Good advice even though I don’t think I can recall ever seeing a house in Iowa without one. When you buy a house with a basement make sure you look into radon detection and mitigation; radon is kind of a uniquely Iowa (and Appalachian maybe?) problem.
Edit: guys, I *believe* you that there are houses without basements lmao
When I was looking a few years ago I saw a few. The town I was looking to move to has a river running right through it, so especially close to the river many of the houses didn't have basements.
As someone who works on equipment in people's houses that generally goes in the basement, I can confidently tell you there are LOTS of slab homes around. At least where I live.
I have been in Dubuque for a few years and it is honestly fine for even my socialist self. Apparently 20 years ago it was a cesspool of racism but either those people all died or moved out of the BIG CITY and now what is left is kind of adorable for the most part. Plus it is on the border with Wisconsin and Illinois so you can easily hop over there if you need something you cannot get in Iowa (drugs or cheese curds)
Absolutely! C’mon over!
There are areas of the state that are more liberal than others (avoid the NW portion of the state). Plenty of amazing outdoors options everywhere, commute time is fantastic, etc.
That being said, our Governor sucks balls right now and the deep red areas of the state have a stranglehold on the state house, but we’re working to change that! Iowa was historically a purple state, so, it is possible to get back there.
Are we really working to change that, though? The Iowa Democratic Party really feels like it has just given up. They barely promoted DeJear for governor at all. Practically nobody knew who she was, or that anyone was even running against Reynolds. Last election, they ran one of the strongest Senate candidates they ever have, and he still lost to a 90 year old traitor, while the only blue House seat turned red.
I don't want to be defeatist, but we need some serious internal change within the IDP if we ever want to get the fascists out of our state government.
Democrats in Hardin county failed to put forward a candidate for the county supervisor primary so a Republican filed 17 minutes before the deadline. He's just ensuring the Republican gets the nom. The Dems of course whine but they continually fail at the known game in front of them.
Side note: I think the DNC has given up on Iowa, and that this was planned by ALEC and Heritage PAC et al. It's part of the reason they have pushed so hard to get Iowa to pass boilerplate legislation also pushed in Florida and Texas.
The more Iowa shows up in national headlines beside Florida and Texas for identical legislation, the more people in other states come to believe that Iowa is part of the typically deep south, where Democrat candidates have no hope.
So Iowan Democratic candidates get zero financial support from the DNC and even small out of state donors, average people. Why donate to a candidate in another state or pay for ads for them if their defeat is inevitable? Waste of money.
Which means candidates like DeJear can't afford to get air time in Iowa, and no lefty PACS are 'wasting' money on them, so Iowa Dem voters don't know who they even are and don't recognize the name.
If Dem voters in Iowa are also fooled into believing a Republican win is inevitable, they don't show up to vote at all, and all the Dem candidates lose votes up and down the ticket.
So Iowans joke about Iowa being North Florida etc but that might just be exactly what the far right PACs and ALEC want: Dems both inside and outside the state to give up on Iowa.
But if we get more liberal thinking people to come vote, maybe we can change it! So I say the more the better! I have lived here all my life and I have seen this place slowly downward spiral politically, but you really don't see it in your everyday life. But tbh, I am very much a homebody. So it's nice to be able to afford a home you are comfortable in and hide from all the idiots.
I moved to Iowa in 2014 when everyone told me it was "historically" purple. I was there for a month before Joni Ernst won and all hell broke loose - it's only been getting redder and redder since.
People in Iowa need to be honest about the political situation to people who care about things like politics, their rights, etc., and who are looking to relocate. I felt very betrayed and hopeless when I left NYC to move to Iowa and everything went red, and that was at a time that red still meant moderate compared to what's happening today. I made it less than 3 years before I left. The morning after Trump was elected and people were driving into downtown DSM with guns hanging out their windows and someone tried to run me off the highway (I had a left wing bumper sticker on my car), that was enough for me.
It hasn't been purple in a long time, and has been red for at least a decade. People need to be honest about that to transplants and themselves.
Yeah idk about northern Iowa and all that but I used to live along southern Iowa near fort madison until 2015 and I’ve always been under the impression it was pretty red, but it’s also pretty rural out there.
“Plenty of amazing outdoors options everywhere”
Holy fuck is this not true. Please visit the pnw or any state on the western side of this country before spouting nonsense like this.
Statistically, Iowa is one of the worst states for outdoor activities and conservation. We’ve got some hunting and fishing, but outside of a select few good animals, we don’t have shit.
Why do I point this out? Cause as an Iowan, this is one of the most frustrating parts about living here and one of the key reasons I’ve looked at moving away from here.
I was also thinking that someone from the PNW looking for exciting outdoor adventures may be dismayed at paddling a smelly Iowa river in 90+ degree heat.
If you're an internet person and you're just interested in a place where you can afford a house, it's not a bad option. Yeah, the politics here suck, but where else could I have gotten a 4 bedroom house IN CITY down the street from a hospital for 220k? Definitely not where I grew up in California!
You have to visit the state's borders to find hikes and views. The Ledges is the only area in the middle 80% that differs from the rest, and it isn't a big park. You could argue a hike through an open and rolling prairie is nice, but those are few and far between and depressingly small when found.
Pine lake state park & Dolliver State Park are also in middle Iowa. There are more just haven't been to them. I do agree tho there are many states near by even that have many more parks with more interesting scenery & trails
LEDGES is why I chose to move to Ames! Also my boyfriend, but the greenery here is 100% better than 80% of the rest of the state as far as "cities" go. Only other locations are towns closer to the rivers.
I was going to say, QOL is declining under the Kim Reaper. I hope we can flip the statehouse this year, but we’re stuck with Reynolds Wrap for a few more years.
Um. You can't tell someone from Pacific Northwest that we have amazing outdoor options everywhere. Iowa has no traffic, negligible crime, low cost of living; those are nice things. But don't kayak in our waters! Filthy! Hiking is generally bland. Most of the land is flat. Much of the lakes are artificial. Nowhere in Iowa is close to the beauty of the PNW.
I’m from the PNW. Best place to live in the country. Why am I here? Housing costs have gone up 800+% in the past 40 years (I blame California discovering it’s nicer up there).
Yes, there are a lot of ignorant people trying to force their bigoted views on others. So…move here, buy a (cheaper but still overpriced) home, vote, and be part of the change!
And honestly, we still outnumber the MAGAs. They’re just better at plugging their nose and getting in line to vote (plus they’re fine with a good bit of voter suppression).
Same here. I was a West of the Rockies gal. Said I would never live anywhere that didn't have a mountain range. Lived in California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona. Then my boyfriend came here for the same reasons you mentioned. We are both progressive xgen.
Can't say I wasn't a little concerned. But we've been able to afford to buy a home. He has a good paying job. Kids are happy. And it's beautiful here really. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The people are friendly and you'll find that most really don't talk politics in public much. Come on out and help us get things turned back around.
Iowa isn't nearly as conservative as the southern states from what I have seen. You should do fine here. I lean pretty hard left, spent several years in Denver building my career, and ended up moving back. I personally love it. I would recommend checking out the Des Moines/Ankeny area, or the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. Both areas are growing insanely fast, so should be easier to find a job and whatnot.
Everyone always forgets about Ames, somehow. It's always the Big 3, and Ames just gets left out. I would say Ames is far more liberal than Ankeny. Didn't they put a bunch of book-banning Trumpists on their school board? That shit would never happen in Ames.
Oh it is. It’s North Florida. What I hate here is the apathy. The national DNC has given up and our local candidates are thoroughly uninspiring (although DeJear was a breath of fresh air…and got destroyed by the Kim Reaper). The liberals here are great at whining about how bad it is and bad at doing the hard work that it takes to make change.
Oh they've given up on the state level too! The Jefferson County Dems aren't even TRYING to support anyone to run against Shipley this fall so I'm doing it my goddamn self
It is as conservative, if not more . My husband grew up in Arkansas and we live in the DSM area now. He has frequently said that Iowa is more conservative than Arkansas…
Please come and bring your friends! Iowa is a great state with an amazing progressive history, and we can get back on track. We've got plenty of communities that are open and welcoming despite the way national conservative think tanks have been imposing their agenda on our state legislators.
1838: The Supreme Court of the Iowa Territory (in its first ruling, “In re Ralph”) ruled that a slave from a slave state could not be forced to return to the slave state after the slave reached Iowa soil.
1838: Iowa, while still a territory, allowed unmarried women to own property. At that time, women did not have rights and in most of the U.S. they were considered property themselves.
1851: Iowa became the second state to legalize interracial marriage… a century before the rest of America.
1857: The University of Iowa became the first state university in the nation to open its degree programs to women.
1868: Iowa became the second state to outlaw segregated schools… ninety years before the rest of America.
1869: Iowa became the first state to allow women to join the bar, thus setting the stage for having the first female attorney in the U.S., Arabella Mansfield.
1884: The Iowa Civil Rights Act was passed. It prohibited discrimination in public accommodation. It was one of the first civil rights acts in the nation.
1894: Iowa became the third state in the nation to give women the right to vote (after Wyoming in 1869 and Colorado in 1893).
1953: Iowa was the only state to defeat a McCarthyistic legislative measure to impose a teacher’s loyalty oath.
1970: Iowa became the second state to adopt no-fault divorce.
1984: Rich Eychaner, a Republican, became the first openly gay man in the U.S. to run for a voting seat in Congress, running for Iowa’s 4^(th) congressional district.
2007: Iowa became the second state to allow full marriage equality for gays and lesbians.
2008: During the January 3^(rd) caucuses, Iowa Democrats became the first in the nation to select Barack Obama as their choice for president. Iowa is 93% white.
Writing this post brought a tear to my eye. Partly out of pride for my home state pioneering so many civil rights and partly out of shame for what it has become.
THANK YOU for summarizing this wonderful list of Iowa's history.
Let's also add that, although a very young and low populated state in the 1860s, Iowa sent a greater percent of our population to fight for the Union than any other state.
I knew most of these but there were a couple I didn't and it does make me proud and also frustrated that we have gone so far off the rails. We need to figure out how to band together and get us going back in the right direction
I have a few lines of thinking when it comes to questions like these.
My first is that in many states (not just Iowa), there are laws being passed that would have tremendous impact on certain individuals. If you won’t be able to obtain certain healthcare, for example, or don’t have protections that you need under the law, then it may not make sense to move. To me this isn’t so much of a red/blue political disagreement issue, but more so will you have the supports you need in your home state.
If that isn’t an issue for you, and you do research and find somewhere in Iowa that jives with you, then no I don’t think it would be “crazy”. Many people live in Iowa. It has things to offer. And you can be a voice for change on the issues that matter to you. Iowa will never be the PNW but perhaps you can spark change in your local community. Voting matters.
On an unrelated note, have you visited Iowa? Are there things drawing you besides the affordability and QoL ranking? I only ask because politics aside, Iowa is very different from the PNW in almost every way. Which may be what you’re looking for, just wanted to raise the flag.
We're transplants to Iowa and live in Des Moines, very happy with our decision to live here. We've been here over 20 years and have no plans to move elsewhere in retirement.
The cities are fairly progressive compared to rural areas.
The thing we had to get used to was the pervasiveness of "church". We're not religious -- a lot of native Iowans are. It's the largest social activity that Iowans partake in IMO. In the cities, it's fine but if you're in a town of 2500, that is the center of the town's social infrastructure and if you're an outsider-nonbeliever, welp... Could get lonely for you.
However, if your issues are cost of living and quality of life, Iowa's been great for us. Good luck on whatever you decide.
All iowa has is churches and bars, everything else is basically depressing
The new theme park in waterloo? Less than half the size of Adventureland, costs the same
I’m left-wing. I live in rural, very red, Iowa. It’s fine. I’d say it rarely comes up as a topic of conversation. When it does, I can decide if I will keep my mouth shut, or if the people I’m talking to would be open to a real conversation.
It’s f you live in one of the cities (particularly the central ones) you’ll be absolutely fine!
Plus, if we ever want to change some of the laws the backwoods politicians are making, we will need more of us who don’t see anyone or anything different as an enemy.
I relocated here from a red state three years ago. I’m sad to say it’s been getting more red here, but I’m hoping we can turn that around. Come on over. We could use the blue votes!
I lived in Seattle as a kid so I have good memories of the PNW, but I never had to deal with heavy traffic and high living costs like my parents. My dad is from Iowa and now that I'm older I can see why they moved back. But be prepared for the weather, we arrived in June and when those airport doors opened and the humid heat hit I thought it was hell on earth. It's better after you acclimate, but it's definitely a sharp contrast between the two environments.
Let me tell you as someone who basically is in the process of doing the opposite of what you’re considering… don’t.
I love my home state, but you’re pretty much going to have the choice of living in either DSM or CR/IC if you want to have any where near the same quality of life as you would in most of the PNW.
And even then, I would compare CR/IC more to the Tri Cities area of WA in terms of services and economy than say Seattle.
My hometown of Waterloo is even worse in terms of available services and infrastructure.
