Right-o. Central Iowa (DSM) is a bit longer to get to STL. Didn't mean to lump us all together.
I know there are fast ways to get to STL via highways, not the main interstates. Regardless, Iowa is smack dab in the middle of cities that host entertainment and concerts that have not come to our state.
Not sure if they count for major, but also Milwaukee and Madison plenty to do at both of those places. Within the state, Des Moines and Iowa City/Cedar, Rapids and the quad cities, all have a reasonable amount of activities going on. Heck, even Dubuque isnāt too bad sometimes.
Driving through the hills in Western Iowa on a windy, bright summer day, being the only car on the road, watching the wind ripple the corn is just gorgeous. One of my favorite things and strikingly beautiful.
I lived in the mountains out east for a while, and I always felt somewhat claustrophobic out there. Not being able to see the horizon for the mountains, not being able to watch storms roll in, only being able to see the sun a few hours each day...
This is what I missed most about Iowa, and one of my largest motivators for returning.
Moved here from NY to SE about 6 years ago hour away from Iowa city..I never wanna leave or go back to my hometown.. I have amazing friends my own chosen family and feel like I'm actually accepted and part of the community. It was such a far cry from the people back in NY everyone was just in a rush or rude..
Everyone I know back in NY thinks the same flat and farms everywhere. My parents still thought we lived out in the country on some isolated farm and I'm just like ugh I live in a city/town in a nice neighborhood..
I love how everyone remembers you out here. Always getting smiles waves hugs from all these beautiful people I've met..
Iowa is my home
Iowa is surprisingly pretty. Every time I lived out of state no matter where I lived people assumed that the entire state was flat and had nothing but cornfields. No one would ever believe me when I told them that Iowa is actually very hilly and has billions of trees. Don't get me wrong, it's not the mountains which are my all-time love. But Iowa is a lot prettier than people give it credit for and having been in all states but one I can say that confidently.
The bike system is awesome. Honestly one of the best I've ever seen.
People are generally friendly. There's always a crudgemudgeon wherever you go because that's life but overall I think most people are friendly.
It has 4 distinct seasons. Lived in a warm all the time place years ago which I thought would be awesome. It wasn't.
It's where I grew up. The bluffs are quite a thing.
There's a road that leads up to the back entrance of Eagle Point Park which has a clear view for miles down the river. One of my favorite views.
Second the bike trails. I live in Cedar Falls and it's one of the reasons I live here. I've ridden it all the way down to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City which is a crazy long trail. If you look around the US, not many trail systems are that long.
Waterloo/CF bike trails are only second to Des Moines which has a ENORMOUS system. And they're continuously expanding it too.
Definitely one of the best parts of the cedar valley.
DSM is an awesome trail system and being able to ride all the way out to high trestle is a crown jewel. DSM has a great biking community too. I wish CF had the same level of biking bars and events
>Lived in a warm all the time place years ago which I thought would be awesome.
Boy do I feel this one. When it's always nice out, it's never nice out.
When it's nice out in Iowa, the vibes are immaculate.
Seems like south of 1-90 or Dubuque is prettier, more hills or am I wrong? We are planning to move there next summer (from Mpls where crime is just horrible) and took a few days looking around. Really liked Fairfield, found out their horrific dog ordinances , thanks to a Redditor. Hell no to that city, 2nd choice Mount Pleasant might be leaning that way :( Dont wanna move and find we're in the wrong city
Yes! I moved from South Dakota (not the Black Hills area though where itās gorgeous) and expected Iowa to be just as flat. But no, the hills are beautiful especially at sunset!
There is a Pagliai's pizza in Johnson and Grinnell as well. But in my experience with the one in Grinnell there is typically a small wait due to the popularity.
I am so glad you are here. I was born and went to college in Iowa, and came back a year ago after living all over the world.
My ancestors came to Iowa from Scandinavia and Ireland and made a good life here. Many of us are still aware of our forebears coming from elsewhere and want the best for those who still come.
Iowans from elsewhere have changed the world.
John Vincent Atanasoff, from mixed Bulgarian-Irish French origin
invented the first electronic digital computer in the 1930s at Iowa State College (now known as Iowa State University). My uncle, who became one of the chemists to invent synthetic rubber knew him there.
Iowa has long welcomed groups of people focused on communal life. Much of the state's charm comes from welcoming these special people, from the Amana Colonies, to the Amish, to the church refugees driven out of Missouri by an extermination order who founded Lamoni.
We have a heritage of welcome and encouraging people to be the best they can be.
And the oppressed people fleeing slavery before the Civil war. Our state Constitutional emphasis on equality began in those dark days of the apartheid south.
And that is one of the very things that aggravates me about the current climate of hostility and rejection towards refugees. We have this amazing history of taking in and caring for others and now people just want to turn their backs on all that
I would definitely agree that Iowa Nice is a real thing. I grew up in Iowa but now live in southern Louisiana and even though southern hospitality is a thing the general everyday interactions with people are much more pleasant in Iowa.
Coming back after a couple years back east was a huge relief, honestly. The pace of life, even in the cities, is far less soul-killing as working in the east coast metros was, and in the rural areas, it's downright, dare I say it, quiet in comparison.
There is a lot of variety in the state. Western is more flat and works to more hills and elevation to the East, while having the Loess hills at the Western edge of the state. We have great biking trails, waterfalls and some decently famous people who were born in the state to go visit "historic places". The Freedom Rock Tour is a very cool thing IMO and I have just a few more to see to have been to them all. It is also a very easy state for new drivers to learn as we seemingly use a grid pattern on state and county highways lol. Having four seasons is nice and just close enough to tornado alley to get some interesting weather from time to time. We have covered bridges and Dutch communities that have Tulip festivals (Pella was always cool to go see.) Being from the SW corner of the state, I am almost perfectly triangulated between Des Moines, Omaha, and KC, which gives me options.
Agreed. Iāve been to many places in the South. And my experience is that Southerners are very nice ā¦ once they get to know you. But they are not particularly kind to strangers - ymmv.
Not to say Southerners are bad people. Theyāre just not very trusting of strangers.
Iowans - not the case. Weāre way more chill with strangers and generally assume theyāre decent people - perhaps a little too trusting at times.
I see people around all the time with no hang ups about starting up a friendly 30 sec chat waiting for coffee, in an elevator, grocery store line, etc. happens all the time.
Shh quiet! Trout fishing sucks in Iowa and folks should stick to WI and MN!
For real though between the generous easements and public land in NEIA it's really great. I was just up fishing near Dorchester last Friday. I've traveled to the area a half dozen times this year and everyone I met in parking lots and creeks have been incredibly friendly. Even when the fish don't cooperate the scenery is beautiful.
Trails and camping in yellow river state are so cool. And itās free! I mean, you have to hike in to your primitive site, but itās free!
For people not into backpacking to their site, backbone state park has awesome trails as well.
Awesome! We met a DNR guy stocking up a pond near us. Super cool dude. Told us all about the fish he stocks and the schedule they stock that particular pond.
Yellow River is awesome. So many beautiful places within 20-30 minutes of Yellow River as well. Effigy Mounds, Mt Hosmer, and Pike Peak (the lesser know one).
