13 Things Only Those From Iowa Know To Be True

What are the perks and downsides of life in Iowa?
There are a lot of reasons to love life in the Hawkeye State, but there are also a few things you should know before deciding to settle down in Iowa. Some of the benefits of life in Iowa include access to great healthcare, quality higher education, and a relatively low cost of living. Plus, despite being considered a "flyover" state, there are so many things to do here! More Iowans live in urban areas than rural areas, which means that most of us have easy access to amazing restaurants, small businesses, shops, and lots of commerce. In addition to those amenities, Iowans tend to take culture and arts very seriously, with dozens of world-class museums scattered throughout the state. However, life in Iowa isn't always sunshine and rainbows - in fact, it's the weather that's one of the biggest downsides to living in Iowa. One of the things people from Iowa know to be true is that the weather here is pretty brutal all year long. Spring and summer bring flood danger, thunderstorms, hail, and the occasional tornado or derecho. Fall is generally nice and mild... but then winter comes roaring in. Winter on the plains means blizzards, snowstorms, howling winds, and frigid continental temperatures. If you love thunderstorms and enjoy the snow, though, you might think it's paradise!

What are some stereotypes about longtime Iowa residents?
Some stereotypes about Iowa residents include the idea that we're all farmers, and we all live down gravel or dirt roads. That couldn't be farther from the truth! As noted above, more Iowans live in urban areas nowadays. There's also a stereotype that Iowans are "rednecks" without great education, but the Hawkeye State consistently ranks among the best in the nation for higher education.