Iowa is a state in the Midwestern region of the country. It's bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the West, as well as sharing a border with 6 other states. With a population of just over 3 million, it has a relatively low density.

Iowa's capital, and largest city, is Des Moines which has a population of around 200,000 people.

Once, Iowa's economy was based almost entirely on agriculture, but in the last couple of decades, it has broadened and diversified and become one of the most stable economies in the country.

What's life like in Iowa?

Iowa has a reputation for being a diverse state. Western Iowa, in general, is more rural than central or eastern Iowa, which tend to be more built up and industrial. On the whole, residents of Iowa are friendly and courteous and strangers often greet each other in the street, especially in the smaller towns.

Due to its wide-open spaces and relatively sparse population, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Iowa and residents don't mind driving an hour or two for entertainment and recreation.

With plenty of green space, great schools, low crime rates, and affordable housing, Iowa is a popular state for people with kids.

Work in Iowa

Iowa's economy employs nearly 1.5 million people. It's often rated as one of the best states for business in the country due to its low taxes, utility costs, and other business costs. While agriculture is often regarded as Iowa's most important industry, it actually has a rich and varied economy.

Since 2000, Iowa's economy has diversified. Now, manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, insurance, and government contribute thousands of jobs to Iowa's residents. Its rich and diverse economy helps Iowa have a lower unemployment rate than the national average.

Major Attractions of Iowa

Here are some of the top attractions that make Iowa a great place to live and work:

• Maquoketa Caves State Park: Located northwest of Maquoketa, this 111-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Amana Colonies: Made up of 7 villages in east-central Iowa, the Amana Colonies are some of the oldest communal societies and utopian colonies in the country.
• Effigy Mounds National Monument: A beautiful park built to preserve over 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans.
• Adventureland Park: A family-owned amusement park featuring over 100 rides, shows, and attractions.
• National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium: Located in Dubuque, the museum features interactive exhibits, marine animals, and a 4D theater.

Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa

Pros:

• Low cost of living – Iowa has lower house prices as well as a lower cost of living in general compared to many other states in the country.
• Great education system – Iowa has a literacy rate of 99% and a graduation rate from high school of 90%, both the highest in the country.
• Low crime rates – Iowa has one of the lowest overall crime rates in the country and regularly ranks as one of the safest places to live in America.

Cons:

• No professional sports teams – If you're a sports fan, you'll have to make do with minor leagues and semi-pro teams. If you want to watch pro sports, it means a 5 to 7-hour drive.
• Cold winters – While Iowa has four distinct seasons, its winters get extremely cold and temperatures can reach -50°F.
• Flat – Iowa doesn't have any mountains and barely any hills, so if you're into skiing or mountain biking, Iowa might not be the right place for you.