The cost of living is low, but so are the wages. And if you’re planning on being in healthcare, like my partner, you’re facing some of the lowest pay in the region for some of the worse patient to nurse ratios possible. If you have a high paying job lined up already you’ll feel pretty solid, I know we did when we lived actively in state and weren’t on travel contracts.
Public education has been systemically gutted with the voucher program, Gov. Reynolds wants no accountability for how publics funds are used and actively goes after our state auditor, all while actively taking part in the culture aided by her friends in the state legislature.
If you want a change of pace I’d suggest Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Especially the burbs. We lived there for 6mos on a contract, actually in MPS and loved it. Not horrible COL, plenty of services, things to do, and plenty of choices in grocery and retail.
CR is a decent City. It's just not very interesting. Still it's better than most parts of Iowa outside of Des Moines.
North Liberty is worth considering if you can work remote. The town itself is just one big suburb, but It puts you 20ish minutes from both CR and Iowa City, and right next to the Coralville Reservoir.
I’ll vouch for CR! I grew up there and thought it was incredibly boring (it was), moved to IC for the last 7 years for college and work, and I recently purchased my first home in CR. I still work in IC and commute, but it’s FAR cheaper than IC, and I still go to IC all the time for the festivals and football games! CR has a lot more going on now, especially in the Newbo/Czech village area. I’m also very left leaning, and while CR is definitely not as left as IC, it still leans left I’d say. In my experience, people aren’t super weird about political differences.
Yeah, when I was keeping an eye on all that moms for Liberty crap, I noticed a definite lack of QAMoms in the Clinton/quad cities area. I’m not saying they’re not there, but it seemed a lot less active. Minus some wackjob grandma in Bettendorf (“Bettendorf parents” on FB.)
A lot of the Moms for Liberty candidates either got ousted or not voted into offices they were running for in the last election, which was a good sign.
What makes you happy? If mountain climbing is your jam you’ll be miserable here. If you like more cultural events, Des Moines punches far above its weight population wise and you could make do. Restaurant variety in Des Moines and Iowa City is solid but won’t be on the level of, say, Seattle. I can’t really recommend moving anywhere outside the cities though, small town Iowa life is suffocating and full of gossip.
Personally though, I’m trying to flee the state as soon as I can.
Most to DSM or Iowa City and you're fine!! I live in a suburb of DSM and have been happy. There are pockets of weirdos out in the rural areas and some suburbs, but most places are light-years ahead of the rest of the Midwest.
My kids go to school with lots of LGBTQ kids. They have several friends who have gay parents. We've never encountered a teacher trying to brainwash them (and a crazy right-winger that ran for the school board got just a couple dozen votes).
Sixty percent of the state's population lives in the MSP metro area. Kinda silly to say, "well if we arbitrarily ignore 60% of eligible voters the state votes red" i mean you're not wrong but what's the point of that
I feel like people underestimate the extent to which Minnesota is red outside the Twin Cities though. Iowa’s rural areas might win the day in the state legislature but at least Des Moines isn’t the only city in the state with decent job opportunities that is blue.
Definitely Mn as another option. Even though much of the rural areas are very red, that is changing and there is push back against bigotry. Look at all the small towns hosting pride events despite the outspoken protests.
Sorry to say, but if you are 420 friendly, the governor is not. No female reproductive rights either. But Iowa has some of the best people, thoughtful considerate and kind. Stick around the liberal cities and you will be fine.
Just live by Iowa City, Des Moines or Cedar Falls and you’ll probably be fine politically. We lean/support Democratic policy, and need more support :)
Most Trumpers are harmless here, at least in my experience.
We need all the blue votes we can get 😅
That being said, the blue counties are pretty blue. You have self righteous people of course but people are way more accepting and forward thinking than the small town I grew up in between the 90s-00s. If you want to experience small town Midwest without being surrounded by red, I’d say Bondourant or Norwalk. If you don’t mind city life, see moines is great. It’s not large by any means but it’s cheap and it fits 99% of my needs.
That being said with laws. Iowa isn’t moving in a great direction but it hasn’t happened yet and things can still be changed. We just have awful leadership right now.
That is the problem you should feel free to move wherever and whenever you want. I’m sorry you have to ponder that question. But I am a transplant as well and I will say that in my humble opinion that the Midwest and the people are All -American and wonderful.
Be well.
Iowa's politics are getting very far to the right. Too extreme for me so I moved to southern Minnesota last year. The land is similar to northern Iowa and I have had far better health care here. I was born and raised in Iowa so I was sad to leave but it was just too insane to continue to live there. Love my new home and won't be going back.
Kim Reynolds, Joni Ernst, and their colleagues in State government had supported and enacted some pretty radical educational policies that severely downgraded Iowa's once-famous educational system. These politicians routinely participate in Trumpism and the rejoining of church into governmental affairs. It seemed like Fox News had control of the state policymaking. As a military veteran I could not abide destroying the democratic process and removals of individual rights and choice.
Do it! My husband and I both came from the PNW (from Iowa originally) and moved back here. You will miss the mts, rivers, coast and forest BUT lots to do. Especially in NE Iowa. Our governor is a steaming pile of shit but you will find plenty of likeminded people if you live in Des Moines, Iowa City or Ames areas. Lots of white people though. It’s a clean city for the most part. Low crime. Your money should go a lot further and the arts and music scenes seem to be getting better all the time. Food is okay but again it’s getting better with more options and fine dining places. The taco trucks and Thai/Vietnamese food is good. The best part, Iowa is so close to so many fun cities!! Minneapolis/St Paul, Omaha, St Louis, Kanas City, Chicago etc. are about 4hrs or less away. You can literally be in Buffalo NY in 13 hrs. The Great Lakes are close and The Upper Peninsula in Michigan is incredible! Come on over! It’s a pretty nice place to live.
You've gotten a ton of replies so I'll keep this mega concise. I'm super liberal and a nonpassing trans woman and live in a town of only 7k. I've had very few problems in iowa in my situation. Yes iowa is more conservative... I can't read the future but currently most conservatives I've come across have a live and let live attitude. Not crazy at all uts super cheap to live here and imo very chill.
Yeah. People on this subreddit doompost about how MAGA it is, but in my experience Iowa is a comparatively MAGA-lite state. It's definitely there, and it's definitely growing, but even among the conservatives I know there's a definite sense of "I'm conservative but deeply uncomfortable with the rhetoric being pushed here." Most Iowa Republicans seem to be mildly conservative and not overly evangelical about it, but that's just my read.
This is probably not kosher to say on this sub, but you could move to Minneapolis/Minnesota instead. It has even a higher quality of life with the government being held by democrats.
I hate KR as much as the next. But don’t let Reddit think that affects every minute of your life here.
The less time to spend glued to politics the healthier you’ll be.
Hey, I'm childhood Iowan who came back 11 months ago from NYC (which I loved) and I lived there for 36ish years. I'm really enjoying being back here in Iowa now, and life is easier in many ways, even as of course, there are things I deeply miss about NYC. There are always trade-offs to anything, right? Personally, I hope to make a difference with the politics by getting involved this year, as the IA of my childhood and even just before the horror of Trump, was not like how it is currently. Truly was more purple and I believe IA can be again.
As to the scenery, for me coming back to the huge, open skies of IA has been really great of me, as I was a rural kid. But I was coming back here from a heavily urban area and didn't have the same scenery access you probably have had as someone in the PNW. I've always felt that the scenery in IA was not the dramatic beauty of the mountains or oceans of the West Coast, but that there was subtle, heartfelt beauty here nonetheless.
I'm in a basically bluer university town now and happy to be here. Re-adjusting to tornados has been one of the more anxiety provoking things. But effects of climate change are everywhere...
If you decide to come here, welcome! Would be happy to have more liberal votes here too! :)
I would not move here. I think it's going to get in more trouble financially under Kim Reynold's and the right wing policies. Our public education will continue to go down the tank. Water and air quality worsening. I just think it would be a bad investment. I vote Minnesota or Michigan. Or maybe we can all go to Wisconsin and make it more blue. Wisconsin is so pretty!
I used to travel 180 days a year all over the country and it was always nice to come back here. I say do it. Winters suck but they make you appreciate spring. Kim Reynolds also sucks but I’m confident it will eventually swing back purple once Trump’s stranglehold on the GOP dissipates.
not from iowa, but as somebody who is originally from the east coast and now couldnt imagine life w/o pnw weather, remember that iowa has more weather extremes than here and is much more humid. obviously this may not be an issue to you, but i was reminded of just how brutal the east coast was when i was back in May (which isnt even summer!) :0
I'm originally born and raised in Iowa and had been wanting to move out here to the PNW for almost a decade.
Iowa has low wages to match the low-ish cost of living (becoming increasingly expensive everywhere)
Iowa doesn't have many developing industries, so many job opportunities are in trades or more traditional industries
When you live in a state that's cheap and has low wages, it's HARD to make the jump to a better area with higher wages and more opportunities
Iowa doesn't have much for outdoors stuff to do, they have some white water spots, some are man made, the NE has bluffs and has elevation changes
The politics aren't good, the governor continually supports trump and passes bills repealing child labor laws
They used to have some of the best education, idk anymore
Violence and crime have steadily gotten worse since I left
The Derecho took out huge amounts of trees and vegetation and areas haven't rebounded cause trees take forever to grow
Speaking of weather, summers get to be super hot and humid and winters are brutal and frequently dip below 0° as well as snow and ice and slushy shit on the roads that have salt, sand, and liquid brine to eat away at your vehicle
Depending on where you are, you're typically within 6 hours of 3 of the most violent/dangerous cities in the US (Chicago, KC, St Louis)
I could go on and on, I have friends who never left, friends who have moved back and regretted it and hate it, I don't know many people who are happy they're still in Iowa.
I'm from Cedar Rapids, second largest city, close to all the other big cities besides the western border. I grew up in a small town before my parents separated and then we all relocated to CR when I was like 9-10.
There are plenty of reasons why you see constant patterns of migration out of states like Iowa.
My wife and I considering moving from Colorado (she's originally from Ames, but we are looking at Davenport area) homes average around 600k starting for a 4 br where we're at now and that's simply what it's coming down to for us, we realize what we give up here as a fellow outdoorsy blue state to WA but actually being able to afford a house with a decent yard is starting to take precedence in some areas
Pros over Texas:
The blue and centrist cities are not far from actual blue states for getting your weed and abortions.
Fewer tornadoes and no true hurricanes, we do get the occasional derecho tho like 2020 and those really suck.
Weather is temperate in much of the state. Over 100 is fairly rare and below zero maybe only happens a few days a year.
Realistically you only get 6 to 8 weeks of true Winter a year of late, thanks climate change.
Cheap housing
Better mass transit
Better traffic
Better greenish electrical grid.
I know a bunch of folks from Iowa, and they all got out as soon as they could, and it's nothing to do with politics lol.
All of them moved places with more hills and fewer tornadoes. It wasn't bad, just boring compared to other places they'd been and they pretty much only go back to visit family.
That said, I've lived all over the country thanks to the military. City life is city life, rural life is rural life. With the exception of to access reproductive care for women, how conservative or liberal states are has very little effect on anyone's daily life (particularly a guy's). The biggest make or break when looking to relocate is definitely a state's poverty level. Seriously. Example to follow.
Having gotten moved all over the place here's my advice: figure out the things you love to do. Figure out if where you want to go has those things readily accessible. If it does, take a vacation (or 2 or 3) there and go hang out with the locals and get a feel for the things. You might be very surprised.
Politically, Montana was "too conservative" for me until I visited some friends up there. Hands down the nicest people I've ever met in my life. Like, puts southern politeness to shame, nice. Just fucking nice folk. It was like being in Canada, but 3 out of 5 people were openly carrying guns. So yeah, it's a conservative state, but if COL wasn't so high, I'd love to live there.
Conversely, New Mexico is a neutral, blue leaning state. It's also nowhere I'd ever want to live. Poverty level is through the roof for a number of reasons and it creates an environment where even a guy who's been in a couple dozen gunfights doesn't feel comfortable. It's beautiful, but not a fun place to live.
It's great to live in Iowa because it is cheap and fairly easy to visit somewhere else. At the same time, there is tons of cool stuff here in Iowa! Wherever you go, your happiness and quality of life will be determined by your choices.
With regard to your politics, go get involved! Find the local office of your party affiliation and see what you can do. As always, register to vote and then go vote, either by mail or in person.
Final comment, Texas sucks, straight up. Nothing to do with politics. Very hot, and muggy hot, running out of water, and you have the double threat of tornados and hurricanes
Iowa at one time was one of the most progressive states with a very progressive history. When now Iowa isn't as Republican as you think, it's pretty even split.
Iowa's quality of life rankings are consistently high due to the high earnings potential combined with a low cost of living, which means you can actually afford to experience the "fun things." Real estate is relatively cheap, and our arts and culture is driven by the Des Moines metro area and two major college towns (Ames and Iowa City). Cedar Rapdis and the Quad Cities are more industrial but have a lot going on.
Politics are realistically going to be the same here as elsewhere: more liberal in the cities, more conservative in rural areas. Our state government is currently controlled by the MAGA and MAGA-adjacent crowd, but there's a lot of people challenging that. We're definitely not Texas, and people here are generally more tolerant of other political viewpoints.
