Moving to Des Moines area from Wichita (Ottumwa, Newton: housing, rent)

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by katychicago

Unfortunately, most people in Iowa are NOT friendly. The job situation is so bad and the economy so strapped that even those who appear friendly at first can often turn out to be the first one to stab a person in the back - if you're moving here with a job - congrats - but watch your back - if its a good job, the back stabbers will be after it.

That explains everything...you are bitter because you feel someone did you wrong and now you have a negative view with every aspect of Iowa. If that is actually true I would be mad also but I really doubt it's an "Iowa thing".

The job market is much more competitive elsewhere.

[WhiteSandsYucca]

Originally Posted by MozMoving

After talking with several people in Des Moines and looking on the Net I am curious if the Waukee area would be a good area to start looking? I have been told that there are several new housing areas that might be in our price range, 3br houses.

Does anyone know of specific housing developments or areas within Waukee to start looking?

I like that area...

[MozMoving]

Thanks to everyone who has given me suggestions on where to live near Des Moines. My wife and I will be coming to town next month to visit as many available houses in 7 days. The realtor has their work cut out for them, but it should be a lot of fun. Any suggestions on specific housing builders to look at and stay away from would also be helpful. Looks like a lot of housing is available, just have to find the right neighborhood and community. Thanks!

[dmguy30]

Welcome back to Iowa MozMoving!

I used to live in Treynor too! It is a great community.

If you are looking for something similar to that, I definately wouldn't choose Waukee. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa (and is experiencing overcrowding in their schools) and will continue to be for quite some time. As what others have mentioned, I'd recommend Polk City if you want to be close to recreation and be in a small town.

The SE side of Des Moines is good too (and provides 100% tax abatement for 5 years on new home construction), as it is close to Downtown attractions and Gray's Lake. Other small towns you may want to look at...Bondurant, Mitchellville, Runnells, Pleasant Hill, Altoona, and Carlisle. I really am liking this area...and it is AFFORDABLE!

Where will you be working?

[MozMoving]

Thanks for the info DMguy30. I am really just looking to be located anywhere withing 45 minutes of Des Moines. I work for a company that insures financial institutions so I will work from a home office and travel throughout Western IA, Eastern Nebraska and S.D. Most of my accounts are in Des Moines and that is why I am relocating there.

I just want to get the most house for the dollars and stay in a good, family oriented neighborhood wth good schools for the kids. I will keep looking here for more suggestions and idea of where too look.

Thanks!

[Iowagirl566]

Ames is about 30 miles north of Des Moines with a hospital and a clinic. It is an easy 30 minute drive to Des Moines. They have numerous festivals thru-out the years and are very kid friendly. Many houses are under $150(I would probably not buy around the college area if quiet is important). Town size is about 50,000(I think that is including students).

Nevada and Boone are other good choices. Nevada is about 10 miles east of Ames and Boone is about 15 miles west of Ames. Nevada was voted one of the friendliest towns in the USA a few years ago and have very many houses for under $125. I bet I could find 20 under $100K. They have several parades every summer and a big event in August to celebrate. Good schools in Iowa in general. Town size is about 6000.Go to Realtor.com to do searches on any of the towns you are interested in.

[Iowagirl566]

Waukee is growing so fast that the new school they built about 5 years ago is already too small. It has a small downtown area and 1 grocery store(another one just outside city limits). Very family friendly. It's just west of West Des Moines without much country left between anymore. Not sure about housing prices but check at Realtor.com.

[iaborn42]

Hi,
I have lived in IA most of my life. I now live SW of Des Moines about 30 minutes in Winterset. I love this little community but in all honesty I don't think Waukee is where you want to be. I work in the construction industry, we do flooring, and it is growing so big and fast.

I have to agree for what your family likes to do, I think the Polk City area sounds great. Big Creek is up that way as well as Saylorville.

The other area that was mentioned the Three Lakes area isn't bad but I do like the Polk City or Ankeny, Ames suggestions the best.

I have lived in Des Moines and now out of it and I like living out of town and having the short commute in, rather than living there.

I also was very active with my kids when they were young and I made many trips up to Big Creek at Polk city for biking, fishing etc.

Good luck with your move and let us know where you settle.

[tiki7]

Polk City sounds perfect for you. Waukee is overrated and crowded (schools are anyway).

[Clint_Noname]

Since you're raising a family, be sure not to move into the city of Des Moines. Most of the suburbs are alright, but the city itself has terrible schools. On the plus side, crime is low for a city its size, and you can get anywhere in the city in about 15 minutes. But the suburbs are much, much better for raising a family.