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Which areas of Iowa do not get major floods? I've visited several time (but not in recent years) and think it might be a nice place to live in retirement. How about west of Des Moines, and Pella?
I lived around Cedar Rapids for a couple of years, the Vinton to Shellsburg area is far enough from the river to be safe from flooding, pick a place that's on a hill, not in a valley. That's where I lived, I never saw anything like flooding. Cedar Rapids itself, yeah, they have had flooding. Not that familiar with the rest of the state.
That said, I *hated* the climate. Cold snowy winter like Idaho Falls (but wet, heavy snow, not powder) and hot humid summer like Atlanta. It's a good place to visit spring or fall, but I don't see any point in living anywhere in the Midwest for retirement.
I would start with a topographic map. That will give you an idea of where the higher areas are. And while higher areas aren't necessarily a guarantee of no flooding, it's a good start.
I really enjoyed my years in Iowa City, of course I was 50 years younger but it still shows up as one of "The Best Places" on retirement lists. It has a lot of activities & cultural events & a nice bus system, etc... There are towns just outside it too that are more rural & cheaper. It does have warm summers & cold winters.
Actually, most major cities, especially middle class/upper residential areas, in Iowa are far from being completely prone to major flooding. Many of the towns/cities were established on the "high" side of the numerous rivers running throughout the state and when you do see major flooding in the cities it is typically the downtown business areas (oldest commercial areas of town) or industrial areas. Cedar Rapids area can experience wide-spread flooding in and around the community which cuts off a lot of major roads, including the interstate system, but in general, residential areas escape the worst. I've lived in various cities throughout the state and if you ask about flooding they will tell you. Been in Iowa 63 years and lived in 15 different residences and never been flooded yet.
I grew up just west of Des Moines, and my little town was right on the Raccoon River. The town never flooded but the surrounding countryside sure did.
Which areas of Iowa do not get major floods? I've visited several time (but not in recent years) and think it might be a nice place to live in retirement. How about west of Des Moines, and Pella?
The tops of the 500 ft bluffs along the Mississippi river.
I thought the only people who voluntarily live in Iowa are in the Federal Witness Protection Program.
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