How to Move to Iowa for Remote Work

Iowa has cultivated an excellent environment for remote workers. According to U.S. News & World Report, Iowa ranks 10th for Infrastructure and 3rd for Opportunity - exhibiting the state's commitment to growth and development.

If you’re a remote worker Interested in relocating to Iowa, this information will help guide you as you find your new home, prepare for your move and get connected in your new community.

Step One: Choose a Place to Live

When deciding where to live in Iowa, there are plenty of appealing options for remote workers. Here are some of the top places to consider:

Des Moines - As Iowa's capital and largest city, Des Moines seamlessly combines an affordable cost of living with plentiful amenities and entertainment options. With a median home value of $241,000, it's very possible to find an affordable place to live in this vibrant metro. The city also boasts a lively food scene, great parks and cultural attractions.

Iowa City - Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City has a quintessential college town vibe with a lively downtown area. This city ranks very well for families, outdoor activities, amenities and public schools on Niche.com. With a median home value of $350,000, housing costs remain quite reasonable for a city of its size.

Pocahontas County - Pocahontas County beckons with a pace of life as calming as the countryside itself. Picture charming towns sprinkled across rolling hills and a place where the median home price is a mere $220,000. Pocahontas County welcomes you with open arms, friendly faces and a calendar brimming with local events.

Ames - Constantly ranked as one of the best college towns, Ames offers a charming atmosphere with great amenities for remote workers. Not only does it have an extremely low crime rate and affordable housing, but the city boasts over 50 parks, 81 miles of trails and community events year-round.

Sioux City - An up-and-coming city in western Iowa, Sioux City delivers an extremely low cost of living. The median home value is around $217,000, providing many affordable housing opportunities. Sioux City also has family-friendly amenities like parks, museums and community events.

Some other great communities to consider include:

If you have a family, check out this article: "How Remote Work Offers Parents the Best of Both Worlds."

Step Two: Prepare for Your Move

Once you've selected your new homebase in Iowa, it's time to prepare for your out-of-state relocation. A few key steps include:

Schedule Your Move – Start packing and planning your move as soon as possible. Research moving resources such as PODS to assist with all your relocation and storage needs.

Check on Remote Work Policies - Depending on your job, you may need to notify your employer about working remotely from a new state. Some companies have specific policies around this.

Transfer Driver's License & Car Registration - Iowa requires new residents to transfer their driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days of residency. Visit the Iowa DOT page for instructions.

Update Mailing Address - Don't forget to fill out a change of address form with USPS to forward your mail. This can be done easily online.

Register to Vote - If moving from another state, you'll need to complete a new voter registration form to participate in the Iowa elections.

Step Three: Get Connected

Iowa can be a very remote worker-friendly place to live thanks to these incentive programs aimed at attracting new residents:

Beyond these incentives, Iowa has many great coworking spaces to help you stay productive and build community:

Embrace the Unexpected

Moving to a new state is an adventure. There will be unexpected challenges and delightful surprises. Embrace the opportunity to learn new things, explore hidden gems and forge new connections. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, your move to Iowa for remote work can be the start of a fulfilling and enriching chapter in your life.