Why Iowa? It's the People, Silly.

I'm often asked why I love to live in Iowa. After all, we don't have a mountain view, nor an ocean. We only have medium-sized cities and small towns. Our "claims to fame" are modest and our accomplishments sometimes not immediately recognized by the rest of the world. Once every four years, the media descends on us to document the first steps on the road to the White House, writes some nice stories, takes pictures of some hay bales, and then WHOOSH! are gone as quickly as they came.

So, what is it about this place that makes it so special? Plain and simple, it's the people. Our people are special. And it's an experience to feel it. People in Iowa are optimists, altruists, hard workers, smart and accomplished.

Sometimes our trust is misplaced. Due to our gentle nature, we tend to suffer fools well, but in the end, don't allow them to ruin our state. We "calls 'em as we sees 'em!" Sometimes our sense of trust and the belief that all people are good leads to scandal, but eventually we sniff those bad apples out and throw 'em out. If you are a bad person and try to screw people over, you will be found out and you will be exposed.

I believe Iowa is the best-kept secret in the world. Here are some of my favorite Iowa attributes that are ever-present in the great people of our state.

1. Altruism: Altruism is not just doing the right thing. It's doing the right thing at a personal loss. That is what the people of Iowa are known for. They will stop what they are doing to help, spending their own money to make you right.
2. Honesty: Iowans are honest as the day is long. Honestly.
3. Work Ethic: I've heard some of my students say that anyone from Iowa automatically gets a boost in interviews with companies on the coasts. The Iowa work ethic is legendary. We have this old fashioned notion that we should put in a full day's work and earn our keep. Quaint concept!
4. Welcoming: Iowans embrace newcomers and make them feel welcome. Now, in some small towns you will always be "the newbie" for 25 years...but that's just a quirk of small town living. Don't believe me? Read the story of Elkader, Iowa.
5. Accepting: I did not use the PC word "tolerant" here, because that implies that "we" have to tolerate people who are not like "us." I prefer accepting, because even though the political rhetoric gets heated, Iowans are known for striving towards justice and equality for all people.

There is speculation that Iowa is also the social media capital of the world. It can't be proven, though I'm willing to put our community of social media aficionados up against any other! Speaking of that, have you joined the Social Media Club Des Moines? Do it now!

Iowa is in my heart. I love living here and would never leave. What are your favorite things about living in Iowa? Care to share?

Comments

[gmschmitz]

Nice post.

I spent summer interning for a tech company in Pasadena, everybody thought it was strange that I started my day at 7 and worked till 3. Apparently just learning that I was from Iowa was enough to explain it..

[Pete Jones]

I couldn't agree more Claire!!

[Alexson]

Wonderful post! Iowa and Des Moines in particular has grown up before my eyes in the ten years (oh jeez!) I've been here. I agree that the people who call Des Moines home rock and I'd add that accessibility is another reason I stay. Where else can a young professional get so many opportunities to make a true impact?

[Romelle Slaughter]

Why haven't I left Iowa? For the reasons that Claire wrote. It's amazing to me on how non-Iowans are still amazed, confused, and befuddled on how "up-to-date" we are here our state.

I never wanted to live in any other place but here in Iowa. I was born and raised here. Why would I want to go to Chicago or NYC? Everything I need in my life is here.

[Lynn Kreizl]

I had never been to Iowa until 10 days ago. I was born in the NE and lived in Florida the last 29 years. We came for the bridges in Madison County, expecting to stay a day. I fell in love with Iowa. So much of what Claire writes is what I felt, so much so I cried when we had to leave and crossed over into Illinois after several days in Iowa. I saw the beauty of the land, the genuine smiles of the people I passed, felt like I had come "home" to a place I always wanted to be. No one was more blown away by this than I was. My family, children/grandchildren are all in Florida but my heart is now split between "home" there with them and living in Iowa. I have been searching articles trying to find if any other "vistors" fall in low with Iowa as I have. I know this is about "real" born in Iowa residents, but so help me, after two hours in Iowa I felt more peace than in years. Looking out to the fields, I see hard work and honest living without a "dog eat dog" existence for "winner take all". What a blessing you have in this beautiful state. I so want to find a way to come back and live.