The eastern portion of The University of Iowa campus merges with downtown Iowa City, whose approximately 70,000 inhabitants enjoy the advantages of a comfortable small-town atmosphere in combination with the University's cosmopolitan diversity of cultural and recreational opportunities. Downtown Iowa City offers a thriving pedestrian mall in a comfortable, small-town atmosphere. Many nineteenth-century homes grace the residential areas of Iowa City, and entire neighborhoods have joined efforts to preserve and improve them. Iowa City has over 500 acres of parks graced with swimming pools, nature trails, and picnic facilities. The Coralville Reservoir, Lake MacBride, and Kent Park are major recreation centers near the city.
Education is Iowa City's heritage.
Transportation is remarkably good. The University Cambus system is matched by municipal buses serving Iowa City and adjoining Coralville. A 15-minute drive on Interstate Highway 380 to the Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport provides access to Northwest, TWA, United, and several other airlines. Via Interstate 80, which passes on the north edge of the city, Iowa City is only four hours away from downtown Chicago and less than a day's drive from Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis.