Time Diaries: A Day in the Life of an Iowan

With a pace and lifestyle that lend themselves well to spending time on the things that make life special – our loved ones, our favorite foods, unforgettable experiences and more – Iowa is a place where time is on your side…just like the neighbors you’ll meet in our welcoming communities. Here, there’s no shortage of things to do or memories to make, so as the adage goes, use your time wisely…to create a life you’ll love in Iowa.

Thinking of Iowa as a place where you can make every moment of your life count? Enjoy a bit of inspiration from a handful of Iowans whose daily lives show just how much more “life” you can fit into your day here – before, during and after work.

“Iowa’s charm isn’t just in its picturesque landscapes or its rich history. It’s in the everyday moments—the shared smiles, the genuine conversations, the sense of belonging. In Iowa, you don’t just live—you belong.”

-Amy Powell, @streakofstarlight

“It’s connecting with wildlife. It’s a community of art enthusiasts. It’s endless nature walks. It’s fresh farm-to-table restaurants. And it is so, so much more.”

-Tabitha Burns, @totallietabbie

“Whether it’s city strolls, trails at Gray’s Lake or Neil Smith Wildlife Refuge, catching live music, or grabbing drinks with friends – there’s no shortage of ways to unwind during an Iowa summer!”

-Nicole Stofer, @roamfarandwide

“Moving back was the best decision I made…Thanks for all the fun parks and areas that you have to play, and for all the friends we make along the way.”

-Katie Waddingham, @katie.waddingham

“There’s tons of really cool stuff here that not a lot of people know about. There’s no traffic – like, none. We’re outside more, we’re saving money and we’re building a life that’s aligned with our long-term goals.”

-Amanda Winkelmann, @yourneighboramanda

“From everyday tasks like shopping for dog food, or attending the state fair & rodeos, or getting pampered at the spa — central Iowa has it all within driving distance! So even though I live in a small town, I get the best of both worlds. I love Iowa.”

-Jaque Dalton, @jacquegarza

“How did I know Iowa was home? When I saw the history, the parks, and all the things this beautiful state offers. Whether it be taking a day trip to one of our state parks, stumbling upon a historic village along the way, or admiring the fish at the Mississippi River Museum, I never find myself wondering what to do next. Iowa is where I’ve grown my roots and settled in, Iowa will always be home.”

-Megan Lebeda, @meg.lebeda

Published September 10, 2025

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