Are you planning to Move to Iowa City in the united states? and thinking “Is Iowa a good place to live?” let me help you with the full details of what it’s like to live in Iowa & pros and cons of living in Iowa City.
Iowa City is known for its balance between a small-town vibe and access to downtown amenities. The Downtown of Iowa is popular and has a walkable atmosphere with a range of shops, restaurants, and stores.
Because of its relatively high-quality lifestyle and access to many opportunities Iowa City can be a really good place to live.
If you enjoy a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle and appreciate the outdoors, Iowa is perfect for you.
However, Every place is not ideal for everyone. there are some pros and cons of living in Iowa, you should know before making any decision to move.
And, it is more important for you to know “Is Iowa a good place to live or settle with family?“
is Iowa a good place to live?
Iowa is a midwetern USA State. And it is Consider as a good choice for settle because it has low crime rates and an affordable cost of living.
Families love to live here because, The city has a mix of cultural, educational, and career opportunities. you can live a quality of life here with access to good schooling, healthcare facilities, and career opportunities.
If you love living in a natural place, Iowa has beautiful natural landscapes and farmlands.
there are also, many picturesque towns in Iowa US. if you prefer a quieter and simpler lifestyle and love to go out. Moving to Iowa can be a good choice for you.
However, before moving to any new place you must have to know whether the place is right according to your preference.
So here are some Detailed Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa, United States 2023-24.
PROS of Living in Iowa, US
1. Affordability
Iowa is considered an affordable place to live compared to big metropolitan areas in other states.
including, Housing, Utilities, Taxes, Services, etc. are relatively low.
So, Housing cost in Iowa is low compared to other states in the US. Whether you want to rent or buy a home. you can easily find more affordable homes here, mostly in smaller towns and rural areas.
However, the prices of homes rents can vary depending on the location within Iowa. example, larger cities have a little more housing cost than the smaller towns in Iowa.
The average cost of living in Iowa is about 16% lower than the other states in the United States. example, a normal two bedroom house are only in $700-$850.
If we talk about Utility costs of general things like electricity, water, and gas bills tend to be lower than in other larger states.
In fact, Grocery, healthcare, and transportation cost are even with the national average (or slightly lower in small towns)
So, “Is Iowa a good place to live?” Yes, for a low cost of living, Iowa is a good choice.
Read more: Mississippi is considered as one of the cheapest states to live in USA
2. Quality Education Access
Iowa has an excellent education system. overall in K-12 and in Higher education.
Also, Iowa ranks among the top states in terms of high school graduation rates and student achievement. It has many public and private schools and charter schools.
So if your priority is education and affordability, Iowa has several reputed universities.
most popular ones are,
- University of IOWA (UI) in Iowa City
- IOWA State University (ISU) in Ames
- University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls
There are also several private colleges like Drake University, Grinnell College, coe college, and many others. but state colleges are cheaper / more affordable than private colleges.
In fact, residents can get benefits of financial aid opportunities, Scholarships, and educational grants.
3. Job Opportunities in Iowa
The first thing that comes to mind when you moving to a new place is “How do I get a New Job?”, is Iowa a good place to live!!
So, Getting work is easy in Iowa, because Iowa has a range of jobs across various fields like Agriculture, manufacturing factory jobs, education tutors, transportation, retail and hospitality, and many other part-time and highly professional jobs also.
Farming and agriculture-related jobs are easy to get. Iowa is also known for its strong agriculture industry and it is a leading producer of corn, soybean, pork, and eggs.
Additionally, Manufacturing sector jobs are also can easily available. mostly in machinery, and food processing units.
So getting a job in Iowa is not a big issue.
4. Safe to Live in Iowa
Before choosing a new place to call your home, safety is a first priority for many people. So, “Is Iowa a good place to live safety-wise?”
Living in Iowa is Safe, it has consistently low crime rates. Robberies, Burglary, and theft are lower in crimes. therefore, you can live with a sense of security and peace of mind.
Iowa is five times safe than Mississippi.
So, if you are moving to Iowa, the state prioritizes safety and a secure environment for its residents.
5. Four Weather Seasons
You can Experience Four Weather Seasons in Iowa. it is beautiful and has a good positive impact for several reasons.
Changing seasons bring a variety of scenes and landscapes and increase natural beauty. from colorful foliage in the fall to blooming flowers in the spring.
also, you can celebrate different Seasonal events and sports. it brings the community together, with activities, food, and entertainment. more so, it is also beneficial for farming benefits and crop production.
Spring (march to May) In March temperature be chilly with snowfall sometime. the weather becomes milder and the temperature gradually increases by May.
Summer (June to August) is the warmest season, longer hotter days. avg. temperature is 25-30°C to 30-35°C or higher. Iowa summer is humid but it is a time to enjoy outdoor parks and rivers and lacks cool down
Also, summer is the season for growing soybean and corn in Iowa.
Fall Starts from September to November, Fall in Iowa is generally a dry season with crisp and pleasant weather. It’s a popular time for activities such as apple picking and enjoying fall colors
Winter in Iowa is cold and will bring snowfall, avg temperature is (-6 to -1°C). Snow storms are common here. But the good thing is It is time for Winter sports, skiing, ice skating.
Now, is Iowa a good place to live with four weather seasons?
Yes, I definitely love experiencing seasons because each season has its unique and appealing environment and activities
6. Good Food
Now let’s talk about the food in Iowa. having good food options is also important when you move to a new place.