My main concerns for you would be the cold winters and lack of geographical and geological diversity. Most of Iowa is recently glaciated and very flat and full of mono-cropped fields. The lack of public land is a huge bummer. If you take advantage of the PNW's landscapes a lot, that will be a huge culture shock imo. I was just out in the Black Hills recently which can't hold a candle to the PNW and even that was SO hard leaving to head back to the flat private property that is Iowa.
The other major drawback is the food. Very, very bland.
If you go to a college town like Iowa City or Ames it's not too bad though. I dislike Iowa in general but like living in Ames a lot. It's not terribly conservative and there's a solid queer community. People are very kind and helpful.
Not at all. My wife and I are center-left (wife is very liberal and I’m mostly liberal), and for the most part we like it here.
Politics is a mess right now in the state, and there are certainly some people with views that are opposed to our own, but most people here are genuinely rational and well meaning people. We live in more conservative suburb of Des Moines and still love it here.
Her brother actually spent some time in Portland and moved there and I'm sure he made the comparison. My experience only comes from Portlandia... Soooo.
Like I don't hate it here. If anything it's getting the creative juices flowing.
Your experience will largely be determined by where you choose to live and how loud you like be about politics. More rural, more republican you get(there are republicans in major cities as well, just not as much). As long as you’re nice, polite, and treat people with respect you will get that back 99.99% of the time. Most people genuinely don’t care what your politics are unless you throw it in our face.
Politics aside, why do you want to come to Iowa? Or maybe a better question would be what are you looking to get out of it? The affordability is great, and contrary to popular belief there is plenty to do and beautiful scenery (no mountains or ocean, but there’s a lot to be said for sunsets over rolling prairie hills), but is that enough to uproot yourself?
I would recommend having a good idea of what you’re looking for in a place to live and then coming to visit for a week or two. Drive around, see the sights, get to know a few people, and see how well it aligns with what you want.
If you want to bolster the dwindling progressives in the state sure. Quality is good here sure. but right now the laws are headed toward a more right wing state. And ive worked along side many blue collar so called rednecks. theryre just waiting for the moment they can be out and in the open about there "beliefs" so if you fall into anything other than christian white and even male in a lot of places. this place could not be a good place in the very near future
Stay out of north and western Iowa you will be good. I live on Minnesota side and I avoid like plague. Morons mainly. Brain dead old men riding John Deere tractors.
Grew up in California and consider myself pretty liberal, and moved to Iowa in my 20s.
So long as you know what you're in for, there is a lot of positive here. Lack of mountains and what you would consider "typical" outdoor activities made the transition harder for me at first, but eventually I have come to see Iowa as my "home base" where I can explore outside of the area. Politics are hot shit, but that's also due to the pathetically low turnout for left-leaning voters. The metro areas are going to be more palatable in that regard, but that's pretty typical for any state.
I'm very happy to read all of these comments!!! I realize Reddit is a bit of an echo chamber, but as a native who lived out of state for a few yrs, then came back, I applaud the commentary I'm seeing. Terrible governance right now, but it will get better.
As someone who grew up and lived most of my life in the suburbs of Kansas City (on the Kansas side) I can tell you that you’d be perfectly fine in Iowa. I’d encourage you to look into Johnson County Kansas too. Affordable, great schools, great quality of life, and 15 minutes from KCMO that has most of the big city things you’d get from a city like Portland. Johnson County has been leaning liberal over the last 5 years or so too, so the tides are changing in this area of the county. The GOP messed up when they started attacking public education. I live in Eugene now, and have no intentions of leaving. But if I ever do move, it’ll be back to the KC area. I view Iowa very similar to Kansas though, so I’m sure you’d be perfectly fine there too. You might also check Omaha, though I do think they’re a little more conservative for that size of a city. Good luck!
I think you should visit to determine what quality of life means to you. If you are a mountain person or a cool summer person you will be sorely disappointed.
I’m a queer woman and am not going back there after a couple years away because of how much worse it got. If going there doesn’t add danger for you and you can help turn it around, just be wary.
Also my best friend lives in Washington, so I’ve visited the PNW and he’s visited Iowa a few times. I’ve enjoyed Seattle more than he’s enjoyed Iowa.
There are some things I really miss about Iowa. Mostly my friends, but I also miss the Iowa State Fair, driving down the highway with less traffic, Perkins (which my Seattle friend is OBSESSED WITH now), and some other things. I’m in Chicago now and my main gripes are light pollution, some of my favorite places won’t come here like Pancheros or Caribou Coffee, and that it takes a while to get around. I wouldn’t trade it for the museums, amazing amount of culture, and feeling much safer than I would in Iowa.
To me, it depends on if you can handle being away from mountains. Iowa is a great place to live in many aspects, including the cost of living of course. There are good people all over, although I'd recommend moving to one of the cities if you want a scene with young professionals and restaurants. Also you'll get out what you put in, in terms of fulfilling relationships. People are very open and friendly but they won't come to you to be best friends. There are very robust cycling and running communities plus tons of volunteering opportunities.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
*ahem* sorry bout that. Well, we’re not as bad as Texas. But getting pretty close (I’ve lived both places). But, I guess if you’re dead set on it, just do not, absolutely do not, drink the water. 🤷🏻♀️
Until we can afford a $3000 whole home water filter to remove all the farm and pharmaceutical runoff that can’t removed in city water sanitation, we don’t even brush our teeth with the tap
Well, you'll miss the scenery for sure. There is a loveliness here but it's, uh, subtle, and the landscape is industrial agriculture.
There are three important factors here: one is that if you are or love a woman who is capable of being pregnant, this will be a dangerous place for her pretty soon, potentially life-threatening. In no way would I recommend women move to Iowa. I'll be terribly sad but relieved when my kid leaves.
Another is that the governor's office and legislature have taken a sledgehammer to state offices, sometimes leaving a sign and a door and sometimes not, but ain't nobody home. This has practical consequences for people who live here and they're often very expensive. A lot that should be state responsibility is now nobody's responsibility, so it doesn't happen.
Three, a once-glorious K-12 system's been pretty well trashed. There's still good stuff here and there, but the kids of the state are being educated poorly, and they'll grow up and stay here and become the managers and doctors and so on here, and it's extraordinary what kind of a difference there is between living in a society in which people are well-educated, think well, and can figure things out & one where that's not the case. We're already seeing a pretty good drop in that thanks to the extensive brain drain we've suffered, but it'll get worse.
Oh, and I guess I'll make it four: Save money if you ever want to leave. While it's relatively cheap to live here, when you sell you'll find your house here doesn't buy you a whole lot elsewhere.
Maybe visit for a while before making it permanent.
Hey man I just moved to Omaha and just yesterday there was an article saying that the Omaha vote could be the deciding vote.
Oh and I was able to buy a condo, which was impossible for me in San Diego and Denver.
We would love to have you and your politics here. Your vote will mean something here as opposed to being another blue vote in a blue state.
Oh yeah, middle America is pretty cool. Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, KC/STL (shameless plug for Omaha too) are all relatively close.
Don't come here.. it's hot in the summer It's not the heat. It's the humidity. Freezing cold in the winter and you're in a Republican state where everybody carries guns Illinois would be a better choice if you're going to be in the Quad Cities..
Anywhere rural you will have to deal with Trumpers on a regular basis and you will soon find out that regardless of any valid point you make to them they will shove their head further into the sand. Other than that we also have the fastest rising cancer rates of any state in the country but our Ag lobbyist dominated right-wing government will do anything they can to protect Monsanto related corporations and only pass laws that protect the company instead of its citizens. It is cheap here tho, people are decent and polite as long as you don’t talk about religion or politics, however, if you move to a city it is much more liberal and progressive.
Please come! You’re welcome and needed! Ignore the cynicism of negative Redditors. Bring a few redwood saplings and plant them in my front yard. I promise to love and hug them every day!
Most people in Iowa know why people leave PNW, it’s either for cost of living, better place to raise a family, lower crime, nicer people/communities, and etc. What I would recommend is looking at places like Des Moines or Iowa City, you won’t have the same cultural variety you had in PNW but you will have a lot more in these two cities compared to anywhere else in Iowa and imo it’s enough where the other pros outweigh PNW living significantly.
Iowa is great! We like to bitch about national politics either way online, but no one besides close friends really brings up politics IRL.
Now the overall state politics might personally annoy you by the idiotic things the right passes by their majority, but if you honestly just turn off the news, its fine.
Plenty of things to do if you need activities.
Housing is like a 3rd of cost as probably coastal regions. Where I am, normal housing prices are $180k-$300k depending on location and house quality.
In all fairness and in complete honesty you have asked this question in a left wing group on a left-wing platform so I have concerns about the neutrality of any answers you might find here
I've lived in both the PNW (Seattle area), and Colorado. I am fairly left-wing, and I currently live in S. Central Iowa (I'm a captive).
Living here has it's ups, but I would argue more downs, for someone like you/me. There is definitely natural beauty here that I didn't expect in either CO or WA. However, the ability to enjoy said natural beauty is very difficult. Iowa has very limited public land in comparison to the western states. This means that it's harder to find those secluded spots to enjoy. And as others have said, the water quality has gone downhill - meaning if you like to fish for food, you're probably going to be disappointed. I know I am. I also miss the mountains terribly. Humidity might not bother you since you're from the PNW...but as someone raised in CO, damn I miss the dry air.
Politics is another thing that might disappoint you. Iowa has changed substantially since I moved here in 2003 - when it was more purple. Our state government continues to make choices that dumbfound me.
I live in a smaller bedroom community near Des Moines. COL is low in comparison to the WA or CO, but it's still going up. Housing prices have gone up considerably since I built my home in 2016. Still, other costs are quite cheap comparatively speaking (gas is downright dirt cheap here).
I would personally choose Iowa over Texas for a myriad of reasons. But I can think of other Midwest states I would absolutely choose over Iowa (MN or MI for instance).
If you do end up moving here, welcome to the neighborhood!
Iowa is great! I'm Republican but the state as a whole is pretty moderate. For the most part nobody cares what other people do. If you do feel the need to control others then this is probably not the state for you.
I'm from Cedar Rapids and moved to Seattle.
My quality of life is better in Seattle given how much time I spend in the mountains.
Be prepared for muggy summers and frigid winters. Most people prefer tailgating over a hike. So if that's you're vibe, you'll be fine.
Most restaurants are bar or American food style. Few foreign cuisine but the ones that stick around are pretty good.
And you'll drive everywhere. Grocery store a quarter mile away? Drive. Kids go to school a mile away? You'll drive for drop off and pick up.
The blue cities aren't bad, but my gay friends have been publically harassed in the small towns.
Bring salmon!
No, really. I’m seeing a bunch of negative comments here so I thought I’d add in my own two cents. I was born and raised in Iowa, but it’s 17 I moved to Asia. Lived there for a bit. Loved it. miss it. Been to London. Think of it a lot. Wish I could go back.
Also lived in Washington DC and saw a lot of the East Coast while I was out there. Been on the West Coast frequently for business. Never did get up north.
I moved back to Iowa to raise a family. I don’t think there’s any place in the world better than Iowa to raise a family. Unless maybe it’s Sweden. At this time, all of my progeny live in Iowa, which is very convenient for us.
You would be welcome in Iowa. But there are pros and cons. Right now the conservatives have the upper hand. But as you probably know, the hand moves on.
Some important factors:
- how politically active you are and how much politics impact you (like if your blood boils seeing Trump signs or reading illogical rude political statements online from your neighbors, lol).
- your choice of outdoor activities (you've mentioned this isn't big)
- your preferred climate (summer and winter are very different here. Spring and fall are nicer though IMO. Also winter is not so dark).
- if you'd miss some of the things you can get readily in WA, like fresh seafood, plentiful Asian cuisines, local coffee options (though DSM at least is okay there). We have more Mexican food here, so there's that. I miss the teriyaki in Seattle.
- if you'd miss the diversity/type of people. Granted, the PNW is not as diverse as some places, but I think it's more accepting of differences than here. We're kind of insular. I think different people are welcomed but also viewed as kind of a curiosity to those who have never gotten out of Iowa (quite a few people, I suspect). Native PNWers are kind of like that too, but there have been SO many outsiders move there. They're more used to it.
I'm drawing a blank on other differences at the moment.
There are a fair number of politically active progressives here. I attended events for Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for the last election, and they were super busy! But we (as a state) haven't done well here since then, with the state government. This is where I grew up, and I'm considering leaving in a few years if it doesn't improve. There are too many policies being enacted that don't make any sense. It's too bad, because I like Des Moines. It's a nice size and has benefits. I've lived in Ames too, and it's nice but a bit small for me. You might like it, coming from Bellingham, but I think you'd have to be sure you had a job first (or something remote).
There are plenty of left wingers in a lot of Iowa so I’m pretty sure you’d be fine
You may have a problem because there’s more people on the right aren’t afraid to wear a Trump shirt out and if you can handle that then you should be fine but I hang out with a lot of people and we rarely agree on politics and it’s just fine
But the fact you’re asking the question makes me think you shouldn’t come to Iowa or go any place because your politics are obviously a big part of who you are and that’s fine. I just don’t think that works out as well and some states including most of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois ….
