MercyOne Relocation Guide: Your move to Iowa made easy

Iowa’s capital city offers a balanced urban-suburban experience with a cost of living below the national average. It’s ranked among the top safest large metros and boasts strong education options, including highly rated public schools, private academies and nearby universities like Drake University and Grand View University. Cultural highlights include theaters, museums, music festivals and a thriving food scene, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy extensive parks and bike trails. Located just minutes from the airport, Des Moines offers easy access to regional attractions and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Explore all Des Moines offers

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is a leading 656-bed acute‑care, not‑for‑profit Catholic hospital and one of Iowa’s largest employers. Founded in 1893, it’s the longest continuously operating hospital in Des Moines. Accredited as a Top Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, named one of Becker’s 100 Great Hospitals, and ranked among the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health. With Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation, stroke and heart care awards, CAP-accredited lab and ACS-certified Cancer Center, this flagship facility offers comprehensive services including robotic surgery, cancer care, neurosciences, rehab, emergency/trauma, maternity, behavioral health and a robust nursing excellence program.

Mason City is North Iowa’s cultural, entertainment and economic hub. Just 120 miles north of Des Moines and 135 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul, it offers eclectic shopping, unique dining and a vibrant community where events are part of everyday life. With excellent schools, picturesque neighborhoods, quality health care and diverse career opportunities, Mason City is truly a great place to call home.

Explore all Mason City offers

MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa, is a full-service acute-care hospital with a long-standing family medicine residency program dating back to 1974, with a focus on training rural physicians. It's recognized in 2024 by the American Heart Association with multiple Get With The Guidelines® and Mission: Lifeline® awards for stroke, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non- ST-elevation myocardial infarction diabetes, resuscitation and rural stroke care — highlighting excellence in cardiovascular and stroke treatment.

Affordably priced; Waterloo is approximately 25% cheaper than the national average and about 5% below Iowa's average. Its arts and entertainment scene features museums, a performing arts center, brewery tours, relief trails and attractions like the John Deere Tractor Museum and Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark. Dense trail networks offer biking and walking opportunities year round. The Waterloo Community School District provides diverse programs, and families also have access to private and parochial schools. Higher education is close by at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Explore what Waterloo offers

MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center is a 366-bed regional hospital recognized for excellence in patient care and community service. As a Level III Trauma Center and home to a Level III Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we provide advanced emergency and neonatal care close to home. Our services include comprehensive cardiac care through an accredited chest pain center, a nationally accredited cancer center, inpatient rehabilitation, behavioral health and leading-edge surgical options—including robotic surgery. MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center is proud to hold the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence, and multiple quality awards from the American Heart Association and Forbes.

Dubuque, located right on the Mississippi river, is known for its historic charm and has a cost of living approximately 12% below the U.S. average. The Dubuque Community School District is highly regarded, and the city offers private schools plus colleges like Loras College and Clarke University. Families enjoy cultural attractions such as the National Mississippi River Museum, arts festivals and an abundance of parks and trails.

Explore what Dubuque offers

As the region’s leading hospital, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center offers the only Level II NICU and the most comprehensive cardiology center in the tri‑state area. It holds Magnet designation (fifth consecutive cycle), CMS 5‑star quality rating and national recognition including Fortune/IBM Watson’s 100 Top Hospitals. It’s a Wellmark Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity and earns American Heart Association awards — Stroke Gold Plus, Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI and STEMI Gold. It recently celebrated 100 years of American Heart Association membership.

Clinton offers affordable living and a strong sense of community. Clinton provides education options such as the Clinton Community School District, private schools and higher education like Clinton Community College. The city boasts riverfront parks, museums and annual festivals, making it a great spot for outdoor and cultural activities.

Work & Live Here | Grow Clinton

MercyOne Clinton Medical Center is a 249-bed facility serving counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The facility offers radiation and oncology care, two cardiac catheterization labs, renal dialysis, a Level IV Trauma Center and more. With over 800 employees and 60 plus providers, it holds full-service accreditation and strong patient experience ratings.

Davenport and the Quad Cities region combine affordability with vibrant culture. Families benefit from the Davenport Community School District and nearby colleges like St. Ambrose University and Augustana College. The area offers museums, riverfront parks, bike trails and year-round festivals, plus easy access to Chicago and Des Moines for weekend trips.

Living in the Quad Cities

MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center, established in 1869, is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities, with a workforce of nearly 5,000 employees. The non-profit regional health system has 674 licensed beds and more than 70 locations, serving a 17-county bi-state region of the Quad Cities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. It offers NICU, cancer, cardiac, robotics, critical care, pediatrics, women’s health, surgical, emergency, stroke, imaging, lab and weight‑management services. Recognition includes IBM Watson top‑15 health system, Leapfrog “A” safety grade, U.S. News top‑ranked hospital, national quality leadership, IT Most Wired, nursing excellence designations and Great Iowa Nurse honorees.

