Thinking of moving to Iowa

[RonnieJonez]

Originally Posted by 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

Right on #3 and 4.

1. DSM is not a diverse town by any means, it is over 80% white, and the suburbs are about 95% white. The idea of "diverse" there means having a Chinese buffet and knowing a minority at work.

2. Yes, most DSM residents are just ecstatic about having a significant Bosnian population. They are technically white as well. Blacks and Hispanics get referred to as the "the black guy, the hispanic guy, etc". Because there are so few it makes for an easy reference point. DSM has a long way to go, but it is still a good community for many.

[DSMGuy]

"Amazing" insights.

"Chinese buffets," yes. We have a broad range of ethnic restaurants in DM (yes, even more than Iowa City). Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, Bosnian and now many authentic Mexican restaurants are opening and also many many Chinese buffets.

"That black guy" or "that hispanic guy"... hmmm haven't heard that one around here. We have about 20 some thousand blacks and about the same or more hispanics here (maybe more diverse than IC??).

Gotta wonder what they're putting in the dorm water out there.

[RonnieJonez]

Numerically, DSM is quite diverse by Iowa standards. However, you would have to be ignorant to believe it is anywhere near "international". Most of the town, the nicer parts, are still about 95% white.

Schaumburg, Illinois is more diverse than downtown DSM. That doesn't make any sense, but somehow it is true.

[warmweatherplz]

I've lived in Des Moines all my life. Here are my observations:

Friendly people - yet, not easy to make deep friendships
GREAT schools (especially Roosevelt High) - weather SUCKS!!
Safe neighborhoods - BORING - not a lot happening here
Great new road work - lots of construction still going on
Well laid-out city - not close to anywhere

For every good - there is a draw back. I'm a warm weather person, so the winters are horrible for me. They are colder and more unpredicatable then Chicago. The wind-chill is terrible. I like the humidity - so the summers are good for me. Lots of people think the humity is worse then the wind chill.

In my opinion, West Des Moines is the most expensive for the house you get. I would tend to look in Clive, Urbandale, Johnston, or even Waukee before I'd go to West Des Moines. Waukee is out about 15 minutes from Des Moines - but, still an easy commute.

We live in the west side of Des Moines. It's a great older neighborhood, with beautiful, mature trees. Each house is unique and well built. They aren't the "cookie-cutter" type neighborhoods you find in West Des Moines.

Hope that helps!

[Stevie]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Numerically, DSM is quite diverse by Iowa standards. However, you would have to be ignorant to believe it is anywhere near "international". Most of the town, the nicer parts, are still about 95% white.

Schaumburg, Illinois is more diverse than downtown DSM. That doesn't make any sense, but somehow it is true.

Des Moines is fairly diverse...and not just by Iowa standards. The city of Des Moines is over 80% white, yes. It may have less diversity than some much larger cities but that doesn't mean that it "lacks diversity". It is basically just as diverse as many other larger cities, but in a more "per capita" sense.

This “over 80% white” thing is really nothing more than that "census/demographics facts" nonsense and claiming it all means something.

An example of this would be that Detroit is over 80% African American, according to demographics, but the city is full of racism and rudeness.

And it is rather stereotypical to think that "diverse" means having lots of minorities. Technically diverse just means having a different ethnic background.

A great example of this is that Dutch Americans are highly concentrated around the Des Moines and Sioux City areas. Of course, they don't make up all of those two areas. As it is well known, Bosnians are very common in Des Moines.

In Story County (where I’m currently at) there is a strong Norwegian background (also let me add that I am part Norwegian myself). But here in Ames (which is in Story County) there are a lot of Asian minorities.

It might also help to know that many "small towns" in Iowa are heavy with Hispanics because of the meatpacking industry.

All in all, Des Moines is not international. But in a "per capita" sense it kind of is. And if it's any consolation Des Moines has been changing and growing a lot lately, so they must be on the right track.

[Sam1050]

I live near the Des Moines, Iowa area. I agree - I think Des Moines (DM) is one of the best locations available to you. West Des Moines (WDM) is very popular and is growing every minute. There's a lot of money there. Lots of other really great and safe suburbs. I'd avoid the East side - rougher blue-collar crowd. There are some seedy areas near Drake University, but also some nice areas near there too (random drive-by shootings at night in the seedy parts). Parts of the South side are questionable too, but I hear they are trying to clean things up and building a lot more new houses and businesses. Other than that, you're good - and safe.

I'm good friends with the Greater Des Moines Partnership (an "umbrella" Chamber of Commerce), President of the African American Chamber. He recommends checking into the Roosevlt High School school district.

Several people miss Chicago once they get here. However, it's a quick flight or a bit of a long-weekend drive (6 hrs each way). We've made lots of weekend trips to Chicago.

Job market? Well... it's good if you want to work in the hospitals, insurance industry or financial industry... To find jobs that pay over $30,000, I recommend going with a placement agency. There are several really good ones in the greater Des Moines area. Make sure that YOU do not pay for their services though.

Crime really isn't that bad. When it does happen, it's usually not a random thing. The random stuff is usually breaking into cars to steal a purse. Lots of bank robberies. Evidently we're an easy target for that. But no one gets hurt. A little gang action trickling down from Chicago, but really nothing to be concerned about. That's about it for crime. Other than that it's kids pranks such as smashing or stealing pumpkins at Halloween. Or stealing lawn decorations at Christmas time.

What else... high school sports are BIG in Iowa. There is a lot of movement amongst the young professional community to revitalize the downtown DM area and create culture and entertainment for the communities. There are actualy a lot of things to do, but you have to look for it. Get the "Datebook" published by the Des Moines Register. It is very good about having a central Iowa events listings.

Hope this helps!