What are the best cities to live in in Iowa?

I am looking into moving to Iowa and starting a business and would like to know the best spots to live. Of course I have researched it online, but it is hard to find out what the best small cities are around the larger cities. If you can, please tell me about the main cities, as well as some affordable suburbs surrounding them. We are looking for a 2 bedroom apartment for around $400-$450/month. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. des moines is great.
2. des moines is great if you are rich & can close your eyes to the poverty & crime lol likewise waterloo i lived in eastern iowa but from what i have heard and been there twice, the omaha area is very nice.. on iowa side it is council bluffs anywhere along mississippi is very nice if you like the small town "pleasantville" feel southern iowa is poorer, fewer jobs, and flatter northern part has more lakes & hills the type of business would make huge diff in where to move to highly doubt you can find price range you mentioned in bigger cities btw, the billionaire warren buffet could live anywhere in the world & he chooses omaha - must be a reason - always looked nice there to me