My understanding is that a lot of research suggests that the place really isn't that important, people tend to get used to where they are at. But some spots do speak to a person.
I guess you can get used to certain locations, but as you say there are some that speak to you more than others. I know, for example, I much prefer to be in a convenient place that is walkable and with good public transport. Therefore, even though an urban/suburban area is pricier, I'd go for that over a remote, rural area in the middle of nowhere.
I'll elaborate more on my situation, since I see similarities with yours: I am MUCH closer to financial independence in Malaysia than Australia. However, the two countries offer very different pros and cons. So my current idea is to strike a compromise between the two - something like a couple years here, a couple years there. Though this may not necessarily be as feasible for your situation, or perhaps you'd prefer to be more "settled". You don't say whether you've lived in Iowa, but I suppose it certainly helps if you've had a trial run to find out whether you could happily get used to it, with the significant bonus of being able to instantly call it quits. Or maybe you have already done so and found it wasn't really your thing. For me, Australia is expensive, but the benefits of living here are worth it, and while I don't need to be here all the time, I wouldn't want to give it up entirely, either.