Minneapolis to Des Moines (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: relocating, housing, rent)

[fortycorey]

Hi,

I just separated from my fiance and am relocating to Des Moines from Minneapolis. I have a job available in Des Moines but am interested in what areas to live in for a single person and on a limited budget. Currently pay about 700 a month for a one bedroom in a less desireable area of Minneapolis, so an area of Des Moines where I can put my car inside and not worry about a mugging or burglury is all I ask for. Price is more important than a prestigious area. Also, where is the night life at? Should I be looking in Des Moines or somewhere in the suburbs? Finally, are cabs readily available in Des Moines and surrounding areas?

Thanks

[El Rhino]

Cab service is available but it's something you have to call ahead of time and schedule, you can't (usually) just see a cab out, flag him down and get a ride. If you don't have a car, I'd strongly suggest getting one... I know I wouldn't want to rely on cabs or the bus in this town.

There are plenty of safe areas where you can get a place to live for about $700 here.

As far as nightlife goes, that depends on what you're into. Downtown around the Court Avenue area is probably the best/biggest spot for night clubs, bars and so-on. The "East Village" area has a few smaller bars/clubs and there's a strip or so on Ingersoll Ave. The suburbs have a few large night clubs (Vieux Carre, Drink and I think there's a few others) too. I would suggest going to Cityview Online (weekly "alternative" newspaper) and reading about the nightlife options.

Originally Posted by fortycorey

Hi,

I just separated from my fiance and am relocating to Des Moines from Minneapolis. I have a job available in Des Moines but am interested in what areas to live in for a single person and on a limited budget. Currently pay about 700 a month for a one bedroom in a less desireable area of Minneapolis, so an area of Des Moines where I can put my car inside and not worry about a mugging or burglury is all I ask for. Price is more important than a prestigious area. Also, where is the night life at? Should I be looking in Des Moines or somewhere in the suburbs? Finally, are cabs readily available in Des Moines and surrounding areas?

Thanks

[pepe1]

You will be able to get into some nice neighborhoods for $700/month in Des Moines (you can probably spend less than that and still be in a good neighborhood).

The hotspots for nightlife in the Des Moines Area:
1. Court Avenue District Downtown
2. Intersection of 86th St. and Hickman Rd. in Clive
3. West Glenn area in West Des Moines (near Interstate 35 and Mills Civic Pkwy).

Cabs are easier to come by downtown. Anywhere else and you'll probably have to call to get one to pick you up. I would agree that i wouldn't want to depend on a cab as you main source of transportation in Des Moines.

Where is your job at? I could probably tell you of some places near by...

[Not Iowa]

Originally Posted by fortycorey

Hi,

I just separated from my fiance and am relocating to Des Moines from Minneapolis. I have a job available in Des Moines but am interested in what areas to live in for a single person and on a limited budget. Currently pay about 700 a month for a one bedroom in a less desireable area of Minneapolis, so an area of Des Moines where I can put my car inside and not worry about a mugging or burglury is all I ask for. Price is more important than a prestigious area. Also, where is the night life at? Should I be looking in Des Moines or somewhere in the suburbs? Finally, are cabs readily available in Des Moines and surrounding areas?

Thanks

My advise is to seriously reconsider moving to Des Moines. My mother just made the move from St. Paul to Des Moines in January, and while she enjoys the 'quaintness' of Iowa's largest city, she misses St. Paul miserably and would not have left if not for necessity. Myself, I grew up in Iowa City, have lived elsewhere in the country, and am currently in Cedar Rapids, IA. I lived in Minnesota for ten years, and am currently planning on moving back there. If you are looking to move only because you feel you need to get away from your fiance, why not try Roseville, Maplewood, or Highland Park (in St. Paul)? All of these suburbs offer you the convenience of familiarity as well as cultural/educated/growth oriented environments. People in Iowa do not like "outsiders" - and I feel this way even being born here and come back as an adult. As far as Iowa goes, Des Moines will offer the most of any night life you can find in the state - but it is a far cry from anything you already have in the twin cities. There are a lot of small minded people here as well, so do not come down expecting to meet and find friendly people. There is very little in the way of job growth as well. Stay put. Better yet - tell your fiance to move.

