thinking of moving to Iowa?? (Woodward, Hopkinton: buying, taxes, living)

[unionfarms]

I have read several threads about not to come to Iowa people are not nice, would this also be true of farm people? we want to buy a farm with at least 200 acres or more and bring some of our dairy cows and do our own thing (hay and cow stuff) but will people be weird about northeasterners? I have been there once and can remember how beautiful the land is unlike upstate NY nasty clay soil too many thick woods being in the Adirondacks, and flat open fields you cant afford to buy and pay the super high land taxes.

[jasperhobbs]

People are people and you would do fine buying a farm in Iowa. Will take a while to get to know people but that is anywhere you go.

Jasper

[metro223]

I agree with Jasper here, out in rural communities/land it may not be as easy to meet your neighbor who lives a half mile down the road, but I think once you live somewhere long enough, and you are a friendly person, you will do just fine and become established just like you normally would be. If you decide to make the move, welcome to IA

[patmc]

I used to live in Boston but moved to Iowa in 1993. I admit that it's much 'slower' than the metropolitan areas of the east coast. Iowa, in my opinion, is a great place to raise a family and meet nice people. You can talk with some of the Iowans in the smaller towns at HeyIowa.com It's a good cross-section of people.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by patmc

I used to live in Boston but moved to Iowa in 1993. I admit that it's much 'slower' than the metropolitan areas of the east coast. Iowa, in my opinion, is a great place to raise a family and meet nice people. You can talk with some of the Iowans in the smaller towns at HeyIowa.com It's a good cross-section of people.

"Slower" is a good thing in my opinion; more relaxed and laid back.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by unionfarms

I have read several threads about not to come to Iowa people are not nice, would this also be true of farm people?.

The farmers will not bother you. They are too busy circling KatyChicago's place in their John Deeres giving her the bird.

[WoodwardGirl]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

The farmers will not bother you. They are too busy circling KatyChicago's place in their John Deeres giving her the bird.

<smacking head> Of course! No WONDER they aren't investing in wind power. It has nothing to do with the fact that they have no capital to venture... the farmers are just out gaslighting KatyChicago!

You solved it, guys!!!

Seriously, Unionfarms -- farmers love to have people come here to farm. Dh and I are city folk who moved to the country and once your neighbors find out you are going to embrace manure (figuratively speaking!) and not complain about how it smells etc., they will embrace you right back. Farmers respect other farmers. Just don't expect a lot of ice cream socials and so on -- as you must know, farming is hard work and these people work long hours. They'll be glad to look after your critters when you go to the Fair for a day or two, and will plow out your lane if it snows while you're at the Hawks' bowl game somewhere warm, and will bring you a pie "we bought from the Amish up t' Hopkinton today" and some fresh eggs now and again, but, like most of us, they have outside interests; they'll be spending social time with their kids and grandkids who moved to town or even out of state; they'll be going out to dinner someplace fancy like Perkins, maybe hitting the bookstore for a real night on the town. They're wonderful neighbors and wonderful people, but Walton's mountain was a place in a TV show, you know?

Best wishes with your move!

[Stevie]

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to El Rhino again"

Anyway, I haven't spent much time around farmers, but most people I have met living here in Iowa seem friendly enough. I think as long as you are friendly and respectful to them they will most likely return the favor. Of course, you will meet some people who are not very nice, just like anywhere else.

[metro223]

Originally Posted by WoodwardGirl

<smacking head> Of course! No WONDER they aren't investing in wind power. It has nothing to do with the fact that they have no capital to venture... the farmers are just out gaslighting KatyChicago!

You solved it, guys!!!

Seriously, Unionfarms -- farmers love to have people come here to farm. Dh and I are city folk who moved to the country and once your neighbors find out you are going to embrace manure (figuratively speaking!) and not complain about how it smells etc., they will embrace you right back. Farmers respect other farmers. Just don't expect a lot of ice cream socials and so on -- as you must know, farming is hard work and these people work long hours. They'll be glad to look after your critters when you go to the Fair for a day or two, and will plow out your lane if it snows while you're at the Hawks' bowl game somewhere warm, and will bring you a pie "we bought from the Amish up t' Hopkinton today" and some fresh eggs now and again, but, like most of us, they have outside interests; they'll be spending social time with their kids and grandkids who moved to town or even out of state; they'll be going out to dinner someplace fancy like Perkins, maybe hitting the bookstore for a real night on the town. They're wonderful neighbors and wonderful people, but Walton's mountain was a place in a TV show, you know?

Best wishes with your move!

Haha I have to say I love the picture you paint here. The 'fancy' Perkins "restrunt" is so true! Hmm... I've always loved the outdoors, but have never lived on a farm. I'd love to own land some day with horses. (when I grow up that is )

[marye711]

Lol @ El Rhino & Woodwardgirl.......the john deere was the best!