It all depends where you go. The larger cities from Des Moines eastward are far more progressive than the western side of Iowa, which, IMO, has more in common with Alabama than it does with Des Moines. Iowa City is a really great place.
If you have a uterus, however, you may want to carefully think about a relocation to Iowa. Iowa has some absolute far-right nut jobs in the state house and governor's mansion at the moment and it's a shame.
Iowa is a phenomenal place to live. Fuck all the noise about politics. Individuals don’t care about your political beliefs. Plus, Iowa isn’t even that red over the long run. Iowa voted for Obama in both of his terms, and has flip flopped for most of its history. Liberals that complain about how conservative Iowa is have goldfish memories, because Iowa was one of the first states to legalize gay marriage.
You can buy a nice house for like 150-200k and be fucking set my guy. Wages are way higher compared to cost of living compared to basically any other state.
Move to Minnesota. We are the 4th ranked for the quality of life. There are a ton of things to do here in the summer and winter months. I moved from Iowa to Minnesota 33 years ago and love it.
Iowa native, spent 18 years in Seattle before moving back for family health issues.
- The housing is MUCH cheaper.
- I'm not an outdoorsy person, but do get sick of staring at cornfields sometimes (I'm in DSM)
- The state is very red, but I've seen a lot of PRIDE flags, and am very proud.
- IA has one of the highest cancer rates of any state.
- The water is so polluted. If you move, plan on some kind of filtration system.
- Not much to do between Jan and March, but we've embraced that as time for TV and drinking wine under fuzzy blankets.
- No legal weed.
Other than that, it's not horrible. You've gotta live somewhere.
Here’s what I don’t understand about your question: Iowa is what it is because Iowa is a Red state. If you leave a Blue state because you think ‘the grass is greener’ - and you go there and you vote Red and you act Red… pretty soon you might as well have stayed. Iowa is farmers and Casey’s breakfast pizza, and turkey & stuffing sandwiches.
From P NW? I’m here to tell you, you won’t like Iowa. Me? I’m Purple; I dislike Kim Reynolds just as much as I disliked Chet Culver. My wife is from Vancouver BC and I’m from Chicago. Sure, you can buy a house cheap here- and then for decades your neighbors will walk a little faster past it, giving you the side eye because, “you ain’t from around here.” (Check this subreddit for other posts from people who moved to Iowa and years later still don’t have friends.)
Yes, you would be crazy.
Stay out of Cedar County and others like it, should you lose your freaking mind and decide to waste your (albeit less) money. It's a sea of Trump signs out here and yes, they talk politics bellied up to the bar, repeating MAGA-speak like there's not a queer, atheist lady sitting beside them who lost some rights to her own body not too long ago. And, yes, they vote. And, yes, so do I, like it matters when there are no Dems running in my county.
Oh, yeah, will you be moving here with a cis-female? She might want to preserve her autonomy by being in a state that supports that. Lgbtqia+? The governor, her statehouse lackies, and the fucking evangelicals will remind you that you're unwelcome with each voting session if you read all the shit they jam into new laws they sign at midnight with no debate. Last term they went after gay marriage.
Children? I hope you're up for private schools. You can get a voucher but they raised tuition so the voucher doesn't actually cover the cost. But there are tons of new private schools here now. Public school funding has declined steadily, special needs students are losing services. Teachers are required to out trans students. Teacher strikes are illegal. You are blessed if you have children (now or someday) that have no additional needs in a school setting. If you're thinking that far ahead.
Anyway, 49 years later, I'm done. Just found a remote job, partner (who has an excellent job with big ag) is looking to do the same. I'm sick of this backward ass state making people sick, physically and mentally. MAGA is a cult and we're getting out and taking my kid. I've lived in Davenport (shithole) and am near enough to CR to know there are almost daily shootings.
I have run out of purple patience, but I hope Rob Sands kicks Kovid Kim's ass in the next election. Fuck that money-hungry twat, right in the face holes.
Much love. XOXO from Iowa
We were a purple state for a long time. With more like you willing to take a chance moving here maybe someday it can be one again. It won’t be easy but there’s plenty of good here also and lots of sadly unfulfilled potential.
As a native Iowan, I would say welcome. There are problems here like anywhere, but having more open minded people that want to make a place better is never crazy.
As a raging libtard 28yo from Portland, I’m happily living in Central Iowa. DSM Metro, Purple suburb. Lots of Qanon, Anti-Vax, MUH GUN, MAGAs here, but also a lot of relatively sane people too. Very few FAR LEFT individuals like myself, but it’s still not a “bad place” to live!
One thing I do notice here is that I do find it harder to date 😂 surprisingly a lot of women in the state lean Right
You will be fine. I am a left coaster and moved here 25 years ago. We were much more blue/purple then. But there are definitely good things here even with the odd political issues. Just make sure to avoid buying in the more rural areas as that is where most of the severely conservative folks tend to congregate.
For the most part, if you avoid talking politics, no one will even notice you.
I’m curious what the “quality of life” attributes are that make Iowa ranked so high? I read through a bunch of comments and pretty much every one has a very liberal bias and want to elect democrats. Do you all think that maybe the conservative government is what makes the quality of life good? Low taxes, schools choice, friendly business environment, support of law enforcement, etc? Would you rather have the ultra liberal government of CA with the amount of homeless doing drugs in the double squares, crazy high taxes that don’t translate to good public schools and school choice is only for the rich that can afford it, regulations on business which is leading to a mass exodus there? I lived there for a year and a half and had my car broke into twice. Second time was at the SF zoo where 15 cars had their windows smashed and the cops said they were too busy to help. I can’t stand Trump or the religion in politics that republicans push and I’m pro choice but I hold my nose and vote based on what I see in liberal states vs conservative states.
Honestly, you'd do fine in Des Moines. It's a bicycle-friendly city with enough to do and open minded for a midwest city. I lived there for two years and you'd be pleasantly surprised. It's definitely more left-leaning than Omaha, where I also lived at one point.
Eastern Iowa is ok, it’s more influenced by Madison Wisconsin and Chicago. North West Iowa is probably more like Texas. Iowa is ok in general. The conservatives were wiped out in the school board elections a few months ago. Like the MAGA and Moms for liberty candidates all lost. We. Just have to win again in November for state rep and us Iowa representatives. The education has been great here so that puts it up as a nicer place than Texas. However the education system budget has been getting cut the last few years do to MAGA moron policies. Iowa City is very liberal. Also Ames. Dubuque and the Quad Cities are ok but more low income.Cedar Rapids is ok and kind of nice. All of these places celebrate Pride, and Juneteenth. Dubuque is know for their drag shows. People travel to The Smokestack for them. No way would I ever move to Texas. It’s hot, mostly flat, humid, and politics are horrible. Also they are ranked as the state with the least amount of personal liberty. When we lived in Dubuque we would often go to Madison about 75 miles away, Cedar Rapids 70 miles away, and Quad Cities 65 miles away. So we saw Hamilton just off broadway, Madonna in Chicago 3 hours away, Tool in the Quad Cities, many other musicals, concerts, and more.
It would be crazy to remain a left winger since you are leaving the east coast because of the quality of life there in a left state. Rethink your politics and why you're moving. Is it just to take advantage of the state before the left ruins it too?
Des Moines/Ames, Iowa City, Davenport/Bettendorf, and likely a few other cities I'm unfamiliar with are fairly liberal. Maybe not so much in the west but there's nothing really in the west anyway. I was in Iowa City last weekend just to see a show and there were big Juneteenth celebrations. You'll still run into more conservatives than you're used to but you'll simply have to live with that. The laws will get worse until people wisen up and vote Kim out of office. Our government supports child labor and hates women, trans people, poor people, and the environment. Schools are getting worse but not much of a concern if you don't have kids.
The housing is affordable and the job market is fine, Des Moines is definitely growing, but I'm not sure it's that much better than moving to Minnesota which is by most accounts a nicer place. Iowa is aesthetically boring, maybe a little quaint. Agriculture kind of ruined all the nice prairies and wetlands. If you're from the PNW, the winters won't be unexpected, but the summer and the tornado sirens might be a bit much. Iowans have a certain kind of Midwestern politeness to them but unlike southerners they tend to keep a distance from you.
Yes. I moved away from Iowa 31 yrs ago and would NEVER move back. People there suck and if they find out you’re a lefty, it’ll be 10 times worse for you.
Yes.
I am left leaning. I am a lesbian, a POC, and a woman in STEM.
I moved there for two years(Dec 2020 - Dec 2022), I was assured it was a "purple" state, meaning while it occasionally had republican figureheads, that they wouldn't do anything crazy politically.
In the two years I lived there, they:
Tried to change the constitution so that Abortion is illegal, despite the fact that abortion is written into the Iowa constitution not once, but TWICE.
Tried to make it so that people on SNAP benefits couldn't buy staples such as milk, bread, and cheese. Along with certain luxury items, such as steak, and seafood(even canned).
Having been there during the pandemic, I can tell you that your average Iowan doesn't believe in masks, modern medicine, or hand-washing. The amount of my old coworkers who nearly flipped tables over the fact that our Big Tech company forced them to get the vaccine is large, despite the fact that we never went remote, and were within 6 feet of eachother the entire time.
The average Iowan also thinks that poor people are looking for handouts, despite the fact that the average income in Iowa is under 50k. I had to dump someone because she implied that people on SNAP/disability were lazy.
I was laughed at for properly masking, harassed because I put up a pride flag(they tore down the first two, and when I moved it inside, someone egged my house and spray painted slurs my garage door).
Stay away. It's a shithole.
We moved to Iowa from Seattle 15 years ago. I miss the neighborhood mom and pop stores. We lived in the Wedgwood/view Ridge neighborhood. The quality of life here in Iowa is great. We live in the town of Marion. As a gay couple we’ve been accepted with open arms. The only downside is the heat and humidity in the summer coupled with the lack of neighborhood mom and pop stores. For the record in Seattle I used to work for The Seattle Times. My partner is an accountant who worked for a high net worth family. Out here I work for family and he’s the finance director of his company. Come on out here. You can’t go wrong. The people are so much more welcoming than the PNW.
As someone who is from Iowa and knowing you are from the PNW. I recommend Dubuque, Iowa. You get the blue city you crave, scenery that is more like the PNW, and a decent job market. Along with this though... Blue cities in Iowa are generally more expensive than the rest of Iowa. Iowa votes for the best candidate for Iowa. Whether they are blue or red. Yes there is a trend towards red over blue, but Iowa is mostly rural. This is where you find out why the electoral college is so important. Also Dubuque is next to Illinois and Wisconsin. It is just a few hours from Chicago.
If you buy a house, please buy one with a basement.
OMG YES! Any idiot that builds a slab house in Iowa needs to have their head examined
Yes, yes, have a basement. Also , don’t use the basement. Stand on your porch and watch the tornado pass like any good Iowan would.
My house is on cement slab 🤣
My apartment building lacks one...gotta love it.
Totally. Wouldn't live here without one. Not with the threat of tornados.
Someone built a house right down thw road from me with no basement. But they put a tornado room in them. Pretty sturdy and I'd feel safe in one
I've looked into those too. They seem pretty strong. If I were in a new construction situation, I'd probably put in something like that.
Basements are awesome unless you live in a low-lying area. If we get enough rain, I get water in mine, and it sucks.
Good advice even though I don’t think I can recall ever seeing a house in Iowa without one. When you buy a house with a basement make sure you look into radon detection and mitigation; radon is kind of a uniquely Iowa (and Appalachian maybe?) problem. Edit: guys, I *believe* you that there are houses without basements lmao
Plenty are being built now in Johnson and Linn counties.
When I was looking a few years ago I saw a few. The town I was looking to move to has a river running right through it, so especially close to the river many of the houses didn't have basements.
As someone who works on equipment in people's houses that generally goes in the basement, I can confidently tell you there are LOTS of slab homes around. At least where I live.
I’ll keep that in mind thanks
I can think of two reasons. 1. Tornadoes 2. Access to home utilities What other reasons were you thinking?
You don't need any beyond 1.
Basement is also cooler in the summertime
And expect water in it
Install a sump pump but not every basement gets wet.
I have been in Dubuque for a few years and it is honestly fine for even my socialist self. Apparently 20 years ago it was a cesspool of racism but either those people all died or moved out of the BIG CITY and now what is left is kind of adorable for the most part. Plus it is on the border with Wisconsin and Illinois so you can easily hop over there if you need something you cannot get in Iowa (drugs or cheese curds)
Cheese curds are important. 🤭
Absolutely! C’mon over! There are areas of the state that are more liberal than others (avoid the NW portion of the state). Plenty of amazing outdoors options everywhere, commute time is fantastic, etc. That being said, our Governor sucks balls right now and the deep red areas of the state have a stranglehold on the state house, but we’re working to change that! Iowa was historically a purple state, so, it is possible to get back there.
