Looking for liberal and/or more diverse neighborhood in Iowa (Des Moines: condo, house)

[elliesmom207]

I am currently interviewing for a position where I would work in Grimes, Iowa- close to Des Moines. My family is very liberal and I would like to know if anyone could recommend a neighborhood with perhaps some diversity or a larger gay/lesbian population, artist/culture centers, etc?

I do understand that it is more more conservative area so I'd like to know any neighborhoods we may feel more at home.

Thank you in advance

[Luke9686]

Your best bet is probably downtown or the East Village. Unfortunately, you will have to live in a condo if you choose either of those.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by elliesmom207

I am currently interviewing for a position where I would work in Grimes, Iowa- close to Des Moines. My family is very liberal and I would like to know if anyone could recommend a neighborhood with perhaps some diversity or a larger gay/lesbian population, artist/culture centers, etc?

I do understand that it is more more conservative area so I'd like to know any neighborhoods we may feel more at home.

Thank you in advance

Just curious, what would be the advantages of living in a more gay/lesbian area? Straight people loves arts and culture just as they do.

I still can't understand why many poeple feel gays are the new modern. Nothing against gays but I don't get it.

[elliesmom207]

Just because I have some gay family members, but any area that is more liberal would be fine and accepting I am sure.

[Steve_W]

Ok, that makes sense. I agree many conservative people do tend to look down upon gays so that could make for an uncomfortable experience. Sorry for prying.

[El Rhino]

I'd suggest about anywhere West of Downtown, like the Sherman Hill area, South of Grand (if you've got some money) or immediately North of Grand. This area seems to be.

As far as diversity goes, this area has the most diverse high school district (Roosevelt) in both race and wealth. You have the rich white/Jewish kids from the area around Ingersoll/Grand and then the black kids from the areas around the Drake area, Oakridge and so on. The Sherman Hill area is adjacent to some housing projects, so there's your diversity there. I doubt there are any liberal neighborhoods in Iowa that are ACTUALLY mixed, like you'll have a black family next door and some Mexicans down the block.

The East Village area seems to be more tragically hip young people. This is a newer project, people pretty much just started living there within the past two years.

As far as an area with a lot of gay people, I guess Sherman Hill would take that distinction.

I don't know, I'd just advise to come check things out and there might be something about another area that you like.

[zz4guy]

Originally Posted by elliesmom207

I am currently interviewing for a position where I would work in Grimes, Iowa- close to Des Moines. My family is very liberal and I would like to know if anyone could recommend a neighborhood with perhaps some diversity or a larger gay/lesbian population, artist/culture centers, etc?

I do understand that it is more more conservative area so I'd like to know any neighborhoods we may feel more at home.

Thank you in advance

Well, if you are still interviewing why dont you give Iowa City a shot. That is about as liberal/progressive/gay/transgender/cultured as you can get in this state. Certainly more than you'll find on the DSM side of the state.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by zz4guy

Well, if you are still interviewing why dont you give Iowa City a shot. That is about as liberal/progressive/gay/transgender/cultured as you can get in this country. .

Fixed for increased accuracy.

[SharpHawkeye]

I'm going to say Sherman Hill would be your best bet. The only downside is it's becoming a majorly gentrified neighborhood, so it's getting more expensive to buy a house there. You might want to also look at Ingersoll Ave. or Grand like others have said. They're not as hot or as gentrified as Sherman Hill, but they're catching on and have a lot of potential.

[El Rhino]

If you don't mind a little driving, you might want to try Ames. It's about 30 miles north of Des Moines on I-35. Ames is kind of straight-laced for a college town, but it's generally a little more on the liberal side than Des Moines. I'm not sure what the commute would be from Ames to Grimes, probably somewhere around 30-45 minutes.