{"id":81278,"date":"2024-06-06T14:22:50","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T21:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=81278"},"modified":"2024-06-24T14:38:51","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T21:38:51","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-living-in-iowa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its wide-open spaces, friendly communities, and unique cuisine, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Iowa\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers a lifestyle that is both peaceful and enriching. But is Iowa a good place to live? The state is filled with natural beauty, from its rolling hills and expansive prairies to its picturesque rivers and lakes. However, it&#8217;s essential to weigh the cons along with the pros before deciding to reside in this state. So whether you&#8217;re looking for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5415\/IA\/Des-Moines\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homes for sale in Des Moines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/9788\/IA\/Iowa-City\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartment in Iowa City<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or want to learn more about the area, read on for the ten pros and cons of living in Iowa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Interested in moving to Iowa?<\/b>\u00a0<strong>Check out:<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Iowa\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Homes for sale in Iowa<\/a>\u00a0<b>|<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/Iowa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Apartments for rent in Iowa<\/a>\u00a0<b>|<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/iowa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Houses for rent in Iowa<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81279\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;With\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Quick Facts about Iowa<\/strong><\/h3>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"1562\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Population<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>3,190,369<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Median home sale price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>$241,500<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Average rent in Iowa<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>$940<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Largest cities in Iowa<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5415\/IA\/Des-Moines\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Des Moines<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/3103\/IA\/Cedar-Rapids\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Cedar Rapids<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/4908\/IA\/Davenport\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Davenport<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Pro: The state is perfect for cycling\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks to its numerous trails and scenic routes, Iowa is an excellent state for cycling enthusiasts. The state&#8217;s rolling hills, prairies, and farmland provide a diverse range of landscapes for cyclists to explore, whether they are looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging workout. One of Iowa&#8217;s most popular cycling events is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ragbrai.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RAGBRAI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an annual week-long ride that takes cyclists across the state from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. Iowa also has several well-maintained and well-marked bike trails, such as the High Trestle Trail and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Whether you&#8217;re a casual cyclist or a serious bike enthusiast, Iowa&#8217;s cycling culture and infrastructure make it a great place to get outside and explore on two wheels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Con: Iowa is a landlocked state<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given its geographical location, Iowa is nestled between six other states, making it landlocked. There are no large bodies of water, and very limited beach access. You\u2019ll find some lakes throughout the state, but if you\u2019re looking for serene beaches, this state may not be for you. The closest body of water is Lake Michigan in Illinois or Wisconsin, about a couple of hours drive east. So if you\u2019re looking for a fun weekend getaway, that may be your best bet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland.jpg\" alt=\"Rows of Iowa soybeans\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-226x150.jpg 226w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-951x630.jpg 951w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-farmland-453x300.jpg 453w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Pro: You can find low cost of living throughout the state<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa has a relatively low <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">cost of living<\/a> compared to other states in the United States. One of the main reasons for Iowa&#8217;s low cost of living is the state&#8217;s abundance of affordable housing options. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Iowa\/housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">median sale price in Iowa is $241,500<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, cheaper than neighboring state of Minnesota, with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Minnesota\/housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">median sale price of $354,900<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Rent can also be relatively lower in bustling cities like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5415\/IA\/Des-Moines\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Des Moines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">where rent averages<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/iowa\/des-moines-apartments\/rent-trends\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $1,087 for a two-bedroom apartment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And If you&#8217;re looking for charming towns in the eastern part of the state to call home, search <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/3103\/IA\/Cedar-Rapids\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homes for sale in Cedar Rapids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/14187\/IA\/Mount-Vernon\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartments in Mount Vernon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Con: Iowa is a rural state<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are certainly urban areas like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/4908\/IA\/Davenport\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Davenport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, much of Iowa&#8217;s population is spread across small towns and rural areas. On the one hand, living in a rural area can offer a slower pace of life. