An interesting phenomenon has occurred over the past few years. While most may perceive that the big city is the place to migrate to and lay down roots, the fact of the matter is that several not-so-big cities are giving them a run for their money—and many of them are in the heart of the Midwest. As the modular home builder of the Midwest, we’ve seen the shift and growth throughout the real estate market!
With superstar cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco seeing a population decline, Midwest cities like Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati are seeing steady growth in their population.
Here, we highlight some reasons why the Midwest is the perfect place to call home and some of the cities that are drawing more and more people there. These are some of the Midwest cities that you should consider.
Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa’s capital city is anything but boring, with a rich cultural history and a thriving restaurant and entertainment scene. Ranked No. 5 in U.S. and World Reports’ Best Places to Live, Des Moines has a part of town for every taste—from quiet neighborhoods with elegant homes to a thriving downtown area to visit when you need a night out.
While you get some of the perks of living in a big city in Des Moines, you won’t be paying the big city prices for land or a home, making it the perfect place for a first-time modular homeowner. With a 14.6% population growth since 2010, thousands of people are catching on to the fact that you can live in the culture of a major city without worrying about the major city prices.
Madison, Wisconsin
Even with an 8% population growth, Madison still only has a respectable 660,000 people in its city limits. That means that Madison is large enough to have some of the amenities you like in a big city, but it lacks the wall-to-wall people that could make it less appealing.
Annual outdoor events celebrate Madison’s significant and unique food, art, and beer scene. Are you a music lover? Outside of Austin, Texas, according to a report by Songkick, Madison boasts more rock shows per capita than any other city in the United States.
With five lakes within a short driving distance of the city and several miles of hiking trails along its arboretum, Madison also knows how to lure in the outdoor lover.
Cincinnati, Ohio
This city on the banks of the Ohio River boasts a rich history as a major port during the steamboat era and as a marquee stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, Cincinnati is a small town disguised as a big city.
Known as “America’s Queen City,” Cincinnati has a booming job market with major companies like Proctor and Gamble, the Kroger Company, and Macy’s calling it home. Cincinnati also boasts a thriving cultural scene and is considered by connoisseurs to be a leader in the beer industry with over 40 breweries populating the region.
Indianapolis, Indiana
According to U.S. News and World Reports, Indianapolis was ranked the No. 7 most affordable places to live. In fact, not only are groceries, utilities, and healthcare cheaper in Indy, but the affordability of the housing market is what makes it a major draw, with the median cost of a home being 34% cheaper than the rest of the country.
Don’t let its affordability fool you, though—it isn’t lacking in the modern entertainment and amenities that attract people to the more expensive big cities. With thriving restaurant scenes, music venues, theaters, and museums, Indianapolis can keep culture in your life and money.
Building Your Modular Home in the Midwest
The Midwest has a lot to offer by way of entertainment, culture, history, and job opportunities.
However, the common theme is often that the one thing you can’t beat about living in the Midwest is the hospitality of its citizens and the way they take care of their cities and one another. If you want to make some of these Midwesterners your neighbors, Rochester Homes can help you find the perfect place to build your first modular home.
We’re Proud to Be the Midwest’s Modular Home Builders
If you’re ready to design the home of your dreams, we’re here to get you started. Contact us today to connect with one of our licensed building professionals or tour our model homes.