how awesome is Des Moines? (safe, vehicle, average)

[tollfree]

They both try to make DSM look like hipster central - more than it is. Big cities have hipsters, and they imply liberalism, which is their agenda. Cityview once wrote some article on "Drag Queen Bingo" and presented it like this was only found in DSM, lol. Both are convinced DSM is easily the most liberal city on the planet.

Both of them cater heavily to the "DSM is big city" crowd in some way or another. They both have a sassy way of reviewing restaurants as well - especially the juice writer (seems to be obsessed with cheese). Usually something like "the greek feta cheese just didn't quite compliment the garlic cilantro spread as well as my senses had expected".

Yet, if it's a Formaro-owned place, it's always pure pandering.

Also, Juice gets a little carried away with the "Young Professional" tagline. Young Professionals...do the macarena!

I can honestly see that being a front-page Juice story.

[timgrizzle]

Let's see - from a So Cal perspective you'll see incredibly less crime, waaay less expensive housing, food, utilities and insurance, commute times that will catch you pinching yourself so much you may have to visit one of the many excellent health care providers, green grass, lots of tech jobs, nice down to earth people, some of the best schools in the country, restrained government spending and taxation, English as primary language, no need to reload when changing lanes or pulling into your driveway, Tornado warnings let you know before they arrive (unlike those damn rude earthquakes), no fires (but sometimes flooding in low areas), most parks and lakes are free.....umm...but otherwise, it's alot like California (minus the 6 months of 100 degree summer).

[tollfree]

Anyone can move to Temecula, CA for example, and avoid the big cities in CA, but still have everything you need, and life similar to in Iowa, except still in CA.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by timgrizzle

Let's see - from a So Cal perspective you'll see incredibly less crime, waaay less expensive housing, food, utilities and insurance, commute times that will catch you pinching yourself so much you may have to visit one of the many excellent health care providers, green grass, lots of tech jobs, nice down to earth people, some of the best schools in the country, restrained government spending and taxation, English as primary language, no need to reload when changing lanes or pulling into your driveway, Tornado warnings let you know before they arrive (unlike those damn rude earthquakes), no fires (but sometimes flooding in low areas), most parks and lakes are free.....umm...but otherwise, it's alot like California (minus the 6 months of 100 degree summer).

If Iowa had that 6 months of 100 degree summer, I might consider staying!

[timgrizzle]

ElleTea - you gotta love our great big country - and since there are different strokes for different folks, God knows that Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Arizona and yes - California offer up plenty of hot weather. I just know you can only take off some much clothes legally (well except for wacky SFO....shudder), but otherwise, there is a place for everyone. I miss the winters, change of seasons, chilly nights after being away for so long.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by timgrizzle

ElleTea - you gotta love our great big country - and since there are different strokes for different folks, God knows that Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Arizona and yes - California offer up plenty of hot weather. I just know you can only take off some much clothes legally (well except for wacky SFO....shudder), but otherwise, there is a place for everyone. I miss the winters, change of seasons, chilly nights after being away for so long.

Yep, and that is why I am moving south! Preferably the desert SW.

I don't buy the argument that when it is hot you can only take off so much but when it is cold you can add more clothes. Who the hell wants to be dressed in bulky layers? I'd much rather be in shorts and a tank and flip flops (or a swim suit) than jeans, socks, boots, sweater, heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf. I loved this summer; I am very comfortable in 100+ temps. I LOVE that!

[CincyIowan]

I love Des Moines but I wouldn't say it was awesome or bad.. No city can be categorized as good or bad because some cities have things that other's do not.

[TheBeagleLady]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Yep, and that is why I am moving south! Preferably the desert SW.

I don't buy the argument that when it is hot you can only take off so much but when it is cold you can add more clothes. Who the hell wants to be dressed in bulky layers? I'd much rather be in shorts and a tank and flip flops (or a swim suit) than jeans, socks, boots, sweater, heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf. I loved this summer; I am very comfortable in 100+ temps. I LOVE that!

That's because you are a freak.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by TheBeagleLady

That's because you are a freak.

Shut up, you!

And in case you didn't know, the NE part of Des Moines is full of cult-like meth heads. But I guess you have BTDT because you have driven on I80.

[TheBeagleLady]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Shut up, you!

And in case you didn't know, the NE part of Des Moines is full of cult-like meth heads. But I guess you have BTDT because you have driven on I80.

Yes, but the awesomeness of the capitol building makes up for the meth heads.