The United States acquired the land that would eventually become Iowa in 1803. During its first years of existence, the Meskwaki and Sauk tribes ruled the area called Iowa Indian Territory. Illinois settlers clashed with the tribes, displacing everyone by 1852. Finally, in 1846, Iowa became a state.
The new state's capital was initially Iowa City, but due to its central location, it became Des Moines in 1857. As a result, large numbers of European settlers came to the area to take advantage of the extensive farmland, which helped develop the area's railroad infrastructure.
After the 1930s, Iowa's economy almost collapsed, which resulted in the subsidies currently in place that pay farmers for stopping planting their fields. However, as the soils stabilized, the farms recovered, allowing the state to maintain its position as one of the world's largest agricultural economies.
If you're considering relocating to this state soon, there are several pros and cons to consider.
Here is a list of the Pros of Living in Iowa
1. Iowa has a lower cost of living than most other states.
Living in Iowa, you'll find that the cost of living is about 10% lower than the national average. The benefits are applicable in most other cities except Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Dubuque. Likewise, the services are appropriate in most other towns except Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Dubuque. As a result, you'll find that housing and additional costs are drastically lower in small towns in this state.
Davenport and Bettendorf are ranked among the most affordable metro areas in the United States.
2. If you live in Iowa, you can afford to buy a house.
In most communities, the average listing price for a single-family home in Iowa is well under $200,000. So if you're willing to live in a rural area of the state, it's easy to find a house for less than $100,000. Furthermore, you may be able to utilize the land on some properties in the communities. As a result, the cost profile of this region is the second-lowest in the country.
Even if you're not in the market for a house right now, rental costs are still very competitive. Many communities, including Des Moines and Iowa City, have apartments for less than $1,000 per month - including two-bedroom flats.
Here is a list of the cons of living in Iowa
1. You will be disappointed if you are a beach or mountain person.
If you love the mountains, then Iowa is not for you. Along the Mississippi River are most of the state's highest points. At 1,670 feet, Hawkeye Point is the highest natural summit in the state. A silo is located 100 feet south of the high ground.
Big Creek State Park in Des Moines is the best option for beaches. You can find plenty of sand along with some shoreline to tour along the lake. Additionally, there are shelters and a playground on the grounds for you to enjoy. Another option is Okoboji, which offers lakeside dining, camping, and an amusement park.
2. Winters get cold in Iowa some years.
A native Iowan will tell you that the threat of mosquitoes disappears in winter because nothing can withstand the extreme cold that can occur at times. Taking into account the wind chill factor, the temperature can reach -50°F in some years. For example, -47°F was recorded in Washta in 1912, in the northwest corner of the state.
Bonus: Here are more fun facts about Iowa:
- Iowa's longest and highest bridge crosses Lake Red Rock.
- Elk Horn is the largest Danish settlement in the United States.
- At 16 miles, East Okoboji is the longest natural lake in the state.
- Kalona is the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi River.
- The state's lowest elevation point (at 480 feet) is in Lee County.
- The Holliwell Bridge is the longest in Madison County.
- Francis Drake was 66 years old at his inauguration and Iowa's most senior governor.
- Iowa's oldest continually running theater is in Story City.
- The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the most extensive collection of Grant Wood artwork.
- Fenlon Place Elevator in Dubuque is the world's steepest and shortest railway.
Let us know what you think of these pros and cons of living in Iowa!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/iowa
https://sciencing.com/iowas-winter-cold-temperature-history-7443044.html
https://www.50states.com/facts/iowa.htm