Moving from Illinois to Iowa

Iowa has so much to offer and is definitely one of the most underrated states in the country. If you have dreamed of living somewhere with beautiful scenery, affordable communities, friendly neighbors, and quality education, the Hawkeye State is the place for you. This midwestern state is best known for its cornfields and rolling plains, but newcomers will soon discover that the laid-back lifestyle and high quality of life in this region is something worth raving about. As you prepare to relocate from Illinois, here are just a few reasons why you will love calling Iowa your new home.

Benefits of Moving from Illinois to Iowa

Affordable Cost of Living

One of the biggest draws to the Hawkeye State is the affordable cost of living. Iowa is one of the cheapest states to live in the entire country, and the average cost of living is about 10-15% below the national average. It is a place where your dreams of owning a home can become a reality. With median home prices that are nearly 40% less than the national average, you will find a number of affordable housing options. Des Moines, in particular, ranks among the best metropolitan areas for high salaries and low cost of living. Aside from the larger cities, there are plenty of suburbs and smaller farming communities that are even more affordable.

Excellent Education

If you are looking for a place to raise a family, Iowa is an excellent choice. In addition to affordability, Iowa boasts one of the best educational systems in the country. In fact, the literacy rate in Iowa is 99%, the highest in the nation! Most of the counties in the state also have a reputation for consistently ranking high on the ACT and SAT, and the graduation rate is above 90%.

Low Crime Rate

Another reason Iowa is a great place for families…it has one of the lowest overall crime rates in the U.S. It has the second-lowest violent crime rate in the country and serious crimes or mass shootings are almost non-existent. It consistently ranks among the top 10 safest places to live. It is truly one of the few places in America where children can still play outside, people leave their doors unlocked, and residents rarely worry about crime.

Transportation is a Breeze

Living in Iowa means rarely having to worry about sitting in traffic jams or utilizing public transportation. Unlike many major metropolitan areas, including Chicago, residents rarely rely on public transportation. Most people in Iowa drive their own car and they are more likely to encounter people waving as they drive past than a traffic jam. Residents will enjoy a Smalltown U.S.A experience, as they leisurely drive to their destination.

Strong and Vibrant Economy

Iowa is best known for farming, and though agriculture is a big part of the state’s economy, it’s certainly not the only thriving industry. Manufacturing is another major industry, with the production of agricultural chemicals and machinery. Sustainable energy is another big sector in Iowa, given that the state is home to more wind turbines than another state in the country. Other popular industries include web design, occupational therapy, healthcare, and education.

Most Popular Cities to Live in Iowa

Des Moines

Des Moines is a fantastic city to live in, work in, and play in. It is a city where jobs are plentiful, the schools are outstanding, the people are friendly, and the neighborhoods are affordable. Residents enjoy short commute times, safe communities, a buzzy downtown, and great restaurants. The city also enjoys a thriving economy and has recently been ranked the #1 city in the nation for business and careers. It has also been ranked the #1 place to raise a family.

Cedar Rapids

Whether you are a young professional looking to start your career or someone looking for a great place to raise a family, Cedar Rapids is a Midwestern gem. Here you will find plenty of career opportunities, with popular industries like IT, biotechnology, bioprocessing, renewable energy, and education leading the way. You can combine a strong job market with an extremely affordable cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant communities. Cedar Rapids is also home to a thriving downtown scene as well as top-notch colleges and universities. It is perhaps the only place in Iowa where you can experience a true small town feel in addition to a lush urban landscape, which is why Cedar Rapids consistently ranks among the best cities to live in.

Cost of Moving from Illinois to Iowa

Moving can be expensive, but the logistics of moving from one state to another can present a number of challenges. When looking for a professional moving company, you want to be sure you are working with a company that is both reliable and affordable. North American strives to provide customers with exceptional service at a price they can afford. The average cost to move from Illinois to Iowa with North American is $2,888.91. Of course, there are many factors that will determine the actual cost such as the exact distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand tool listed above!

How to Move from Illinois to Iowa

Long-distance moves require a great deal of planning and organization to ensure everything is well-executed right from the start. That’s why it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional moving company when you are moving from one state to another. North American has over 85 years of moving experience and our professional movers are equipped to handle every aspect of your move from packing and loading to full transport and unpacking. Relocating can be stressful, but with the right help, your transition can be smoother and less hectic. North American is here to take the stress out of your move so you can start enjoying your new home in Iowa.

Call today to find out how North American can customize the right moving package for you!