We're about an hour and a half from there, but spend quite a bit of time there with family/friends and business.  It's a nice area, I think.  Like every town that size, there are shabby, run-down areas that you wouldn't want to live.  But most of the residential areas are neat, clean and attractive.  Lots of activities in the area and downtown.  Farmers Markets, open-air concerts and cultural events in the Plaza. Science Center of Iowa, Iowa Historical Bldg and the Botanical Center downtown, Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston.   Saylorville Lake to  the north at Johnston,  Lake Red Rock to the south near Pella.   The airport is small enough to be very easy the navigate, but large enough to have plenty of travel options.   I-80 and I-35 provide good access in and out all directions, and I-235 cuts east-west thru the downtown area for easy access to events and features there.  Winters are cold and blustery, but probably not much moreso than where you're coming from.  I think you'll enjoy the area.