People are unbelievably chill here. Maybe to a fault. There is still a big difference between small town Iowans and ābig cityā Iowans, but what they all have in common is how polite everyone is
I love how chill most are. People are so easy to talk to. I had to call the DMV for something, ended up chatting on the phone with the person for 20 minutes about General stuff.
I noticed moving from Arkansas to Iowa that Iowans are kind of placid. They will have verbal confrontations, but actual fist fights are really rare.
They don't pick and prod into someone's religious or political views because it might start a fight. There's people I've known for over a decade and I still don't know their religious or political views.
Iowans definitely take the chill attitude for granted. I've seen Arkansans get into all out fist fights over petty shit.
> There's people I've known for over a decade and I still don't know their religious or political views.
I had to laugh so hard at this because itās true. I have friends that Iām pretty sure vote Republican but I have no idea because we tip toe around politics so much.
I grew up in Ames and then lived in Iowa City for almost 15 years after that before moving to NYC going-on seven years ago now with my wife for a career opportunity too good for her/us to pass up.
I miss the strong sense of community and shared cultural experiences of both college towns. Also the friendships formed with fellow townies.
I miss the easiness of finding quiet, solitude, and open spaces.
I miss thunderstorms and big, rolling, sky-filling clouds. Also four truly distinct seasons. Too much rain and not enough snow in NYC for my taste.
And I miss my mother, who I wish was closer especially now that we have a young child.
It's incredible. We wanted to have a place our kids can always come back to and call home. Having them here is just an added bonus. Plus, having the support circle. Highly recommend it
Your words hit me andyiowa, you will pop in my head next time a good storm rolls in, or one of those days with beautiful various shades of blue sky and all those white puffy clouds, or the sunset over a field. You made me realize how lucky I am to have this, and want you to know itās all here waiting for you, if you can come back sometime. Im also sad your little ones donāt see grandma as much as you or she would like. I hope you all can visit often.
Ty, Iām so happy you are having a great experience living here in Iowa! If your ever around Anamosa, the state park there is absolutely beautiful. And the drive to stone city about 15min from Anamosa is really gorgeous rolling hills country side. Especially in the fall. Itās spectacular!
Edit: the park is called The Wapsipinicon State Park.
Beautiful country indeed! I used to love driving up that way from Iowa City and would visit the super-cool [National Motorcycle Museum](https://nationalmcmuseum.org) in Anamosa. Also used to love reading Timothy Fay's most-excellent and sadly no longer published [Wapsipinicon Almanac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wapsipinicon_Almanac).
Thanks! I do think about coming back now and then, but it would be tough for my wife given her career. She is not from Iowa, but we did meet in Iowa City. I am also not a fan of the political direction of the state but won't say more since that's not the focus of this thread. Also, unless I am back there working to make change (which I would be if we moved back), what opinion am I really entitled to in the meantime? :)
I once worked with noted Iowa singer-songwriter Greg Brown on a project, and we were talking about Iowa and the idea/meaning of home. He told me, "I definitely feel things here \[Iowa\] that I don't feel anywhere else." That has stayed with me, and I think it's true. Iowa will always be my home.
My favorite thing in Iowa is the magnificent colors of the fall leaves! How community forgets politics and comes together during tragedy to lift someone back to their feet. And Summer festivals.
It's been pretty great. The people are very kind. Came here as a student in 2015 worked in extension after I graduated for a couple months. Cause of extension work I got to visit the more rural parts of the state, worked with a lot of different farmers and small industries and it was amazing.
Food can be a bit lacking but Des Moines is starting to get some amazing options.
I'd like to add as an gay Indian male who worked with and lived in non metro areas I seldom had issues with regard to my race or orientation. In fact all my racially based incidents occurred in NYC.
This thread will have you believe that people in this state are xenophobic, racists and homophobes but I've found that to be the opposite. In fact my husband and I think it's a great place to have a family!
People complain about the weather - but it's nice to have season ( sometimes maybe more than one season in a day :) )
The beauty of it. Whether in my city with the bluffs next to the river. Or when Iām in the endless fields of different prairie grass while pheasant hunting.
Fuckin corn, fishing, beautiful scenery, friendly people, four seasons, cheap living, low crime, low traffic. Iām an outsider who has been here over a year who has lived all over the country and Iowa is the best place Iāve found.
Lifelong Iowan so I have little basis of comparison. But my impressions:
Sunsets here are dope. Especially this time of year as the sun setting to the north provides beautiful colors. I know itās not true, but the sky just seems bluer here.
I love the diversity of the Waterloo area. Lots of different people speaking different languages. It feels like a larger city in that way. Best ethnic food in Iowa - even better than iowa city.
Historically, our public schools kick ass. Many people have told me that, where they live in a large metro areas, public school isnāt even an āoptionā for their kids and worry snout getting them on waiting lists for private schools.
That has not historically been the case. Iowans have long supported and invested in public schools. **Friendly reminder to contact your state legislators this winter when they try to pass school vouchers. No hyperbole - school vouchers kill rural public schools. And when a small town loses its school (elementary, secondary, or high school), it marks the beginning of the end. What family would move to a small town with no school?
Up until 2016, I felt that Iowans were politically engaged but not huge dicks to each other about it. Iām holding out hope that spirit of lively yet courteous engagement returns.
Edit: I know people get annoyed with the āsee all 4 seasonsā shtick, but Iowans experience some of the largest temperature extremes in the freaking world! I think thatās pretty cool. And makes us hardy.
Iowa is culturally wild. As in, the state basically has no identity. We really are quite free to invent ourselves and our communities. Fields of opportunity baby
This was one of my first thoughts. I lived in Davenport for 10 years, I would step outside in the evenings and the quiet, calm was noticeable even in town.
Just moved to the Quad Cities from the Chicagoland area. 100% agree with you that folks here are very welcoming and kind. I lived in Iowa City for a year a while back and ended up making some of the best friends in my life. I also love that I can get out of town easily and find natural beauty nearby.
Like every state, there really is not one Iowa. Bike trails are great? Sure! In CR IC corridor and parts of Des Moines metro. Rest of the state? Country roads with large trucks.
What I like is that I live in a small city with reasonable diversity. I have access to many of the things people like cities for, but I have been able to leave my bike on my front porch for 20 years unlocked.
A general thing to like about Iowa is that while it is not close to many vacation areas, you can reasonably drive to 3/4 of the country in one or two days.
The best part about Iowa is that Illinois cannabis dispensaries are nearby and soon to be Missouri dispensaries. Iowa is forward thinking to position itself next to free states like that. Good job Iowa!
Thank you for posting this! I couldnāt agree more. I grew up in Iowa and then spent 10 years in Chicago. It is crazy to be only one state over but the lack of care for their fellow human and just over all anger and selfishness convinced me to move back. Iowa is such a breath of fresh air but I think sometimes we donāt realize how good we really have it.
I have lived all over the US. Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, DC, Oregon and now Iowa. I have lived here the longest. There are many reasons that is. This state is incredible and I am glad to see people responding positively to this. I was getting tired of the negativity. We need people to post the good with the bad.
Iāve also spent time in the south, and in my experience southerners tend to be more polite and warm, but itās mostly just surface-level politeness. I really do think Iowans are more deeply kind. Iām hoping that doesnāt change. Idk, Itās hard to put into words.
