The Midwest is America’s Heartland, a region that is the center of American industry and agriculture. This region is home to some of the biggest cities in the country and numerous pleasant small towns. With a reputation for friendly locals and great food, there’s much to love about living in the Midwest.
Let’s explore some of the towns and cities in this region that make for the best places to live.
Iowa
Des Moines
Des Moines is Iowa’s capital, a major city home to more than 215,000 residents. It has a thriving economy, along with many well-paid jobs, as an important part of the financial and insurance sectors. Des Moines is known for its numerous scenic public parks throughout the city. It also has top-notch museums, including the Des Moines Art Center.
Waukee
Waukee is part of the Des Moines Metro Area and is a perfect small-town alternative for those that don’t prefer the big city life. Waukee is home to just 25,000 and has a peaceful suburban feel. Waukee made headlines when Apple selected it as the location of a major new campus, so it is set to see its economy explode. It has affordable homes, great schools, and a welcoming and friendly community.
Missouri
Columbia
Columbia is a major city in Missouri, home to around 125,000 residents. It is home to the University of Missouri, which houses many museums and parks open to the public. It has ranked among the 50 best places to live in the United States by Travel and Leisure for its excellent museums, pleasant downtown, and many job opportunities. Real estate here is also quite affordable, and it is a city ideal for young professionals.
Chesterfield
Chesterfield is a suburb of St. Louis that is a pleasant city with plenty to love. Chesterfield is a mid-sized community of just under 50,000 with top-notch shopping and dining options and luxury homes. It is an affluent community that is extremely safe, with an excellent school district. Chesterfield also has excellent public parks, such as Faust Park.
Kansas
Olathe
Olathe is a major city with more than 140,000 residents that is a popular place to live in Kansas. While it is a big city, real estate here is still mostly affordable, and there’s so much for residents to see. Olathe is a historic city, and that history is well-preserved in the many museums throughout the town, including the Old Olathe Naval Museum and the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. It also has a nearby man-made lake perfect for a summer day.
Overland Park
Overland Park is one of Kansas’s biggest cities, just 20 minutes away from Olathe. This major city has a population of nearly 200,000 residents, with great restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Overland Park is an ideal place to live because it combines entertainment with a rapidly growing economy, a safe community, and affordable real estate. With appealing destinations like the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, there’s plenty of beauty in the area.
Nebraska
Lincoln
Lincoln is Nebraska’s capital, a thriving urban city that embodies the state’s appeal. Home to more than 286,000 residents, Lincoln is a major center of commerce and education, housing the University of Nebraska. Lincoln has many famed museums and attractions, including the Sheldon Museum of Art and the Sunken Gardens. Lincoln also has a top-notch food scene.
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Omaha
Omaha is Nebraska’s biggest city, with a population of around 480,000. It has attractions that bring visitors from across the country, including the Henry Doorly Zoo, ranked among the best zoos in the country. Omaha was also an important city for pioneers, and that legacy is celebrated in many museums around the city. It is growing fast, with tons of opportunities for young professionals.
