??? about moving to DSM area--specifically Johnston, Waukee, Urbandale (Des Moines, Ankeny: rent, assessor)

[capitalcityguy]

It is not really accurate to lump all Des Moines schools together. Their quality is dependant a lot on what part of town they are located.

Also, a big advantage of living in NW Des Moines proper (where I live), is that a good portion of it is within the Johnston school district AND new home construction provides a 5 year tax abatement. We're talking advantage of both.

[mrs_moby73]

I can totally understand that capitalcityguy. That's why I was trying to not sound absolute in my reply. You have to judge each school based on the individual merits.

While looking at houses online, I have noticed that the school district doesn't always match the city. If you don't mind me asking, what zip code do you live in? (Don't worry about it if that's TMI to put on here.)

[pepe1]

[SIZE=3]Johnston, Waukee, and Urbandale are all fine choices. Excellent schools in each community – you won’t go wrong with any of them. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]None of those communities will offer any sort of property tax abatement. Johnston has the highest property tax in the county – probably in the state. Urbandale will offer some of the lowest property tax in the county. And Waukee will probably fall somewhere in between.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I personally prefer the housing stock in Johnston – a lot more upscale and unique homes. There are nice homes in Urbandale and Waukee, but they are your typical tract homes. [/SIZE]

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by mrs_moby73

i can totally understand that capitalcityguy. That's why i was trying to not sound absolute in my reply. You have to judge each school based on the individual merits.

While looking at houses online, i have noticed that the school district doesn't always match the city. If you don't mind me asking, what zip code do you live in? (don't worry about it if that's tmi to put on here.)

50310

[MastermindDSM]

Originally Posted by pepe1

The first time home buyers is a federal program - Which is a $7500 tax credit. I'm sure if you google search the $7500 first time home buyers tax credit, plenty of info will come up...

This is actually a low interest loan, it has to be paid back.

As far as I know there is 0 tax abatement opportunities in the communities you mentioned.

I went to First American Bank for my FHA loan. I am 99% sure they do VA as well.

[mrs_moby73]

Thanks MastermindDSM! Do you happen to have a realtor you have worked with and would be trustworthy enough to work long-distance with us?

[DRCinIA]

We moved to Johnston 8 months ago and love it. You can't beat the school system. Our children are early elementary age. We looked at all the areas you mentioned and I don't think you could go wrong in any of them. We were shocked at the property taxes also when we moved from Easter Iowa, but they were better than we were paying in the Chicago area before. Good luck with your home search. Prices are even better than they were when we were looking last February/March.

[MastermindDSM]

I used Kyle Clarkson of Coldwell Banker. He responds immediately to phone, texts and emails!

[RonnieJonez]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

It is not really accurate to lump all Des Moines schools together. Their quality is dependant a lot on what part of town they are located.

Also, a big advantage of living in NW Des Moines proper (where I live), is that a good portion of it is within the Johnston school district AND new home construction provides a 5 year tax abatement. We're talking advantage of both.

That is amazing. You can live in a major city, but still be close to the suburbs. That simply cannot be done anywhere else in the world.

[mrs_moby73]

Anyone on here know anything about the Dallas Center-Grimes school district??