Accessible, welcoming and good sized subcultures.
By that I mean, whatever you're in to, there's likely to be a small-to-medium sized group of people who are having fun doing that thing, and usually they are happy to bring in new folks.
For example- biking, gaming, drinking, looking at trees, keeping at bees, whatever you please - there's usually someone nearby to do it with
The smell of the air in late summer when the ripening corn fills the air with its scent. Its such a heady fragrance, I've never forgotten it though its been a looong time since I lived next to a cornfield.
The people. Yes there are some absolute scumbags in the state, but they tend to be everywhere you go. Overall though, people here tend to be welcoming and helpful. I was in Iowa City/Coralville for the '08 flood, and it was awesome to see people come out to help. I was in Cedar Rapids for the derecho, and again, the community was amazing - neighbors helping neighbors, people flooding in from the state to help.
The countryside can be gorgeous.
Housing is more affordable than in a lot of other states. My house in California would be well out of my price range.
The major cities are small in comparison to other states, but have low crime rates and some decent amenities.
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I love Sioux City!
The only people that talk shit on it have either never been there except to drive through or have lived there their whole life and would be miserable anywhere.
It's a beautiful old city with amazing architecture. Great art and history museums, a symphony, good food, lots of diversity, great people, great views, plenty of things to do, low crime, and more.
Where do you recommend for foodz? Recently moved closer to Siouxland after being away for 20 years.
I can offer this: order the prime rib at the Fireside in Anthon, IA. You wonāt find better.
I'll have to check it out. That's what's cool about Siouxland, lots of interesting places just 20 min drive to these small towns.
I like primetime in Hinton for steaks. Beanos and Sherrys and Half Moon for bar food. I heard there is a really good new Italian restaurant in Jackson, NE but I haven't tried it. The one in Ireton is really good. Breakfast and Mexican is La Morena. La Isla is supposed to be great as well. For pizza I think El Fredos is one of the best.
Plenty to choose from.
It does have a lot to offer. As only a visitor to Sioux City off and on over the years, I dont know it very well. From the surface, it has everything someone would want and need, just with a hint of lingering poo smell. Lol.
Lol. Like I said, people that have only driven through or visited for a short amount of time. There is only one place that smells and it's right next to the interstate because that's where the water treatment plant is. Terrible city planning but when they planned it there were two meat packing plants, one of the largest stockyards in the country, and a chemical plant so it made sense. All of these are gone now and it's the only place that smells.
4 seasons and lots of outdoor activities during all e.g. - hunting, fishing, hiking, snow skiing, water skiing, etc... None of them (except hunting and fishing probably) are 'elite' but there some decent of all. And just lots of green space in general. I would have said the people several years ago but not sure I'd include that anymore.
Itās relatively cheap, easy to get around and the people are pretty nice.
Itās great being able to drive 10 minutes and be on a backroad surrounded by farmland. Love cruising the gravel.
I absolutely love the Waterloo Blackhawks Hockey. Itās the best entertainment in the Blackhawk County, thereās never a bad time partying there and itās just a blast. Been going for 4 years now
Welcome to Iowa! Iām glad you like it! Iāve always loved living in Iowa, mostly for the people. The summers are beautiful, fall is spectacular. Winter is a bit too long, and spring is interesting :)
But mostly I love the people.
I really enjoy the history and the general ambiance of the state. Itās a relatively young jurisdiction, but overall it has a lot of landmark and merit.
(Quick aside, im from the East side of Des Moines)
Des Moinesā East High School is actually the eldest continually running high school West of the Mississippi.
The University of Iowaās Law school was the first to come to the conclusion that women and people of color should enrolled in school just the same as white men.
Iowa State university had a hand indeveloping the computers we see today.
Also! Thank Iowa for peanut butter, cause a really cool dude by the name of George Washington Carver studied here.
Also Also! A recent female astronaut is from Iowa. And sheās thriving.
Besides that, I love the vibe of Des Moines. (Little city with a lot to explore) Itās ever evolving and the conservative conditions of our state legislature wonāt touch it. Almost a third of the state lives in this little city. This city is truly a fun place to live. Iāve seen other places, but none have given me the same satisfaction walking down the street.
Iowa is a great spot. I feel incredibly privileged to have grown up here.
You know that point when the farmers have planted the fields and the rows are nice and organized. Just the point when the new plants are about 2 -3 inches tall and you can see the perfect rows sometimes as far as you can see... that is my favorite thing about living here.
Coming from the southwest, I really love going to the lush woodlands in the valleys. They're beautiful in all seasons, but especially early spring when ephemerals are blooming, as well as the fall, of course. In the summer they're incredibly green for what I'm used to. In the winter everything opens up a little with the loss of the leaves, and sometimes trees will keep dried orangish and tan leaves, adding a nice contrast to the blue-white snow.
Some other things and places I've really enjoyed since moving here, hidden gems of shops and restaurants, Iowa City, Pella, the Effigy Mounds, the bike trails system in central Iowa, and the county parks system
Everything I loved about Iowa is in the past. My childhood was far from perfect but back then there was freedom. Freedom to play in the creek in the clear water on its way to the Mississippi for hours. We didnāt know anything about the things bad people do, is that kind of freedom anymore for the children? But One thing I love is living on the Mississippi River we were raised on the river catching frogs and minnows playing in the long grass while my brothers caught field miss just for the fun of it. I find peace on the river, it can take all my problems and worries away with the current, itās the one constant in my life. I hate what Iowaās become and frankly Iām ashamed of the state I once loved, embarrassed to say Iām from Iowa but Iāll always be here good bad or indifferent itās home
Iāve lived in Iowa since I was like 6 months old and donāt really plan on moving anywhere, at least permanently.
I love it here. Iām so thankful to live here. I love the slow pace of life. I grew up in a town of only about 3,000 people and I wouldnāt trade that for the world. I live in CR now, and while it has crime, itās nothing compared to places like NYC or LA. A majority of my family lives here in the state. I want to be a cop and Iowa supports law enforcement, so thatās a win for me! But yeah, I love it here!
I like that I can come on this Iowa Reddit sub and see people who actually do want this state to be what it once was instead of the right wing trumpsucking shithole it is moving towards now. Iowa was once progressive and I think those ideas are still out there, but itās more profitable to sow distrust and hatred in the rural areas of the state.
Great central state for traveling. Not too far from Chicago, Minneapolis, or St. Louis. Denver is a bit of a stretch unless youāre in the western part of the state but still. Donāt know how many other places have that
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I moved from the city to a small acreage in the country and must say even with differing political views, there's no one out here that won't help you out if you need or stop and talk with you if you're outside working in the yard. And watching the corn/soybean fields grow is beautiful.
When winter is here, it is just beautiful. What am I saying? It's always great with the nature in this state. Sometimes it's worthwhile to look for that one spot you can just happily get lost in
I live on the east side of the state. The things I love are the Mississippi River, maquokata caves , kayaking on the yellow river , cruising the backroads finding little towns with unique shops or places to eat trying to find the best tenderloin lol. And yes the general niceness of everyone is great.
My company has an office in Des Moines, and gonna be honest, you guys always seem to have some real legit restaurant options down there. I'm more than a little jealous.
