Interested in moving to Winterset Area (Des Moines, Kent: housing, jobs, schools)

[Nurse00]

I am wondering what it is like living in the Winterset area. How is the housing, job market, schools. I have lived in a small town in Kentucky all my life and I like the slow pace small town life style. Is there much there for teenagers to do? Are there lots of crime or drugs there? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Are there cities nearby that offer entertainment, more job opportunities etc. Thanks!

[Stevie]

I don't know much about Winterset but if you lived there you would be close to Des Moines, which will offer the entertainment, job opportunities, etc. It'd be about a 40 minute drive.

I know Winterset is where the John Wayne birthplace is. I've never visited it but it is a small tourist site. Also, Winterset is in Madison County, which is famous for its covered bridges. It was where the movie "Bridges of Madison County" was filmed.

As for crime and drugs...I doubt you'd have to worry about that in a small town like Winterset. Even the meth labs in Iowa have been diminishing a lot lately.

If you like the small town feel, you might like Winterset. I've only been there once but it seemed like a nice little town.

[iaborn42]

I have lived in Winterset for 2 1/2 years. I love it here. It is small town but Des Moines is so close by. We can be to the southwest side of the Des Moines Metro area in 25-30 minutes depending on which route we take.

Jobs there are some here but I think many people commute to Des Moines. The schools are good from my understanding. I don't have any kids in the district here.

Housing is reasonable with it being a buyers market right now.

Good Luck and if you have any more questions, ask!

[beck87]

Being young (20) and growing up in a neighboring school district, I know that the h.s. sports teams are alright.. Not so sure about the "teenage" thing, I never hung out there, but I do know a lot of kids that are involved with drugs and alcohol, and I also know a lot of kids that are top graduates of their classes and doing very well in college and life so far! It's like that in any small town in southern Iowa though...or anywhere for that matter. If you can trust your teens and you know they are responsible, shoot, go for it, but... if you have issues with peer pressure and bad friends... eeh...it could be iffy!