If you are planning on moving from Iowa to Missouri, you should know that this significant change marks an exciting chapter in your life. It offers new opportunities and a fresh environment. As you prepare for this relocation, it’s essential to gather all the necessary information to make your move as easy as possible. Here, we’ll cover everything from the practical aspects of your relocation to getting to know dynamic community and culture of Missouri. Whether you’re moving for a job, family, or simply a change of scenery, understanding what to expect can help ease the process. Read Verified Movers reviews and get started on making your move from Iowa to Missouri a successful and stress-free experience!
Understanding the Basics: Iowa vs. Missouri
Before you start packing your boxes for moving from Iowa to Missouri, let’s compare the two states to help you prepare. Iowa is known for its expansive rolling plains and vast cornfields. It offers a serene, agriculture-focused way of life that appeals to those seeking peace and simplicity. On the flip side, Missouri presents a dynamic mix of both urban and rural settings. It provides residents with a unique historical richness and economic growth. This state not only showcases significant historical landmarks but also thrives with its developing economy, making it attractive for both work and leisure. Whether you’re drawn to quiet fields or bustling city streets, having the right help when moving is a must. Interstate moving companies Iowa are the ones you should hire!
Why Move to Missouri?
Many are drawn to Missouri’s energetic cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, and its beautiful rural landscapes. The state offers a lower cost of living than the national average. This makes it a great choice for families and individuals looking for affordability. Missouri’s central location in the United States is also a big plus, providing significant advantages for both business and travel. Whether you’re launching a new career or seeking a convenient hub for exploring other parts of the country, Missouri delivers on many fronts. With its mix of urban and country settings, this state ensures a diverse lifestyle that can cater to various preferences and needs. If you decide to move here, interstate moving companies Missouri are at your service!
Preparing for the Move: A Checklist
Preparing for a move, especially from one state to another, requires careful planning and organization. To help ensure your move from Iowa to Missouri goes easily, follow this detailed checklist:
- Research your new home: Before the move, take the time to learn about your new area in Missouri. Research the climate to know what clothes and household items you’ll need. Look into employment prospects if you’re seeking a job, and explore the education system if you have kids. Don’t forget to check out local amenities like parks, shops, and hospitals.
- Sort and declutter: Use this opportunity to go through all your belongings. A move is the perfect time to declutter. Sort items into categories: keep, sell, donate, or discard. This not only eases your move but also ensures you start fresh in your new home.
- Hire a moving company: Select a reputable moving company with experience in interstate relocations. Check Hawkeye Moving Services company reviews to find the best service for your needs.
- Notify important parties: It’s crucial to update your address with the post office and notify banks, employers, and subscription services about your move. This step prevents any important mail or services from being disrupted.
- Pack efficiently: Organize your packing by labeling each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This method will save you a lot of time and frustration when you start unpacking in your new home.
By following these steps, you can minimize stress and ensure nothing is overlooked in your move to Missouri. Each task helps pave the way for a seamless move to your new life in the Show-Me State.
What to Expect Upon Arrival in Missouri
Once you arrive in Missouri, give yourself time to adjust. Explore your new community and connect with neighbors. Missouri is known for its friendly residents and tight-knit communities, so you’ll likely find a warm welcome.
Missouri’s culture and lifestyle
Missouri’s culture and lifestyle are as dynamic and diverse as its landscape. This state is steeped in history, which you can explore through its many museums, historical sites, and landmarks. In contrast, for example, Des Moines in Iowa offers a quieter cultural experience. It focuses on local arts and simpler pleasures. Missouri, however, is a hub for culinary enthusiasts. It’s famed for its delicious barbecue and an expanding selection of international cuisine that reflects its cultural diversity.
Whether you’re in bustling cities like St. Louis or Kansas City or in its quieter rural areas, Missouri offers a mix of old and new. This rich culture provides residents and visitors with a broad array of experiences, from live music and theater to festivals and art exhibits. Each corner of Missouri has something unique to offer, making it a continually engaging place to live and explore. In comparison, while Des Moines presents a laid-back charm with its own set of cultural offerings, Missouri’s lively scene caters to a broader range of tastes and interests. If you’re moving from Iowa to Missouri, make sure to hire cross country moving companies Des Moines to make your move a success!
Job opportunities
Missouri’s diverse economy offers exciting job opportunities across various sectors. With a strong presence in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, the state provides a robust job market. Key industries include aerospace, where Boeing is a major employer, and automotive manufacturing, with companies like Ford maintaining significant operations. Also, Missouri is home to several Fortune 500 companies. Some of them are Emerson Electric and Monsanto, which contribute to a wealth of career options.
In comparison, Iowa’s economy also thrives in agriculture, but it is heavily complemented by financial services and advanced manufacturing. Major employers in Iowa include Principal Financial and Rockwell Collins, which bolster the state’s employment landscape.
