According to Allcountrylist, Baxter, Iowa is a small city located in central Iowa, about an hour’s drive from Des Moines and two hours from Omaha. The city is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River, surrounded by rolling hills and farmlands. The area is dominated by rural landscapes and small towns, making Baxter a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Baxter has a population of just over 1,800 people spread out over 3 square miles. It is considered a “bedroom community” because many of its residents commute to jobs in nearby cities such as Des Moines or Omaha.
The terrain surrounding Baxter is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The city itself is quite hilly with several streets running up and down the slopes. The soil in the area is mostly clay-based which can make it difficult for farming but gives it excellent drainage for other activities such as gardening or hiking.
The climate in Baxter can be described as humid continental with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are usually hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 90s (Fahrenheit) during the day while nighttime temperatures often drop into the 60s (Fahrenheit). Winters are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing on most days, although snowfall amounts are fairly low compared to other places in Iowa due to its location near the Missouri River Valley which tends to block much of the snow from reaching Baxter directly.
Baxter also experiences moderate amounts of precipitation throughout the year with rain occurring mainly during spring and summer months while snow usually only falls during winter months. It also receives more sunshine than most other places in Iowa due to its location near open fields that allow sunlight to reach further inland than other parts of the state.
The area around Baxter has long been a popular spot for outdoor recreation thanks to its close proximity to numerous lakes, rivers, parks, trails, forests and wetlands which provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and more. In addition to these activities there are also numerous cultural attractions including museums, galleries, theaters and festivals that take place throughout the year making it easy for visitors or locals alike to find something fun or interesting nearby no matter what time of year it may be.
History of Baxter, Iowa
According to allcitycodes.com, Baxter, Iowa is a small city located in Jasper County, Iowa. It is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River and was founded in 1855 by a group of settlers from Indiana and Ohio. The city was named after its first postmaster, Isaac Baxter, who also served as the first mayor.
At the time of its founding, Baxter was nothing more than a small village with only a few hundred residents. However, it soon began to grow as more settlers moved into the area due to its rich soil that could produce plentiful crops such as corn and wheat.
The railroad arrived in Baxter in 1869 which opened up the area to further growth and development. The city soon became a center for agriculture with many farmers coming to sell their crops at local markets or send them off to other parts of the state by rail. Additionally, Baxter was home to several businesses including mills and factories that provided employment opportunities for many of its residents.
During World War II, Baxter served as an important training center for soldiers heading overseas with Camp Dodge located just outside of town providing much-needed housing and supplies for these troops. Afterward, Baxter continued to expand with new homes being built throughout the 1950s and 1960s along with new stores and businesses popping up all over town.
Today, Baxter is still primarily an agricultural community although it has also become home to many commuters who work in nearby cities such as Des Moines or Omaha due to its close proximity to them both. Despite this shift towards a more urban lifestyle, Baxter still retains much of its rural charm as evidenced by its historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and restaurants that offer visitors a glimpse into what life used to be like here during simpler times.
Economy of Baxter, Iowa
Baxter, Iowa is a small city located in Jasper County, Iowa. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture with many of its residents working in the farming industry to produce crops such as corn and wheat. Additionally, the city has become a hub for manufacturing with several factories and mills located here providing employment opportunities for its citizens.
The railroad also plays an important role in Baxter’s economy as it allows for goods to be shipped all over the state and beyond. This has enabled businesses such as local stores and restaurants to thrive by providing them with access to fresh ingredients from around the country. It has also allowed commuters from nearby cities such as Des Moines or Omaha to easily travel into Baxter for work due to its close proximity to them both.
Tourism is another key factor in Baxter’s economy thanks to its rich history and charming downtown district filled with quaint shops and restaurants that offer visitors a glimpse into what life used to be like here during simpler times. The city is also home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas which attract people from all over the state alike to find something fun or interesting nearby no matter what time of year it may be.
Overall, Baxter’s economy continues to grow and diversify even today due to its combination of traditional agricultural roots, industrial developments, tourism opportunities, and easy access via railroads or highways. With this mix of industries working together, Baxter has been able to create a prosperous environment where businesses can thrive while providing jobs and other economic benefits for its citizens.
Politics in Baxter, Iowa
Baxter, Iowa is a small town located in the heart of the Midwest. The politics in Baxter are generally quite conservative. The majority of citizens are registered Republicans and tend to vote along party lines in local and state elections. This is due to the fact that most of the population works in agriculture and has strong ties to Christian faith. The town is fairly homogeneous when it comes to political views, with very few outspoken liberals or moderates.
The government of Baxter consists of a mayor and council members who are all elected every four years. The mayor acts as the chief executive officer and is responsible for setting policy, while the council members act as legislative representatives for their respective wards. Generally speaking, local elections are low-key affairs with few issues that divide candidates significantly along ideological lines.
The biggest political issue facing Baxter recently has been how to manage growth due to an influx of new residents from other parts of Iowa and beyond. Many residents are concerned about maintaining the town’s small-town charm while still allowing for economic development that will keep businesses in town and bring jobs to local residents. This has led to debates over zoning regulations, tax incentives for businesses, public infrastructure projects, and other topics related to managing growth responsibly.
