possible move to des monies, cedar rapids or iowa city? (Des Moines: fit in, home)

[thinboy]

Hello, i am thinking of relocating either to the three cities i mention in the title for more money form my job. I just have two questions. Which city is the best for a single 27 yr old to mingle coming from Milwaukee WI. Also is it true that there is no smoking in public places.

[DBQer]

In my view, Iowa City or Des Moines are the better choices. Des Moines for jobs, and Iowa City for a more culturally rich "singles" atmosphere. Iowa City has a nearly recession-proof economy, however, it is highly specialized in medicine and higher education... so the job choices may be more limited, depending on your field. Des Moines has seen job cutbacks with some of its financial employers, but it still offers a pretty diverse and strong economy with sustained growth, especially in the suburbs. Cedar Rapids is not a bad choice, either, but has neither the jobs that Des Moines does, nor the culture that Iowa City has. I'd recommend them in this order: 1.) Iowa City 2.) Des Moines 3.) Cedar Rapids

[Northern Traveler]

I would go with the Des Moines area if I was single and your age ... yes there is a public smoking ban.

[DSMGuy]

Iowa City is geared the most for 20-somethings, so you'd probably find it a good fit. Des Moines is the fastest growing with a growing number of options for singles as far as things to do and places to live in the downtown area.

CR, not the most exciting place in my experience, if you're that close to Iowa City, you might as well look there.

Here's a link to events in DM: http://www.seedesmoines.com/

[zz4guy]

Originally Posted by thinboy

Hello, i am thinking of relocating either to the three cities i mention in the title for more money form my job. I just have two questions. Which city is the best for a single 27 yr old to mingle coming from Milwaukee WI. Also is it true that there is no smoking in public places.

I would choose Milwaukee. Then Iowa CIty, then Des Moines, then CR if we are judging solely on the single-mingling.

And yes there is a smoking ban virtually everywhere but your own private home (although that is probably coming too).

[SharpHawkeye]

Originally Posted by DSMGuy

Iowa City is geared the most for 20-somethings, so you'd probably find it a good fit. Des Moines is the fastest growing with a growing number of options for singles as far as things to do and places to live in the downtown area.

CR, not the most exciting place in my experience, if you're that close to Iowa City, you might as well look there.

Here's a link to events in DM: Home - Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau

The scene in Iowa City is definitely geared toward 20-somethings (college students). The Des Moines scene is geared toward 30-somethings (young professionals). Since you're 27--you could fit in with either group. I'd say it's just up to you which type of people you're after.

[UDAirman71]

Originally Posted by SharpHawkeye

The scene in Iowa City is definitely geared toward 20-somethings (college students). The Des Moines scene is geared toward 30-somethings (young professionals). Since you're 27--you could fit in with either group. I'd say it's just up to you which type of people you're after.

To add on that Cedar Rapids is generally more family oriented. Cedar Rapids doesn't necessarily have a lot to do IMO.
Things to do in Cedar Rapids IA: Iowa City Guide by 10Best
Things to do in Des Moines IA: Iowa City Guide by 10Best

This link should also answer your smoking in public questions.
IDPH - Iowa Smokefree Air Act