If you're thinking about retirement in Iowa, it's time to start listing the pros and cons. Negatives are easy. For example, winters here aren't a walk on the beach – what beaches there are. However, what about the benefits of hanging it up in the Hawkeye State? Here are some things to put in the benefits column:
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- Housing is More Affordable Here - The median home price in Iowa is $126,400, Sperling's Best Places reports, making the cost $43,700 below the national average. Compared to the rest of the country, Iowa's cost of living is 10.7 percent lower than the national average.
- We Rank High for 'Livability' - Livability puts five Iowa cities on its "100 Best Places to Live" list of small to mid-sized cities. Iowa City, Ames, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines all make the list that factor in things that make up quality of life. Those factors include cost of living, safety, cultural and recreational opportunities, and access to quality health care. Livability's editors write that "we find that time and again, the best tales are told in the Main Street diners, corner churches, park benches, and even the mayor's offices of small to mid-sized cites and towns. Far from letting time pass them by, these communities are doubling down on livability for their residents." Those Main Street landmarks are where Iowa excels.
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- It's a Good Place to Grow Old - Iowa City tops the list of "The 5 Best Cities for Getting Older in the U.S.," which is a ranking by the Milken Institute. In choosing "the best cities for successful aging," the Milken Institute evaluated health care, wellness, living arrangements, transportation, financial characteristics, employment and educational opportunities, community engagement and overall livability. The study noted Iowa City's outstanding health system and high public transportation ridership rate.
- The People are Friendly - Some people call it "Iowa nice." It refers to the attitude people here have to lend a hand to a neighbor. It's more than just a wave. The Tampa Bay Times once described it as "the tendency of Iowans to be friendly and civil – and expect the same from their presidential candidates." Maybe that's why the Iowa caucus is such a big deal here. Even if you are on the other side of the political spectrum from your neighbor, you can retire down the street and still get along.
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