The Appeal of Living in the Midwest’s State Capitals

The Midwest is known as America’s Heartland, a region defined by its agriculture industries, friendly locals, and bustling urban hubs. Each state in the Midwest has a distinct feel and culture, as do their capitals. The midwestern state capitals are busy and diverse places with fascinating histories, serene natural destinations, and/or powerful economies. Let’s look at the capitals of four Midwest states and pinpoint what makes each such an appealing place to live. 

Jefferson City is a pleasant city with a warm, small-town feel based along the Missouri River. While it might not be the biggest city in the state, it still has much to see and do. Jefferson City has picturesque historical buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion and Missouri State Capitol. Also, its charming downtown houses many dining destinations, museums, and shopping areas.

Jefferson City has relatively affordable homes, and it appeals to many buyers. Helping to set it apart are its many lovely parks and nearby natural areas, often visited for camping, hiking, and biking. 

Topeka is a big city home to more than 125,000 residents. As the state capital of Kansas, Topeka has played an important political role both within the state and the nation. Specifically, the Brown v. Board of Education case, which ultimately ended segregation in schools across the U.S., originated in Topeka. Topeka has multiple museums dedicated to local history, including the Kansas Museum of History and the Ward-Meade Historic Site. 

Topeka’s downtown is busy, consisting of many parks, restaurants, and shopping destinations. Real estate in the city is very affordable, which ensures residents enjoy a low cost of living. And the city has plenty of events, including weekly farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, and more, creating a tight-knit community environment. 

Des Moines is Iowa’s biggest city and state capital, a major urban hub home to more than 210,000. It stands out as a great place to live in part due to its combination of housing affordability and a powerful economy. Des Moines is a significant capital in the insurance and finance industries; therefore, residents have access to high-paying jobs and the ability to purchase a home within a reasonable budget. 

Des Moines offers plenty of activities as well. It boasts the renowned Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and cultural institutions, including the Des Moines Art Center and the Science Center of Iowa. The food scene is phenomenal, with an abundance of restaurants offering locally sourced foods from Iowa’s many farms.

Lincoln is a major midwestern city with a bustling downtown and unique architecture. Lincoln has well-known attractions such as the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and the Sunken Gardens, which was rated as one of the top gardens in the U.S. Lincoln is also the site of the University of Nebraska, the state’s flagship university, and catching a Cornhuskers game there on a fall day is a must.

Lincoln has pleasant areas that house delicious restaurants and charming commercial destinations, including the Haymarket District. Lincoln also has a live music and entertainment scene that is one of the best in the Midwest, along with picturesque public parks that can be found throughout the city.