15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Iowa (Let’s Talk!)

Article Overview: Living in Iowa, Moving to Iowa

City lights getting dim? Cornfields calling your name? Hold on, friends! Mabel, a fourth-generation Iowan with dirt under my nails and stories in my heart, is here to peel back the cornstalk curtain and show you the real Iowa, warts and all.

We’ll talk affordable housing deals sweeter than honeycrisp apples, farm-fresh groceries that won’t drain your wallet, and taxes that’ll leave you with more moolah for weekend farmers’ market sprees.

But hey, life ain’t all sunshine and sweet corn. Job opportunities outside of agriculture? Can be scarce, especially in those charming small towns. City thrills and cultural offerings? More like a slow waltz compared to the city’s fast-paced tango. And winter? Pack your long johns, friends, it’s a beast!

But here’s the beauty: community stronger than a cornstalk. Neighbors become family, sharing casseroles and celebrating victories under skies painted with a million stars. Slow living ain’t lazy, it’s soul-satisfying. Craving a simpler rhythm, where open fields whisper your name?

Come on down, grab a hot dish, and let’s talk about the pros and cons of living in Iowa based on my experience.

Living in Iowa

Pros of Living in Iowa

1. Low Cost of Living

One of the major pros of living in Iowa is the low cost of living (some of the lowest in the US). Iowa usually ranks among the top 10 most affordable places to live and the reasons for this are numerous.

From affordable housing that doesn’t break the bank to everyday expenses like groceries and utilities being easier on your wallet, Iowa offers a breath of financial fresh air. Healthcare is also quite affordable here compared to the national average.

2. Houses Are Still Affordable

Ready for a life where your dream home doesn’t cost a fortune? Welcome to living Iowa, where affordable housing is the real deal. Picture this: charming homes that don’t leave your bank account in shock. It’s not a fairy tale; in Iowa, you can actually find a lovely home that’s within budget.

The cost of buying a house in Iowa is one of the lowest in America with the median home listing price just under $250K.

And guess what? This affordability extends beyond just buying a house. Renting here won’t have you breaking the piggy bank either. Iowa gives you the freedom to breathe financially, and who doesn’t love that?

Say goodbye to sleepless nights over mortgage payments and hello to a comfortable living space that leaves room in your budget for life’s other joys.

3. Relaxed & Low Stress

One of the biggest pros of living in Iowa is the relaxed way of life here. It’s a place where the pace slows down, allowing you to breathe and enjoy the simpler things.

In fact, Iowa is the sixth least stressed state in America.

There’s a sense of community and neighborliness that’s hard to find in bustling cities. In Iowa, you’re not constantly racing against the clock. Whether it’s spending a leisurely afternoon exploring local shops or enjoying a quiet evening on your porch, Iowa offers a tranquil retreat from the hectic rush of modern life.

This laid-back lifestyle is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, grounded way of living.

4. Four Beautiful Seasons

Iowa’s four beautiful seasons are a definite benefit of living here. Each season brings its own unique beauty and activities. Spring blossoms with colorful flowers and fresh greenery, summers are warm and perfect for outdoor adventures, autumns feature stunning foliage, and winters turn the landscape into a snowy wonderland.

This variety not only offers a visual treat but also means there’s always something new to do and explore.

5. Friendly Locals & Solid Communities

Living here in Iowa, I can vouch for the genuine warmth of the locals and the strength of our communities. There’s a real sense of togetherness; people here don’t just live next to each other, they truly connect.

It’s a place where folks are friendly, always ready with a helping hand or a kind word.

This close-knit vibe makes our communities not just places to live, but places to belong. As an Iowan, the sense of camaraderie and neighborliness is something I cherish daily.

6. Healthy Work Life Balance

In Iowa, we treasure a healthy work-life balance. It’s a place where your job doesn’t have to consume your entire life.

If you’re used to putting in long hours at the office and not seeing your family as much as you’d like, moving to Iowa would likely change that.

With generally reasonable work hours and less of the frantic hustle found in larger cities, there’s ample time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family, or simply relax. This balanced lifestyle is a cornerstone of living in Iowa, allowing residents to thrive both professionally and personally.

7. Small Town Energy

Living in Iowa, the small-town energy is a real highlight for me and a lovely change of pace. Maybe I’m just at a point where my priorities are shifting to more time with family.

It’s a world where community events are the heart of social life, and local businesses are cherished. There’s a sense of connection and mutual support that’s rare in bigger cities. Here, neighbors are friends, not strangers.

This close community feel makes Iowa an appealing choice for those who value personal connections and a supportive, communal environment.

Cons of Moving to Iowa

1. Our Politics Have Gone Wacko

Remember when Iowa voted for Obama twice? Seems like ancient history. The hard right seems to have a stranglehold on statewide politics these days and the effects are scary.

I’m a moderate that’s voted for presidential candidates on both sides in my lifetime, like most Iowans once were (maybe still are?), but these days I feel more and more alienated. I remember when we used to be able to have intelligent discussions where folks wouldn’t get so heated and logic seemed to be in the room.

Nowadays folks who don’t believe COVID was real (among other things) seem to be way too common around here.

2. It’s Boring

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of big city life then you’re probably going to find Iowa on the boring side. A lot of us like it this way. Iowa’s relaxed vibes cut both ways giving you a peacefulness but also potentially a restlessness.

Things around here are more vanilla than a lot of other states in America by design. Without the non-stop action of bigger cities, weekends here seem uneventful, especially if you’re used to a wide array of cultural events or a vibrant nightlife.

