America’s Heartland is one of affordability, opportunity, and diversity. The area represents the nation as a whole, with its manufacturing and farming areas and assortment of big cities and small towns that bleed into one another.
It’s a place of stunning nature and towering skylines, somewhere to raise a family or start a career.
These are the best cities in the Midwest to consider calling home.
Cincinnati, OH
This city was ranked as one of the top places to live in the state by U.S. News & World Report, as well as one of the most affordable, so you’ll want to check out Cincinnati houses for sale.
It’s a family-friendly spot with places like the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Newport Aquarium.
It’s a great spot for sports fans, who can catch the professional football and baseball teams, the Bengals and the Reds. Collegiate sports are also revered thanks to the rivalry between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.
The city offers top-tier public and private education institutes and has a job market that includes several Fortune 500 companies.
Des Moines, IA
Ready to retire? Des Moines is consistently ranked one of the best places to do so thanks to its affordable housing and myriad of things to do.
The cost of living here is much lower than the national average and the quality of living ranks high on many lists. The job market is ample, there’s quality education, and the busy metro area feels like a small town thanks to the close community.
Iowa’s capital city has plenty of green space and spots like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for those who want to relax with nature. You can visit the historical Salisbury House, catch a minor league baseball game at Principal Park, or shop at the downtown farmers market.
Sioux Falls, SD
Dollars go far in Sioux Falls, where the cost of living is 6 percent below the national average and there’s no state personal income or personal property tax.
The job market is strong and has an unemployment rate of just under 3 percent. You can find a place to work at one of many financial institutions, in healthcare, or even food processing.
There’s something to do outdoors year-round, from ice fishing on Catfish Bay to biking the Big Sioux River Greenway.
Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is a smaller city steeped in tradition with a foundation of hard-working folks who live a slower lifestyle.
It’s safer than 25 percent of cities in the country and has an unemployment rate of 5 percent.
Check out the Three Rivers Festival for unique events like bed racing or experience a range of street performers at Buskerfest.
Madison, WI
The state’s capital was ranked the best city to live in America in 2021 according to Livability.com. The economy there is booming and diverse, allowing room for folks who have enjoyed working from home during the pandemic.
There are plenty of places to imbibe for craft beer fans, many unique shops to buy goods at, and highly rated public schools to send your kids.