Where you should live in Iowa, based on your zodiac sign
Your zodiac sign can teach you many different things about your personality, including where you should live in Iowa.
When you hear the term “zodiac,” you might think of any number of things. The infamous Zodiac Killer could spring to mind if, like me, you’re compulsively interested in true crime. The more common (and light-hearted) connection, however, is probably to zodiac signs.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, I’m here to help. Firstly, these signs can sometimes be referred to as “astrological,” which is the same thing as “zodiac” in this case. Both terms are just fancy ways of describing the sign associated with your birthday. For example, if you were born on January 20, you’re an Aquarius. If you were born on October 30, you’re a Scorpio.
These zodiac placements are often grouped together as Earth signs (Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus), Water signs (Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces), Fire signs (Sagittarius, Aries, Leo), and Air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra). There’s also such a thing as your sun, moon, and rising sign, but we don’t have to get into that right now because that can get complicated. If you do want to learn more about that, though, read this.
Astrology is a pseudoscience, AKA it’s not a literal science, like biology or chemistry. Because of this, some people dismiss the idea that their zodiac sign can teach them something meaningful about themselves, like where they should live in their state. This is a totally valid thing to think, but I’d like to encourage you to be creative and keep an open mind if you’re feeling so inclined.
Whether you’re looking to shake things up with a new move or you just don’t feel like you fit in where you currently live, I’m going to tell you a few things about each zodiac sign and recommend an Iowa city to try that might fit better with your personality.
Sometimes it’s easier to find—and feel—a sense of community when you know in advance where like-minded people are going to live. Now, let’s get started!
Aries — Des Moines
If you were born between March 21 and April 19, you’re an Aries. This zodiac sign is usually seen as the most fiery of the fire signs because, well, Aries is known for being bold. To put it mildly, there’s a reason why this sign is shown as a ram. You’re ambitious, passionate, and optimistic—you get what you want because you’re willing to put in the work for it, which is why you’d thrive in Des Moines.
Known as one of the “Cities of Promise,” Des Moines is the biggest city in Iowa, and it’s home to a bustling world of business. Regardless of what industry you work in, you’re going to find more opportunities here to grow your career and make important connections in the process. Plus, there are numerous coffee shops, restaurants, and other local businesses you can frequent and support in between working, taking classes, and growing your homemade pottery collection.
Taurus — Sioux City
The Taurus zodiac sign covers birthdays between April 20 and May 20. If you’re a Taurus, there’s a good chance you’re known for being the calm one in your friend group. That’s because this zodiac sign thrives in serene environments, which is why Sioux City would be a great place for you to live.
Yes, the idea of living in a city might not be appealing if you’re trying to establish a peaceful environment, but hear me out. Living in Sioux City affords you conveniences like having ample stores, restaurants, and venues. You’re also close to Stone State Park here, an ideal location for Tauruses. There are over 15 miles of trails for you to explore, many of which lead you to breathtaking overlooks and ponds. It’s a good place for you to take a deep breath and recharge your battery between work and social commitments.
Gemini — Iowa City
Gemini can be ever-so-slightly chaotic due to the erratic and curious nature of this air sign. For those born between May 21 and June 20, being a Gemini is a staple part of your identity … even if you don’t want to admit that. This sign is usually misrepresented as being two-faced, but the duality of Gemini really just stems from the fact that you have two people’s worth of desires and energy at all times.
Because of this, living somewhere like Iowa City could be really beneficial. It’s the largest city in Johnson County and has a vibrant downtown culture. You can spend the afternoon at the Stanley Museum of Art to satisfy your artistic side before grabbing a bite to eat at Alley Cat, where you can play some arcade games and catch a comedy show.
Cancer — Norwalk
The Cancer zodiac sign is considered one of the most emotional, and I know that firsthand, since I’m a Cancer. Anyone who was born under this sign with me between June 21 and July 22 will understand that being a sensitive crab has its pluses and minuses. We’re protective, intuitive, and have a tough shell to crack sometimes.
That’s why somewhere like Norwalk is most appealing, because it’s really just a small town at heart. It’s a safe place to live and has a median resident age of 36, so it’s a good area for up-and-coming professionals. This peaceful community boasts a farmers market, as well as numerous small businesses and family-owned restaurants. Plus, it’s just a pretty, quiet, scenic city, and that’s great for introverted Cancers looking to reduce sensitive stimuli.
Leo — Waterloo
As a Leo, you’ve probably been accused of being dramatic before. Now, whether or not that’s true isn’t up for me to decide. I’m simply here to suggest where I think those born between July 23 and August 22 would thrive in the great state of Iowa, and that place is Waterloo.
