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The Midwest, often called America’s Heartland, is a vital part of the country. Encompassing states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and more, it is one of the nation’s agricultural, industrial, and cultural centers. It is a defining part of the U.S, part of what makes America, America. Known for its kind and welcoming citizens, delicious food, and shockingly affordable towns and cities, the Midwest is an incredible place to live.
The Midwest is as American as it gets, with cheese curds, football fanatics, and high-quality beer. It is a place beloved by those who live there and one where many are considering moving. With a strong sense of community and affordable lifestyle, there’s much to love about life in the Midwest.
If you are one of the many Americans considering packing your bags and heading to this great region, you have countless options of cities and towns that will provide you with a great Midwestern lifestyle. Let’s look at some of the abundant options in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska that embody the Midwestern spirit.
Missouri
Known as the Gateway to the West because of the important role as a commercial and transportation center that Missouri played in America’s early days, this state is filled with gorgeous scenery, busy urban communities, and beautiful nature.
In Branson, you’ll find a tourism hotspot, a bustling town that has proximity to gorgeous nature and numerous cultural attractions. It is one of the entertainment capitals of the Midwest, located in southwestern Missouri. 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters and spots for enjoying live performances; there are numerous theme parks and themed attractions. Just outside the town are multiple lakes perfect for boating and days spent along the water.
For a less busy town, you can find Pacific. Only 30 miles from St. Louis, Pacific is a classic small town with a tight-knit community and a great history. The town has several quality shops and restaurants that make it a lovely place to reside.
St. Charles is a St. Louis suburb located along the Missouri River. Formerly an important supply point for steamboat trade, it is now a historic town with much of the architecture of the old town still in place. There are numerous converted shops and boutiques that reside in 1800-era buildings.
Wildwood is another St. Louis suburb known for its picturesque natural environments. Numerous trails, parks, and reserves make this small city of just over 35,000 a great place to stroll around.
Kansas
Kansas is a quiet state with a large sprawling open environment. Located on the western end of the Midwest, Kansas is known for its flat landscape ripe for agriculture. Kansas is one of America’s most important farming centers, particularly important for wheat production. It is also a community-oriented, peaceful place to live. With urban areas like Wichita and quieter towns like Derby and Leawood, Kansas has many Midwestern towns that make for great places to settle down.
Overland Park is Kansas’ second biggest city, with just under 200,000 residents. It is a suburb of Kansas City but stands on its own as a great place to live. It has numerous beautiful green spaces, top-notch dining and museums, and a family-oriented feel.
Shawnee is located just outside Overland Park, a short drive from Kansas City. It has a quieter and suburban feel, with charming houses and good schools. Shawnee also has a history stretching back to the prehistoric era of the Osage natives.
Lawrence is a northeastern Kansas town with just under 100,000 residents. It is a growing community, best known as the home to the University of Kansas. This town has great spots for nightlife, live music, and good eats with a young and busy vibe. Manhattan is a Kansas city home to another major university, Kansas State University. It is a great little town with nearby prairies, and it has great art museums, a zoo, and a family-friendly discovery center.
Iowa
Another major Midwestern agricultural hub, Iowa is a peaceful state with a low cost of living, low crime, and a solid local economy. It doesn’t have any massive cities, but you can find busy urban centers with larger communities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. There are also many great smaller towns like Johnston and Coralville.
Ames is one of Iowa’s biggest cities, home to Iowa State University, a top-notch institution noted for its sciences. It has been ranked amongst the best places in America to live due to the fresh Iowa-grown food, the various museums and gardens, and the young community.
Bettendorf is a mid-sized city, part of The Quad City metro area, one of the busiest in Iowa. It is located along the Mississippi River and has numerous quality restaurants, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor activities. It’s a great place to golf, catch a show, or enjoy dinner at a 4 Star restaurant.
North Liberty is a small suburb of Iowa City, home to just under 20,000. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, drawing in numerous young professionals, families, and more. It is a safe, quiet suburb with tons of public green spaces.
Nebraska
Nebraska is a midwestern state with a small population but a major impact. It is a state with a vital agricultural industry, a major producer of meat, wheat, and of course, corn. It is a state with natural beauty, including the Great Plains prairies, stretching as far as the eye can see, and incredible dunes and rock formations. It is the site of big cities like Omaha and Lincoln and small towns like Gretna and Blair.
If you’re searching for a mid-sized Nebraska town, Kearney stands out. Kearney is a colorful and fun city in Nebraska, home to just under 35,000 residents. It is a cultural hotspot in the area, with a brick-paved downtown with great restaurants, cafes, shops, and more. It has a little something for everyone, with various museums and entertainment options. It’s a great place to enjoy some Nebraska beef.
Lastly, there’s Papillion, a suburb of Omaha home to over 24,000 Nebraskans. Papillion is a small town that feels much bigger because of the great activities available within. The Sumtur Amphitheater is a major outdoor stage that often hosts live performances. Head to Papio Fun Park, a family entertainment center with mini-golf, batting cages, go-kart, and more for family fun. You’ll find over 70 restaurants, stores, and services in the town center.
