Iowa City makes CNN Money's 'Best Small Cities' list

Three Iowa communities including Iowa City made the 2012 America's Best Small Cities list in the September issue of CNN Money.

West Des Moines ranked 81st, Iowa City 88th and Ames 90th on the listing of most livable cities. Topping the list was Carmel, Ind.

CNN Money ranks the city on criteria including housing affordability, personal incomes and commute times. Dubuque ranked fourth nationally on commute time, and Cedar Rapids ranked fourth nationally on housing affordability.

Iowa City Area Development Interim President Mark Nolte said the rankings are important "when work force is considering moving to our area."

Cedar Rapids Metro Alliance CEO Dee Baird said the positive recognition is a boost for people who live and work in the Corridor, but can also be used to help draw attention of site selection consultants and recruiters to the Corridor.