I chose Iowa after the Corps and I'm happy with my decision! Hunting, fishing and education for my daughter were 3 huge deciding factors. I grew up on the East, I've visited or atleast been through 4/5th of all the states(not extreme SE or NW thoughh). Colorado was pretty, NE states weren't bad(Brady and the Patriots though, yuck), Mississippi, Luisiana and Texas area wasn't bad(Bourbon street rocks, but eventually I will get old), West coast, I really miss fishing for tuna, alot of places to go and see. Quite found of S Cali, but I didn't want to argue with my daughter when she turns ten about short mini-skirts, make-up and late night bonefires.
Iowa is were it is at right now, strangers don't give you the evil eye and actually wave back. More than one will stop to help a stranded motorist, for the 99% you don't have to worry about it being a trap. Always people willing to lend a helping hand. I'm sure there are a few Mid-west states that have people with good moral and ethical character a;so though. The borders(all sides not just literally Canadian and Mexican) of the US have way to many people. Canada doesn't have enough people.
Sorry little long when I could have simply said. I do not regret moving to Iowa, not even the area that I am in.