I’ve lived in Iowa for over ten years now, but I’m an East Coaster at heart, so I hope that my perspective helps.
Iowa, like most large states, is very different depending on where you are. 99% of my experience is in central Iowa, which is very different than most of the state as most of the residents live in suburbia rather than the boonies. In Des Moines, surrounding suburbs, and Ames, it’s pretty much like any other suburban area of the country. Well, I suppose the biggest difference between here and New Jersey is that you see a lot more chain restaurants in the Midwest.
Keep in mind that Iowa is not overwhelmingly conservative. We tend to be a “blue” state. However, there is a huge cultural divide between people in relatively developed areas – Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, Dubuque, Iowa City, Davenport – and people who live in other places – like Fort Dodge, Creston, or Ottumwa. The latter are “cities” (towns, really) that tend to be either hubs for small community colleges and for stores to set up for surrounding farmer communities or, especially in the case of places like Ottumwa, relatively “industrial” areas (i.e. huge meat-packing plants). These towns suck. Seriously, if you had a week to explore any of those towns, I’d say “bring a damn book”. There is nothing to do there.
In terms of population, most Iowans don’t live in the middle of bumfuck nowhere but don’t get me wrong, a very large portion of the state consists of a tiny one horse town surrounded by a giant sea of corn and soybean fields. Maybe I’m biased but I have never seen much local color of interest; people just tend to get into their cars on the weekend, drive three hours to the closest mall and then eat at TGI Friday’s rather than develop local stuff.
One of the great things about Iowa is thriving farmer’s markets. Lest you think the offerings be simply “corn” and “more corn”, there is actually a lot more available from Iowa (in small amounts) including fruits and cheeses. We even have vineyards here.
While farming is very big here, Des Moines is also a big insurance and call center town. Wells Fargo, Principal, and ING have a lot of jobs here, as does ADP, EDS, CDS, etc. Also, Iowa State and University of Iowa are decent schools. We get pretty big concert and theatre venues that come through – most of the Broadway tours stop here.
It’s really not just farm people here. About the only time I deal with those folks is at the State Fair, which I have to say is definitely an event, though I don’t generally go. Most people do, though, just for the food and beer if nothing else. The fairgrounds are HUGE. There is a lot to do and, when I’ve gone, I’ve enjoyed the art exhibits a great deal (they have a dedicated building).
I think a lot of people will drive through Iowa and get the idea that nothing is here, and yes, a lot of land is farm-committed, but it’s really not a bad place to live at all, and the cheapest gas is always the ethanol blend. But, then, I think central Iowa is the best part of the state, and I think southeast Iowa should be reduced to a smoking hole by a nuclear missile in order to get it on the road to improvement. So, in summary, Iowa is a state of many contrasts. Thank you.
