Iowa is packed with job opportunities in cutting-edge industries like health care, finance and education technology. Entrepreneurs and businesses flock here for the low tax rates, strong local talent pool, and collaborative and creative culture. The state’s educational institutions draw students and faculty from around the world, including an impressive roster of legendary writers who study and teach at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.

Farm-to-table is a way of life here, as foodies and restaurateurs get to enjoy fresh produce and meat grown on local farms. And working up an appetite is easy — take your pick from Iowa’s countless parks, hiking trails or world-renowned biking routes to work up a sweat and take in the scenery. Is this heaven? It might be. But it’s definitely Iowa.