[pepe1]

Originally Posted by Not Iowa

My advise is to seriously reconsider moving to Des Moines. My mother just made the move from St. Paul to Des Moines in January, and while she enjoys the 'quaintness' of Iowa's largest city, she misses St. Paul miserably and would not have left if not for necessity. Myself, I grew up in Iowa City, have lived elsewhere in the country, and am currently in Cedar Rapids, IA. I lived in Minnesota for ten years, and am currently planning on moving back there. If you are looking to move only because you feel you need to get away from your fiance, why not try Roseville, Maplewood, or Highland Park (in St. Paul)? All of these suburbs offer you the convenience of familiarity as well as cultural/educated/growth oriented environments. People in Iowa do not like "outsiders" - and I feel this way even being born here and come back as an adult. As far as Iowa goes, Des Moines will offer the most of any night life you can find in the state - but it is a far cry from anything you already have in the twin cities. There are a lot of small minded people here as well, so do not come down expecting to meet and find friendly people. There is very little in the way of job growth as well. Stay put. Better yet - tell your fiance to move.

I actually grew up in the Twin Cities and moved to Des Moines after college. I have the complete opposite sentiments as your mother. I miss seeing some friends up in the Twin Cities, but beyond that, have zero desire to ever move back to the Twin Cities.

Honestly, there are no more and no less small minded, educated, or cultured people in one city or versus the other - It's not even 300 miles apart for pete's sake. I can also assure you there is no secret underground society dedicated to shunning outsiders. Making friends is all what YOU put into it.

Your job growth comment completley puzzles me. Perhaps it varies by industry, but I work in a construction related field and the job market is absolutely terrible in the Twin Cites for anything I would be qualified for. Conversley, the job market is quite robust in Des Moines (for construction at least).

[Not Iowa]

Originally Posted by pepe1

I actually grew up in the Twin Cities and moved to Des Moines after college. I have the complete opposite sentiments as your mother. I miss seeing some friends up in the Twin Cities, but beyond that, have zero desire to ever move back to the Twin Cities.

Honestly, there are no more and no less small minded, educated, or cultured people in one city or versus the other - It's not even 300 miles apart for pete's sake. I can also assure you there is no secret underground society dedicated to shunning outsiders. Making friends is all what YOU put into it.

Your job growth comment completley puzzles me. Perhaps it varies by industry, but I work in a construction related field and the job market is absolutely terrible in the Twin Cites for anything I would be qualified for. Conversley, the job market is quite robust in Des Moines (for construction at least).

I assure you, I am a friendly person. Read further into any one of the posts in the Iowa folder, and the experience of the outsider is told time and time again.

If you have the opposite sentiments as I, then I wish you the best with your move! I was only offering my advice from my experience, as you had asked in your thread. To further advice, do bring some form of transportation to Des Moines - feel free to ask around on that for a second opinion.

[fortycorey]

Thanks for the information everyone. I would stay in Minneapolis as I like it but my ex and I moved here knowing no one with no family in the area. That is why I am leaving, to be closer to friends and family. I love Minneapolis and Des Moines is a great place too!

Does anyone know anything about the Jordan Creek apartments on Grand Ave in WDM? They seem real reasonable, just kind of checking out listings on the web until I have time to get down there and look at places.

Thanks Again

[Chicago60614]

I think Des Moines is a great city, the metro area is one of the fastest growing areas, adding around 50,000 from 2000 to 2006. The area has a lot of new jobs, and a LOT of new construction. Downtown also seems to be having a big increase in ammenities, business and housing.

[Lillietta]

If you really like the Twin Cities a lot, I think you will be disappointed in Des Moines. However, if you really want a smaller place - small town flavor - then it might suit you.

[pepe1]

Originally Posted by Lillietta

If you really like the Twin Cities a lot, I think you will be disappointed in Des Moines. However, if you really want a smaller place - small town flavor - then it might suit you.

I am originally from the Twin Cities and I don't think this statement is true...at all. There are a remarkable amount of similarites between the two cities.