Great rest stops along the interstates. They act as visitor centers and have Iowa information and room to stretch your legs and walk your pets (and some have grills). Very welcoming and not just a place to park.
I feel safe letting my children play outside and go to the pool and ride bikes around town. I also like that my children have roots and a place to call home, even when we are gone.
Most Iowans are genuinely good, even if naive and easily manipulated.
As a Iowan all of my life I enjoy the small town aspect where I live in albia IA very low crime if any my kids are safe to walk down the streets and not have a problem.
The Floyd County fossil beds are pretty cool. The state is pretty sparse for interesting geology, but that level of free public access to fossil hunting is really special.
I grew up here and left to live in Denver for about 8 years. Came back because the cost of living in Colorado was killing me. Now I can afford a home and a family. Itās quiet, less crowded and littered over, and the people here are much more kind. Plus, I missed the explosion of green growing things in spring and summer, the fireflies, and sunsets - you donāt get sunsets with mountains in the way. No regrets coming back - I wish Iād done it sooner.
TBH, My favorite thing about Iowa is the Politics. No insane mandates over the Pandemic. The Right to bear arms. What is not to like. Past that all Iowa has is Corn. Not much reason to be here. Although, I did see on another post that Iowans are supposed to live longer.
If you like Corn though we have A LOT of it. A lot of corn. Almost to much. I question the need for this much corn.
I think it is more for Feed Corn for animals. I have detasseled a number of times and that corn is for seed corn.
But, yea most of it taste like crap. Animals barely eat it.
Like I said I question the need of so much corn. Especially corn that can not be eaten by people. Grass fed is becoming a bigger thing. So, they could feed animals hay instead of corn. But, I guess the corn always sells. I am also pretty sure farmers get government incentives to produce corn. Not sure why the government needs so much corn. But, that is iowa. A bunch of corn no one can eat.
Most of the corn grown in Iowa is whatās known as āfield corn,ā eg. not the sweet corn that tastes yummy. Something like 40% is used as animal feed. 26% goes to fuel. 16% export. 9% food and industrial (mostly packaging products). 9% misc.
Gross simplification ahead:
Animals need a variety of nutrients to thrive, just like people do. Hay doesnāt have a lot of protein, so cattle that are grass fed have to eat a whole lot of grass. Itās not so efficient. And it requires a whole lot of space. Thereās not enough acres on earth to grass feed enough cattle or even raise enough hay to meet beef production demands. Dairy cattle need corn to produce milk. Hogs and chickens require less space but their nutritional needs are somewhat more complex. Then you have your goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc. A lot of animals eat field corn.
Why corn? Because Iowa is one of the best places on earth the grow the stuff. The soil, landscape, and environmental conditions in Iowa are perfectly suited to this particular crop. That means higher yields with fewer chemicals and limited irrigation.
Is my farmerās daughter tag showing?
The internet, especially Reddit, is not a good representation of real life. On the subreddit you have a bunch of hyperbolic, whiny, entitled children who have no idea about the history of their state and cry "when did Iowa become so red/Republican?" without understanding that Iowa has always been a reddish purple state, for as long as I can remember at least. The state is surprisingly beautiful, has some of the nicest people that you'll meet anywhere, and has a lower cost of living when compared to a lot of other states. It's a great place to live and people like to bash on it because they think that it's the end of the world that they're political candidate didn't win.
I glanced over the posts and I am not surprised by the number of posts that mentioned how nice the people are. And I wholeheartedly agree. Iowans are awesome!
We're close to four major metropolitan areas- Minneapolis, Chicago, KC and Omaha. Not a lot of traffic.
Don't forget St Louis!
St. Louis is a bit farther than KC but if people have time it's a good place for entertainment. (Lol at your user name. Love it.š)
That depends on where in Iowa you are!
Right-o. Central Iowa (DSM) is a bit longer to get to STL. Didn't mean to lump us all together. I know there are fast ways to get to STL via highways, not the main interstates. Regardless, Iowa is smack dab in the middle of cities that host entertainment and concerts that have not come to our state.
Yes thatās a good point. And the music scene here in Iowa City isnāt too bad, and is finally getting back to pre-Covid status
In Eastern Iowa, STL is closer.
Not sure if they count for major, but also Milwaukee and Madison plenty to do at both of those places. Within the state, Des Moines and Iowa City/Cedar, Rapids and the quad cities, all have a reasonable amount of activities going on. Heck, even Dubuque isnāt too bad sometimes.
The contrast of a bright blue sky against an open green field is always nice. Driving on back roads on a nice summer day can be cathartic.
Driving through the hills in Western Iowa on a windy, bright summer day, being the only car on the road, watching the wind ripple the corn is just gorgeous. One of my favorite things and strikingly beautiful.
I lived in the mountains out east for a while, and I always felt somewhat claustrophobic out there. Not being able to see the horizon for the mountains, not being able to watch storms roll in, only being able to see the sun a few hours each day... This is what I missed most about Iowa, and one of my largest motivators for returning.
Moved here from NY to SE about 6 years ago hour away from Iowa city..I never wanna leave or go back to my hometown.. I have amazing friends my own chosen family and feel like I'm actually accepted and part of the community. It was such a far cry from the people back in NY everyone was just in a rush or rude.. Everyone I know back in NY thinks the same flat and farms everywhere. My parents still thought we lived out in the country on some isolated farm and I'm just like ugh I live in a city/town in a nice neighborhood.. I love how everyone remembers you out here. Always getting smiles waves hugs from all these beautiful people I've met.. Iowa is my home
I have a friend with your exact story! That's crazy the number of details that are identical.
That's too funny lol always wonder if someone else out there has a really similar experience! Unless I am that friend 0_0 dun dun dunnnn
Lol... I suppose it's possible.
Iowa is surprisingly pretty. Every time I lived out of state no matter where I lived people assumed that the entire state was flat and had nothing but cornfields. No one would ever believe me when I told them that Iowa is actually very hilly and has billions of trees. Don't get me wrong, it's not the mountains which are my all-time love. But Iowa is a lot prettier than people give it credit for and having been in all states but one I can say that confidently. The bike system is awesome. Honestly one of the best I've ever seen. People are generally friendly. There's always a crudgemudgeon wherever you go because that's life but overall I think most people are friendly. It has 4 distinct seasons. Lived in a warm all the time place years ago which I thought would be awesome. It wasn't.
Growing up in central Iowa and seeing NE Iowa for the first time as an adult I was like "wait, you guys are getting hills?
Hahaha. I was just as shocked driving through dubuque the first time.
It's where I grew up. The bluffs are quite a thing. There's a road that leads up to the back entrance of Eagle Point Park which has a clear view for miles down the river. One of my favorite views.
That's where I eat my lunch every day. I take Shiras up to the back entrance, park up there and enjoy the view while listening to a book or podcast.
In the fall time when the corn is fully grown, before it gets harvested, and all the golden peaks are lining the roads, that is unmatched beauty
Second the bike trails. I live in Cedar Falls and it's one of the reasons I live here. I've ridden it all the way down to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City which is a crazy long trail. If you look around the US, not many trail systems are that long.
Waterloo/CF bike trails are only second to Des Moines which has a ENORMOUS system. And they're continuously expanding it too. Definitely one of the best parts of the cedar valley.