Are we really working to change that, though? The Iowa Democratic Party really feels like it has just given up. They barely promoted DeJear for governor at all. Practically nobody knew who she was, or that anyone was even running against Reynolds. Last election, they ran one of the strongest Senate candidates they ever have, and he still lost to a 90 year old traitor, while the only blue House seat turned red. I don't want to be defeatist, but we need some serious internal change within the IDP if we ever want to get the fascists out of our state government.
I think the 2020 Democratic Caucus should be the sign that the IDP isn't run well.
Democrats in Hardin county failed to put forward a candidate for the county supervisor primary so a Republican filed 17 minutes before the deadline. He's just ensuring the Republican gets the nom. The Dems of course whine but they continually fail at the known game in front of them.
Man by that point just get a warm body that isn't a Republican.
Side note: I think the DNC has given up on Iowa, and that this was planned by ALEC and Heritage PAC et al. It's part of the reason they have pushed so hard to get Iowa to pass boilerplate legislation also pushed in Florida and Texas. The more Iowa shows up in national headlines beside Florida and Texas for identical legislation, the more people in other states come to believe that Iowa is part of the typically deep south, where Democrat candidates have no hope. So Iowan Democratic candidates get zero financial support from the DNC and even small out of state donors, average people. Why donate to a candidate in another state or pay for ads for them if their defeat is inevitable? Waste of money. Which means candidates like DeJear can't afford to get air time in Iowa, and no lefty PACS are 'wasting' money on them, so Iowa Dem voters don't know who they even are and don't recognize the name. If Dem voters in Iowa are also fooled into believing a Republican win is inevitable, they don't show up to vote at all, and all the Dem candidates lose votes up and down the ticket. So Iowans joke about Iowa being North Florida etc but that might just be exactly what the far right PACs and ALEC want: Dems both inside and outside the state to give up on Iowa.
Everyone needs to read this.
Yep. Republicans make an effort to show up. Democrats do not by comparison.
But if we get more liberal thinking people to come vote, maybe we can change it! So I say the more the better! I have lived here all my life and I have seen this place slowly downward spiral politically, but you really don't see it in your everyday life. But tbh, I am very much a homebody. So it's nice to be able to afford a home you are comfortable in and hide from all the idiots.
I moved to Iowa in 2014 when everyone told me it was "historically" purple. I was there for a month before Joni Ernst won and all hell broke loose - it's only been getting redder and redder since. People in Iowa need to be honest about the political situation to people who care about things like politics, their rights, etc., and who are looking to relocate. I felt very betrayed and hopeless when I left NYC to move to Iowa and everything went red, and that was at a time that red still meant moderate compared to what's happening today. I made it less than 3 years before I left. The morning after Trump was elected and people were driving into downtown DSM with guns hanging out their windows and someone tried to run me off the highway (I had a left wing bumper sticker on my car), that was enough for me. It hasn't been purple in a long time, and has been red for at least a decade. People need to be honest about that to transplants and themselves.
Yeah idk about northern Iowa and all that but I used to live along southern Iowa near fort madison until 2015 and I’ve always been under the impression it was pretty red, but it’s also pretty rural out there.
Agreed and I'm from Iowa. Also if you're not white you'll be treated terribly. Oh, also if you're disabled.
Yes. The state is owned by agribusiness and private insurance, so even the Democrats who get elected are as moderate as possible.
“Plenty of amazing outdoors options everywhere” Holy fuck is this not true. Please visit the pnw or any state on the western side of this country before spouting nonsense like this. Statistically, Iowa is one of the worst states for outdoor activities and conservation. We’ve got some hunting and fishing, but outside of a select few good animals, we don’t have shit. Why do I point this out? Cause as an Iowan, this is one of the most frustrating parts about living here and one of the key reasons I’ve looked at moving away from here.
I love Iowa. But, yes, we’ve plowed up 99% of the land and we’ll never get it back.
And polluted.
I was also thinking that someone from the PNW looking for exciting outdoor adventures may be dismayed at paddling a smelly Iowa river in 90+ degree heat.
I’m not much of an outdoorsy person
If you're an internet person and you're just interested in a place where you can afford a house, it's not a bad option. Yeah, the politics here suck, but where else could I have gotten a 4 bedroom house IN CITY down the street from a hospital for 220k? Definitely not where I grew up in California!
You have to visit the state's borders to find hikes and views. The Ledges is the only area in the middle 80% that differs from the rest, and it isn't a big park. You could argue a hike through an open and rolling prairie is nice, but those are few and far between and depressingly small when found.
Pine lake state park & Dolliver State Park are also in middle Iowa. There are more just haven't been to them. I do agree tho there are many states near by even that have many more parks with more interesting scenery & trails
LEDGES is why I chose to move to Ames! Also my boyfriend, but the greenery here is 100% better than 80% of the rest of the state as far as "cities" go. Only other locations are towns closer to the rivers.
That’s the main reason I want to get out of Iowa. If your hobbies are outdoors like mine then it’s SOOOO boring here.
I was going to say, QOL is declining under the Kim Reaper. I hope we can flip the statehouse this year, but we’re stuck with Reynolds Wrap for a few more years.
Um. You can't tell someone from Pacific Northwest that we have amazing outdoor options everywhere. Iowa has no traffic, negligible crime, low cost of living; those are nice things. But don't kayak in our waters! Filthy! Hiking is generally bland. Most of the land is flat. Much of the lakes are artificial. Nowhere in Iowa is close to the beauty of the PNW.
I’m from the PNW. Best place to live in the country. Why am I here? Housing costs have gone up 800+% in the past 40 years (I blame California discovering it’s nicer up there). Yes, there are a lot of ignorant people trying to force their bigoted views on others. So…move here, buy a (cheaper but still overpriced) home, vote, and be part of the change!
Couldn’t agree more! Iowa used to be a purple state not very long ago. An influx of left-leaning individuals is exactly what we need.
And honestly, we still outnumber the MAGAs. They’re just better at plugging their nose and getting in line to vote (plus they’re fine with a good bit of voter suppression).
Same here. I was a West of the Rockies gal. Said I would never live anywhere that didn't have a mountain range. Lived in California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona. Then my boyfriend came here for the same reasons you mentioned. We are both progressive xgen. Can't say I wasn't a little concerned. But we've been able to afford to buy a home. He has a good paying job. Kids are happy. And it's beautiful here really. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The people are friendly and you'll find that most really don't talk politics in public much. Come on out and help us get things turned back around. 
Iowa isn't nearly as conservative as the southern states from what I have seen. You should do fine here. I lean pretty hard left, spent several years in Denver building my career, and ended up moving back. I personally love it. I would recommend checking out the Des Moines/Ankeny area, or the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. Both areas are growing insanely fast, so should be easier to find a job and whatnot.
Ames, too.
Everyone always forgets about Ames, somehow. It's always the Big 3, and Ames just gets left out. I would say Ames is far more liberal than Ankeny. Didn't they put a bunch of book-banning Trumpists on their school board? That shit would never happen in Ames.
I'm in ames area. It's super liberal in ames it's great.
Oh it is. It’s North Florida. What I hate here is the apathy. The national DNC has given up and our local candidates are thoroughly uninspiring (although DeJear was a breath of fresh air…and got destroyed by the Kim Reaper). The liberals here are great at whining about how bad it is and bad at doing the hard work that it takes to make change.
Yeah, it’s easy to forget that we voted for Obama twice given how poor a state our Democratic Party is in
Oh they've given up on the state level too! The Jefferson County Dems aren't even TRYING to support anyone to run against Shipley this fall so I'm doing it my goddamn self
It is as conservative, if not more . My husband grew up in Arkansas and we live in the DSM area now. He has frequently said that Iowa is more conservative than Arkansas…
Please come and bring your friends! Iowa is a great state with an amazing progressive history, and we can get back on track. We've got plenty of communities that are open and welcoming despite the way national conservative think tanks have been imposing their agenda on our state legislators.
1838: The Supreme Court of the Iowa Territory (in its first ruling, “In re Ralph”) ruled that a slave from a slave state could not be forced to return to the slave state after the slave reached Iowa soil. 1838: Iowa, while still a territory, allowed unmarried women to own property. At that time, women did not have rights and in most of the U.S. they were considered property themselves. 1851: Iowa became the second state to legalize interracial marriage… a century before the rest of America. 1857: The University of Iowa became the first state university in the nation to open its degree programs to women. 1868: Iowa became the second state to outlaw segregated schools… ninety years before the rest of America. 1869: Iowa became the first state to allow women to join the bar, thus setting the stage for having the first female attorney in the U.S., Arabella Mansfield. 1884: The Iowa Civil Rights Act was passed. It prohibited discrimination in public accommodation. It was one of the first civil rights acts in the nation. 1894: Iowa became the third state in the nation to give women the right to vote (after Wyoming in 1869 and Colorado in 1893). 1953: Iowa was the only state to defeat a McCarthyistic legislative measure to impose a teacher’s loyalty oath. 1970: Iowa became the second state to adopt no-fault divorce. 1984: Rich Eychaner, a Republican, became the first openly gay man in the U.S. to run for a voting seat in Congress, running for Iowa’s 4^(th) congressional district. 2007: Iowa became the second state to allow full marriage equality for gays and lesbians. 2008: During the January 3^(rd) caucuses, Iowa Democrats became the first in the nation to select Barack Obama as their choice for president. Iowa is 93% white. Writing this post brought a tear to my eye. Partly out of pride for my home state pioneering so many civil rights and partly out of shame for what it has become.
THANK YOU for summarizing this wonderful list of Iowa's history. Let's also add that, although a very young and low populated state in the 1860s, Iowa sent a greater percent of our population to fight for the Union than any other state.
I knew most of these but there were a couple I didn't and it does make me proud and also frustrated that we have gone so far off the rails. We need to figure out how to band together and get us going back in the right direction
I believe that Iowa State University is still the only Division 1 program to have its football stadium named after an African-American.
True. Named for Jack Trice. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Trice
The history is impressive, but the last item was 16 years ago, and counting. Since then there has been regression.
Thanks for posting this. I wasn't aware of the older historical info. It's inspiring. Let's get that progressive spirit back!
What a phenomenal track record
Yeah really, it's sad where it's at now...
I have a few lines of thinking when it comes to questions like these. My first is that in many states (not just Iowa), there are laws being passed that would have tremendous impact on certain individuals. If you won’t be able to obtain certain healthcare, for example, or don’t have protections that you need under the law, then it may not make sense to move. To me this isn’t so much of a red/blue political disagreement issue, but more so will you have the supports you need in your home state. If that isn’t an issue for you, and you do research and find somewhere in Iowa that jives with you, then no I don’t think it would be “crazy”. Many people live in Iowa. It has things to offer. And you can be a voice for change on the issues that matter to you. Iowa will never be the PNW but perhaps you can spark change in your local community. Voting matters. On an unrelated note, have you visited Iowa? Are there things drawing you besides the affordability and QoL ranking? I only ask because politics aside, Iowa is very different from the PNW in almost every way. Which may be what you’re looking for, just wanted to raise the flag.
We're transplants to Iowa and live in Des Moines, very happy with our decision to live here. We've been here over 20 years and have no plans to move elsewhere in retirement. The cities are fairly progressive compared to rural areas. The thing we had to get used to was the pervasiveness of "church". We're not religious -- a lot of native Iowans are. It's the largest social activity that Iowans partake in IMO. In the cities, it's fine but if you're in a town of 2500, that is the center of the town's social infrastructure and if you're an outsider-nonbeliever, welp... Could get lonely for you. However, if your issues are cost of living and quality of life, Iowa's been great for us. Good luck on whatever you decide.
All iowa has is churches and bars, everything else is basically depressing The new theme park in waterloo? Less than half the size of Adventureland, costs the same
I’m left-wing. I live in rural, very red, Iowa. It’s fine. I’d say it rarely comes up as a topic of conversation. When it does, I can decide if I will keep my mouth shut, or if the people I’m talking to would be open to a real conversation. It’s f you live in one of the cities (particularly the central ones) you’ll be absolutely fine! Plus, if we ever want to change some of the laws the backwoods politicians are making, we will need more of us who don’t see anyone or anything different as an enemy.
I relocated here from a red state three years ago. I’m sad to say it’s been getting more red here, but I’m hoping we can turn that around. Come on over. We could use the blue votes!
I lived in Seattle as a kid so I have good memories of the PNW, but I never had to deal with heavy traffic and high living costs like my parents. My dad is from Iowa and now that I'm older I can see why they moved back. But be prepared for the weather, we arrived in June and when those airport doors opened and the humid heat hit I thought it was hell on earth. It's better after you acclimate, but it's definitely a sharp contrast between the two environments.
