Best place to raise family in IOWA! (Des Moines, Council Bluffs: 2010, crime)

[zz4guy]

Dubuque. It has a small town feel, but is big enough to have everything you need. Plus it is the fastest growing city in Iowa. Probably the most scenic area in Iowa too. Also has great schools. Low crime. Housing is very affordable there too.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by zz4guy

Dubuque. It has a small town feel, but is big enough to have everything you need. Plus it is the fastest growing city in Iowa. Probably the most scenic area in Iowa too. Also has great schools. Low crime. Housing is very affordable there too.

It's not the fastest growing city in Iowa.

[yungclas]

I would definitely recommend Ames. It's a college town so it is constantly changing and growing, and there are tons of opportunities for work, school, etc. It is a safe town with almost too many cops. I lived there for 5 years and miss it terribly. I live in WI now, but will likely move back someday. I hope.

[yungclas]

Yes- Dubuque is a very beautiful city, and they have been doing a phenomonal job reviving the city.

[CutiePie24]

I live in Davenport, Soon to move to PNW. I grew up and went to school in Dubuque. I love Dubuque, its a really nice place to raise a family. Plus IBM bringing all the jobs in now and I do agree that its growing pretty fast, but its not the fastest growing in Iowa. In honosty if I didnt decided to move to PNW for schooling, I'd move back to Dubuque. Plus I dont like the QCA.

[neanerbean]

I'm partial to Iowa City. or North Liberty ( a 'suburb or any other 'suburb' of tIowa there is really is very much crime and mostly it's student on student not student on citizen EVERYTHING is here froim Wallmart to high end clothing

[iowamama26]

My aunt has been there a few times and had surgery in their hospital.. having a good hospital is important to me since i have 3 kids. do you know of any rentals that allow a small dog? i am having trouble finding apartments in that area in general...thanks Amanda

[iowamama26]

Originally Posted by yungclas

Yes- Dubuque is a very beautiful city, and they have been doing a phenomonal job reviving the city.

jobs are important... i will def look into the area. I think as soon as it gets nice out we will have to road trippin... explore towns and see whats available

[mfrerkes]

Originally Posted by iowamama26

I am aiming in the 15-25 thousand population range. Not to big, not to small. Has most major department stores....Thanks and any and all opinions are appriciated!!!!

You'll have a difficult time finding a town in the 15k-25k range with most major department stores. It sounds like you're looking for a small town that is also a regional retail magnet. My two best suggestions would be:

1) Spencer
2) Carroll

Both towns are actually under 15k, but have most nearly every retail amenity you will find in a town of 25k. That is due to their remote rural setting, where they face no stiff retail competition from nearby metropolitan areas. As a result, they are the de facto retail hub for their respective regions. Also, both cities will give more of that small-town feel than places like Dubuque or Ames, which are actually metropolitan areas and contain more than double the population ceiling you specified.

[iowamama26]

thank you. there are a few towns that seem great! i think i am going to have to road trip to see what different towns meet our needs... keep the suggestions coming. thanks