??? about moving to DSM area--specifically Johnston, Waukee, Urbandale (Des Moines, West Des Moines: house, promotional)

[capitalcityguy]

I agree Johnston is probably one of the most attractive suburbs in the metro, but I'm a bit confused by you narrowing down to the three 'burbs listed in your thread topic given the location of your husband's job. Between the time lost commuting and pretty much a guarantee that fuel prices will again be going higher again, why wouldn't you want to live closer to work (given you have a clean slate to work with)? IMO, W DSM, Norwalk? and Des Moines' westside would be ideal.

[mrs_moby73]

You know, that's a great question and honestly I don't have a good answer for you. I have still never actually stepped foot in the state of Iowa and I am going solely on my husband's input. Thankfully he has great taste in homes. For some reason, my husband has just fallen in love with that area up north and that's where he envisions us being. I know the schools are a big issue for us because we have small children. When some of the schools are ranked a 1, 2 or 3 on a scale of 1-10, we don't even bother looking in that area. For good measure, I am going to find a few houses in the areas you mentioned. It's definitely worth looking into just to make sure we cover all our bases.

[freshfuture]

Since he is working at the airport, I second the suggestion to take a look at Norwalk. It is a terrific up and coming community.

[DRCinIA]

Originally Posted by mrs_moby73

Just an update...

My husband is in Iowa right now. He saw several houses with a realtor yesterday and will be seeing more this afternoon. So far he just loves Johnston. He's headed out to Grimes this afternoon, but I think barring a miracle he will want us to be in Johnston. Not sure why he is so dead-set on it, but I totally trust his judgement. He has had nothing but wonderful things to say about the area and everyone he has met. Iowa has made a great impression on him!

First time our realtor drove us through Johnston, I just knew this is where I wanted to be. We looked in Clive, Urbandale, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill, and Waukee. We've been here nearly 9 months and Johnston is still my choice.

Since he's going to be at the airport Norwalk is some where you might want to look. Nice area, and much closer to work for him.

Good luck. Its a pain to move.

[annalyta]

Ok, I'm not sure if my post went through. I apologize if this is a repeat. Let me second a referral for Des Moines West Side. There are great schools in the area, especially if you are interested in IB or foreign language. For elementary schools: Hubbell is an IB elementary school candidate and foreign language is built into the schedule. Greenwood offers foreign language instruction before and after school for a small fee. Greenwood also has an advanced math class for students in the upper grades. Perkins has a focus on Math and Science. I know that Greenwood and Perkins have very strong PTAs. Hubbell probably does. Merill is an IB middle school candidate and I think started a program on the environment. Roosevelt is a great High School. Very strong drama program. Central Campus/Academy has an IB program, many AP classes, marine biology, Chinese, Italian, Fashion Design and many other programs. I also love the houses in the west side neighborhoods. They all have a lot of character and you can chose from totally remodeled houses or fixer uppers. If you improve a house, you can often get a partial tax abatement. I would look at North of Grand, Drake, Greenwood, Ingersol Park and the South of Grand neighborhoods. Many of the neighborhoods have websites. It is also a very quick trip to the airport now that MLK has been extended to Fleur. I can also get to downtown very quickly. Downtown there is a new library that has great children's programs. There is an outdoor ice skating rink. There are also lots of restaurants Downtown and on the west side on Ingersol. Finally Greenwood park is beautiful and provides access to lots of bike trails.

[mrs_moby73]

So my husband went out to Des Moines. We found a house in West DM and offered, but we couldn't agree on terms. Now I am headed out there tomorrow to try my hand at finding a home for our family. I am really excited for my first trip to Iowa! Wish me luck!!!

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by mrs_moby73

So my husband went out to Des Moines. We found a house in West DM and offered, but we couldn't agree on terms. Now I am headed out there tomorrow to try my hand at finding a home for our family. I am really excited for my first trip to Iowa! Wish me luck!!!

Good for you and your enthusiasm! I'm sure it will all work out.

[mofford]

I would think the drive from Johnston to the Airport every day would get to be kind of a drag. Going thru town would be so much stop and go that he would probably end up taking I80 west, down on I35 to the Hy 5 bypass and back east to the airport every day. Thats not real fun either.

I would suggest taking a look at the Lakewood and Norwalk areas on Hy 28 just a few miles southwest of the airport. That area has it's own school system and is actually in Warren county, known for having strong law enforcement, good schools and lower property taxes than Des Moines proper. There is a nice subdivision between Lakewood and Norwalk with upscale homes. Most of the housing in the area is middle class and well kept/maintained.

Just east of there a few miles is Moffit Lake Reservor for recreation (but not motor boating). Lakewood also has a small lake surrounded by houses and a park. Just north of Lakewood is the Polk county line and Hy5 bipass that can take you quickly to SE 14th for inexpensive shopping or West Des Moines. Norwalk is lean on places to shop, but the area has about 7000 people now, with healthy growth. Almost half the households have children under 18 and those families have an average size of 3.22. The traffic is nothing compared to the Merle Hay Rd and Johnston areas.

[mrs_moby73]

Just got back from DM yesterday. Loved what I saw. After looking for three days, I couldn't find a house that suited our needs better than the one my husband found, so we renewed talks on the house in West Des Moines. We currently have a verbal agreement to purchase the property...we are just waiting on the signatures to come through. So, so excited and ready to move!!!

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by mrs_moby73

Just got back from DM yesterday. Loved what I saw. After looking for three days, I couldn't find a house that suited our needs better than the one my husband found, so we renewed talks on the house in West Des Moines. We currently have a verbal agreement to purchase the property...we are just waiting on the signatures to come through. So, so excited and ready to move!!!

good for you guys!!!!