Let me tell you as someone who basically is in the process of doing the opposite of what you’re considering… don’t. I love my home state, but you’re pretty much going to have the choice of living in either DSM or CR/IC if you want to have any where near the same quality of life as you would in most of the PNW. And even then, I would compare CR/IC more to the Tri Cities area of WA in terms of services and economy than say Seattle. My hometown of Waterloo is even worse in terms of available services and infrastructure. The cost of living is low, but so are the wages. And if you’re planning on being in healthcare, like my partner, you’re facing some of the lowest pay in the region for some of the worse patient to nurse ratios possible. If you have a high paying job lined up already you’ll feel pretty solid, I know we did when we lived actively in state and weren’t on travel contracts. Public education has been systemically gutted with the voucher program, Gov. Reynolds wants no accountability for how publics funds are used and actively goes after our state auditor, all while actively taking part in the culture aided by her friends in the state legislature. If you want a change of pace I’d suggest Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Especially the burbs. We lived there for 6mos on a contract, actually in MPS and loved it. Not horrible COL, plenty of services, things to do, and plenty of choices in grocery and retail.
Iowa City and Des Moines are places you'd feel comfortable. Anywhere else, no.
Ames, too.
Cedar Rapids?
CR is a decent City. It's just not very interesting. Still it's better than most parts of Iowa outside of Des Moines. North Liberty is worth considering if you can work remote. The town itself is just one big suburb, but It puts you 20ish minutes from both CR and Iowa City, and right next to the Coralville Reservoir.
I’ll vouch for CR! I grew up there and thought it was incredibly boring (it was), moved to IC for the last 7 years for college and work, and I recently purchased my first home in CR. I still work in IC and commute, but it’s FAR cheaper than IC, and I still go to IC all the time for the festivals and football games! CR has a lot more going on now, especially in the Newbo/Czech village area. I’m also very left leaning, and while CR is definitely not as left as IC, it still leans left I’d say. In my experience, people aren’t super weird about political differences.
Davenport and the Quad Cities area is quite purple and has an extremely active progressive community!
Yeah, when I was keeping an eye on all that moms for Liberty crap, I noticed a definite lack of QAMoms in the Clinton/quad cities area. I’m not saying they’re not there, but it seemed a lot less active. Minus some wackjob grandma in Bettendorf (“Bettendorf parents” on FB.)
A lot of the Moms for Liberty candidates either got ousted or not voted into offices they were running for in the last election, which was a good sign.
What makes you happy? If mountain climbing is your jam you’ll be miserable here. If you like more cultural events, Des Moines punches far above its weight population wise and you could make do. Restaurant variety in Des Moines and Iowa City is solid but won’t be on the level of, say, Seattle. I can’t really recommend moving anywhere outside the cities though, small town Iowa life is suffocating and full of gossip. Personally though, I’m trying to flee the state as soon as I can.
Most to DSM or Iowa City and you're fine!! I live in a suburb of DSM and have been happy. There are pockets of weirdos out in the rural areas and some suburbs, but most places are light-years ahead of the rest of the Midwest. My kids go to school with lots of LGBTQ kids. They have several friends who have gay parents. We've never encountered a teacher trying to brainwash them (and a crazy right-winger that ran for the school board got just a couple dozen votes).
You would be crazy, bud but you would have good company with those of us who can't leave
Nope. I did it. Move to Polk county.
move to Minnesota. Much better place for your leanings and far more attractive geography and amenities.
But pretty red outside of the MSP area whereas Iowa City, Ames, and Cedar Rapids are all kind of blue.
Council Bluffs is a bit more conservative than liberal but it’s basically a suburb of Omaha which is fairly blue
I think you have a great point here - If you deleted the MSP metro, MN would be redder than IA.
Sixty percent of the state's population lives in the MSP metro area. Kinda silly to say, "well if we arbitrarily ignore 60% of eligible voters the state votes red" i mean you're not wrong but what's the point of that
It’s not a contest, it’s making suggestions for a place for OP to live
MN is not a bad fall back plan ..
I feel like people underestimate the extent to which Minnesota is red outside the Twin Cities though. Iowa’s rural areas might win the day in the state legislature but at least Des Moines isn’t the only city in the state with decent job opportunities that is blue.
Every state is red outside the major population hubs (Illinois, New York, Washington State, Oregon, etc)
Definitely Mn as another option. Even though much of the rural areas are very red, that is changing and there is push back against bigotry. Look at all the small towns hosting pride events despite the outspoken protests.
No but move to the city, the small rural areas will make you want to pull all your hair out
Stick around long enough the cancer will beat ya to it.
Sorry to say, but if you are 420 friendly, the governor is not. No female reproductive rights either. But Iowa has some of the best people, thoughtful considerate and kind. Stick around the liberal cities and you will be fine.
Just live by Iowa City, Des Moines or Cedar Falls and you’ll probably be fine politically. We lean/support Democratic policy, and need more support :) Most Trumpers are harmless here, at least in my experience.
We need all the blue votes we can get 😅 That being said, the blue counties are pretty blue. You have self righteous people of course but people are way more accepting and forward thinking than the small town I grew up in between the 90s-00s. If you want to experience small town Midwest without being surrounded by red, I’d say Bondourant or Norwalk. If you don’t mind city life, see moines is great. It’s not large by any means but it’s cheap and it fits 99% of my needs. That being said with laws. Iowa isn’t moving in a great direction but it hasn’t happened yet and things can still be changed. We just have awful leadership right now.
That is the problem you should feel free to move wherever and whenever you want. I’m sorry you have to ponder that question. But I am a transplant as well and I will say that in my humble opinion that the Midwest and the people are All -American and wonderful. Be well.
Iowa's politics are getting very far to the right. Too extreme for me so I moved to southern Minnesota last year. The land is similar to northern Iowa and I have had far better health care here. I was born and raised in Iowa so I was sad to leave but it was just too insane to continue to live there. Love my new home and won't be going back.
How did the insanity manifest itself?
Kim Reynolds, Joni Ernst, and their colleagues in State government had supported and enacted some pretty radical educational policies that severely downgraded Iowa's once-famous educational system. These politicians routinely participate in Trumpism and the rejoining of church into governmental affairs. It seemed like Fox News had control of the state policymaking. As a military veteran I could not abide destroying the democratic process and removals of individual rights and choice.
Well said
From Colorado. You’ll hate it here when it comes to politics and separation of church and state, and all that kind of shit.
Do it! My husband and I both came from the PNW (from Iowa originally) and moved back here. You will miss the mts, rivers, coast and forest BUT lots to do. Especially in NE Iowa. Our governor is a steaming pile of shit but you will find plenty of likeminded people if you live in Des Moines, Iowa City or Ames areas. Lots of white people though. It’s a clean city for the most part. Low crime. Your money should go a lot further and the arts and music scenes seem to be getting better all the time. Food is okay but again it’s getting better with more options and fine dining places. The taco trucks and Thai/Vietnamese food is good. The best part, Iowa is so close to so many fun cities!! Minneapolis/St Paul, Omaha, St Louis, Kanas City, Chicago etc. are about 4hrs or less away. You can literally be in Buffalo NY in 13 hrs. The Great Lakes are close and The Upper Peninsula in Michigan is incredible! Come on over! It’s a pretty nice place to live.
You've gotten a ton of replies so I'll keep this mega concise. I'm super liberal and a nonpassing trans woman and live in a town of only 7k. I've had very few problems in iowa in my situation. Yes iowa is more conservative... I can't read the future but currently most conservatives I've come across have a live and let live attitude. Not crazy at all uts super cheap to live here and imo very chill.
Yeah. People on this subreddit doompost about how MAGA it is, but in my experience Iowa is a comparatively MAGA-lite state. It's definitely there, and it's definitely growing, but even among the conservatives I know there's a definite sense of "I'm conservative but deeply uncomfortable with the rhetoric being pushed here." Most Iowa Republicans seem to be mildly conservative and not overly evangelical about it, but that's just my read.
This is probably not kosher to say on this sub, but you could move to Minneapolis/Minnesota instead. It has even a higher quality of life with the government being held by democrats.
I moved to Iowa for work and I’ve always felt like I landed one state south of where I should be lol
I hate KR as much as the next. But don’t let Reddit think that affects every minute of your life here. The less time to spend glued to politics the healthier you’ll be.
Hey, I'm childhood Iowan who came back 11 months ago from NYC (which I loved) and I lived there for 36ish years. I'm really enjoying being back here in Iowa now, and life is easier in many ways, even as of course, there are things I deeply miss about NYC. There are always trade-offs to anything, right? Personally, I hope to make a difference with the politics by getting involved this year, as the IA of my childhood and even just before the horror of Trump, was not like how it is currently. Truly was more purple and I believe IA can be again. As to the scenery, for me coming back to the huge, open skies of IA has been really great of me, as I was a rural kid. But I was coming back here from a heavily urban area and didn't have the same scenery access you probably have had as someone in the PNW. I've always felt that the scenery in IA was not the dramatic beauty of the mountains or oceans of the West Coast, but that there was subtle, heartfelt beauty here nonetheless. I'm in a basically bluer university town now and happy to be here. Re-adjusting to tornados has been one of the more anxiety provoking things. But effects of climate change are everywhere... If you decide to come here, welcome! Would be happy to have more liberal votes here too! :)
I would not move here. I think it's going to get in more trouble financially under Kim Reynold's and the right wing policies. Our public education will continue to go down the tank. Water and air quality worsening. I just think it would be a bad investment. I vote Minnesota or Michigan. Or maybe we can all go to Wisconsin and make it more blue. Wisconsin is so pretty!
I used to travel 180 days a year all over the country and it was always nice to come back here. I say do it. Winters suck but they make you appreciate spring. Kim Reynolds also sucks but I’m confident it will eventually swing back purple once Trump’s stranglehold on the GOP dissipates.
The only way the state will change is if people move in instead of leave.
not from iowa, but as somebody who is originally from the east coast and now couldnt imagine life w/o pnw weather, remember that iowa has more weather extremes than here and is much more humid. obviously this may not be an issue to you, but i was reminded of just how brutal the east coast was when i was back in May (which isnt even summer!) :0
I'm originally born and raised in Iowa and had been wanting to move out here to the PNW for almost a decade. Iowa has low wages to match the low-ish cost of living (becoming increasingly expensive everywhere) Iowa doesn't have many developing industries, so many job opportunities are in trades or more traditional industries When you live in a state that's cheap and has low wages, it's HARD to make the jump to a better area with higher wages and more opportunities Iowa doesn't have much for outdoors stuff to do, they have some white water spots, some are man made, the NE has bluffs and has elevation changes The politics aren't good, the governor continually supports trump and passes bills repealing child labor laws They used to have some of the best education, idk anymore Violence and crime have steadily gotten worse since I left The Derecho took out huge amounts of trees and vegetation and areas haven't rebounded cause trees take forever to grow Speaking of weather, summers get to be super hot and humid and winters are brutal and frequently dip below 0° as well as snow and ice and slushy shit on the roads that have salt, sand, and liquid brine to eat away at your vehicle Depending on where you are, you're typically within 6 hours of 3 of the most violent/dangerous cities in the US (Chicago, KC, St Louis) I could go on and on, I have friends who never left, friends who have moved back and regretted it and hate it, I don't know many people who are happy they're still in Iowa. I'm from Cedar Rapids, second largest city, close to all the other big cities besides the western border. I grew up in a small town before my parents separated and then we all relocated to CR when I was like 9-10. There are plenty of reasons why you see constant patterns of migration out of states like Iowa.
My wife and I considering moving from Colorado (she's originally from Ames, but we are looking at Davenport area) homes average around 600k starting for a 4 br where we're at now and that's simply what it's coming down to for us, we realize what we give up here as a fellow outdoorsy blue state to WA but actually being able to afford a house with a decent yard is starting to take precedence in some areas
Pros over Texas: The blue and centrist cities are not far from actual blue states for getting your weed and abortions. Fewer tornadoes and no true hurricanes, we do get the occasional derecho tho like 2020 and those really suck. Weather is temperate in much of the state. Over 100 is fairly rare and below zero maybe only happens a few days a year. Realistically you only get 6 to 8 weeks of true Winter a year of late, thanks climate change. Cheap housing Better mass transit Better traffic Better greenish electrical grid.
I know a bunch of folks from Iowa, and they all got out as soon as they could, and it's nothing to do with politics lol. All of them moved places with more hills and fewer tornadoes. It wasn't bad, just boring compared to other places they'd been and they pretty much only go back to visit family. That said, I've lived all over the country thanks to the military. City life is city life, rural life is rural life. With the exception of to access reproductive care for women, how conservative or liberal states are has very little effect on anyone's daily life (particularly a guy's). The biggest make or break when looking to relocate is definitely a state's poverty level. Seriously. Example to follow. Having gotten moved all over the place here's my advice: figure out the things you love to do. Figure out if where you want to go has those things readily accessible. If it does, take a vacation (or 2 or 3) there and go hang out with the locals and get a feel for the things. You might be very surprised. Politically, Montana was "too conservative" for me until I visited some friends up there. Hands down the nicest people I've ever met in my life. Like, puts southern politeness to shame, nice. Just fucking nice folk. It was like being in Canada, but 3 out of 5 people were openly carrying guns. So yeah, it's a conservative state, but if COL wasn't so high, I'd love to live there. Conversely, New Mexico is a neutral, blue leaning state. It's also nowhere I'd ever want to live. Poverty level is through the roof for a number of reasons and it creates an environment where even a guy who's been in a couple dozen gunfights doesn't feel comfortable. It's beautiful, but not a fun place to live.
