Thinking about moving to West Des Moines (Colo, Dows: hospital, home)

[Family oriented]

I live in South Carolina at the present, Im trying to decide if I should stay here move to Iowa or NC. School is the reason, Drake, USC and UNC. However I am ex-Air Force, single parent going back to school to finish my degree in Elementary Education. Is WDSM a family oriented place, how is it when it comes to acceptance of blacks. I'm really looking for a welcoming community. I don't need much, but good schools for my children, a Walmart, Target, and a movie theater. We are pretty low key. Thanks for the input in advance.

[DSMGuy]

WDM has an excellent school system and is predominantly white, but I wouldn't let that stand in the way. It is welcoming and it is like anything, if you have a good attitude and outlook, you'll have lots of friends, if you don't you won't, regardless of skin color.

It is definitely colder than SC, but if you dress for it, it is not a problem. There are lots of museums and things for kids to do in the metro, and shopping is very good in WDM. I hope you give it a try!

[Family oriented]

Thank you DSM guy, I truly believe attitude is important! I was raised in Illinois, and remember the cold but I am not looking forward to it, however my children are. It just seem like a nice place to raise children from the research I have done. Thanks again for your input.

[RonnieJonez]

It is probably like 98% white, minorities are very far and few in between. It is a good place to raise a family, but you could find more culture in a wooden shoe.

[DSMGuy]

Like I said, the DM metro has a lot of museums (within a few minutes driving distance of the wooden shoe, WDM)....

It would probably be easy to slam DM culturally if you are from the Twin Cities, Chicago, New York, etc, but methinks it would be rather difficult for someone from another Iowa city to do it, especially since the following are true:

- DM has the only zoo within the borders of Iowa (Quad Cities have one, yes in Moline, IL)
- DM has one of the top 5 art festivals in the country
- DM has the state historical museum
- DM has one of the country's top outdoor museums (Living History Farms)
- DM is a regular stop for Broadway plays
- DM has a big new science center and IMAX dome
- DM has an opera
- DM has an exceptional art center

I rest my case....

[cyerby]

Hey Family Oriented,
I'm in SC and would love the chance to get to Iowa. I think WDM would be cool. Maybe if we both land up there we can get together over a nice glass of sweet tea. Reckon they make tea up there like we do in the south? I guess with all that corn growing up there, we won't have to give up the grits!

[Yorkie_Mom]

Iowa is a very down to earth state, I was born in Iowa, and live just across the border. For anyone who is thinking of moving to Iowa, and you want the quiet and peaceful life, you will find it in Iowa, the people are very nice and help each other out in times of need.
Iowa has a big heart in a small home town feel. If you decide to move to Iowa, get used to waving, because they like doing that down there. Great bunch of people waiting to greet you, and welcome you in. Take care, Yorkie

[RonnieJonez]

Yorkie, you need to be realistic. People in Iowa treat those with original ties to the state better than minority newcomers. For some reason, Iowans cannot accept being told that, although it is true. You are a perfect example, I said it is a quiet place but not the most accepting of minorities/newcomer all together. There aren't enough people from other places, that is why.

[Yorkie_Mom]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Yorkie, you need to be realistic. People in Iowa treat those with original ties to the state better than minority newcomers. For some reason, Iowans cannot accept being told that, although it is true. You are a perfect example, I said it is a quiet place but not the most accepting of minorities/newcomer all together. There aren't enough people from other places, that is why.

I don't know where it is your talking about, but I live in Minnesota and when ever I have been in Iowa, and I must say I have Minnesota plates on my car, everyone waves, and treats me with respect when I go down there, so I don't know where your information is coming from.
Here across the border we are very friendly, and welcome newcomers.
My sister says to come to Dows, Iowa she would give you good hospitality, and doesn't know where you get your information from either.
What city are you talking about? I would hope that all Iowans were respectable and kind, but at the same time, you will find some people are not as kind as others.

[DSMGuy]

Style515 (Ronnie) strikes again (banned on most boards around DM)!