Dubuque (Iowa City, Asbury, Bellevue: rent, hospitals, schools)

[lynnfiat]

I'm wondering if Dubuque is conservative or liberal??? After reading the stats, it seems to be a very Catholic area, and yet the voting went to the Dems. Just wondering as our family is considering a move to the area. Also, any input on the best towns located near Dubuque where small acreage can be purchased?

[zz4guy]

It's pretty liberal when it comes to the labor unions. But other than that people seem pretty conservative. They have the lowest property tax rate in the state when compared to similar sized towns. It is a blue collar town without a doubt.

I think a better way to describe them would be strong democrats as opposed to a bunch of flaming liberals, like in Iowa City

When the week is done people go hunting, drinking, mudding and then to church on Sunday

[lynnfiat]

Thank you for the info on Dubuque. I'm happy to hear that it is a fairly conservative town - as I would nix the area if it weren't. We will be planning a trip there soon and hope we find it as expected.

[DBQer]

I live in Dubuque, and can tell you that the city is definitely "mixed" politically-speaking. Its true that Dubuque votes Democratic consistently, but as zz4guy said, its not what you would call a "crazy liberal" area! The city does have a strong blue-collar/union history, and so I see it as voting Democrat more out of tradition than true identification with the party. Dubuque is undoubtedly dominated by Catholics, though, so there is a great deal of SOCIAL CONSERVATISM in the area. The church exerts a strong influence on many aspects of life here, from hospitals, to no-red-meat-on-Fridays-during-Lent, to the parochial school system. However, Protestants are well represented, too.

If you're considering moving here, I would not be intimidated by local politics. I myself am a strong, conservative Republican and have had no problems. As I said, there is a great deal of social (and fiscal) conservative tendencies in the city.

If you're looking for acerage outside of the city proper, I would check out towns to the west of Dubuque (Asbury, Epworth, Peosta) as they are currently enjoying a great deal of growth and are convienent to many city services/schools/etc... Also, check out Sherrill, Iowa, to the city's north, as there is a great deal of land available there, too. I would say, as a general rule, try to get something in Dubuque County, and consider Illinois, Wisconsin, or other Iowa counties only as backups. Most shopping areas, parks, and things you'll need are in the West Side of Dubuque, and so I'd keep that in mind when looking to buy.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[lynnfiat]

Thank you so much for your input on Dubuque - it was a tremendous help to our decision. We are looking forward to visiting your area soon and hopefully purchase property.

[dubuquer]

Since Dubuque connects to Illinois and Wisconsin your options are open. Wiconsin is wide open for land, Dubuque is getting limited as well as Illinois. Depends on if you want to commute. Schools systems are great! Overall crime rate is low. I am a lifer and wouldn't think of rooting anywhere else.

[dubuqueaskme]

Dubuque is definitely democratic.

I agree with what "dubuquer" said about land becoming more and more limited in the Dubuque area. Especially in areas like Peosta, and Asbury.

I would look for land in Bellevue, in Jackson County, 20-30 minutes south of downtown Dubuque, and I would also try to look in the Peosta/Epworth area, Peosta and Epworth being 10-15 minutes west of Dubuque.

I'd say you wont find much luck in Asbury, 3 or 4 minutes west of DBQ.

[dubuqueaskme]

DBQ is LIBERAL without a doubt.