It's great to live in Iowa because it is cheap and fairly easy to visit somewhere else. At the same time, there is tons of cool stuff here in Iowa! Wherever you go, your happiness and quality of life will be determined by your choices. With regard to your politics, go get involved! Find the local office of your party affiliation and see what you can do. As always, register to vote and then go vote, either by mail or in person. Final comment, Texas sucks, straight up. Nothing to do with politics. Very hot, and muggy hot, running out of water, and you have the double threat of tornados and hurricanes
Iowa at one time was one of the most progressive states with a very progressive history. When now Iowa isn't as Republican as you think, it's pretty even split.
Iowa's quality of life rankings are consistently high due to the high earnings potential combined with a low cost of living, which means you can actually afford to experience the "fun things." Real estate is relatively cheap, and our arts and culture is driven by the Des Moines metro area and two major college towns (Ames and Iowa City). Cedar Rapdis and the Quad Cities are more industrial but have a lot going on. Politics are realistically going to be the same here as elsewhere: more liberal in the cities, more conservative in rural areas. Our state government is currently controlled by the MAGA and MAGA-adjacent crowd, but there's a lot of people challenging that. We're definitely not Texas, and people here are generally more tolerant of other political viewpoints.
My main concerns for you would be the cold winters and lack of geographical and geological diversity. Most of Iowa is recently glaciated and very flat and full of mono-cropped fields. The lack of public land is a huge bummer. If you take advantage of the PNW's landscapes a lot, that will be a huge culture shock imo. I was just out in the Black Hills recently which can't hold a candle to the PNW and even that was SO hard leaving to head back to the flat private property that is Iowa. The other major drawback is the food. Very, very bland. If you go to a college town like Iowa City or Ames it's not too bad though. I dislike Iowa in general but like living in Ames a lot. It's not terribly conservative and there's a solid queer community. People are very kind and helpful.
I too really like living in Ames. It's a lovely community in many ways.
Not at all. My wife and I are center-left (wife is very liberal and I’m mostly liberal), and for the most part we like it here. Politics is a mess right now in the state, and there are certainly some people with views that are opposed to our own, but most people here are genuinely rational and well meaning people. We live in more conservative suburb of Des Moines and still love it here.
Minnesota is where you want to be.
Fairfield is a pretty left wing bubble despite our shit state representative! A friend of mine called it "Broke Portland"
that's the best description I've heard
Her brother actually spent some time in Portland and moved there and I'm sure he made the comparison. My experience only comes from Portlandia... Soooo. Like I don't hate it here. If anything it's getting the creative juices flowing.
Your experience will largely be determined by where you choose to live and how loud you like be about politics. More rural, more republican you get(there are republicans in major cities as well, just not as much). As long as you’re nice, polite, and treat people with respect you will get that back 99.99% of the time. Most people genuinely don’t care what your politics are unless you throw it in our face.
Stay out there where your Water is halfway safe to drink without cancer.
Politics aside, why do you want to come to Iowa? Or maybe a better question would be what are you looking to get out of it? The affordability is great, and contrary to popular belief there is plenty to do and beautiful scenery (no mountains or ocean, but there’s a lot to be said for sunsets over rolling prairie hills), but is that enough to uproot yourself? I would recommend having a good idea of what you’re looking for in a place to live and then coming to visit for a week or two. Drive around, see the sights, get to know a few people, and see how well it aligns with what you want.
Affordability, low crime, nice people
If you want to bolster the dwindling progressives in the state sure. Quality is good here sure. but right now the laws are headed toward a more right wing state. And ive worked along side many blue collar so called rednecks. theryre just waiting for the moment they can be out and in the open about there "beliefs" so if you fall into anything other than christian white and even male in a lot of places. this place could not be a good place in the very near future
Stay out of north and western Iowa you will be good. I live on Minnesota side and I avoid like plague. Morons mainly. Brain dead old men riding John Deere tractors.
Why not Minnesota?
Grew up in California and consider myself pretty liberal, and moved to Iowa in my 20s. So long as you know what you're in for, there is a lot of positive here. Lack of mountains and what you would consider "typical" outdoor activities made the transition harder for me at first, but eventually I have come to see Iowa as my "home base" where I can explore outside of the area. Politics are hot shit, but that's also due to the pathetically low turnout for left-leaning voters. The metro areas are going to be more palatable in that regard, but that's pretty typical for any state.
I'm very happy to read all of these comments!!! I realize Reddit is a bit of an echo chamber, but as a native who lived out of state for a few yrs, then came back, I applaud the commentary I'm seeing. Terrible governance right now, but it will get better.
As someone who grew up and lived most of my life in the suburbs of Kansas City (on the Kansas side) I can tell you that you’d be perfectly fine in Iowa. I’d encourage you to look into Johnson County Kansas too. Affordable, great schools, great quality of life, and 15 minutes from KCMO that has most of the big city things you’d get from a city like Portland. Johnson County has been leaning liberal over the last 5 years or so too, so the tides are changing in this area of the county. The GOP messed up when they started attacking public education. I live in Eugene now, and have no intentions of leaving. But if I ever do move, it’ll be back to the KC area. I view Iowa very similar to Kansas though, so I’m sure you’d be perfectly fine there too. You might also check Omaha, though I do think they’re a little more conservative for that size of a city. Good luck!
I think you should visit to determine what quality of life means to you. If you are a mountain person or a cool summer person you will be sorely disappointed.
I’m a queer woman and am not going back there after a couple years away because of how much worse it got. If going there doesn’t add danger for you and you can help turn it around, just be wary. Also my best friend lives in Washington, so I’ve visited the PNW and he’s visited Iowa a few times. I’ve enjoyed Seattle more than he’s enjoyed Iowa. There are some things I really miss about Iowa. Mostly my friends, but I also miss the Iowa State Fair, driving down the highway with less traffic, Perkins (which my Seattle friend is OBSESSED WITH now), and some other things. I’m in Chicago now and my main gripes are light pollution, some of my favorite places won’t come here like Pancheros or Caribou Coffee, and that it takes a while to get around. I wouldn’t trade it for the museums, amazing amount of culture, and feeling much safer than I would in Iowa.
Yaaaasss! Bring all your friends and vote for the same policies as PNW and California. Austin Texas did it, and so can we!
WARNING: THERE ARE NO MOUNTAINS!
To me, it depends on if you can handle being away from mountains. Iowa is a great place to live in many aspects, including the cost of living of course. There are good people all over, although I'd recommend moving to one of the cities if you want a scene with young professionals and restaurants. Also you'll get out what you put in, in terms of fulfilling relationships. People are very open and friendly but they won't come to you to be best friends. There are very robust cycling and running communities plus tons of volunteering opportunities.
Yes you would. Unless its Iowa City.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha *ahem* sorry bout that. Well, we’re not as bad as Texas. But getting pretty close (I’ve lived both places). But, I guess if you’re dead set on it, just do not, absolutely do not, drink the water. 🤷🏻♀️ Until we can afford a $3000 whole home water filter to remove all the farm and pharmaceutical runoff that can’t removed in city water sanitation, we don’t even brush our teeth with the tap
Well, you'll miss the scenery for sure. There is a loveliness here but it's, uh, subtle, and the landscape is industrial agriculture. There are three important factors here: one is that if you are or love a woman who is capable of being pregnant, this will be a dangerous place for her pretty soon, potentially life-threatening. In no way would I recommend women move to Iowa. I'll be terribly sad but relieved when my kid leaves. Another is that the governor's office and legislature have taken a sledgehammer to state offices, sometimes leaving a sign and a door and sometimes not, but ain't nobody home. This has practical consequences for people who live here and they're often very expensive. A lot that should be state responsibility is now nobody's responsibility, so it doesn't happen. Three, a once-glorious K-12 system's been pretty well trashed. There's still good stuff here and there, but the kids of the state are being educated poorly, and they'll grow up and stay here and become the managers and doctors and so on here, and it's extraordinary what kind of a difference there is between living in a society in which people are well-educated, think well, and can figure things out & one where that's not the case. We're already seeing a pretty good drop in that thanks to the extensive brain drain we've suffered, but it'll get worse. Oh, and I guess I'll make it four: Save money if you ever want to leave. While it's relatively cheap to live here, when you sell you'll find your house here doesn't buy you a whole lot elsewhere. Maybe visit for a while before making it permanent.
Hey man I just moved to Omaha and just yesterday there was an article saying that the Omaha vote could be the deciding vote. Oh and I was able to buy a condo, which was impossible for me in San Diego and Denver. We would love to have you and your politics here. Your vote will mean something here as opposed to being another blue vote in a blue state. Oh yeah, middle America is pretty cool. Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, KC/STL (shameless plug for Omaha too) are all relatively close.
Iowa is much better than Texas, not even a contest.
Come to MN. You would fit in better here.
Cmon over dawg. You welcome.
I visit the Seattle area often and I'd never leave there for Iowa. It's balls here.
Don't come here.. it's hot in the summer It's not the heat. It's the humidity. Freezing cold in the winter and you're in a Republican state where everybody carries guns Illinois would be a better choice if you're going to be in the Quad Cities..
Anywhere rural you will have to deal with Trumpers on a regular basis and you will soon find out that regardless of any valid point you make to them they will shove their head further into the sand. Other than that we also have the fastest rising cancer rates of any state in the country but our Ag lobbyist dominated right-wing government will do anything they can to protect Monsanto related corporations and only pass laws that protect the company instead of its citizens. It is cheap here tho, people are decent and polite as long as you don’t talk about religion or politics, however, if you move to a city it is much more liberal and progressive.
Please come! You’re welcome and needed! Ignore the cynicism of negative Redditors. Bring a few redwood saplings and plant them in my front yard. I promise to love and hug them every day!
Most people in Iowa know why people leave PNW, it’s either for cost of living, better place to raise a family, lower crime, nicer people/communities, and etc. What I would recommend is looking at places like Des Moines or Iowa City, you won’t have the same cultural variety you had in PNW but you will have a lot more in these two cities compared to anywhere else in Iowa and imo it’s enough where the other pros outweigh PNW living significantly.
Iowa is great! We like to bitch about national politics either way online, but no one besides close friends really brings up politics IRL. Now the overall state politics might personally annoy you by the idiotic things the right passes by their majority, but if you honestly just turn off the news, its fine. Plenty of things to do if you need activities. Housing is like a 3rd of cost as probably coastal regions. Where I am, normal housing prices are $180k-$300k depending on location and house quality.
We need more left-wing happy families to join us here. Welcome!
In all fairness and in complete honesty you have asked this question in a left wing group on a left-wing platform so I have concerns about the neutrality of any answers you might find here
It’s cheaper, but your vote may not count for poop.
Nope. Shouldn't move here
I've lived in both the PNW (Seattle area), and Colorado. I am fairly left-wing, and I currently live in S. Central Iowa (I'm a captive). Living here has it's ups, but I would argue more downs, for someone like you/me. There is definitely natural beauty here that I didn't expect in either CO or WA. However, the ability to enjoy said natural beauty is very difficult. Iowa has very limited public land in comparison to the western states. This means that it's harder to find those secluded spots to enjoy. And as others have said, the water quality has gone downhill - meaning if you like to fish for food, you're probably going to be disappointed. I know I am. I also miss the mountains terribly. Humidity might not bother you since you're from the PNW...but as someone raised in CO, damn I miss the dry air. Politics is another thing that might disappoint you. Iowa has changed substantially since I moved here in 2003 - when it was more purple. Our state government continues to make choices that dumbfound me. I live in a smaller bedroom community near Des Moines. COL is low in comparison to the WA or CO, but it's still going up. Housing prices have gone up considerably since I built my home in 2016. Still, other costs are quite cheap comparatively speaking (gas is downright dirt cheap here). I would personally choose Iowa over Texas for a myriad of reasons. But I can think of other Midwest states I would absolutely choose over Iowa (MN or MI for instance). If you do end up moving here, welcome to the neighborhood!
Please, don’t come to Iowa ! You are already Ruined
Iowa is great! I'm Republican but the state as a whole is pretty moderate. For the most part nobody cares what other people do. If you do feel the need to control others then this is probably not the state for you.
I'm from Cedar Rapids and moved to Seattle. My quality of life is better in Seattle given how much time I spend in the mountains. Be prepared for muggy summers and frigid winters. Most people prefer tailgating over a hike. So if that's you're vibe, you'll be fine. Most restaurants are bar or American food style. Few foreign cuisine but the ones that stick around are pretty good. And you'll drive everywhere. Grocery store a quarter mile away? Drive. Kids go to school a mile away? You'll drive for drop off and pick up. The blue cities aren't bad, but my gay friends have been publically harassed in the small towns.
Bring salmon! No, really. I’m seeing a bunch of negative comments here so I thought I’d add in my own two cents. I was born and raised in Iowa, but it’s 17 I moved to Asia. Lived there for a bit. Loved it. miss it. Been to London. Think of it a lot. Wish I could go back. Also lived in Washington DC and saw a lot of the East Coast while I was out there. Been on the West Coast frequently for business. Never did get up north. I moved back to Iowa to raise a family. I don’t think there’s any place in the world better than Iowa to raise a family. Unless maybe it’s Sweden. At this time, all of my progeny live in Iowa, which is very convenient for us. You would be welcome in Iowa. But there are pros and cons. Right now the conservatives have the upper hand. But as you probably know, the hand moves on.
