Quad Cities or Des Moines? (Cedar Rapids, Davenport: middle-class, neighborhood, theatre)

[ehenningsen]

hmmm..

I really like Des Moines and along with the national publications constistantly giving it props as a top american city overall (like Omaha ) I can't help myself as I am now very intrigued by the Quad Cities after this thread..

I can see how 'some' would overlook it, but those that have done a little research would know the kinda drawing power the Quad Cities have, I would really like to visit there sometime and check it out..

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by Go Ne

Not the city, the Island in the Mississippi.

The island is federal property, and probably will remain so as long as the United States is a sovereign nation. The Rock Island Arsenal has been a military base for over 140 years, surviving several rounds of base closures/realignments by the Department of Defense over the last few decades.

Unless the Pentagon decides to suddenly give up on the "war business", the RI Arsenal will continue to be property of We, The People.

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by ehenningsen

I can see how 'some' would overlook it, but those that have done a little research would know the kinda drawing power the Quad Cities have, I would really like to visit there sometime and check it out..

Too bad you didn't make it here this weekend. Downtown Rock Island was having their annual Ya-Maka-My-Weekend celebration in The District. I didn't buy a ticket, but I did sit right outside on the sidewalk at Huckleberry's and listened to a live Carribean band while munching on a calzone. Ya Maka My Weekend • Home

You could always make it next weekend, when River Roots Live plays in downtown Davenport. The Guess Who and Foghat will be peforming free shows, along with a bunch of other bands. They've incorporated the Quad City Ribfest into this year's River Roots Live celebration: River Roots Live

[TeeJayMaJay]

After having been born and raised in QC (and loved it) and then received my first teaching job in Des Moines (and met the man of my dreams in DM) I can definitely say DM is the better choice - yet I do love the QC. In DM there is much MORE TO DO!!! MUCH MORE! The QC is pretty based on JDEERE folks. Have family that still lives there and guess what they work at JDEERE. The summers are fun in the QC but all seasons are a blast in DM. I think DM is much more classy, too - yet down to earth.

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by TeeJayMaJay

The QC is pretty based on JDEERE folks. Have family that still lives there and guess what they work at JDEERE. I think DM is much more classy, too - yet down to earth.

Yes, John Deere that fly-by-night Fortune 100 company who pays their employees a living wage and gives back to the community generously. If only all those unfortunate souls who have wasted their lives working for Deere & Co. could break the chains of bondage and gain employment with a much better corporation, like Wal-Mart or Taco Bell.

There are thousands of people on long waiting lists trying to score a job with Deere. The fact you would condescend to those Quad City folks for having a great company like John Deere active in the community tells me how much you understand the definition of "classy".

[RonnieJonez]

Originally Posted by TeeJayMaJay

After having been born and raised in QC (and loved it) and then received my first teaching job in Des Moines (and met the man of my dreams in DM) I can definitely say DM is the better choice - yet I do love the QC. In DM there is much MORE TO DO!!! MUCH MORE! The QC is pretty based on JDEERE folks. Have family that still lives there and guess what they work at JDEERE. The summers are fun in the QC but all seasons are a blast in DM. I think DM is much more classy, too - yet down to earth.

In DM, you can literally "Do More". I wonder if they are still marketing that, for whatever liar or optimist came up with that I cannot imagine.

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

In DM, you can literally "Do More". I wonder if they are still marketing that, for whatever liar or optimist came up with that I cannot imagine.

Nobody disputes there is plenty to do in Des Moines. I know firsthand, because I spent considerable time around the area. It's a stretch to say there's so MUCH MORE to do than in the Quad Cities, however. Both areas are pretty equally suited with cultural and recreational venues.

[RonnieJonez]

I think there is excessive pressure for young people in DM to be in some civic group or be civic-minded if they work for certain companies - I think that actually pushes potential new residents away. It's almost cult-like. The aggressive marketing campaigns border on the ridiculous sometimes as well.

[El Rhino]

[quote=RonnieJonez;4902286]

I think there is excessive pressure for young people in DM to be in some civic group or be civic-minded if they work for certain companies - I think that actually pushes potential new residents away. It's almost cult-like.

I've never even heard or seen anything remotely resembling this from anyone other than you. The Jaycees are coming to get you!

The aggressive marketing campaigns border on the ridiculous sometimes as well.

True.

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

I think there is excessive pressure for young people in DM to be in some civic group or be civic-minded if they work for certain companies - I think that actually pushes potential new residents away. It's almost cult-like. The aggressive marketing campaigns border on the ridiculous sometimes as well.

There's nothing wrong with being civic-minded, though lines can get crossed when civic-mindedness suddenly becomes "Your City Sucks, My City Rocks." I've seen a little too much of that on some of these forums.

It's great that Des Moines is experiencing robust growth. The Quad Cities could probably benefit by trying to emulate some of that civic pride. However, most people in the QC are pretty content with what they already have and feel no need to validate their existence to the national mainstream media.

I'd like to see the Quad Cities achieve a little more economic growth during the next ten years than what it has over the previous decade. Still, I'd be very concerned what something like a 30% growth rate would do to housing and infrastructure in this area. It might get us in Forbes magazine more often, but I'm afraid the area I currently love could become a little too crowded for its own good.