Towns/villages near Des Moines (Eldora, Colfax: home, pros and cons, property taxes)

[bradandbrit]

Beaverdale is very cute and has a festival once a year, great shopping, restaurants (try Christophers) and parks. There are a lot of charming homes there!

[tamir]

I happen to be leaving Des Moines and my great little house in the wonderful dog friendly neighborhood on Easter Lake. We (me and my dogs) have been very happy here and we hope we find a neighborhood in our new state that is just as friendly and serene. They, too, will miss Water Works park and Grays Lake.

[metro223]

Originally Posted by tamir

I happen to be leaving Des Moines and my great little house in the wonderful dog friendly neighborhood on Easter Lake. We (me and my dogs) have been very happy here and we hope we find a neighborhood in our new state that is just as friendly and serene. They, too, will miss Water Works park and Grays Lake.

That's too bad - where are you off to?

[tamir]

Wyoming, and yes it is too bad. I've lived in DM all my life and I wish I could take my house with me ( I can't sell it) as they have housing issues out there.

[metro223]

Originally Posted by tamir

Wyoming, and yes it is too bad. I've lived in DM all my life and I wish I could take my house with me (because I can't sell it) as they have serious housing issues out there.

Well Wyoming has some beautiful country, try to take advantage of that and stay positive! What sort of "housing issues" do they have in that area? Just curious..

[tamir]

Shortage of affordable housing. I've been in towns out there (not just in Wyoming) where they build motels just to house all the workers...and let me tell you, if you try to get a room during the week they're all booked.

[metro223]

Originally Posted by tamir

Shortage of affordable housing. I've been in towns out there (not just in Wyoming) where they build motels just to house all the workers...and let me tell you, if you try to get a room during the week they're all booked.

Oh I thought you meant in your neighborhood near Easter Lake, I was going to say I think that would be a great area to live in!

[nanjosbrand]

I've heard about those housing issues they''ve had in Wyoming--pretty crazy if you ask me. Real estate prices are outrageous out there from what I've heard.
Anyways, I just came back from a visit this past weekend in Des Moines. I have a friend who lives really close to Grey's Lake, and I absolutely love that area. Some of these other towns people are mentioning are great, but I think the commute would be horrendous!
I would stick to southern Des Moines if you're going to be working downtown. It doesn't take long to get country from there. I think it's nice to have some of the amenitites of a city as well like grocery stores and restaurants nearby.
I know the SE area of Des Moines can kind of get a bad rep. sometimes, but depending on the area, I think you could find something nice around there.

[tamir]

Exactly nanjosbrand, that's what I'm talking about. I love my neighborhood by Easter Lake, its so peaceful. There are fields nearby, of course, the lake, and it only takes me 7 minutes to get to work downtown. And, no, I'm not looking forward to the real estate prices in Wyo or having to drive 110 miles to the nearest Target. Btw, I'll be crusing through Sioux Falls on my way to Wyo on Wed. You live in a nice town too.

[nanjosbrand]

Thanks for the compliment on Sioux Falls. I really like Sioux Falls, too! Sioux Falls really knows how to hide the slummy areas. The only negative is the wicked cold weather!