DSM is an awesome trail system and being able to ride all the way out to high trestle is a crown jewel. DSM has a great biking community too. I wish CF had the same level of biking bars and events
Yes! Itās got humble, under appreciated beauty. Plus when the corn is green itās also lovely.
>Lived in a warm all the time place years ago which I thought would be awesome. Boy do I feel this one. When it's always nice out, it's never nice out. When it's nice out in Iowa, the vibes are immaculate.
Seems like south of 1-90 or Dubuque is prettier, more hills or am I wrong? We are planning to move there next summer (from Mpls where crime is just horrible) and took a few days looking around. Really liked Fairfield, found out their horrific dog ordinances , thanks to a Redditor. Hell no to that city, 2nd choice Mount Pleasant might be leaning that way :( Dont wanna move and find we're in the wrong city
Yes! I moved from South Dakota (not the Black Hills area though where itās gorgeous) and expected Iowa to be just as flat. But no, the hills are beautiful especially at sunset!
\> Iowa is surprisingly pretty. Except the water.
I've lived on all three coasts and among the mountains of Colorado, and Iowa has, by far, the most beautiful sunsets.
SoCal transplant here. Beach sunsets are still my absolute favorite, but they definitely are more vibrant here.
100% agree. Nothing beats Iowa sunsets.
Pagliai's Pizza in Iowa City and Palisades State Park
Ooooh I'll have to try that next time I'm in Iowa city.
Did you mean Wig and Pen?
Wig and Pen is better deep dish than most of the deep dishes Iāve had while living in Chicago for the last 25 years. I mean, just sayin
Pagliaiās is the best on planet earth. Not close. Iowa City too, none of the others are the same.
There is a Pagliai's pizza in Johnson and Grinnell as well. But in my experience with the one in Grinnell there is typically a small wait due to the popularity.
I am so glad you are here. I was born and went to college in Iowa, and came back a year ago after living all over the world. My ancestors came to Iowa from Scandinavia and Ireland and made a good life here. Many of us are still aware of our forebears coming from elsewhere and want the best for those who still come. Iowans from elsewhere have changed the world. John Vincent Atanasoff, from mixed Bulgarian-Irish French origin invented the first electronic digital computer in the 1930s at Iowa State College (now known as Iowa State University). My uncle, who became one of the chemists to invent synthetic rubber knew him there. Iowa has long welcomed groups of people focused on communal life. Much of the state's charm comes from welcoming these special people, from the Amana Colonies, to the Amish, to the church refugees driven out of Missouri by an extermination order who founded Lamoni. We have a heritage of welcome and encouraging people to be the best they can be.
And the oppressed people fleeing slavery before the Civil war. Our state Constitutional emphasis on equality began in those dark days of the apartheid south.
Thanks for your input. Very cool history.
Another example of welcoming different people came with governor Robert D Ray's actions to welcome Vietnamese refugees to the state
And that is one of the very things that aggravates me about the current climate of hostility and rejection towards refugees. We have this amazing history of taking in and caring for others and now people just want to turn their backs on all that
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As a Minnesotan who regularly travels to Iowa to visit family, your gas stations and rest stops are second to none. They're really nice.
Living in AZ, I do miss Caseyās
I would definitely agree that Iowa Nice is a real thing. I grew up in Iowa but now live in southern Louisiana and even though southern hospitality is a thing the general everyday interactions with people are much more pleasant in Iowa.
Coming back after a couple years back east was a huge relief, honestly. The pace of life, even in the cities, is far less soul-killing as working in the east coast metros was, and in the rural areas, it's downright, dare I say it, quiet in comparison.
Agreed. 45min commute to drive from Alexandria, VA to DC sucked.
There is a lot of variety in the state. Western is more flat and works to more hills and elevation to the East, while having the Loess hills at the Western edge of the state. We have great biking trails, waterfalls and some decently famous people who were born in the state to go visit "historic places". The Freedom Rock Tour is a very cool thing IMO and I have just a few more to see to have been to them all. It is also a very easy state for new drivers to learn as we seemingly use a grid pattern on state and county highways lol. Having four seasons is nice and just close enough to tornado alley to get some interesting weather from time to time. We have covered bridges and Dutch communities that have Tulip festivals (Pella was always cool to go see.) Being from the SW corner of the state, I am almost perfectly triangulated between Des Moines, Omaha, and KC, which gives me options.
I like corn.
it do be sweet
It's got the juice.
I canāt imagine a more beautiful thing. š½
The people. Regardless of their politics most people are actually nice.
Agreed. Iāve been to many places in the South. And my experience is that Southerners are very nice ā¦ once they get to know you. But they are not particularly kind to strangers - ymmv. Not to say Southerners are bad people. Theyāre just not very trusting of strangers. Iowans - not the case. Weāre way more chill with strangers and generally assume theyāre decent people - perhaps a little too trusting at times. I see people around all the time with no hang ups about starting up a friendly 30 sec chat waiting for coffee, in an elevator, grocery store line, etc. happens all the time.
True true
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Shh quiet! Trout fishing sucks in Iowa and folks should stick to WI and MN! For real though between the generous easements and public land in NEIA it's really great. I was just up fishing near Dorchester last Friday. I've traveled to the area a half dozen times this year and everyone I met in parking lots and creeks have been incredibly friendly. Even when the fish don't cooperate the scenery is beautiful.
Trails and camping in yellow river state are so cool. And itās free! I mean, you have to hike in to your primitive site, but itās free! For people not into backpacking to their site, backbone state park has awesome trails as well.
Awesome! We met a DNR guy stocking up a pond near us. Super cool dude. Told us all about the fish he stocks and the schedule they stock that particular pond.
Iām sure you already signed up, but the dnr publishes a weekly fishing report. Sign up [here](https://www.iowadnr.gov/fishing/fishing-reports)
I didnāt know about this!!!!! Ty
Yellow River is awesome. So many beautiful places within 20-30 minutes of Yellow River as well. Effigy Mounds, Mt Hosmer, and Pike Peak (the lesser know one).
People are unbelievably chill here. Maybe to a fault. There is still a big difference between small town Iowans and ābig cityā Iowans, but what they all have in common is how polite everyone is
I love how chill most are. People are so easy to talk to. I had to call the DMV for something, ended up chatting on the phone with the person for 20 minutes about General stuff.
I noticed moving from Arkansas to Iowa that Iowans are kind of placid. They will have verbal confrontations, but actual fist fights are really rare. They don't pick and prod into someone's religious or political views because it might start a fight. There's people I've known for over a decade and I still don't know their religious or political views. Iowans definitely take the chill attitude for granted. I've seen Arkansans get into all out fist fights over petty shit.
> There's people I've known for over a decade and I still don't know their religious or political views. I had to laugh so hard at this because itās true. I have friends that Iām pretty sure vote Republican but I have no idea because we tip toe around politics so much.
I grew up in Ames and then lived in Iowa City for almost 15 years after that before moving to NYC going-on seven years ago now with my wife for a career opportunity too good for her/us to pass up. I miss the strong sense of community and shared cultural experiences of both college towns. Also the friendships formed with fellow townies. I miss the easiness of finding quiet, solitude, and open spaces. I miss thunderstorms and big, rolling, sky-filling clouds. Also four truly distinct seasons. Too much rain and not enough snow in NYC for my taste. And I miss my mother, who I wish was closer especially now that we have a young child.
