We're looking to move to Anamosa,Iowa or Maquoketa area (Des Moines: fit in, for sale)

[j_and_c2--5]

We're living in Mankato, Minnesota area right now and fiance just got a job in Maquoketa. Does anyone know if living is better in Maquoketa or Anamosa? I want a job in Cedar Rapids but I don't want to drive forever either. We also want good schools for the kids (all elementary age)

We need help! He starts the 27th of this month so any and all advice is welcome!

j_and_c

[mhollenback]

Originally Posted by j_and_c2--5

We're living in Mankato, Minnesota area right now and fiance just got a job in Maquoketa. Does anyone know if living is better in Maquoketa or Anamosa? I want a job in Cedar Rapids but I don't want to drive forever either. We also want good schools for the kids (all elementary age)

We need help! He starts the 27th of this month so any and all advice is welcome!

j_and_c

Maquoketa is a nice town that is close to Dubuque and Davenport. There are great jobs opportunitys in Dubuque. Which is about 25 from Maquoketa. Did you look online to get the stats on the schools?
Mary

[dubuqueaskme]

Maquoketa is kind of in the middle of Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, and The Quad Cities. It is Jackson County's seat, and holds nearly 7,000 people. Not an ideal spot to drive... Unless you like to drive long distances to work. Davenport is about 35 miles south via Interstate 61, and Dubuque is about 30miles north via highway 61. *downtown dubuque, that is* I am really not sure if ther are many good opportunities to make much money in Maquoketa. Now, I have never been to Anamosa, but have looked at its stats, 5,300 people. I suppose if you want a house in between 100K and 200K, Maquoketa is your place. Now, move to Dubuque, and they have plenty of jobs, and not to mention subdivisions poppin up just like they are in my old town in Georgia *Cartersville* It is a booming place. Davenpot, upon my level of research, the population is not rising, not falling *much* but, falling. We are in Dubuque, and sometimes travel down to Davenport *and go through maquoketa* for real shopping, but Dubuque is getting there with over 30 stores all ready added on the west side of town near asbury, and HUNDREDS of commercial lots for sale, I would imagine Dubuque's population sky-rocketing to near 70-80,000 by the turn of the decade. Also on the west side, new subdivisions on what was rural area less than a year ago. Many of these subdivisions offer great views, convenience, and 250K-500K homes. It all depends on what you are looking for.

I would not recommend you moving to Maquoketa. Travel times. Travel times.

[dubuqueaskme]

The schools around the major metros (Dubuque,Davenport,Cedar Rapids,Iowa City,Des Moines) are terrific. Iowa averages the highest SAT scores in the country, and the 3rd highest graduation rate in the country, behind New Jersey and Minnesota........ Schools are awesome. I used to live in Georgia (I am in high school) we move in january. or late dec.

[Ming Wu]

I think you should move to Maquoketa because the schools are safe and well there are plentied places to find jobs. Most inportantly is that there is a great place to eat at down town. It is a chinese restaurant.

[LetsPutItThisWay]

Honestly, if your fiance's job is in Maquoketa then I would move their. I (personally) would rather send my child to Maq. over Anamosa. Their is definet downsides to both, however, the jackson county fair is in maq. I am not sure if that makes any difference but its a fun time. The jones county (anamosa) fair is in Wyoming a few miles from Maq. I will agree that the chinese restraunt is awsome to eat at. Also, Anamosa has a pizza ranch. The 4h program is excellent in both counties, however, if your children are interested in horses, Jackson Co. 4H is the way to go. Maquoketa is farther away than Anamosa to Cedar Rapids. However, If you decide to live in Anamosa your soon to be husband will have to drive farther to get to work. If you would live in Maquoketa and work in Dubuque, it would be equal to that of Anamosa to Cedar Rapids. Both Cedar Rapids and Dubuque have great career opportunities.

[Molly Ann]

Maquoketa is a very hard town to move into and try to fit in unless you are a business owner. The people of Maquoketa are very clickish. A lot of favoritism in the schools. The schools are not rated very high which is odd for a small town. If the teachers and students are not related to each other in some way than they are married to each other. Our neighbors are moving back to Virginia, they say the unfriendliness here must be due to something in the water.