; and of course our capital, has long received rave reviews for job opportunities and its numerous arts and culture options. The Iowa Cubs (Chicago's Triple A minor league affiliate) received a shoutout as did Exile Brewing.

Cedar Rapids got plenty of love with shootouts going to Clockhouse Brewing and the always entertaining NewBo District.

Overall, the number one city in America this year according to the study is Fort Collins, Colorado. Fort Collins is described by the authors as a

Vibrant and growing city that’s overflowing with opportunity.

You can see all 100 cities and see why they were chosen here.

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