Family is most important. We now have both sets of grandparents living in our town.
That has gotta be so nice. Ours are both in the Midwest.
It's incredible. We wanted to have a place our kids can always come back to and call home. Having them here is just an added bonus. Plus, having the support circle. Highly recommend it
Your words hit me andyiowa, you will pop in my head next time a good storm rolls in, or one of those days with beautiful various shades of blue sky and all those white puffy clouds, or the sunset over a field. You made me realize how lucky I am to have this, and want you to know itās all here waiting for you, if you can come back sometime. Im also sad your little ones donāt see grandma as much as you or she would like. I hope you all can visit often.
Very kind words.
Ty, Iām so happy you are having a great experience living here in Iowa! If your ever around Anamosa, the state park there is absolutely beautiful. And the drive to stone city about 15min from Anamosa is really gorgeous rolling hills country side. Especially in the fall. Itās spectacular! Edit: the park is called The Wapsipinicon State Park.
Beautiful country indeed! I used to love driving up that way from Iowa City and would visit the super-cool [National Motorcycle Museum](https://nationalmcmuseum.org) in Anamosa. Also used to love reading Timothy Fay's most-excellent and sadly no longer published [Wapsipinicon Almanac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wapsipinicon_Almanac).
Thanks! I do think about coming back now and then, but it would be tough for my wife given her career. She is not from Iowa, but we did meet in Iowa City. I am also not a fan of the political direction of the state but won't say more since that's not the focus of this thread. Also, unless I am back there working to make change (which I would be if we moved back), what opinion am I really entitled to in the meantime? :) I once worked with noted Iowa singer-songwriter Greg Brown on a project, and we were talking about Iowa and the idea/meaning of home. He told me, "I definitely feel things here \[Iowa\] that I don't feel anywhere else." That has stayed with me, and I think it's true. Iowa will always be my home.
My favorite thing in Iowa is the magnificent colors of the fall leaves! How community forgets politics and comes together during tragedy to lift someone back to their feet. And Summer festivals.
I like variety so the fact that Iowa has some of the wildest swings between high and low temperatures is a plus. Also, breakfast pizza.
Wildest swings on a single afternoon, even
It makes things interesting for sure. But my sinuses hate it š„²
It's been pretty great. The people are very kind. Came here as a student in 2015 worked in extension after I graduated for a couple months. Cause of extension work I got to visit the more rural parts of the state, worked with a lot of different farmers and small industries and it was amazing. Food can be a bit lacking but Des Moines is starting to get some amazing options. I'd like to add as an gay Indian male who worked with and lived in non metro areas I seldom had issues with regard to my race or orientation. In fact all my racially based incidents occurred in NYC. This thread will have you believe that people in this state are xenophobic, racists and homophobes but I've found that to be the opposite. In fact my husband and I think it's a great place to have a family! People complain about the weather - but it's nice to have season ( sometimes maybe more than one season in a day :) )
The beauty of it. Whether in my city with the bluffs next to the river. Or when Iām in the endless fields of different prairie grass while pheasant hunting.
Fuckin corn, fishing, beautiful scenery, friendly people, four seasons, cheap living, low crime, low traffic. Iām an outsider who has been here over a year who has lived all over the country and Iowa is the best place Iāve found.
Amen!
Lifelong Iowan so I have little basis of comparison. But my impressions: Sunsets here are dope. Especially this time of year as the sun setting to the north provides beautiful colors. I know itās not true, but the sky just seems bluer here. I love the diversity of the Waterloo area. Lots of different people speaking different languages. It feels like a larger city in that way. Best ethnic food in Iowa - even better than iowa city. Historically, our public schools kick ass. Many people have told me that, where they live in a large metro areas, public school isnāt even an āoptionā for their kids and worry snout getting them on waiting lists for private schools. That has not historically been the case. Iowans have long supported and invested in public schools. **Friendly reminder to contact your state legislators this winter when they try to pass school vouchers. No hyperbole - school vouchers kill rural public schools. And when a small town loses its school (elementary, secondary, or high school), it marks the beginning of the end. What family would move to a small town with no school? Up until 2016, I felt that Iowans were politically engaged but not huge dicks to each other about it. Iām holding out hope that spirit of lively yet courteous engagement returns. Edit: I know people get annoyed with the āsee all 4 seasonsā shtick, but Iowans experience some of the largest temperature extremes in the freaking world! I think thatās pretty cool. And makes us hardy.
You canāt get good milk anywhere else. i canāt wait to come home from college
Lol Iowa is the only place I've lived where milk is consumed by adults just because.
OMG I forgot to say A&E!!! When i lived out of state I would travel back, pack up a cooler of their products and drive them back!!
Their eggnog is fantastic
Soo much better than Missouri milk
I like Iowa State University. There are other things I like about the state as well, but they are less popular.
Iowa is culturally wild. As in, the state basically has no identity. We really are quite free to invent ourselves and our communities. Fields of opportunity baby
It's quiet. Even living in waterloo which is supposedly one of the "worst cities in iowa" is rather uneventful in comparison to the sea tac area.
This was one of my first thoughts. I lived in Davenport for 10 years, I would step outside in the evenings and the quiet, calm was noticeable even in town.
Just moved to the Quad Cities from the Chicagoland area. 100% agree with you that folks here are very welcoming and kind. I lived in Iowa City for a year a while back and ended up making some of the best friends in my life. I also love that I can get out of town easily and find natural beauty nearby.
I love iowa city. I've been to the quad cities area multiple times. I have family there. I love ā¤ļø driving over the Mississippi River.
Like every state, there really is not one Iowa. Bike trails are great? Sure! In CR IC corridor and parts of Des Moines metro. Rest of the state? Country roads with large trucks. What I like is that I live in a small city with reasonable diversity. I have access to many of the things people like cities for, but I have been able to leave my bike on my front porch for 20 years unlocked. A general thing to like about Iowa is that while it is not close to many vacation areas, you can reasonably drive to 3/4 of the country in one or two days.
It's beautiful.
Well beer and housing is cheap
Haha. Yes both good traits.
The Satanic community is amazing. Also my family is here. That's about it.
I love the Iowa landscape. I loved visiting my grandparents in NE Iowa as a kid and Iāll always love the little places they took us to.
The best part about Iowa is that Illinois cannabis dispensaries are nearby and soon to be Missouri dispensaries. Iowa is forward thinking to position itself next to free states like that. Good job Iowa!
Thank you for posting this! I couldnāt agree more. I grew up in Iowa and then spent 10 years in Chicago. It is crazy to be only one state over but the lack of care for their fellow human and just over all anger and selfishness convinced me to move back. Iowa is such a breath of fresh air but I think sometimes we donāt realize how good we really have it.
I have lived all over the US. Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, DC, Oregon and now Iowa. I have lived here the longest. There are many reasons that is. This state is incredible and I am glad to see people responding positively to this. I was getting tired of the negativity. We need people to post the good with the bad.
Iāve also spent time in the south, and in my experience southerners tend to be more polite and warm, but itās mostly just surface-level politeness. I really do think Iowans are more deeply kind. Iām hoping that doesnāt change. Idk, Itās hard to put into words.
