I've been through Iowa (and other flat, land locked mid-west states) a
few times, and I couldn't live there even if I had a SR-71 sitting in
the backyard. Others enjoy the low cost of living and stronger
families or whatever, so they probably wouldn't enjoy places I like.

I felt that way, too, prior to moving here in '97 to start a business. I
always thought of Iowa as being nothing but corn, corn, and more corn, and
moved here with the sole intention of making a boat-load of money, and then
moving on.

Thankfully, to my amazement, I discovered that Iowa City is about as
"anti-stereotypical Iowa" as you can imagine.

Iowa City:

A) Is hilly! Really!
B) Has one of the most highly educated populations anywhere, thanks to the
35,000 students and 10,000 employees of the University of Iowa.
C) Is Left-wing and over-the-top liberal
D) The largest minority population is Asian, and most of them are college
professors.
E) Has an incredibly young and diverse population. The average age is 28.
F) Is the Lesbian Capital of the world. (More lesbians, per capita, than
anywhere else. Really!)

As you can see, these traits are diametrically opposed to what you THINK you
know about Iowa. It is for these reasons that I love this place (well,
okay, "C" drives me nuts!), and wouldn't want to live anywhere else at this
stage of my life.

It is also why Iowa City is routinely voted one of the top ten medium-sized
cities in the U.S.

And if I really want a change of scenery, Atlas is ready to go at a moment's
notice, with 84 gallons of fuel on board.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"