The Midwest, often called "America's Heartland," is a region in the north-central United States. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, it comprises 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Midwest lies between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, north of the Ohio River and the 37th parallel. Known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and increasingly, its innovation sectors, the Midwest blends urban industrial power with rural conservatism.
Key attractions in the Midwest range from natural landmarks to urban centers. These include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Mall of America in Minnesota. Chicago, the region's largest city, is a major metropolitan hub boasting world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago. The Midwest is also experiencing a surge in high-tech investment, with cities like Columbus and Indianapolis becoming tech hubs. This growth is supported by infrastructure development and a rising number of skilled workers in the area. Furthermore, the Midwest's housing market has been booming, with demand for luxury real estate increasing in cities like Cincinnati, Milwaukee and St. Louis.