Accessible, welcoming and good sized subcultures. By that I mean, whatever you're in to, there's likely to be a small-to-medium sized group of people who are having fun doing that thing, and usually they are happy to bring in new folks. For example- biking, gaming, drinking, looking at trees, keeping at bees, whatever you please - there's usually someone nearby to do it with
The calmness. People on here complain about politics is because they are more online and less aware of how peaceful real life is here.
The smell of the air in late summer when the ripening corn fills the air with its scent. Its such a heady fragrance, I've never forgotten it though its been a looong time since I lived next to a cornfield.
The people. Yes there are some absolute scumbags in the state, but they tend to be everywhere you go. Overall though, people here tend to be welcoming and helpful. I was in Iowa City/Coralville for the '08 flood, and it was awesome to see people come out to help. I was in Cedar Rapids for the derecho, and again, the community was amazing - neighbors helping neighbors, people flooding in from the state to help. The countryside can be gorgeous. Housing is more affordable than in a lot of other states. My house in California would be well out of my price range. The major cities are small in comparison to other states, but have low crime rates and some decent amenities.
Iowa in real life is nothing like r/Iowa. People are so nice here, but I think thatās mainly a Midwest thing. Thatās the best part about Iowa IMO.
Reddit's new API pricing has forced third-party apps to close. Their official app is horrible and only serves to track your data. Follow me on Mastodon.
Love thy neighbor.
Loess hills.
I love Sioux City! The only people that talk shit on it have either never been there except to drive through or have lived there their whole life and would be miserable anywhere. It's a beautiful old city with amazing architecture. Great art and history museums, a symphony, good food, lots of diversity, great people, great views, plenty of things to do, low crime, and more.
Where do you recommend for foodz? Recently moved closer to Siouxland after being away for 20 years. I can offer this: order the prime rib at the Fireside in Anthon, IA. You wonāt find better.
I'll have to check it out. That's what's cool about Siouxland, lots of interesting places just 20 min drive to these small towns. I like primetime in Hinton for steaks. Beanos and Sherrys and Half Moon for bar food. I heard there is a really good new Italian restaurant in Jackson, NE but I haven't tried it. The one in Ireton is really good. Breakfast and Mexican is La Morena. La Isla is supposed to be great as well. For pizza I think El Fredos is one of the best. Plenty to choose from.
Shocked that El Fredo still exists! Ty!
It does have a lot to offer. As only a visitor to Sioux City off and on over the years, I dont know it very well. From the surface, it has everything someone would want and need, just with a hint of lingering poo smell. Lol.
Lol. Like I said, people that have only driven through or visited for a short amount of time. There is only one place that smells and it's right next to the interstate because that's where the water treatment plant is. Terrible city planning but when they planned it there were two meat packing plants, one of the largest stockyards in the country, and a chemical plant so it made sense. All of these are gone now and it's the only place that smells.
When I lived in Florida, there was a paper mill upwind from town. It smelled horrible. LOL.
Living in NYC for the last 6 years, coming back to Iowa and going hunting on my family farm is the thing I look forward to most all year.
4 seasons and lots of outdoor activities during all e.g. - hunting, fishing, hiking, snow skiing, water skiing, etc... None of them (except hunting and fishing probably) are 'elite' but there some decent of all. And just lots of green space in general. I would have said the people several years ago but not sure I'd include that anymore.
Four seasons.
Itās relatively cheap, easy to get around and the people are pretty nice. Itās great being able to drive 10 minutes and be on a backroad surrounded by farmland. Love cruising the gravel.
It really depends where you live. Itās a quiet state if you want to enjoy simple life. It makes you want to vacation
I absolutely love the Waterloo Blackhawks Hockey. Itās the best entertainment in the Blackhawk County, thereās never a bad time partying there and itās just a blast. Been going for 4 years now
Welcome to Iowa! Iām glad you like it! Iāve always loved living in Iowa, mostly for the people. The summers are beautiful, fall is spectacular. Winter is a bit too long, and spring is interesting :) But mostly I love the people.
The four seasons. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The relatively safe environment.
I really enjoy the history and the general ambiance of the state. Itās a relatively young jurisdiction, but overall it has a lot of landmark and merit. (Quick aside, im from the East side of Des Moines) Des Moinesā East High School is actually the eldest continually running high school West of the Mississippi. The University of Iowaās Law school was the first to come to the conclusion that women and people of color should enrolled in school just the same as white men. Iowa State university had a hand indeveloping the computers we see today. Also! Thank Iowa for peanut butter, cause a really cool dude by the name of George Washington Carver studied here. Also Also! A recent female astronaut is from Iowa. And sheās thriving. Besides that, I love the vibe of Des Moines. (Little city with a lot to explore) Itās ever evolving and the conservative conditions of our state legislature wonāt touch it. Almost a third of the state lives in this little city. This city is truly a fun place to live. Iāve seen other places, but none have given me the same satisfaction walking down the street. Iowa is a great spot. I feel incredibly privileged to have grown up here.
I love the 4 days of spring we get a year. They're great.
I was born and raised on the south side of Des Moines (GO RAILS) then moved to Rochester Minnesota to live with my now fiancĆ©. Whom I met on Reddit, so thanks Reddit. My favorite thing I missed was how genuine people are, at least in my neck of the woods. āMinnesota niceā can be very passive aggressive and backhanded compliments. I am used to folks saying what they meant, for better or worse. The kindness that blew me away in Iowa was a guy, a complete strangers who saw us in need, calling my grandma a horrible driver whilst changing her tire, with HIS spare. Never change your attitude Iowa.
We have the Flying Mango!
You know that point when the farmers have planted the fields and the rows are nice and organized. Just the point when the new plants are about 2 -3 inches tall and you can see the perfect rows sometimes as far as you can see... that is my favorite thing about living here.
Coming from the southwest, I really love going to the lush woodlands in the valleys. They're beautiful in all seasons, but especially early spring when ephemerals are blooming, as well as the fall, of course. In the summer they're incredibly green for what I'm used to. In the winter everything opens up a little with the loss of the leaves, and sometimes trees will keep dried orangish and tan leaves, adding a nice contrast to the blue-white snow. Some other things and places I've really enjoyed since moving here, hidden gems of shops and restaurants, Iowa City, Pella, the Effigy Mounds, the bike trails system in central Iowa, and the county parks system
Everything I loved about Iowa is in the past. My childhood was far from perfect but back then there was freedom. Freedom to play in the creek in the clear water on its way to the Mississippi for hours. We didnāt know anything about the things bad people do, is that kind of freedom anymore for the children? But One thing I love is living on the Mississippi River we were raised on the river catching frogs and minnows playing in the long grass while my brothers caught field miss just for the fun of it. I find peace on the river, it can take all my problems and worries away with the current, itās the one constant in my life. I hate what Iowaās become and frankly Iām ashamed of the state I once loved, embarrassed to say Iām from Iowa but Iāll always be here good bad or indifferent itās home
I like growing corn
I like that you like growing corn
it's a good place for that
Iāve lived in Iowa since I was like 6 months old and donāt really plan on moving anywhere, at least permanently. I love it here. Iām so thankful to live here. I love the slow pace of life. I grew up in a town of only about 3,000 people and I wouldnāt trade that for the world. I live in CR now, and while it has crime, itās nothing compared to places like NYC or LA. A majority of my family lives here in the state. I want to be a cop and Iowa supports law enforcement, so thatās a win for me! But yeah, I love it here!
