Thinking of moving to Iowa (Des Moines, Sioux City: realty, houses, rent)

[cyerby]

will do, family oriented. You do the same....let us know what the final decision is. Whatever happens, I honestly hope it works out better than you imagined!

[Yorkie_Mom]

I had to get caught up, I think you guys need to meet up!! The rent in Iowa is so much better then where you live at. I know Drake is a great school, and I have a nephew that lives in Iowa that could maybe get you some links and more ideas of Des Moins and the surrounding areas.
I do know it is cheaper living in Iowa, so what do you got to loose.

[Tek_Freek]

I'll go through some thoughts I had while reading.

1. The Des Moines area is amazingly diverse in it's population. Governor Robert Ray started a program for the resettlement of refugees from Southeast Asia. I think it started in the 1970's. This effort has continued to this day. We have people here from all over the world and our communities are better for it.

2. Tolerance. For the most part you will be accepted here no matter your race or religion. Don't expect that attitude from everyone here - some beliefs persist no matter the time or place.

3. Apartments. Not so knowledgeable here, but there are some large complexes along the Interstate in West Des Moines that seem to be popular. Check listings on Prairie View and Vista Drive.

4. Iowa Realty is the largest here. Remax and Coldwell are also popular. Check www.desmoinesregister.com for listings. Look at the top right for a link.

If I think of anything else or you have questions I'll check back.

Tek

[Yorkie_Mom]

Tek Freek, thanks for being so helpful, I have been hoping that someone would jump on and give some input to help some of these people out there looking for answers. Thanks, and take care, Yorkie

[momix5]

Hi Yorkie Mom just a silly question where does your screen name come from? Do you have a Yorkie? Also does anyone know anything about the Cedar Rapids area?

[Yorkie_Mom]

Originally Posted by momix5

Hi Yorkie Mom just a silly question where does your screen name come from? Do you have a Yorkie? Also does anyone know anything about the Cedar Rapids area?

My screen name is because I own two little Yorkies that are both spoiled rotten. Your question on the Cedar Rapids area, you can pm DBridges, he is from that area, or e-mail him, he would know and be more then willing to give you an answer. He is my nephew. Thanks, Yorkie

[momix5]

Hi yorkie Mom thank you for the information, my Mom had a yorkie they are so darn cute, I am thinking of getting a Pomeranian or Westie soon, as my Lhasa Apso passed. Have a great day!

[Yorkie_Mom]

Originally Posted by momix5

Hi yorkie Mom thank you for the information, my Mom had a yorkie they are so darn cute, I am thinking of getting a Pomeranian or Westie soon, as my Lhasa Apso passed. Have a great day!

Your welcome for the information, and any little dog is cute in me book, I like the ones you speak of also. Sorry to hear about your Lhasa Apso, they are just like family, and it is hard to say goodbye and let them go. You have a great day also, and I will catch you on here again sometime.

[windom_eagle]

I lived in West Des Moines about 10 years and moved in from Kansas. For employment, there is good growth in some of the financial industries (Wells Fargo, Principal as a few) and good education for secondary and college. There are high growth areas that may or may not be attractive to you (larger schools and class sizes) so may want to make sure the community fits what you are looking for. With the growth comes other things (shopping, parks, etc) but also can change the community feel over time.

Des Moines (and the surrounding communities) is a great place to live and to raise a family. There is a great variety of churches and does have a vibrant religious community.

[fah7591]

I have lived in Cedar Rapids for the past 12 years coming from southern California. Cedar Rapids is a very nice town to raise kids, the schools are excellent and rent is much lower than Chicago. There are older apts that rent from about $345 (although they may not be the best). A newer apt (2 bedroom 1 bath) can go any where from $550 to $700, with the average about $650. There is much to choose from and many small older homes in that range too. However, I think Des Moines would offer more in the way of jobs and for that reason I would recommend Des Moines unless you can secure a job in CR before moving. I think Des Moines is a very nice city with a lot more to offer in that it is bigger than CR. However the public university is in IC where I am employed and that is my reason for staying in this area. Otherwise, I think there is plenty of shopping here in CR and people are somewhat guarded but I really do not think most people are prejudiced against other races, although I have no personal experience with that. Good luck to you.