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, without the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, small communities provide a strong sense of community and social connections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, there are also drawbacks to living in rural areas. Fewer job opportunities, limited access to healthcare and education, and lower quality public services can make it challenging for some residents. The isolation and distance from city amenities can also be a significant challenge, especially for those used to a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision to live in a rural or urban area depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of Des Moines River at Des Moines, Iowa \" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-944x630.jpg 944w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-449x300.jpg 449w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Pro: Iowa is known for its agricultural industry<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa&#8217;s rich farmland and agricultural industry provide residents excellent access to fresh, locally-grown produce. The state is known for its corn, soybeans, and other crops, as well as its livestock and dairy products. Many Iowans take advantage of the state&#8217;s abundant farmer&#8217;s markets, which offer various fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown products. Iowa restaurants also encourage farm to table and offer its residents great cuisine. Whether you&#8217;re in the mood for a hearty Midwestern-style breakfast, a savory steak, or a flavorful vegan meal, you&#8217;ll find plenty of options to suit your taste buds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Con: Limited recreational opportunities<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Iowa does offer some facilities such as state parks, hiking trails, and lakes for fishing and boating, these resources can be limited and may provide a different level of diversity than other states. Additionally, Iowa&#8217;s flat terrain and relatively mild climate may not be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for more challenging activities such as mountain climbing or skiing. The state also lacks access to large bodies of water, which can limit watersports and beach activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Pro: You can enjoy little to no traffic in Iowa<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traffic is almost nonexistent in Iowa compared to many other states in the United States. While there are busier areas of the state, particularly in larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, much of Iowa&#8217;s population is spread across rural and suburban areas. This means there is generally less congestion on roads and highways, making it easier for residents to get around without encountering heavy traffic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81283\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado.jpg\" alt=\"Tornado\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tornado-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Con: You\u2019ll need to prepare for natural disasters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hawkeye State has a wide range of severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/climate-change-housing-impact\/flood-risk\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flooding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Summers in Iowa can be hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms that can produce strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. In the winter, Iowa often experiences heavy snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures, making travel difficult and creating hazardous conditions. Additionally, Iowa is located in a region of the country known as Tornado Alley, which means that tornadoes are a relatively common occurrence in the state, particularly in the spring and summer months. You&#8217;ll want to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/the-homeowners-ultimate-guide-to-natural-disaster-safety\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prepare your home for every natural disaster<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in this state to ensure your safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Pro: Iowa has a rich historical legacy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and the Ho-Chunk, have a long history in Iowa and have left their mark on the state&#8217;s culture and traditions. Additionally, Iowa has been shaped by waves of immigrants, including Germans, Swedes, and Dutch, who brought their customs and traditions. This diversity is celebrated through festivals and events throughout the state, such as the annual Greek Festival in Des Moines, the Scandinavian Days celebration in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/19169\/IA\/Story-City\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Story City<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the annual Irish Fest in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/20487\/IA\/Waterloo\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterloo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa is also home to several museums and cultural institutions that showcase the state&#8217;s history and cultural heritage, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/amanacolonies.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amana Colonies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hoover.archives.gov\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ncsml.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Czech &amp; Slovak Museum &amp; Library.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-81282 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural.jpg\" alt=\"Magical sunrise through ground fog with long shadows and sunbeams\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-267x150.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-1120x630.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iowa-rural-533x300.jpg 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Con: There are no professional sport teams<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are collegiate sports teams in the state, such as the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones, Iowa does not have a team in any of the major professional sports leagues, such as the NFL and the NBA, MLB, or NHL. If you love taking pride in your state&#8217;s team, you must resort to collegiate teams. And although this is not an issue to most, it&#8217;s good to know that the sports community differs from states with professional leagues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a33a256 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"1a33a256\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><b>Methodology<\/b>:\u00a0<em>The population data is from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/data.census.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">United States Census Bureau<\/a>\u00a0and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Redfin Data Center<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to learn more about The Hawkeye State? Here are ten pros and cons of living in Iowa to give you some insight on what to expect.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":556,"featured_media":81279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2656],"tags":[34389,34621],"coauthors":[34336],"class_list":["post-81278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-insights","tag-gpt","tag-ia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa - Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is Iowa a good place to live? Here are ten pros and cons of living in Iowa to give you some insight about the Hawkeye State.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-iowa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is Iowa a good place to live? 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