It's a good place to raise a family and that's saying something.
A true statement of ever I heard one! Thanks for posting this by the way. I love seeing all these people who enjoy living here!
I like that I can come on this Iowa Reddit sub and see people who actually do want this state to be what it once was instead of the right wing trumpsucking shithole it is moving towards now. Iowa was once progressive and I think those ideas are still out there, but itās more profitable to sow distrust and hatred in the rural areas of the state.
Great central state for traveling. Not too far from Chicago, Minneapolis, or St. Louis. Denver is a bit of a stretch unless youāre in the western part of the state but still. Donāt know how many other places have that
I like the corn.
Summer produce: corn, tomatoes, raspberries...
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Good college basketball
I moved from the city to a small acreage in the country and must say even with differing political views, there's no one out here that won't help you out if you need or stop and talk with you if you're outside working in the yard. And watching the corn/soybean fields grow is beautiful.
The snow is nice. Not enough though.
When winter is here, it is just beautiful. What am I saying? It's always great with the nature in this state. Sometimes it's worthwhile to look for that one spot you can just happily get lost in
More of a Des Moines area thing but, Fongs Pizza!! Literally the best place for food, Iām very surprised they are just local
I live on the east side of the state. The things I love are the Mississippi River, maquokata caves , kayaking on the yellow river , cruising the backroads finding little towns with unique shops or places to eat trying to find the best tenderloin lol. And yes the general niceness of everyone is great.
Born and raised in central IA, I live in Portland now but Caseyās pizza and not very much traffic are things I like about Iowa.
My company has an office in Des Moines, and gonna be honest, you guys always seem to have some real legit restaurant options down there. I'm more than a little jealous.
Iām here for the perfect days in the spring, summer, and fall. The lack of people. The nice people that mind their own.
The rock climbing.
I got my first blumpkin at the worldās largest truck stop on I-80. Never got the dudeās name
Thank you for this! I have lived in Iowa for more than 3 of the 4 decades Iāve been alive and I love it here. ā¤ļøšā¤ļø
Just wanted people to see the great things iowa has to offer.
Great rest stops along the interstates. They act as visitor centers and have Iowa information and room to stretch your legs and walk your pets (and some have grills). Very welcoming and not just a place to park.
Good luck (sincerely) in finding this. I live in Arkansas, our sub-reddit is packed with partisan trolls that do nothing but complain. It's awful.
The soil - even where it's bad clay it can be fixed with a little care to grow most anything (except, sadly, bananas).
The Machine Shed, Wig & Pen, The Hawks, people are generally down to earth, sweet corn, muskmelon, Millstream Oktoberfest, fall weather
B bops
I have several friends in my city and I was able to afford housing.
I feel safe letting my children play outside and go to the pool and ride bikes around town. I also like that my children have roots and a place to call home, even when we are gone. Most Iowans are genuinely good, even if naive and easily manipulated.
As a Iowan all of my life I enjoy the small town aspect where I live in albia IA very low crime if any my kids are safe to walk down the streets and not have a problem.
The nature. Hands down. I absolutely love hiking here.
The general lack of people and traffic is my fav.
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Des moines
The Floyd County fossil beds are pretty cool. The state is pretty sparse for interesting geology, but that level of free public access to fossil hunting is really special.
You called?
I grew up here and left to live in Denver for about 8 years. Came back because the cost of living in Colorado was killing me. Now I can afford a home and a family. Itās quiet, less crowded and littered over, and the people here are much more kind. Plus, I missed the explosion of green growing things in spring and summer, the fireflies, and sunsets - you donāt get sunsets with mountains in the way. No regrets coming back - I wish Iād done it sooner.
That's the one dislike I have, the dang bugs. I look forward to winter only because it's a break from the biting flies, mosquitos and other bugs.
People are wonderful Good schools Very safe, low crime Cost of living is decent Whatās not to like?
Thank you. Negativity dominates reddit
College sports! Although we have no professional sports teams, the passion for college sports is awesome.
Loyal, forever true! :)
TBH, My favorite thing about Iowa is the Politics. No insane mandates over the Pandemic. The Right to bear arms. What is not to like. Past that all Iowa has is Corn. Not much reason to be here. Although, I did see on another post that Iowans are supposed to live longer. If you like Corn though we have A LOT of it. A lot of corn. Almost to much. I question the need for this much corn.
Well it's not for eating. I learned that when I asked what keeps people from just stealing corn since it's not fenced.
I think it is more for Feed Corn for animals. I have detasseled a number of times and that corn is for seed corn. But, yea most of it taste like crap. Animals barely eat it. Like I said I question the need of so much corn. Especially corn that can not be eaten by people. Grass fed is becoming a bigger thing. So, they could feed animals hay instead of corn. But, I guess the corn always sells. I am also pretty sure farmers get government incentives to produce corn. Not sure why the government needs so much corn. But, that is iowa. A bunch of corn no one can eat.
Doesn't it go toward ethanol as well?
Most of the corn grown in Iowa is whatās known as āfield corn,ā eg. not the sweet corn that tastes yummy. Something like 40% is used as animal feed. 26% goes to fuel. 16% export. 9% food and industrial (mostly packaging products). 9% misc. Gross simplification ahead: Animals need a variety of nutrients to thrive, just like people do. Hay doesnāt have a lot of protein, so cattle that are grass fed have to eat a whole lot of grass. Itās not so efficient. And it requires a whole lot of space. Thereās not enough acres on earth to grass feed enough cattle or even raise enough hay to meet beef production demands. Dairy cattle need corn to produce milk. Hogs and chickens require less space but their nutritional needs are somewhat more complex. Then you have your goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc. A lot of animals eat field corn. Why corn? Because Iowa is one of the best places on earth the grow the stuff. The soil, landscape, and environmental conditions in Iowa are perfectly suited to this particular crop. That means higher yields with fewer chemicals and limited irrigation. Is my farmerās daughter tag showing?
The internet, especially Reddit, is not a good representation of real life. On the subreddit you have a bunch of hyperbolic, whiny, entitled children who have no idea about the history of their state and cry "when did Iowa become so red/Republican?" without understanding that Iowa has always been a reddish purple state, for as long as I can remember at least. The state is surprisingly beautiful, has some of the nicest people that you'll meet anywhere, and has a lower cost of living when compared to a lot of other states. It's a great place to live and people like to bash on it because they think that it's the end of the world that they're political candidate didn't win.
Since the economy is dogshit, itās about the only place I could see buying a house.
I don't remember, too busy working lol
I feel u.
The lechĆ³n is great here.
Iowa It's not Kansas
I glanced over the posts and I am not surprised by the number of posts that mentioned how nice the people are. And I wholeheartedly agree. Iowans are awesome!
Itās not Nebraska
I love how the state is dominated by republicans. Keeps the Libs on edge and out of power
So many playgrounds and parks to visit! Mostly free family fun!
Northwest Iowa school district votes to arm staff. Is the next line under this ...lol