Moving to Iowa?
Iowa became a state in the 1840s and had been inhabited for centuries by Paleo Indians. The
state has archaeological sites that show settlements dating back to more than 8,000 years ago. Iowa has been a home to
many natural resources such as furs and gold and more than nine-tenths of the state is devoted to agriculture. The state
has rich soils, gently rolling hills and ample precipitation suitable for mechanized agriculture. The state is bound
by the Mississippi river to the east and the Missouri river to the west.
Iowa plays an important role in the
presidential election, and attracts national attention for holding the caucus that is always “first in the nation.” The
residents of Iowa have a lifestyle and a heart which is indicative of their friendly ways, and that state always has
a beautiful atmosphere.
If you’re moving to Iowa, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Iowa
Iowa Climate
Temperatures in Iowa vary widely during the year. The annual average temperature recorded is 49 F. The state averages
around 166 days of full sunshine and 199 cloudy or partly cloudy days each year. The statewide snowfall average
is around 30 inches (76 cm) annually, and the relative humidity averages 72 percent. In the central part of the
state the normal daily maximum temperature recorded is 86 F (30 C) in July and the lowest temperature recorded
is 10 F in January. The annual precipitation of the state is averaged of 34.7 inches (88 cm).
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in Iowa after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of
30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required
to pay a penalty. The two documents required for registering your vehicle are the current ownership document
and a completed application for an Iowa certificate of title.
Obtaining a Iowa Driver's License
An Iowa Driver’s License can be obtained at any Iowa DMV location. The
state requires new Iowa residents to update their license from their previous state to an Iowa driver’s license.
To apply for a new driver’s license in the state of Iowa, you must present proof of identity and you must also
pass a vision test as well.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Iowa was ranked 18th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 20 violent
crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The top five agricultural products produced in Iowa, in terms of revenue generated, are corn for grain,
soybeans, cattle and calves, dairy products, and hogs. Machinery production is Iowa’s second leading manufacturing activity
followed by the production of electrical equipment; Des Moines is the leading insurance center in the state of Iowa.
The wholesale and the retail industries are Iowa’s leading service industries. The community, business, and personal
service industries, along with the finance, real estate, and service industries also contribute to the overall economy
of Iowa.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Iowa had an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent, which is well below the national average
of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Iowa is $48,872, while the average per capita income for
the state is $25,335.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Iowa is $178,162, while the median sales price is just over $150,500. The Iowa Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Iowa.
Major landmarks and attractions
Freedom Rock; Field of Dreams; Kaleidoscope Factory; Blank Park Zoo; The Lost Island Water Park; Jethro’s BBQ; Snake Alley; Trinity Heights
State Capital: Des Moines
Largest Cities: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, Council Bluffs, Ames, Dubuque
Schools
The Iowa Department of Education works with the Iowa State Board of Education in providing all of its students with
a lot of oversight, supervision, and supportive programs for the state education system of the public elementary
and secondary schools, non-public schools, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation
programs. These programs are designed to provide all of the students of Iowa with the best resources to develop
their social skills and for overall development. Some of the major universities located in Iowa include the University
of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University.
National Parks
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
State park System
The state park system of Iowa offers every individual with the best quality of parks and
beautiful locations which are ideal for vacations. Some of the state parks in Iowa are Bellevue State Park, Big
Creek State Park, Bigelow State Park, Bixby State Park, Cedar Rock State Park, Cold Springs State Park, and Eagle
Lake State Park. These parks provide many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders of Iowa by hiking,
fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Des Moines International Airport
Eastern Iowa Airport
Dubuque Regional Airport
Waterloo Regional Airport