Not Waterloo like the Napoleon battle or the ABBA song (though that is a great song), but Waterloo like the fast-growing city with a great sense of community and a strong job market. There’s also a theme park, museums, and a state park, so really, it’s perfect for celebratory Leos who are looking for new ways to explore … and maybe get some praise along the way.
Virgo — Cedar Rapids
People born between August 23 and September 22 are Virgos. This punctual, logical earth sign is constantly seeking perfection. If you want something done right the first time, ask a Virgo. No matter what the task is, they’re always going to deliver.
Cedar Rapids bills itself as a city that blends “history and progressive energy.” This makes it an appealing location for Virgos who want to stay in touch with their earthy roots while still having plenty of space for those roots to spread and grow over time. Whether Virgos are looking to tap into the history of Cedar Rapids at the Indian Creek Nature Center or indulge their material side at the NewBo City Market, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Libra — Davenport
Even-keeled Libras are usually seeking careers and activities that help them maintain a certain balance in their personal and professional lives. (P.S., if you were born between September 23 and October 22, I’m talking to you.) Living somewhere like Davenport gives you the opportunity to keep those scales as balanced as possible.
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport is like the city equivalent of being a Libra. There are hidden corners where you can enjoy some peace and quiet, but there are also dozens of places where you can grab coffee with coworkers or take a spin class with your friends. It’s also family-friendly and has an affordable cost of living, which is all any of us can really hope for these days.
Scorpio — Dubuque
Scorpio (October 23-November 21), much like Gemini, is often misunderstood. This astrological sign is sometimes pegged for being manipulative, but they’re actually just incredibly intuitive and passionate. Like their fellow water sign Cancer, Scorpios are emotional and sensitive, so they tend to thrive in areas like Dubuque that feel like a small town dressed up as a big city.
Whether you like to fish, bike, or hike, Dubuque offers a variety of trails and state parks for you to explore. And there’s a butterfly garden. What could possibly be more magical than sitting in a butterfly garden and taking a moment to yourself to simply be at one with nature? Not much, if you ask me.
And if nature’s not your thing Scorpio, don’t worry. You can hang out at Diamond Jo Casino or the Dubuque County Fairgrounds instead.
Sagittarius — Cedar Falls
Sagittariuses, AKA people who were born between November 22 and December 21, are on a constant quest for knowledge. They want to get to the bottom of things, and living in Cedar Falls gives them plenty of areas to investigate. There’s the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, the George Wyth State Park, and the Hearst Center for the Arts, just to name a few.
The city periodically hosts events like Cedar Falls Earth Week and Earth Fair (April 16-22) that help Sagittariuses connect with their caregiving side. This provides a sense of genuine community that other cities may be lacking. Restaurants like Cup of Joe and the Brown Bottle amplify this feeling, making it the perfect cozy destination for a Sagittarius on the hunt for a new home.
Capricorn — Council Bluffs
If you were born between December 22 and January 19, congratulations, you are a Capricorn. This zodiac sign is often defined by its sense of purpose, dedication, and patience. When a Capricorn climbs a mountain, they take the most direct route because they understand the value of working smarter, not harder.
Hence why I think Council Bluffs is a good neighborhood for this persevering earth sign. The city prides itself on its history and puts that pride on display in places like the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Council Bluffs is no stranger to hard work, and a determined Capricorn will experience a feeling of kinship here because of that.
Aquarius — Ames
Air sign Aquarius (January 20-February 18) is as progressive as it gets. People who are born under this zodiac sign are usually humanitarians who want to make the world a better place and ensure their decisions reflect this goal. Living somewhere like Ames would help you embrace this side of yourself even more.
Volunteer at the Ames Animal Shelter or learn about local history at the Ames History Museum. Looking to get zen? You can do that at the Reiman Gardens or the Inis Grove Park (or both!) Whatever you do, though, Aquarius, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re a water sign, because you’re not … even if “aqua” is right in your name.
Pisces — North Liberty
The final zodiac sign on our list is Pisces (February 19 to March 20). Pisces is the most empathetic of the bunch and is borderline psychic sometimes. If you’ve ever had moments where you knew something was going to happen before it happened, you’re probably a Pisces. I may not be psychic personally, but I can see you making a home for yourself in North Liberty.
This city “serves as a gateway to the many recreational opportunities afforded by parks, trails, Coralville Lake and the adjacent 14,000-acre Hawkeye Wildlife Preserve,” per Travel Iowa. It’s family-friendly, has museums and campgrounds to check out, and it hosts exciting events like the Coralville Asian Festival.
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