Gay, family friendly places to live in Iowa. (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids: real estate, apartments)

[Magpi12]

My partner, Alyssa, and I are looking to relocate from Birmingham, Alabama to Iowa. We were turned on to Iowa after reviewing lists of states that allow gay marriages in the United States. We do have a friend from Iowa that has strongly suggested we move elsewhere than Iowa. She says that Iowa natives are quick to judge and do not take well to "outsiders." We, on the other hand, felt that Iowa couldn't possibly be THAT bad considering they legalized gay marriage and Iowa City appears to be one of the top "Gay Cities" in the country.
We were hoping to get a little insight into the state and the true nature of its natives. We were also hoping to get some tips on towns/cities/suburbs to live that are the most accepting of lesbian couples with children and have the best school systems.
Aside from that, we are having a hard time getting accurate price rates on one or two bedroom apartments and rental homes. Any recommendations on apartments or rental properties would be greatly appreciated! If it helps, Alyssa is a professional dog groomer for Petsmart and wishes to transfer locations and I will be looking for an entry level job until I graduate with my Elementary Education Degree. So, until then our price range for rent will need to be between $500 to $750.

Thanks in Advance!

-Magan

[Magpi12]

Below is a list of Petsmart locations in Iowa. We would prefer to stay within 20 to 30 minutes of a location! Let me know what you guys think!

-Ankeny (Des Moines) - 1715 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny , IA, 50021
-Cedar Rapids - 4810 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids , IA, 52402
-Clive - 11101 University Ave Ste B, Clive , IA, 50325
-Council Bluffs - 815 McDermott Street, Council Bluffs , IA, 51501
-Davenport - 5235 Elmore Ave, Davenport , IA, 52807
-Dubuque - 1300 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque , IA, 52002
-Sioux City - 5001 Sergeant Rd, Sioux City , IA, 51106
-South Des Moines - 5050 SE 14th St, Des Moines , IA, 50320
-Waterloo - 1506 Flammang Dr, Waterloo , IA, 50702

[tollfree]

Iowa City around campus is the only truly "liberal" place in Iowa.

There are parts of Des Moines that are somewhat liberal, but not on the same level as Iowa City.

The whole gay marriage thing (while I support it) was done by some judges; it's not like the people of Iowa support it themselves. The younger generation really doesn't care that much.

[Dport7674]

The Quad Cities area is big enough that you won't be considered an outsider. Not too many people will care that you're gay and if they did they won't say anything to your face.

[QuadCityImages]

I would say Des Moines, Davenport, and probably Cedar Rapids are your best bets out of the Petsmart location list. I don't know that much about CR, but you could always live closer to Iowa City and she could commute to the CR Petsmart.

[smpliving]

I live in CR and don't think you would have problems here. I think people, in general, are pretty open minded and accepting around here, or at least polite. Good luck!

[steel03]

Des Moines, Iowa City, Quad Cities, or Cedar Rapids. I seriously doubt you'll have any problems, especially in Des Moines and Iowa City.

There's not really anywhere in the Des Moines metro that's more than 20 minutes from a Petsmart, and if you go for a central location (which is the most liberal part of the city anyway), you'll have three choices.

[Magpi12]

Awesome! So do you guys happen to know what the typical rent rates are around these areas? Or maybe a real estate agent that specialized in assisting long distance clients?

[Dport7674]

The average apartment/townhouse in the Quad Cities is $600.

[smpliving]

I'm not sure about the average rent in CR, haven't rented in years. I think it can vary widely depending on location, size, age, etc. I would guess maybe $650-1000/month on average.