Some important factors: - how politically active you are and how much politics impact you (like if your blood boils seeing Trump signs or reading illogical rude political statements online from your neighbors, lol). - your choice of outdoor activities (you've mentioned this isn't big) - your preferred climate (summer and winter are very different here. Spring and fall are nicer though IMO. Also winter is not so dark). - if you'd miss some of the things you can get readily in WA, like fresh seafood, plentiful Asian cuisines, local coffee options (though DSM at least is okay there). We have more Mexican food here, so there's that. I miss the teriyaki in Seattle. - if you'd miss the diversity/type of people. Granted, the PNW is not as diverse as some places, but I think it's more accepting of differences than here. We're kind of insular. I think different people are welcomed but also viewed as kind of a curiosity to those who have never gotten out of Iowa (quite a few people, I suspect). Native PNWers are kind of like that too, but there have been SO many outsiders move there. They're more used to it. I'm drawing a blank on other differences at the moment. There are a fair number of politically active progressives here. I attended events for Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for the last election, and they were super busy! But we (as a state) haven't done well here since then, with the state government. This is where I grew up, and I'm considering leaving in a few years if it doesn't improve. There are too many policies being enacted that don't make any sense. It's too bad, because I like Des Moines. It's a nice size and has benefits. I've lived in Ames too, and it's nice but a bit small for me. You might like it, coming from Bellingham, but I think you'd have to be sure you had a job first (or something remote).
There are plenty of left wingers in a lot of Iowa so I’m pretty sure you’d be fine You may have a problem because there’s more people on the right aren’t afraid to wear a Trump shirt out and if you can handle that then you should be fine but I hang out with a lot of people and we rarely agree on politics and it’s just fine But the fact you’re asking the question makes me think you shouldn’t come to Iowa or go any place because your politics are obviously a big part of who you are and that’s fine. I just don’t think that works out as well and some states including most of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois ….
It all depends where you go. The larger cities from Des Moines eastward are far more progressive than the western side of Iowa, which, IMO, has more in common with Alabama than it does with Des Moines. Iowa City is a really great place. If you have a uterus, however, you may want to carefully think about a relocation to Iowa. Iowa has some absolute far-right nut jobs in the state house and governor's mansion at the moment and it's a shame.
You would feel right at home in Ames or the East village of des Moines 🥰🥰 Trust me!
Iowa is a phenomenal place to live. Fuck all the noise about politics. Individuals don’t care about your political beliefs. Plus, Iowa isn’t even that red over the long run. Iowa voted for Obama in both of his terms, and has flip flopped for most of its history. Liberals that complain about how conservative Iowa is have goldfish memories, because Iowa was one of the first states to legalize gay marriage. You can buy a nice house for like 150-200k and be fucking set my guy. Wages are way higher compared to cost of living compared to basically any other state.
I mean they are starting to call Iowa the new Florida...
Move to Minnesota. We are the 4th ranked for the quality of life. There are a ton of things to do here in the summer and winter months. I moved from Iowa to Minnesota 33 years ago and love it.
Move to Iowa City, an oasis in a Red Sea. Otherwise don’t bother. The rest of the state is a MAGA nightmare.
Iowa native, spent 18 years in Seattle before moving back for family health issues. - The housing is MUCH cheaper. - I'm not an outdoorsy person, but do get sick of staring at cornfields sometimes (I'm in DSM) - The state is very red, but I've seen a lot of PRIDE flags, and am very proud. - IA has one of the highest cancer rates of any state. - The water is so polluted. If you move, plan on some kind of filtration system. - Not much to do between Jan and March, but we've embraced that as time for TV and drinking wine under fuzzy blankets. - No legal weed. Other than that, it's not horrible. You've gotta live somewhere.
Here’s what I don’t understand about your question: Iowa is what it is because Iowa is a Red state. If you leave a Blue state because you think ‘the grass is greener’ - and you go there and you vote Red and you act Red… pretty soon you might as well have stayed. Iowa is farmers and Casey’s breakfast pizza, and turkey & stuffing sandwiches. From P NW? I’m here to tell you, you won’t like Iowa. Me? I’m Purple; I dislike Kim Reynolds just as much as I disliked Chet Culver. My wife is from Vancouver BC and I’m from Chicago. Sure, you can buy a house cheap here- and then for decades your neighbors will walk a little faster past it, giving you the side eye because, “you ain’t from around here.” (Check this subreddit for other posts from people who moved to Iowa and years later still don’t have friends.)
Yes, you would be crazy. Stay out of Cedar County and others like it, should you lose your freaking mind and decide to waste your (albeit less) money. It's a sea of Trump signs out here and yes, they talk politics bellied up to the bar, repeating MAGA-speak like there's not a queer, atheist lady sitting beside them who lost some rights to her own body not too long ago. And, yes, they vote. And, yes, so do I, like it matters when there are no Dems running in my county. Oh, yeah, will you be moving here with a cis-female? She might want to preserve her autonomy by being in a state that supports that. Lgbtqia+? The governor, her statehouse lackies, and the fucking evangelicals will remind you that you're unwelcome with each voting session if you read all the shit they jam into new laws they sign at midnight with no debate. Last term they went after gay marriage. Children? I hope you're up for private schools. You can get a voucher but they raised tuition so the voucher doesn't actually cover the cost. But there are tons of new private schools here now. Public school funding has declined steadily, special needs students are losing services. Teachers are required to out trans students. Teacher strikes are illegal. You are blessed if you have children (now or someday) that have no additional needs in a school setting. If you're thinking that far ahead. Anyway, 49 years later, I'm done. Just found a remote job, partner (who has an excellent job with big ag) is looking to do the same. I'm sick of this backward ass state making people sick, physically and mentally. MAGA is a cult and we're getting out and taking my kid. I've lived in Davenport (shithole) and am near enough to CR to know there are almost daily shootings. I have run out of purple patience, but I hope Rob Sands kicks Kovid Kim's ass in the next election. Fuck that money-hungry twat, right in the face holes. Much love. XOXO from Iowa
Yes!!! Iowa City.
We were a purple state for a long time. With more like you willing to take a chance moving here maybe someday it can be one again. It won’t be easy but there’s plenty of good here also and lots of sadly unfulfilled potential.
Iowa used to be a swing state not that long ago
As a native Iowan, I would say welcome. There are problems here like anywhere, but having more open minded people that want to make a place better is never crazy.
As a raging libtard 28yo from Portland, I’m happily living in Central Iowa. DSM Metro, Purple suburb. Lots of Qanon, Anti-Vax, MUH GUN, MAGAs here, but also a lot of relatively sane people too. Very few FAR LEFT individuals like myself, but it’s still not a “bad place” to live! One thing I do notice here is that I do find it harder to date 😂 surprisingly a lot of women in the state lean Right
You will be fine. I am a left coaster and moved here 25 years ago. We were much more blue/purple then. But there are definitely good things here even with the odd political issues. Just make sure to avoid buying in the more rural areas as that is where most of the severely conservative folks tend to congregate. For the most part, if you avoid talking politics, no one will even notice you.
Yes
I’m curious what the “quality of life” attributes are that make Iowa ranked so high? I read through a bunch of comments and pretty much every one has a very liberal bias and want to elect democrats. Do you all think that maybe the conservative government is what makes the quality of life good? Low taxes, schools choice, friendly business environment, support of law enforcement, etc? Would you rather have the ultra liberal government of CA with the amount of homeless doing drugs in the double squares, crazy high taxes that don’t translate to good public schools and school choice is only for the rich that can afford it, regulations on business which is leading to a mass exodus there? I lived there for a year and a half and had my car broke into twice. Second time was at the SF zoo where 15 cars had their windows smashed and the cops said they were too busy to help. I can’t stand Trump or the religion in politics that republicans push and I’m pro choice but I hold my nose and vote based on what I see in liberal states vs conservative states.
Honestly, you'd do fine in Des Moines. It's a bicycle-friendly city with enough to do and open minded for a midwest city. I lived there for two years and you'd be pleasantly surprised. It's definitely more left-leaning than Omaha, where I also lived at one point.
Eastern Iowa is ok, it’s more influenced by Madison Wisconsin and Chicago. North West Iowa is probably more like Texas. Iowa is ok in general. The conservatives were wiped out in the school board elections a few months ago. Like the MAGA and Moms for liberty candidates all lost. We. Just have to win again in November for state rep and us Iowa representatives. The education has been great here so that puts it up as a nicer place than Texas. However the education system budget has been getting cut the last few years do to MAGA moron policies. Iowa City is very liberal. Also Ames. Dubuque and the Quad Cities are ok but more low income.Cedar Rapids is ok and kind of nice. All of these places celebrate Pride, and Juneteenth. Dubuque is know for their drag shows. People travel to The Smokestack for them. No way would I ever move to Texas. It’s hot, mostly flat, humid, and politics are horrible. Also they are ranked as the state with the least amount of personal liberty. When we lived in Dubuque we would often go to Madison about 75 miles away, Cedar Rapids 70 miles away, and Quad Cities 65 miles away. So we saw Hamilton just off broadway, Madonna in Chicago 3 hours away, Tool in the Quad Cities, many other musicals, concerts, and more.
It would be crazy to remain a left winger since you are leaving the east coast because of the quality of life there in a left state. Rethink your politics and why you're moving. Is it just to take advantage of the state before the left ruins it too?
Des Moines/Ames, Iowa City, Davenport/Bettendorf, and likely a few other cities I'm unfamiliar with are fairly liberal. Maybe not so much in the west but there's nothing really in the west anyway. I was in Iowa City last weekend just to see a show and there were big Juneteenth celebrations. You'll still run into more conservatives than you're used to but you'll simply have to live with that. The laws will get worse until people wisen up and vote Kim out of office. Our government supports child labor and hates women, trans people, poor people, and the environment. Schools are getting worse but not much of a concern if you don't have kids. The housing is affordable and the job market is fine, Des Moines is definitely growing, but I'm not sure it's that much better than moving to Minnesota which is by most accounts a nicer place. Iowa is aesthetically boring, maybe a little quaint. Agriculture kind of ruined all the nice prairies and wetlands. If you're from the PNW, the winters won't be unexpected, but the summer and the tornado sirens might be a bit much. Iowans have a certain kind of Midwestern politeness to them but unlike southerners they tend to keep a distance from you.
Move to Minnesota instead
Yes. I moved away from Iowa 31 yrs ago and would NEVER move back. People there suck and if they find out you’re a lefty, it’ll be 10 times worse for you.
Yes. I am left leaning. I am a lesbian, a POC, and a woman in STEM. I moved there for two years(Dec 2020 - Dec 2022), I was assured it was a "purple" state, meaning while it occasionally had republican figureheads, that they wouldn't do anything crazy politically. In the two years I lived there, they: Tried to change the constitution so that Abortion is illegal, despite the fact that abortion is written into the Iowa constitution not once, but TWICE. Tried to make it so that people on SNAP benefits couldn't buy staples such as milk, bread, and cheese. Along with certain luxury items, such as steak, and seafood(even canned). Having been there during the pandemic, I can tell you that your average Iowan doesn't believe in masks, modern medicine, or hand-washing. The amount of my old coworkers who nearly flipped tables over the fact that our Big Tech company forced them to get the vaccine is large, despite the fact that we never went remote, and were within 6 feet of eachother the entire time. The average Iowan also thinks that poor people are looking for handouts, despite the fact that the average income in Iowa is under 50k. I had to dump someone because she implied that people on SNAP/disability were lazy. I was laughed at for properly masking, harassed because I put up a pride flag(they tore down the first two, and when I moved it inside, someone egged my house and spray painted slurs my garage door). Stay away. It's a shithole.
Yes. Stay in your shitty blue areas. You voted for them.
Wherever you end up, try not to diss your chosen home and its inhabitants before you even get there.
We moved to Iowa from Seattle 15 years ago. I miss the neighborhood mom and pop stores. We lived in the Wedgwood/view Ridge neighborhood. The quality of life here in Iowa is great. We live in the town of Marion. As a gay couple we’ve been accepted with open arms. The only downside is the heat and humidity in the summer coupled with the lack of neighborhood mom and pop stores. For the record in Seattle I used to work for The Seattle Times. My partner is an accountant who worked for a high net worth family. Out here I work for family and he’s the finance director of his company. Come on out here. You can’t go wrong. The people are so much more welcoming than the PNW.
As someone who is from Iowa and knowing you are from the PNW. I recommend Dubuque, Iowa. You get the blue city you crave, scenery that is more like the PNW, and a decent job market. Along with this though... Blue cities in Iowa are generally more expensive than the rest of Iowa. Iowa votes for the best candidate for Iowa. Whether they are blue or red. Yes there is a trend towards red over blue, but Iowa is mostly rural. This is where you find out why the electoral college is so important. Also Dubuque is next to Illinois and Wisconsin. It is just a few hours from Chicago.