The smaller towns and rural areas, while charming, don’t always offer the diversity of experiences you’d find in urban hubs. It’s a noticeable contrast, particularly for those who thrive on variety and a fast-paced lifestyle.

3. The Food Scene is Garbage

If you’re an adventurous eater then I’ve got bad news for you. Iowa is ranked as having the 5th worst food of any state in the US.

The truth is, culinary adventures in Iowa are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Unless you consider variations on “meatloaf with mashed potatoes” or “chicken casserole, three ways” an exotic adventure, your taste buds might just hibernate for winter, permanently.

Don’t even get me started on the “international nights” at the local school – mystery meat masquerading as paella is a culinary atrocity I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

Sure, there are pockets of hope. The hipster cafe in Des Moines might whip up a kale smoothie that’ll drain your wallet and confuse your stomach, but it’s a drop in the bland, beige bucket of Iowa’s food scene.

Forget the Thai street food, the Vietnamese pho, the Ethiopian stews – your spice cravings will wither and die under the oppressive reign of ketchup-disguised-as-hot-sauce.

4. Limited Career Opportunities

Alright, buckle up, folks, because it’s time to talk about the elephant in the cornfield: jobs. Iowa’s got its charms – rolling hills, friendly faces, and enough corn to fuel a biofuel empire.

But let’s be real, unless your career aspirations involve wrangling livestock or whispering sweet nothings to soybeans, the job market can be as barren as a field after harvest.

Sure, there are the bread-and-butter jobs – farming, healthcare, education. But if you crave the buzz of the corporate jungle, the thrill of the startup grind, or the satisfaction of crafting the next viral TikTok dance, you might as well pack your bags for the nearest city. The opportunities in Iowa are as numerous as the ears on a single stalk of corn – limited and repetitive.

Don’t get me wrong, there are pockets of opportunity, hidden gems nestled in the bigger towns. A tech startup here, a marketing agency there, maybe even a craft brewery brewing up some award-winning suds.

But compared to the smorgasbord of career paths in the city, Iowa’s job market feels like a stale cracker – it might keep you from starving, but it won’t leave you feeling fulfilled.

5. Lack of Cultural Opportunities

Let’s talk culture, or rather, the lack thereof. Unless your idea of artistic expression is watching corn grow or your musical taste buds crave tractor symphonies, buckle up for a cultural landscape as flat as the prairie itself.

Sure, there are pockets of artistic energy – a dimly lit bar hosting a local band’s valiant attempt at indie rock, or a quaint town hall showcasing Grandma’s prize-winning needlepoint.

But compared to the city’s smorgasbord of museums, galleries, and diverse performances, Living in Iowa the scene feels like a single, dusty vinyl record on repeat – familiar, comforting, but ultimately a bit… dull.

6. No Big Cities

Don’t get me wrong, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City have their quirks, like a vintage record player spinning the same folksy tune on repeat. But compared to the electrifying symphony of New York, the sun-kissed chaos of LA, or the Windy City’s relentless hustle, these towns feel like the unplugged, acoustic version of urban living.

Think quaint coffee shops instead of bustling business districts, quirky local stores instead of designer flagships, and Friday night bonfires instead of rooftop bars pulsating with bass. It’s charming, sure, but let’s be honest, after a while, the charm wears thin like a flannel shirt in August.

Job opportunities? Think soybeans and startups, not Wall Street wolves and Hollywood dreamers. Sure, you can code while overlooking cornfields, but don’t expect the same variety and career ladder-climbing potential living in Iowa as the big leagues.

7. Political Monoculture

Okay, let’s talk politics – specifically the one-color palette that paints Iowa redder than a barn roof. Don’t get me wrong, the Hawkeye State’s got plenty of friendly faces, but when it comes to political opinions, prepare for a chorus of “Amen” instead of a lively debate.

Think echo chambers, not town halls. Think cornfields swaying in unison, not diverse perspectives taking root. You can find pockets of blue, sure, but they’re about as common as finding a vegan chorizo taco at the county fair.

Now, this isn’t about slamming anyone’s beliefs, but if you thrive on fiery discussions and hearing ideas outside your comfort zone, living in Iowa, the political landscape might feel more like a slow waltz than a tango.

8. Natural Scenery is Lacking

Alright, nature enthusiasts, brace yourselves for some unvarnished truth. Iowa’s scenery has charm, sure, but let’s be honest: think endless flatness with cornfield sprinkles.

Don’t expect majestic mountains whispering secrets in the wind, or rugged coastlines where waves pound against cliffs. Here, the horizon just keeps going, unbroken by dramatic peaks or crashing surf.

Sunsets are pretty, yes, painting the sky in fiery watercolor, and stargazing is pretty great without city lights messing with the show. But for those who crave dramatic vistas and diverse landscapes, Iowa might feel like a single note on a piano compared to a full orchestra.

There’s beauty living in Iowa, absolutely, but it’s a subtle, minimalist kind

FAQ – Living in Iowa

Things to Know About Living in Iowa (Summary)

1. Low Cost of Living
2. Houses Are Still Affordable
3. Relaxed & Low Stress
4. Four Beautiful Seasons
5. Friendly Locals & Solid Communities
6. Healthy Work Life Balance
7. Small Town Energy
8. Our Politics Have Gone Wacko
9. It’s Boring
10. The Food Scene is Garbage
11. Limited Career Opportunities
12. Lack of Cultural Opportunities
13. No Big Cities
14. Political Monoculture
15. Natural Scenery is Lacking

Map of Iowa

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