The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Here are the top 10 cities to live in after the pandemichttps://t.co/Ptgd0sgbsd
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 16, 2021
Another day, another accolade for Des Moines! Iowa’s most populous city continues to end up on “Best” lists, and the “Today” show’s “Top 10 Cities to Live in After the Pandemic” is the latest one.
The “Today” show asked real estate expert Stefani Berkin, president of R New York, the fifth-largest real estate company in New York City, about the cities that Americans have been and will continue to flock to after the pandemic ends.
“Americans are putting more emphasis on quality of life,” Berkin said, considering factors like affordability, population density, diversity, local school systems, healthcare, environment and recreation activities.
Des Moines had by far the lowest median home sale price at $158,193, which is approximately 20% less than the national average. Also working in Des Moines’ favor is low population density, gorgeous Midwestern landscapes and a little thing called “Iowa Nice.”
Oprah Winfrey’s book club is perhaps the most famous book club in the world. For Marilynne Robinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, one book wasn’t enough – she landed four novels (the entire Gilead series) on Oprah’s Book Club.
The series takes place in the fictional small town of Gilead, Iowa, and follows the lives of Reverend John Ames and Reverend Robert Boughton.
“Marilynne Robinson is one of our greatest living authors and in the Gilead novels she’s written a quartet of masterpieces,” Winfrey said. “The more closely I read them, the more I find to appreciate, and the more they show the way in seeing the beauty in the ordinary. I’m thrilled to share them all with you.”
My next @oprahsbookclub pick is not one but four books: “Gilead,” “Home,” “Lila,” and “Jack” by Marilynne Robinson. The Gilead universe follows a cast of memorable characters in small-town Iowa that reminds us how privileged we are just to be human with every sentence you read. pic.twitter.com/Umw5ENlfv6
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) March 16, 2021
For the 2nd year in a row, Davenport has been named the Fittest City in Iowa by @insurify for its exceptional dedication to the health and fitness of its residents. ?? ?? ??? @cityofdavenport
— Quad Cities (@VisitQuadCities) March 18, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/8n5nW5TCUi@DtownDport @Travel_Iowa pic.twitter.com/qzP9hvvlJG
Every year, Insurify Insights ranks the fittest cities in every state. For the second year in a row, Davenport took home the title of fittest city in Iowa, based on factors such as residents with physically demanding or health and fitness jobs, plus access to parks and outdoor recreational facilities. The cities named to the list support accessible, fitness-friendly communities for their residents in 2021.
Spring means March Madness, and March Madness means brackets. The Iowa Pork Producers Association was the latest to get in on the bracket fun with #PulledPorkMadness.
Sixteen restaurants with pulled pork on the menu were selected to the bracket and placed in districts representing regions in Iowa. The list has been narrowed down to the Elite Eight, with the Final Four coming soon.
Ladies and Gents.....the #PulledPorkMadness Elite 8!
— Iowa Pork Producers (@IowaPork) March 19, 2021
Congrats to everyone who has made it into the Elite 8! Voting for the Final 4 will open at 5 P.M. TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/8s7ME5x3lW
