14
Okay, I have to disagree with most of the definitions here. I've lived in Iowa most of my life and it might not be the 'worst' state but it pretty much is all about farming (and maybe insurance if you live in Des Moines, whopee!)
Seriously, most of the people on here defending the state sound like they're reading right out of a travel brochure.
The good news is crime is low, traffic is low, the state universities are ranked relatively high, pollution is low (except for the chemical runoff from the corn and bean fields.)
Speaking of corn and beans, that really what most of the state is. No mountains, few hills or forests, just corn and beans and dirty little ponds and streams. Lots of hog confinements, too, which you'll smell from miles away.
Most people are polite but really not very engaging. Most Iowans kind of live off in their own little bubble and don't really care about politics or current events. In fact I would say the vast majority of adults here don't read, period.
Some of the 'cities' are ok, (I particularly like Iowa City and Dubuque), but nothing spectacular.
The weather is horrible, hot humid summers with lots of mosquitoes, awful winters.
Maybe not the 'worst' state of the union, but definitely not the best and it's gotta be high in the running for 'most boring.' Of course if you're from NYC or LA and are looking for a change of pace, you'll find it here, for better or worse.
Seriously, most of the people on here defending the state sound like they're reading right out of a travel brochure.
The good news is crime is low, traffic is low, the state universities are ranked relatively high, pollution is low (except for the chemical runoff from the corn and bean fields.)
Speaking of corn and beans, that really what most of the state is. No mountains, few hills or forests, just corn and beans and dirty little ponds and streams. Lots of hog confinements, too, which you'll smell from miles away.
Most people are polite but really not very engaging. Most Iowans kind of live off in their own little bubble and don't really care about politics or current events. In fact I would say the vast majority of adults here don't read, period.
Some of the 'cities' are ok, (I particularly like Iowa City and Dubuque), but nothing spectacular.
The weather is horrible, hot humid summers with lots of mosquitoes, awful winters.
Maybe not the 'worst' state of the union, but definitely not the best and it's gotta be high in the running for 'most boring.' Of course if you're from NYC or LA and are looking for a change of pace, you'll find it here, for better or worse.
"I can't believe all the crap people talk about Iowa, it's really an amazing state with lots of opportunities and beautiful landscapes and some of the best people in the world and--"
"--dude, have you even been out of the state?"
"--dude, have you even been out of the state?"
by Nword Ricky November 23, 2012
15
The State of Iowa: where our newly elected Governor made his first legislative priority raising the tax on cigarettes by about 278%. Studies indicate that people with low income are twice as likely to smoke than others. A few days later, he signed a bill into law capping car title loan interest at 21% and said that companies who had charged low income folks 300% interest were predators, preying on vulnerable Iowans.
by Field Mouse March 28, 2007
16
A state that is a major breadbasket of the United States, with lots of farming and agriculture (even though "farming" and "agriculture" are the same). Also home of the greatest band ever: SLIPKNOT!!! Stay (sic) Maggots!
by MetalHead16 August 25, 2010
19
A state that claims to be #1 in education, and even says so on the state quarter despite being completely average at best. According to the American Human Development Project (measureofamerica.org), Iowa is:
3rd in high school graduation rate
23rd in 4th Grade National Assessment of Educational Progress in Reading
28th in 8th Grade National Assessment of Educational Progress in Math
29th in High School grads enrolling for college
36th in obtaining Bachelor's Degrees
42nd in obtaining Graduate or Professional Degrees
26th in the cost of a 4 year degree
27th in overall education index
The top 5 are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New Hampshire.
3rd in high school graduation rate
23rd in 4th Grade National Assessment of Educational Progress in Reading
28th in 8th Grade National Assessment of Educational Progress in Math
29th in High School grads enrolling for college
36th in obtaining Bachelor's Degrees
42nd in obtaining Graduate or Professional Degrees
26th in the cost of a 4 year degree
27th in overall education index
The top 5 are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New Hampshire.
by jdawgtriplev August 01, 2011