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Decorah, Iowa
Decorah is the Ideal American Small Town with a Cute Downtown, Plenty of Parks and Leafy Neighborhoods
Decorah (population 7,800) is situated along the Upper Iowa River in the hills of northeastern Iowa and has been called the ideal American small town. Leafy, established neighborhoods, a pretty, renovated downtown, some beautiful parks, a well run government, a solid economy and an involved citizenry (divided exactly equally between Republicans and Democrats) all add to Decorah's appeal.
Settled in the 1850s, the town originally attracted a large number of Norwegian immigrants, and today, Decorah celebrates its rich Norwegian heritage with lots of fun festivals (such as Nordic Fest) and a large museum. The population has an education level above the national average, and crime is practically nonexistent. The cost of living is generally below the national average. Seventeen percent of the population is age 45 to 64, and 18% is age 65 and better. Boasting a friendly ambiance and character not found in all small communities, Decorah receives raves from current and past residents alike.
Three community theaters, an arts center, a lively concert series and a large community food co op infuse life into Decorah. The town is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, an impressive collection of 16 historic downtown buildings, a country church and a farmstead, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum is here as well. The Decorah Public Library started out with 69 books in 1893 but today has a much larger collection (65,000 books) and offers discussion groups and classes.
A small liberal arts college with a picturesque campus, Luther College (population 2,500 students), adds much to the quality of life here. Its athletic teams (football, baseball, basketball and seven others) and cultural offerings, from dance performances to art exhibits, give residents plenty to do and create a sense of community. Decorah also enjoys a stimulating music culture thanks to the school's well-regarded music department.
The beautiful Upper Iowa River, free of development and paralleled by vertical limestone bluffs, is popular for canoeing and kayaking, and the surrounding wilderness lends itself to hiking, fishing, camping and strenuous cross country skiing (while there are farms on the outskirts of Decorah, this region is part of the Driftless Zone, an area primarily characterized by hills and river valleys). Decorah also has at least four golf courses.
The charming downtown features coffee shops, banks, some good restaurants, art galleries and the like. Shopping is adequate, but many residents travel to LaCrosse, Wisconsin or Rochester, Minnesota for a better selection of stores.
The town's respect for its architectural history is evident in the wonderfully restored Hotel Winneshiek and the historic Steyner Opera House, both downtown, as well as in its numerous house museums. Churches are plentiful, but there is no public transportation.
Winneshiek Medical Center is a critical access hospital and the third largest employer in the county. The hospital is part of the Mayo Health System, a network of community hospitals that taps into the highly specialized expertise and resources of the renown Mayo Clinic. Additionally, Veterans Memorial Hospital is 15 miles away in Waukon, Iowa. The Northland Agency on Aging provides a number of services, including advocacy and meals, and is located in Decorah.
If there is a primary drawback to retirement in Decorah, it is the climate. Iowa winters are not for the faint of heart (early Norwegian settlers probably felt right at home, though), and Decorah has its share of cold, snow and ice. Snowfall averages eight to ten inches a month from November to March, and temperatures can easily dip into the teens. Summer temperatures usually top out in the 80s. It is overcast much of the time, and humidity is high. The chance of a tornado is 120% higher than the rest of the U.S., and the area is prone to flooding.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? No | Is Iowa Tax-Friendly at Retirement? No
The weather will keep many retirees at bay, but Decorah has a lot going for it, including excellent health care, an appealing cost of living, a pretty setting, a low crime rate, friendly people, an engaged citizenry, recreational venues and cultural amenities, making it a great retirement spot.
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