Hawarden, IA is a welcoming, safe small town on the Big Sioux River with parks, trails, fishing and a lively community calendar—perfect for a multi-week assignment if you want quiet evenings, affordable short-term housing and easy outdoor recreation close to work.
For bigger-city options—restaurants, shopping and airports—Sioux City (about 35 miles) and Sioux Falls (about 45 miles) are an easy drive, so you get small‑town calm plus quick access to urban amenities.