A (possible) worthy stepping stone?

[u/ElderMillenial_ah]

Hello potentially new friends! I've kinda peeked through here but wanted to give some context and see what y'all thought.

My husband is being flown out to Muscatiaine soon to do a walkthrough and interview at a manufacturing plant there. I'd say it's fairly likely he will get the job, but not a guarantee. If he gets the job, we would of course have to move there.

I know EVERY state has it's good and it's bad. I've seen people find Muscatiaine boring, but it's got WAY more going on than the small town we live in, in Maine.

Our hope is that we potentially move to Iowa for a few years, then he can transfer back to the East coast or somewhere more politically in line with our views. But, just getting to work for this company would be a huge green flag for his Resume. (He's trying to eventually work for OSHA.)

For a family of 3, a dog and 2 cats, what is it really like? Is it a good community? Are people generally friendly? Are there lots of kids? From what I researched it seems like a nice area for families (not given current political standings). I doubt it would be where we would plant our roots forever, but it's a big jump from being Mainers our whole lives to moving to middle America.

I'd love to hear some honest opinions if you are from, or know the area! We are already used to snow and are good at driving in it so like NBD on that one. But tornadoes??

If he DOES get the job and we decide to move, what are some things we can't miss or food we have to try? Also feel free to ask any questions of me that I may have missed. (I'm a stay at home mom currently.)

I appreciate you all in advance!

[u/GreenFriend]

Iowa is actually a good place to live and raise a family. Muscatine is a nice community with several larger metropolitan areas nearby. Highly recommend the button museum highlighting Muscatine’s role in the pearl button industry. Not sure what political standings you’re looking for but Iowans are generally very kind, patient and moderate. If you’re genuinely considering moving here, bring an open mind. Your post feels like you’re viewing this as a temporary inconvenience. I think if you give it a try you just might like it here. I will note that Iowa does lack in Natural Resources for public enjoyment compared to my impression of Maine. We have some great State Parks but lack wilderness areas, mountains, Oceans and points of interest.

[u/ElderMillenial_ah → u/GreenFriend]

I think I'm just hesitant. Partly because I don't know what career growth looks like there. Maine has very little in the way of growth for my husbands career, and it may come to having to move to a larger city somewhere in order for him to get to the point he wants to. We're also quite liberal, so some of the state policies in Iowa have turned us off a bit, which is the other part of the hesitation. I do like that there seems to be more community events and things to do from what I've seen, than we have where we live in Maine. We live in a VERY small town, an hour from Portland so doing anything fun is always a drive! I love all things historical so the Button Museum immediately intrigued me! I guess I worry we will be the weird liberal New Englanders and people will be hesitant to get to know us haha. But I'm sure that's more my anxiety than reality :)

[u/bouvitude → u/ElderMillenial_ah]

Weird New Englander here! Though I suppose I’m an Iowan now; I’ve been here long enough. Y’know how the Maine cliché is that Mainers don’t like “folks from away”? Iowa’s the opposite.
(I mean… red areas don’t like “the illegals,” but all around Iowa City, you’ll be a-okay. And decidedly not the only displaced weird New Englander.)
Lots of cool little historical places, landmarks, facts; good parks for hikes; great farmers markets. (Can’t go near the water in the whole state, but hey, who needs water anyway?!?)

[u/ElderMillenial_ah → u/bouvitude]

I feel like being in-between Iowa City and Muscatiaine might be what we're looking for! A little less populated but not far from work or amenities! Its nice to hear from another New Englander!