Is Des Moines very "crunchy" (Iowa City: school, place to live)

[decidingwheretolive]

Thanks for the replies, and the explanation of crunchy, lol. I have visited Iowa City twice recently and it does seem like a good fit for us.

[Not Iowa]

I'd lean toward Iowa City. Definately noted as the most "crunchy" spot in the state Truly, they're both good though.

[monkeynoodle]

You might want to look into Ames, Ia just north of Des Moines, I think it is becoming this "crunchy" you speak of.

[BlsdMama]

LOL, as a crunchy mama (sling wearing, cloth diapering, homeschoolin' mama who's into natural fibers, herbs, and food...) I would have to vote for Iowa City.

[Arthur Wellesly]

Originally Posted by decidingwheretolive

We are looking to relocate to either Des Moines or Iowa City. It's my husband and I and 2 preschool age kids. We are liberal, not religious, own an "eco-friendly" business and are looking for a nice family friendly neighborhood. We have looked at Iowa City and liked the area but are wondering if we should consider Des Moines as well. Or does it sound like we'd be a better fit in Iowa City. What I like about Des Moines from my research is just that it is a larger city and there seems to be a lot of nice homes in our price range and good schools.

Try Cedar Falls. great town. University of Northern Iowa there. Waterloo is adjacent. property somewhat cheaper.

[JKnoepler]

You might want to try Johnston Iowa, it's a suburb of Des Moines with great schools, and friendly neighborhoods. It also has a good housing market.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by JKnoepler

You might want to try Johnston Iowa, it's a suburb of Des Moines with great schools, and friendly neighborhoods. It also has a good housing market.

...but can you say it is "crunchy"? I would think it would lean more to the conservative side.

[IowaCowgirl]

Well, Iowa City is definitely more liberal, has great coffee houses, close to Anamosa (my town - www.countryschoolretreat.110mb.com), and has numerous small farms and businesses trying to go green. Check out the Quad City's periodical "Radish" - it's online.

Des Moines has a hunt and a polo club in its favor...but Ia. City has MANY equestrian facilites and a great eventing place at McNutts near West Branch: Catalpa Corners - also online. Also new polo club in Quad Cities!

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by IowaCowgirl

Des Moines has a hunt and a polo club in its favor...but Ia. City has MANY equestrian facilites and a great eventing place at McNutts near West Branch: Catalpa Corners - also online. Also new polo club in Quad Cities!

But, Des Moines' polo grounds are 294 yards in length, whereas the Quad Cities polo facility is just 289 yards. Clearly Des Moines is heads and shoulders above the Quad Cities in polo amenities.

If a city doesn't have polo field of at least 290 yards, it's a trashy place to live and you'd be stupid to move there.

[lisa_renee]

If youre going for Des Moines, try Beaverdale - TONS of character, and I think youll find some like-minded folks there too.