Is Iowa really.... (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Bettendorf: schools, university, property tax)

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

Haha, that's what I thought too.


Anyways, I just noticed that this dude seems to have his finger in a lot of pies right now, as there's about half a dozen similar threads he's started where he has posted the same thing but just inserted a different state name. Take that as you will.

Lol, I won't even elaborate on your post. Gosh, I'm immature sometimes

[GaBoy-n-Iraq]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

Haha, that's what I thought too.


Anyways, I just noticed that this dude seems to have his finger in a lot of pies right now, as there's about half a dozen similar threads he's started where he has posted the same thing but just inserted a different state name. Take that as you will.

Yep sure do, is that like disrespectful or something?? As the post says Im looking for some were to move to, and trying to get oppinions......shoud I have typed out what I was looking for in every different states thread? Im looking for the same thing in many places, to find the best place. Sorry if it offends you

Thanks for all the replys though.

[jasperhobbs]

I don't see anything wrong with multiple postings to different states. He is just trying to get a feel for what states and areas have what he is looking for.

Jasper

Originally Posted by GaBoy-n-Iraq

Yep sure do, is that like disrespectful or something?? As the post says Im looking for some were to move to, and trying to get oppinions......shoud I have typed out what I was looking for in every different states thread? Im looking for the same thing in many places, to find the best place. Sorry if it offends you

Thanks for all the replys though.

[dubuqueaskme]

The poster originally wanted to know about "Mayberry" communities...

Hospitals and Power Companies will be found in the larger cities of Iowa (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, The Quad Cities...) The best hospitals are also in the larger cities, I'd say Iowa City has the best hospitals in the state, followed by Dubuque and Cedar Falls.

Now, I will recommend a few areas:

The Iowa City Area: Great Hospitals, Great Entertainment, Great Schools (the whole state has great schools...), Power Companies in Cedar Rapids and probably in the Quad Cities. Cedar Rapids is a 25 minute drive from midtown Iowa City.

-Areas near Iowa City with the small town charm include:

*Solon (between CR and IC) population about 700. (10 minutes to CR and IC) Johnson County
*Lone Tree (south of IC, north of Washington) population 1,100. 15 minutes to Iowa City, 35-40 Cedar Rapids. Maybe 35 minutes to Mississippi River at Muscatine. Johnson County
*Tipton (WNW of IC) population about 3,200. I love Tipton. It reminds me of a small town on a TV show. 30 minutes to IC and CR, Cedar County. They do have a Wal-Mart, and Victorian homes that are beautifully kept throughout the city... I have heard wonderful things about Tipton on this forum, and think very highly of the city.
*Monticello (NE of CR) population about 4,100. I really like Monticello. Monticello is one of those towns that is a stunner... It has a wonderful downtown and well kept homes and businesses throughout the city. The historical downtown is aesthetically pleasing. It is a 35 minute drive to Cedar Rapids and maybe a few less to Dubuque.
*Bellevue (S of DBQ) population about 2,400. Bellevue is my favorite city in Iowa. The state park, the river, the downtown, the festivals, it is hard to believe that a city so small could offer so much... This is the grand finale city, because in my opinion, it is the best city in Iowa, and reminds me the most of Mayberry. The people are friendly and the town is very small and quaint. You will have to drive about 24 miles to Dubuque and about 60 to Cedar Rapids... Bellevue is a Mayberry, just about twice as big with the Mississippi River...

Hope I could help!

[dubuqueaskme]

*Monticello is in northern Jones County.
*Bellevue is in east-central Jackson County.

[metro223]

Originally Posted by dubuqueaskme

The best hospitals are also in the larger cities, I'd say Iowa City has the best hospitals in the state, followed by Dubuque and Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls as in Sartori Hospital? I guess I don't know much about it, but that's because being from that area I never heard anything about it... I always just saw them as a really small hospital that depended on Covenant & Allen... idk, just curious.

To OP:
Small towns I like that are near the metros are Tipton and Wilton. They are close to the Quad Cities, Iowa City, & Cedar Rapids with easy access to i-80.

[SharpHawkeye]

Originally Posted by metro223

If there was one place in the state I had to tell you to avoid for raising children/economy/jobs etc.... it would be South/Southeastern IA. AS of right now, a lot of that part of the state is in somewhat of a decline.

It breaks my heart because I'm originally from that area, but you're right. I'd say stay north of Hwy. 92 (Indianola, Pella, Oskaloosa, Washington line), with the exception of maybe Fairfield.

I don't know how deep you want to get into Mayberry, but Pella is worth a look. Very pretty, very clean, very safe, very Dutch. Big festival every Spring, great fishing lake, excellent schools, close to Des Moines. A nice midsized town, so you can do Mayberry while still meeting people. Fairfield might also be something to look at. It's very much a "Mayberry meets Tibet" experience--one of a kind.

As far as hospitals go, I agree that Iowa City (UIHC) is the best. Dubuque probably second? I don't know a whole lot about hospitals, fortunately.

I do know that there are a lot of new "luxury" medical things going up in West Des Moines. Big new clinics, posh suburban hospitals and other things like that.

[brushes]

so is there a reason all of you list cities? What about the smaller areas...we have lots to offer in the way of affordable housing, great schools, and most of all afordable engery costs. Humboldt Iowa has Cornbelt Power which might just be a great fit for you and with your wife being a nurse, there is a large doctor practice there as there is in Fort Dodge just 20 minutes away. The best part of living in rural Iowa is that I am less than 2 1/2 hours away from any metro area I want to be in for any reason. Also we have some GREAT schools that are very forward thinking. Good luck in your quest!!

[metro223]

Originally Posted by brushes

so is there a reason all of you list cities? What about the smaller areas...

Well, I definitely said Tipton/Wilton, other posters recommended Pella, Fairfield, Monticello, etc... none of these are "cities" ....

[chad murphy]

Iowa City is not the town for you,crime has gone way up.Its not safe at night in a lot of places. and if you own a home the taxes are so high you have to take out a loan to pay them!!