Ever tried playing that game where you have to name a city for every letter of the alphabet? You hit I and suddenly the room goes silent. Most people blurt out Indianapolis and then just... stare at the ceiling. Honestly, it’s kinda funny because there are actually hundreds of us cities that start with i, but our brains usually delete everything except the racing capital of the world.
If you're moving, road-tripping, or just trying to win a bar trivia night, you've gotta know that the "I" cities aren't just filler on a map. They’re some of the fastest-growing tech hubs and most historical corners of the country.
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The Heavy Hitters: Indianapolis and the Texas Powerhouses
You can't talk about us cities that start with i without starting in Indiana. Indianapolis is huge. As of 2026, the metro area is pushing toward 2 million people. Most folks know it for the Indy 500, but the city is basically becoming a mini-Chicago without the soul-crushing traffic. It's got this "Silicon Prairie" vibe now, with Salesforce taking up a massive chunk of the skyline.
Then you’ve got the Texas duo: Irving and Iowa Colony. Irving is wild because it’s basically the "corner office" of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. You've got over 8,500 businesses there, including some massive Fortune 500 headquarters. It’s one of those places that feels like a city built entirely for the 9-to-5 hustle, but then you hit Las Colinas and realize there are actually canals and gondolas in the middle of Texas.
Iowa Colony is the one people usually get wrong. They hear the name and think it's in, well, Iowa. Nope. It’s a fast-growing suburb south of Houston. It’s basically where everyone is moving to get a backyard without paying Houston prices.
Why Irvine is Dominating the West Coast
If you want to see the future of urban planning, you look at Irvine, California. It’s basically a master-planned dream—or a nightmare, depending on how much you hate HOAs.
Irvine is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America. In early 2026, the city council just pushed through a new "Economic Development Blueprint" to build a massive innovation center. They aren’t just resting on being a quiet suburb of Orange County; they’re trying to out-tech Silicon Valley.
The lifestyle there is... specific. You’ve got perfectly paved roads, the University of California Irvine (UCI) bringing in top-tier researchers, and more boba shops than you can count. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at your bank account" expensive. But for families who want that 10/10 school rating, it’s the holy grail of us cities that start with i.
The Historical "I" Cities You’re Overlooking
Not everything is a tech hub. Some of these cities are basically time capsules. Take Independence, Missouri.
People forget this was the "Queen City of the Trails." If you were a pioneer in the 1800s heading west on the Oregon, Santa Fe, or California trails, this was your last stop for supplies. It’s also Harry S. Truman’s hometown. You can literally walk through his house. It’s got this gritty, proud midwestern energy that you just don't find in the newer suburbs of Texas or California.
And then there's Iowa City.
Honestly, it’s one of the coolest college towns in the country. It’s a UNESCO City of Literature—the only one in the US. The Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa is legendary. You might be sitting next to the next Great American Novelist at a dive bar on Clinton Street and not even know it.
A Quick Reality Check on Population
Since we're looking at the data for 2026, here’s how some of these "I" cities actually stack up in terms of size:
- Indianapolis, IN: ~893,000 (The undisputed king)
- Irvine, CA: ~323,000 (Growth is slowing, but the money is staying)
- Irving, TX: ~258,000 (A diverse powerhouse)
- Independence, MO: ~121,000 (Holding steady as a KC suburb)
- Inglewood, CA: ~100,000 (The new sports mecca of LA)
The "I" Cities for Lifestyle and Budget
If you’re looking for a vibe that isn't a massive metro, Idaho Falls is sort of having a moment. It used to just be the place you drove through to get to Yellowstone. Now? It’s a legitimate destination for remote workers who want to be near the Tetons without paying Jackson Hole prices.
On the flip side, you have Ithaca, New York. It’s "gorges"—literally. That’s the cheesy slogan they put on t-shirts because of all the waterfalls. Home to Cornell University, it’s a bubble of intense intellectualism surrounded by some of the best hiking in the Northeast. It feels completely disconnected from the rest of New York, which is exactly why people love it.
Surprising Facts Most People Miss
- Indio, California: Everyone knows the Coachella festival, but nobody realizes Indio is actually one of the fastest-growing cities in the Riverside area. It’s not just a desert floor for three weekends a year anymore.
- Issaquah, Washington: This is basically Costco’s backyard (their HQ is there). It sits right on the edge of the "Issaquah Alps," making it the ultimate spot for people who want to work in Seattle tech but spend their weekends trail running.
- Islamorada, Florida: It’s actually a "Village of Islands." If you're into sport fishing, this is the world capital. It’s about as far from the industrial vibe of Irving, Texas as you can get.
What Really Matters When Choosing an "I" City
Choosing a place to live or visit based on the first letter of its name is a bit of a chaotic way to live, but hey, if that’s your thing, you've got options.
If you want Business and Scale, go to Indianapolis or Irving.
If you want Education and Culture, Iowa City or Ithaca are the winners.
If you want Wealth and Safety, Irvine is your spot.
If you want Outdoor Access, look at Idaho Falls or Issaquah.
Most people get wrong the idea that these cities are all the same just because they share a letter. Moving from Independence, Missouri to Independence, Oregon would be a massive culture shock. One is a historic suburb; the other is a tiny town in the heart of Willamette Valley wine country.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Tax Codes: If you're eyeing Irving, Texas or Iowa Colony, remember Texas has no state income tax, but the property taxes will make your eyes water. Compare that to the high-income tax but lower property tax in Ithaca, NY.
- Visit in the "Off-Season": Thinking about Idaho Falls? Go in February. If you can handle the wind-chill, you can handle the city. Same goes for the humid summers in Indianapolis.
- Audit the School Districts: For Irvine or Idylwood, Virginia, the house price is basically a tuition payment for some of the best public schools in the nation. Calculate if that trade-off works for your budget.
- Look Beyond the Name: Research the specific neighborhood. In Inglewood, being near SoFi Stadium is great for entertainment but a nightmare for Sunday afternoon errands.