The June 2006 issue of the Kiplinger Newsletter describes Iowa City as an “…oasis on the prairie, (a) wholesome middle America City…bursting with creative and intellectual energy.”  In their list of the top “50 Smart Places To Live” Iowa City comes in number 10.  Author Patricia Mertz Esswein lists the Hamburg Inn, Prairie Lights Bookstore and the country setting as her favorite things about the community.  She cites the stabilizing presence of the University of Iowa, describes a strong arts community, and is impressed with the ease of commuting and the wide variety of housing options.  Esswein writes that “…candidates, once they visit, they never want to leave.”