When it comes to wages, Missouri workers earn an average salary of $24.34 an hour, or $50,618 per year. In Iowa, the average salary stands slightly lower at $24.05 an hour or $50,015 annually. However, cities like Cedar Rapids, one of the best cities for job seekers in Iowa, see higher wages, with an average of $27.05 an hour or $56,274 per year.
Missouri’s unemployment rate currently sits at 3.5%, which is slightly higher than Iowa’s rate of 2.8%. These figures reflect the dynamic labor markets in both states, each offering unique advantages for job seekers. Whether you’re looking to advance in healthcare, manufacturing, or another field, updating your resume and staying proactive in your job search will be key to capitalizing on these opportunities. Cross country moving companies Cedar Rapids are there for you if you decide to move!
When moving from Iowa to Missouri, you should compare the cost of living
When comparing the cost of living between Iowa and Missouri, particularly between Des Moines and Kansas City, there are noticeable differences. To maintain the same standard of living in Kansas City, MO, you would need approximately $5,266.1 monthly, compared to $4,700.0 in Des Moines, IA, assuming you rent in both cities. This indicates that the cost of living in Kansas City is notably higher.
Breaking it down, the overall cost of living in Kansas City, including rent, is about 12% higher than in Des Moines. Specifically, rent prices in Kansas City are 24.9% higher. Even eating out at restaurants and buying groceries are more expensive in Kansas City. Restaurant prices are 5.3% higher and grocery prices are 18% higher than in Des Moines.
Despite these higher costs, it’s important to note that the local purchasing power—a measure of the relative buying ability of the average wage—is 7.7% lower in Kansas City compared to Des Moines. This means that residents in Kansas City might find it slightly more challenging to afford the same lifestyle as those in Des Moines, despite the higher costs associated with living in Missouri’s larger urban centers. These figures are crucial for anyone considering moving from Iowa to Missouri or seeking to understand the financial implications of living in either state.
Education and healthcare in Missouri
Missouri takes pride in its robust education system and comprehensive healthcare services. Education in the state is supported by numerous public school districts, renowned for their strong curricula and dedicated teaching staff. Missouri is also home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis, both of which offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. These institutions not only contribute to the local economy but also to the cultural richness of the state, bringing in students and faculty from around the world.
In terms of healthcare, Missouri is equipped with some of the leading hospitals in the nation, such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. These facilities are at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care, offering specialized services in areas like cardiac care, oncology, and pediatrics. Missouri’s healthcare system is bolstered by a network of smaller clinics and regional hospitals, ensuring that both urban and rural residents have access to quality medical care.
The state continues to invest in both education and healthcare, recognizing the importance of these sectors in improving the quality of life for its residents. With ongoing developments in these fields, Missouri aims to provide an environment where individuals and families can thrive academically and stay healthy. This commitment is evident in the state’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities and healthcare accessibility for all its residents, making it an appealing place for new families and professionals.
The Best Cities in Missouri
Here’s a look at some of the best cities in Missouri to consider if you’re thinking about moving from one of the best places for families in Iowa or simply exploring the state:
- Kansas City: Known for its jazz heritage and delicious barbecue, Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri. It has a thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and professional sports teams. The city’s economy is strong, with a good mix of jobs in sectors like technology, healthcare, and education.
- St. Louis: Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis is rich in history and culture. It offers world-class attractions such as the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden. The city is also noted for its strong biotech and healthcare industries.
- Springfield: Known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” Springfield is a hub for healthcare, education, and entertainment in southwestern Missouri. It’s home to Missouri State University and several hospitals, making it a center for learning and health services.
- Columbia: A college town through and through, Columbia is bustling with activity thanks to the University of Missouri. The city is known for its progressive atmosphere, vibrant downtown area, and active cultural scene.
- Jefferson City: As the state capital, Jefferson City offers a unique mix of history, government, and community activities. It’s smaller than the other major cities but provides a picturesque setting with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Each of these cities offers its own unique advantages and charm. These cities make Missouri a state with rich choices for any lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for urban excitement or a quieter community, Missouri’s cities provide appealing options for residents and visitors alike.
Consider Moving From Iowa to Missouri! It Is Worth It!
Moving from Iowa to Missouri can be a rewarding decision. Whether you’re drawn by Missouri’s dynamic job market, affordable cost of living, excellent education and healthcare systems, or its rich culture, this move promises new experiences and growth. As you prepare to transition, remember to explore the lively cities, immerse yourself in the community, and take advantage of all that Missouri has to offer. We aim to support and inform you every step of the way, ensuring your move from Iowa to Missouri is as successful as possible. Welcome to your new home in the Show-Me State!