16 Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa 2024

2. Con: No Large Cities

Iowa may not be the best place for someone who likes to live in a big city.

Des Moines is the largest city with a population of about 215,000 people, which pales in comparison to other large cities like Chicago or New York City.

The small size of Iowa’s cities can make it difficult to find the kinds of jobs, cultural attractions, and other amenities one might find in a larger city.

I grew up in Toronto, the largest city in Canada. So I’m used to popping out to concerts and plays at the regular with star-studded casts. I’m used to getting a variety of types of cuisines around every corner.

You won’t find that in Iowa!

Every town has a small-town feel.

3. Pro: Affordable Cost of Living

The cost of living in Iowa is one of the lowest in the US.

Thanks to the low state taxes and a variety of housing options, including single-family houses, apartments and two-bedroomed houses, it is possible to live comfortably in Iowa with a reasonable budget.

In fact, the average cost of living in Iowa is 16.3% lower than the national average.

You can get far more land than you would in other states for this price. Since so many residents have farms, it’s very common for people to own a 2000-square foot house in the rural areas of Iowa.

It can sometimes be hard to find a rental with so many people happy in their homes. But give it time and you’ll find an affordable place to live!

5. Pro: Four Seasons

Iowa has four distinct seasons with winter lasting from December to February and summer running from June to August.

The spring is an especially nice time of year, when the trees are blooming and everything seems fresh.

Winters can be cold, but Washta in the northwest corner has recorded temperatures as low as -47 degrees Fahrenheit!

You’ll definitely need to bundle up as though you’re living in Canada in the snow!

Summers can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 90%, so you’ll need to cool off in the nearby rivers and lakes.

Autumn is also stunning, with fiery colors lighting the landscape for days filled with activities like apple-picking or pumpkin carving.

I need a good autumn for anywhere I’m living – even if it means a rough winter. Iowa definitely delivers on both.

6. Con: Natural Disasters

Iowa is prone to natural disasters, such as hail storms, floods, thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Tornadoes often strike in May or June, so it’s important to get a storm shelter or move to a nearby shelter when one is detected.

Floods and hailstorms can deny Iowa residents the chance of planting their favorite crops.

Winters in the region can be extremely cold, with a lot of snow in January. Winterizing your home and clearing the driveway will be necessary if you want to survive the winter here.

You definitely have to take natural disasters into consideration when deciding to live in Iowa! It’s best to always be prepared for the worst.

8. Con: Not Enough Schools or Hospitals

The infrastructure in Iowa can be a bit of an issue.

Although there are some good hospitals, they’re not enough to serve the entire population. You may have to travel miles to get medical attention in certain areas.

There’s also a lack of school options outside the big cities. This means that you might have to look into other cities like Boston for better education options for your children.

This can be a frustration and it takes time to drop off and pick up the kids from school.

Living in Iowa requires you to do some extra legwork if you want access to quality medical care and education.

10. Con: Lack of Diversity

Iowa is lacking in diversity, with an estimated 6.2% of the population being foreign-born and only 3.3% of the population speaking a language other than English at home.

This could be intimidating for those who come from different countries or cultures – but it can also mean a lack of understanding when it comes to cultural differences.

It can also lead to a lack of appreciation for different types of cuisine, music and art.

Iowans are conservative people who stick to their culture and belief. Introducing civilization in rural areas may trigger resistance and hostility, especially if you are not a native.

If you’re not white, you may face racial prejudice as well.

11. Pro: Great Food and Drink

Foodies will love the variety of restaurants in Iowa. You’ll find everything from classic American diners to authentic Mexican food.

And don’t forget about Polk County’s famous farmers’ markets, where you can get fresh produce, meat and dairy products on a regular basis.

The state is also home to several craft breweries that specialize in unique beers, as well as wineries for those who prefer vino.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an evening of fine dining, Iowa has something to please every palate.

So if you enjoy good food and drink, then you’ll be right at home here!

12. Con: Not Ideal for Entrepreneurs 

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business, Iowa may not be the best choice.

The state has fewer large corporations than other states, making it harder to network and make connections.

Additionally, the relatively small population can mean that there is less of a market for your products or services.

The economic activity in Iowa is relatively low, which can mean fewer opportunities for business growth and expansion.

While Iowa may be a great place to live if you’re looking to settle down and enjoy the rural lifestyle, it isn’t ideal for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark on the world.

13. Pro: No Traffic Congestion

Unlike many cities in the United States where traffic jams are common, Iowa is relatively free of congested roadways.

The population is spread out more evenly throughout the state, so there’s no need to battle through heavy rush hour traffic.

You’ll also find that public transportation is reliable and efficient, making it easy to get around without having to drive.

This is great news for those who want to avoid the stress and hassle of congested highways.

15. Pro: Art Scene

Iowa may be a rural state, but don’t underestimate its art scene.

The capital city of Des Moines is home to several galleries, museums and theatres.

You’ll also find a thriving music scene in the area, with numerous jazz clubs and live music venues for you to explore. 

Other cities like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City also have vibrant art scenes, so there’s plenty of opportunity for culture lovers to explore. This state often hosts an award-winning Arts Festival.

Whether you’re an artist or simply an admirer of art, Iowa has something to offer everyone.

16. Pro: Great for Retirees

If you’re looking for a place to settle down and retire, Iowa is an excellent option.

The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other states, so you won’t need as much money to afford the basic necessities.

Additionally, the taxes are some of the lowest in the country, so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views to explore, so you’ll never run out of things to do while living in Iowa.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful place to retire, Iowa is the perfect spot.

Best Places to Live in Iowa

Des Moines

Des Moines is an excellent small town for first-time home buyers. It has elegant colonial style and Tudor homes, with new housing structures emerging yearly.

This culture and art destination has museums, a Park Zoo, and Art Festival. About 90% of the people have a high school degree, making it an excellent place to stay with family.

Urbandale

Urbandale has a population of about 43,000 people. It has a stellar public school district comprising college and degree graduates. Most residents have single-family homes.

The town offers community stability with excellent livability due to its low cost of living, affordable housing, and low crime rate.

According to your preference, you can choose to buy a farmhouse, ranch, prairie, land, or a modern-style home and turn it into your humble aboard.

Ankeny

Ankeny offers low-cost living for families and young professionals. It has many good schools and high-rated championship sports.

Employers in this region are agriculturally inclined. You’ll find plenty of cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, and government offices. 

Your family will freely access its aquatic centers, recreation leagues, and cultural programs without commuting. There are also churches and parks in proximity.

Johnston

Johnston is 20 minutes from Des Moines, and is stable for retired families and offers the best property scaling options. Besides, it has plenty of recreational activities with parks and trails. 

Among other towns, Johnson has the second-best median income, and the people are contented with their 15% higher quality of life.

Indianola

Indianola is another welcoming town near the airport. This place is exciting, especially when I remember the hot air balloon festival. It has a 9% cheaper cost of living that reduces housing expenses. The education levels are high, with learners averaging 80% plus in math and literacy.

If you’re considering investing in land or real estate, Indianola is the best place to start. It offers a lot of career opportunities and vibrant communities. The landscape is urban yet affordable.