Silvis offers affordable living and access to the East Moline School District and nearby colleges in the Quad Cities. Families enjoy local parks, libraries and recreation facilities, plus proximity to cultural attractions and events in Davenport and Moline.

Living in the Quad Cities

MercyOne Gensis Silvis Medical Center is a 150‑bed full‑service acute care-center serving a three‑county region in Illinois, offering 24/7 emergency, ambulance, ICU/critical care, birth center, heart and vascular, diabetes, imaging, lab, orthopedics, pharmacy, physical therapy, sleep, stroke and surgical care.

Aledo is a safe, close-knit community with excellent schools in the Mercer County School District. Families appreciate small class sizes and strong extracurricular programs. Cultural life centers on local parks, historic downtown and community events, with Quad Cities amenities just a short drive away.

Explore all Aledo offers

MercyOne Genesis Aledo Medical Center is a 22‑bed critical‑access hospital in western Illinois and Mercer County’s sole healthcare provider, delivering emergency care, cardiac rehab, infusion, lab, imaging (3D mammography), skilled care, pulmonary and sleep services, therapy and surgery. It earned Chartis Center’s 2025 Performance Leadership Award for rural hospital quality and patient perspective.

Newton is family-friendly with a cost of living well below the national average. The Newton Community School District offers strong academics and activities and nearby colleges include DMACC Newton Campus. Families enjoy parks, a wellness center and a short commute to Des Moines for expanded cultural and educational opportunities.

Explore all Newton offers

MercyOne Newton Medical Center is a 48-bed acute-care hospital located 30 miles east of Des Moines, with emergency, cancer, cardiovascular, orthopedics, rehab, pediatrics and robotic surgery capabilities. It’s CMS-recognized for high-quality services and features a 50,000 sq ft medical office building adjacent to the campus.

New Hampton is a safe rural community with highly-rated schools in the New Hampton Community School District. Families enjoy small class sizes, strong sports programs and community-focused events. Outdoor recreation includes parks, trails and an aquatic center.

Living in New Hampton

A faith‑based, 18‑bed critical‑access hospital serving Chickasaw County, MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency, inpatient/outpatient, maternity, family medicine, behavioral health, orthopedics, wound and diabetes care and rehab therapies. It supports around 20,000 outpatient visits annually, with 14 specialties available locally.

Centerville offers affordable living and a welcoming atmosphere. The Centerville Community School District serves local families, and Indian Hills Community College provides higher education nearby. The town features parks, trails and cultural events that make it ideal for families seeking a slower pace.

Living in Centerville

MercyOne Centerville Medical Center, a 25‑bed critical‑access hospital, offers emergency/trauma stabilization, acute and skilled care — including cancer, heart and vascular, neurology, pediatrics, primary care, surgery, therapy and rehab services. It emphasizes personalized rural community health care.

Elkader offers small-town charm with a cost of living about 23% below the national average. Families benefit from good local schools and a safe, walkable community. Cultural highlights include the historic Elkader Opera House, Motor Mill Historic Site and kayaking on the Turkey River. Residents enjoy scenic parks, antique shops and annual heritage festivals.

Explore all Elkader offers

MercyOne Elkader Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital. It provides 24/7 emergency care and is designated as a Level IV Trauma Center, ensuring timely treatment for urgent needs. The hospital is known for its personalized, family-oriented approach to care, serving the rural Clayton County community and surrounding areas.

Oelwein is an affordable, family-friendly town with housing costs far below the national average and crime rates lower than average. Schools provide solid education with strong graduation rates, and the community hosts events like the Oelwein Celebration. Attractions include the Hub City Heritage Railway Museum, local parks, and trails, offering a quiet, welcoming lifestyle.

Living in Oelwein

MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access facility offering comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. It is Joint Commission–certified and recognized for quality performance, with a Level IV Trauma Center designation. The medical center provides a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology and family medicine.

Dyersville is known for its small-town charm and excellent schools in the Western Dubuque Community School District. Families enjoy safe neighborhoods, local parks and attractions like the Field of Dreams movie site. Community events and easy access to Dubuque add to its appeal.

Living in Dyersville

MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center is a 20‑bed critical‑access hospital serving 17 rural communities in western Dubuque County. As a Level IV Community Trauma Care Facility, it offers 24/7 emergency and trauma services, along with acute and skilled inpatient care, ambulatory surgery, home care and specialty clinics. The center includes a fully equipped laboratory, imaging services, retail pharmacy with drive‑thru and delivery and Phase II cardiac rehabilitation tailored to those recovering from heart events. Outpatient and inpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy are available locally to help patients regain function and independence. MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center delivers compassionate, personalized health care that keeps essential care close to home.