SperlingViews - Mason_City, Iowa

Unless you have a tie to Mason City, such as family, don't even consider this desolate town. The population is declining rapidly for a reason. You are on an island, so to speak; 2 hours from anywhere.If this is not a lot to you, then maybe this is a great place for you.In the winter, they close the roads. So you are stuck, if you even wanted to venture out in one of the blizzards they have. I was there for about 2 years and could not leave fast enough. Average Jan. temps are colder than Anchorage. There is nothing aesthetically appealing about this area. It is hard to decide what the worst part of the area is: the extremely high winds year round (great for the windmills & power generation), the intense persistent cold, with jackets needing to be worn into June, the May flies persisting into August,the extremely high income & property taxes or the shacks that are like tenement housing on the lake, with asking prices over 750 big ones. The best part of the area is the total of perhaps 1 nice month/year. The hospital is the only game in town & they know it, treating their employees not very well. People there, however, are super nice. This, however, does not make up for the terrible climate. Other than the people, the place has nothing going for it. John[read more...]

I lived just north of mason city recently. I'd say the advantages would be lower taxes, utilities, housing and transportation costs compared to surrounding states and areas. You may not have as many job choices as a larger city such as Des Moines, but it still seems to offer more than other areas I've seen. Good freeway access as well as being a regional hub, and low costs make it more attractive. Since most taxes in Iowa are generally cheaper vs MN and IL, I would naturally expect more jobs to exist in this area due to most companies trying to save money. Having clear lake close by, is also a plus. Also make sure to have a home with A/C because the humidity can be very high in the summer months.[read more...]

I like living in mason city,Ia because the cost of living is low and small town environment plus the crime rate is low.[read more...]

I grew up in Northern Iowa, and Mason City is the largest city in the area, it has one shopping mall, all of the standard discount retailers and franchise restaurants. It is easy to get around, and there seems to be a lot of available housing, people are generally friendly. I didn't care for the weather - humid in the summer, snowy in the winter - and it has almost no diversity. It's located on I-35 so travel in and out is easy though there is not much around it other than cornfields! Clear Lake is very close, which is great for boating and waterskiing.[read more...]

I'm looking for more info on Mason City. What's it like living there. I want the pros and cons, I've had enough of the stats I can get online. Can anyone who lives there or has lived there tell me about life in Mason City?[read more...]

I'm currently in Las Vegas and I'm looking to move. Mason City looks good, but there's not much to find out online other than statistics. What can you tell me - pros and cons about life in Mason City? Any information would be appreciated.[read more...]