Iowa makes headlines during the US presidential elections every four years. This is because it is the first state to cast a vote in choosing the nominee for the President of the US. The breakdown of the voting results in this state is used to judge the voter’s mood nationally. With a population of about three million, Iowa sets the pace and direction for the rest of America’s politics. Statistics have proven that they are right most of the time. The state is a swing state that votes in both Democratic and Republican administrations at different times. Nevertheless, if politics is not your in-thing, Iowa is home to literature and art too.
Iowa is the only state whose east and west borders are major rivers. It sits right in the middle of the American Midwest, in between the Missouri on the west and Mississippi River to the east. Iowa shares its borders with Missouri State on the southern side, Minnesota on the north, Illinois and Wisconsin on the east, and South Dakota and Nebraska on the western side. Besides endless miles of prairies and cornfields, Iowa is also surrounded by a diverse terrain of rolling hills, lakes, rivers, and forests.
The state has an above average level of literacy and education. Home ownership rates are some of the highest in the country. The University of Iowa was the first to offer a creative writing degree in the country. Iowa City is a writers haven and has been designated a “City of Literature” by UNESCO. The city is one of the best places in Iowa to indulge in the arts, go to the theater or get a free pass to the Iowa City Jazz Festival.
The capital of Iowa is the city of Des Moines in Polk County, south central region. Remember to differentiate this from Des Moines County at the southeastern corner of the state. The city of Des Moines is the administrative and commercial center. It plays center-stage to the Democratic presidential primaries. Des Moines is the largest and most populous city. It is also one of the best places to live in Iowa.
Iowa has been ranked the sixth best state to do business in and the state with the lowest cost of doing business. There is a thriving commercial, economic environment with a strong focus on manufacturing, financial services, and biotechnology. Agriculture is a major income earner as the state produces a tenth of America’s food. Iowa is the top producer of corn and pork in the country. The capital, Des Moines, plays host to a weekly Downtown Farmers' Market where you can catch the latest and freshest farm produce. The biggest employment industry is manufacturing including food processing, equipment, machinery, printing, and publishing. It is home to global firms such as Nationwide, MetLife, Wells Fargo and Principal Financial among others.
Iowa is a state of many firsts. It is an excellent choice for those looking to get cheaper homes, better education and jobs. The state is renowned for producing top performers in all areas of life. To help you get the best places to live in Iowa, check out the complete search and location information. You can also read countless reviews from people already using the service and their experiences in the locations they live.