Des Moines or Sioux Falls

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

True but outside Iowa City I don't think the Chicago influence has much effect on Eastern Iowa other than the fact that people have probably been there a few more times. I wouldn't assume Davenport or Cedar Rapids residents to be more "worldwide" because they are 2 hours closer to Chicago. It's still Iowa.

I grew up in Iowa City, and I've found that the Chicago influence on Iowa City is pretty huge. Everyone I know living in eastern Iowa goes to Chicago quite often, and most of them love the city. It's only 3 hours from Iowa City to Chicagoland, which is a pretty easy drive.

I think Des Moines is more removed, and of course being in the center of the state and by far the largest city - people in the state tend to think of it more as a "big city". No harm in that though, right? They're not hurting anyone by thinking this, and if it for some reason bothers people, well then just ignore it.

I love that Des Moines thinks so highly of itself, better than just sitting back and doing nothing, thinking you're small beans. The city has also really improved itself over the past 15 years, and I think its citizens are very proud of what Des Moines has become.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by mfrerkes

I have plenty of room to criticize whatever I want. This is America. Deal with it.

By the way, I wasn't criticizing Des Moines for not having an IKEA. Many great cities around the country also don't have an IKEA. I was merely pointing out that the likelihood of an area like Des Moines landing such a store is virtually nil. This notion that Des Moines has the same type of demographics as Chicago or Minneapolis is stretching credibility. If reality offends you, I'm deeply sorry.

Well no, of course Des Moines isn't getting an Ikea. Besides Salt Lake City, the next smallest metro in the country with an Ikea has well over 2 million people.

I'm sure they'd put one in Denver or San Antonio first...

[RonnieJonez]

DSM can pat itself on the back all day long, but it can also work in a negative sense, besides bordering on the purely ridiculous at times. When a town pushes a tribal mentality, it can make it feel too enclosed for newcomers to want to stay.