is iowa boring? (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Williamsburg: house, vacation, lease)

[Steve_W]

How can any comparison between DSM and CR be drawn? The cities are in 2 different classes and Cedar Rapids has done very little to assume any changes are imminent anyway. Sorry, I just don't get this whole comparison.

[mfrerkes]

I see. It's only acceptable to point out statistics that make Des Moines look good and Cedar Rapids look bad? And I'm the one with the complex?!?!

Anybody who makes a statistical argument which shows Cedar Rapids has some advantages over Des Moines is in "denial". Its interesting to hear that somebody who lives in a city with so much to do like Des Moines, also has time to psychoanalyze complete strangers over the Internet...on a nightly basis!

[DSMGuy]

Originally Posted by mfrerkes

True. For example, Des Moines crime rate is higher than Cedar Rapids. Also, Des Moines' average median household income is $5,000 lower than CR. Some people might regard a city with lower crime and higher personal income as a better alternative than high growth for establishing a decent quality of life.

Most of DM's big income earners live in the suburbs, so if you compared median incomes for the two metros, it would probably tell a different story. The city of DM makes up less than half the total metro population. Nice try though.

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by DSMGuy

Most of DM's big income earners live in the suburbs, so if you compared median incomes for the two metros, it would probably tell a different story. The city of DM makes up less than half the total metro population. Nice try though.

Yes, and the CITY of Des Moines has high crime and lower income than the CITY of Cedar Rapids. Not everybody wants to live in a suburb to feel safe and have a decent life.

I guess if you wanted to live in a suburb, the Des Moines area is a good choice. However, if you want to live in a city...Cedar Rapids would be the better alternative.

[Stevie]

What part of "DSM and CR are very different cities" don't you understand, mfrerkes? The point was not a DSM vs CR issue. And I don't recall anyone saying that CR doesn't have any advantages over DSM either.

Anyway, this thread is starting to get off topic. Maybe we should continue this argument on the Best City in Iowa thread, considering that's where this little tirade between DSM and CR all started.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by Stevie

What part of "DSM and CR are very different cities" don't you understand, mfrerkes? The point was not a DSM vs CR issue. And I don't recall anyone saying that CR doesn't have any advantages over DSM either.

Anyway, this thread is starting to get off topic. Maybe we should continue this argument on the Best City in Iowa thread, considering that's where this little tirade between DSM and CR all started.

Agreed, comparing the 2 is like comparing a donkey to a Clydesdale

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by mfrerkes

Yes, and the CITY of Des Moines has high crime and lower income than the CITY of Cedar Rapids. Not everybody wants to live in a suburb to feel safe and have a decent life.

I guess if you wanted to live in a suburb, the Des Moines area is a good choice. However, if you want to live in a city...Cedar Rapids would be the better alternative.

Actually the Higher Crime and Lower income is a result of a city with any "significant size" that has a certain population that chooses not to work and chooses to steal and commit other crimes instead. Comes with the territory of being major city. Cedar Rapids will probably never undersand those problems I guess.

[DSMGuy]

So am I correct in assuming that Jordan Creek is not in your Christmas shopping plans, mfirkes?

If you do make it here, I also suggest driving the extra hour and 45 min to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It is a great place to go in winter with a lot of indoor exhibits and much smaller crowds than in summer.

Then you can visit both cities you love in one trip!!!

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by DSMGuy

So am I correct in assuming that Jordan Creek is not in your Christmas shopping plans, mfirkes?

If you do make it here, I also suggest driving the extra hour and 45 min to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It is a great place to go in winter with a lot of indoor exhibits and much smaller crowds than in summer.

Then you can visit both cities you love in one trip!!!

My brother lives in Omaha and I spent nearly 17 years in and around the Des Moines area. I've actually never lived in Cedar Rapids, but my brother did about 8 years ago...so I'm familiar with CR from my visits there.

I honestly don't think most sane people would register many appreciable differences between any of the three locales. Sure, one might have a zoo while the other has an amusement park...but those are minor differences when compared to the bigger picture.

The only people who seem to think these minor differences are a big deal, are usually the Des Moines or Omaha Jihadists who think any city that isn't their's sucks.

[metro223]

wouldn't appreciate any differences between the three locales??? haha yes because cedar rapids is SOOO similar to omaha!