And, Iowa has a variety of delicious food options.
here are some of the popular food items you will love here:
- Pork Tenderloin sandwich is a specialty in Iowa. it is made of fried pork tenderloin served with a white bun.
- Maid-Rite is a scramble meat sandwich that originated in Iowa itself. it is made with seasoned ground beef served on a bun
- Dutch letters, Don’t confuse with the name. it’s a sweet dish made with pastry dough filled with almond paste and shaped like the letter “S”. it’s famous in “Pella town” in Iowa.
- Amana Colonies German Cuisines: The colony is located in eastern Iowa, It has Germam-inspired cuisine you love to that food like sauerbraten, bratwurst, schnitzel, and delicious bakery items.
And the most important Farmer’s Markets, it’s your regular place to get freshly produced vegetables, homemade items, baked items, dairy products and etc…
Don’t forget Iowa is a small state but has a range of international cuisines, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
7. Stable Economy
Now, you need to know that having strong economic stability is important for you career growth in many ways.
Having economic resilience when moving to a new state provides a solid foundation for your financial stability, job opportunities, and long-term success in your field.
Iowa’s economic ability is better than many other similar regions.
So, the question is iowa a good place to live? and can handle bad economic situations. the answer is yes
CONs of Living in Iowa, US
Every State has its Disadvantages Also, let’s know about Cons of living in Iowa. and choose to moving to iowa according to your preference:
1. Limited Access to Amenities
after many of the good benefits of living in Iowa. it comes with a potential Disadvantage. it is limited access to amenities and services, compared to more urbanized or larger cities.
if you decide to live in small towns (rural areas) you may experience a sense of isolation due to massive farmlands and lower population.
You need to prepare for it, Some options like Shopping, Restaurants, Advance Healthcare facilities, Easy Transportation, and events. are limited to smaller cities in Iowa.
additionally, if you used to live in larger cities and, used-to shopping, outing, and entertainment. you can’t find that experience here.
2. Limited Public Transport
One of the biggest disadvantages you can feel is Some areas in Iowa have limited public transportation,
Yes, there are regional transit-like bus services available. but you need to rely more on personal vehicles to commute.
But don’t worry, larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have more developed public transport compared to other cities and rural areas in Iowa.
3. Startup Challenges
Are you planning to start your own business in Iowa? it may challenge. the reason Iowa has a relatively smaller market size compared to more populated states.
Because of less population, New businesses or services may have a limited customer base to target, Which can make it harder to achieve growth and profitability.
So, It may harder to start a business in Iowa compared to more economically diverse cities. if you are an entrepreneur you can overcome these challenges with careful planning and market research.
although, Iowa is considered a good place to start a business for some industries and fields.
4. Lack of Ethnic Diversity
Iowa is not diverse as some other states, the majority of the population here is “White American“. this could be uncomfortable for people who move here from different ethnicity. and it can lead to cultural differences.
However, nowadays Iowa has also a growing Latino (greek) Population because of agricultural industries. They mostly live in small towns.
Tip💡: If you are not comfortable, move to cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids these are larger cities and have growth in racial and ethnic diversity, individuals from different backgrounds.
5. Limited Entertainment Options
Do you like to go to parties, music concerts, events…?
Iowa has limited access to a wide range of parties, music concerts, and events… So if you love outings and entertainment, You have to compromise a bit.
So if you choose to move to a smaller town city, there are fewer bars, clubs, and late-night entertainment venues, and you may need to travel longer to enjoy these activities.
You see, Major cities have more entertainment options like theater, Music festivals, Sports events, clubbing, and more.
Now, Is Iowa a good place to live and do fun things? it depends on which city you choose to live in.
Best Cities to Move to in Iowa
After the Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa, Choosing a city according to your preference is Important
1. Des Moines
As it is the largest city in Iowa, you will get everything you need here because Des Moines has a Vibrant urban environment with a thriving job market, quality of life, range of activities, and entertainment options.
Surprisingly, even though it is a big city in Iowa it has a low cost of living compared to other similar cities in other states, making it an appropriate place for young professionals, students, and, working families.
2. Cedar Rapids
One of my favorite cities in Iowa, It is the second largest city in Iowa and knows for many attractions, parks, trails, and a range of job opportunities, mostly in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
This city gives you the feel of a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities. also, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), is one of the popular public universities also located in cedar falls.
3. Iowa City
Iowa City is popular among students because it’s home to the “University of Iowa”. the city has an amazing college town with a modern and intellectual atmosphere.
You will find very diverse people, communities, events, dining, and many entertainment options because it’s a student city.
Definitely choose Iowa City for its high-quality education and low unemployment rate.
4. Ames
Just like Iowa City, Ames is home to “Iowa State University”. and it has a strong education system. Also, this city has a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, engineering and agriculture.
Living in Ames feels like a mix of small-town and urban vibes
5. Dubuque
Other Good Cities/Towns to Live in Iowa
- Urbandale
- Ankeny
- Indianola
- Johnston
This city is the oldest town in Iowa, you can say it is the birthplace of Iowa. Dubuque is situated along the Mississippi River, Famous for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
This city has a range of activities options like boating, hiking, skiing, and many more. it has a growing economy and limited healthcare options and employment opportunities.
good choice for retired families for peace and calm living.
Conclusion
After the Honest Advantages and Disadvantage, Now you get a clear idea about “Is Iowa a good place to live?”. It totally depends on your personal preferences and lifestyles you like.
