Pretty much every time I meet someone from out of state, and they ask me where I’m from, the conversation is the same. Out-of-towners usually have common misconceptions about us Iowans – like we’re all farmers, or that we ride tractors to work. So, here are 10 things people in Iowa are tired of hearing. I’m sure everyone can relate to at least one of these!

1. Oh, Iowa, huh? So you're from the potato state!
16:9clue/Flickr
Uh...no. That would be Idaho? Iowa is the corn state...
2. Oh yeah, the corn state! You must eat a lot of corn!
Evan Long/Flickr
Well, no, actually I don't. I eat sweet corn once in a while during the summer, but most of the corn we grow isn't really for eating.
3. So do you drive your tractors to work in Iowa?
Overduebook/Flickr
Are you kidding right now? No, we don't drive our tractors to work, we have these things called 'cars.' We don't really understand them yet but they work better than the cows we used to ride to work.
4. So you must live on a farm, huh?
czFredie_/Flickr
Uh, no. Not everyone in Iowa lives on a farm. Many do, but Iowa actually has more people living in urban areas.
5. You don't even live in the country?
Deb Shoning/Flickr
Nope. I live in a town, just like you. I know it's weird, but not all of us live in the country either!

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6. Isn't Iowa only small towns?
Pete Zarria/Flickr
While there are many small towns in Iowa, we also have large, and growing, cities like Des Moines, Ames, Davenport, Iowa City, and more.
7. Iowa is so boring, you guys probably watch the corn grow for fun.
Matt Dente/Flickr
Actually, there is plenty to do in Iowa. We have everything you do, we may just have to drive a ways to get to it.
8. I have always wanted to date a farm boy!
University of Iowa Foundation/Flickr
What you mean to say is: You think Chris Soules, the only Iowa farm boy you have seen on TV, is hot and you would like to date him.
9. Oh, you're from Iowa? I love country music!
vivirucho01/Flickr
Um, okay... cool? I'm not a huge fan myself, but more power to you! Contrary to popular belief, not all Iowans listen to, or even like country music. I will say, though, that while I don't listen to their music, I still think that they are super nice people.
10. You're from Iowa? You don't look like you're from Iowa!
Mark Norman Francis/Flickr
Oh, sorry, let me go home and put on my denim coveralls, cowboy boots, and straw hat; I must have forgotten them this morning. Sorry to rain on your parade, but us Iowans look just like you!

What are some more common misconceptions people have about Iowa? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

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