Gay friendliness (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport: apartment, university, diverse)

[bmurphy]

I like the looks of Des Moines and Iowa in general - I don't know why. There's just something about Iowa that draws me. The bad news is that it's definetly "red" as far as voting and most likely not at all gay friendly. Can anyone tell me I'm wrong, or should I forget about Iowa? Any gay friendly cities?

[MattDen]

Des Moines is not a red city at all, its a dark blue one as far as voting patterns go. Even Polk County which has lots of suburbs is blue. Iowa is not as conservative as most midwestern states, similar politically overall to Wisconsin.

Iowa is not a ultra-conservative plains state like alot of people think (except for the north-western part of the state), its politics are similar to Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The western part of Iowa tends to be very conservative. Des Moines is more moderate as is Eastern Iowa except for Iowa City which is more progressive.

Iowa City is by far the most liberal city in the state and has the highest gay population per capita in the state also. Iowa City though because it is very desirable and has a large college campus is also very expensive by Iowa standards.

So, the most gay friendly city in the state with a large gay population for a city its size would be Iowa City by far.

Des Moines is gay friendly but more in a tolerance sort of way, not alot of gay people however. Des Moines gay population is actually lower then what most metro areas its size (525,000) have.

Even the Sherman Hill area of Des Moines which by locals is considered the heaviest gay area of the Des Moines area doesnt seem to have much of a gay population although the neighborhood is very gay-friendly. Sherman Hill is mainly the european-car driving, mansion and renovated apartment bulding bohemian area of Des Moines. Its a very nice neighborhood and very close to the downtown which has tons and tons of new devolopment.

Sioux City for a city of 85,000 people for some reason or another has a large gay population and I dont understand why its far from any major metropolitan area and not known for being progressive either.

[jeffs]

As long as you move into one of the 3 major cities. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, or Quad Cities/Davenport. You will be ok. I live in Davenport, and its a pretty diverse place from race, religion, to sexual orientation. Its a metro area of about 400,000. They even built a gay bar district near the downtown area. Some of the smaller cities I would say stay away from. Their straight out of an andy griffith episode. But any of the bigger cities you will be all right. Iowa bigger cities are actually pretty liberal. Our last governor was a dem. our new one is a dem., its just that a lot of the rural areas give the state a reputation as being very conservative.

[gnichols]

The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus has sang at the last two Governor's inaugurals. You might try to contact them for info on Des Moines. http://www.dmgmc.org/

[Brittany1337]

I am moving to Iowa City, and I am bi, so this was a consideration. I think what you may find, what i have found at least, is that the college campus brings in a lot of friendly, open people. Iowa City was a very welcoming place when we visited, and we're looking forward to the move.

[mthawki]

IC is all about alternative lifestyles, so you'd be fine there. They have a Pride Parade every year too, so it's a very accepting place.

[Notfromhere99]

For gay lifestyles I would definitely recommend Iowa City, but don't discount Des Moines, either. Heck, the Blazing Saddle and the Garden are two of the best bars in town. 2 of my best friends are gay guys and they seem to enjoy the good life. Best of luck in your decision.

[Pearlbob]

Iowa as a whole is Republican and conservative, just because it's so farmy. However, as everyone mentioned, Iowa City is about as liberal as you can get in this country. The Gay/Lesbian/Transgender Club on campus is pretty huge (relatively speaking).

Des Moines is also very, very liberal. It is definitely a family-oriented town (in my opinion) compared to IC, however I know there are a lot of gay people in DSM and it's definitely not a conservative type of city.

[IA Boy]

Iowa as a whole is a tolerant state. Des Moines is gay-friendly. It's not San Francisco but it's not Arkansas either.

[Al&JJ]

My partner and I are seriously considering moving somewhere around Iowa City. I would like to go to the University's grad school and we would like some little patch of land to farm and raise chickens on lol! We are not typical "San Franciscan" gays, and frankly are just guys. But it would be nice to be able to say hi to the neighbors and invite folks over for dinner from time to time. Hopefully we will have success with that.