Best place to raise family in IOWA! (Waterloo, Ames: rentals, waterpark)

[iowamama26]

Ok. Heres the deal.. I am going to relocate in Iowa. I had originally thought about moving out of IA. But then I saw all thouse beautiful pics on the photo thread and decided it would be a mistake to leave IA. Yes I hate winter but the summer fall and spring months I love...So my question is where is the best place in IA to raise a family that has low crime rate and great schools. I currently live in Humboldt and although I like the small town with little to no crime I would like something a little more active. We have top leave town to go to a walmart ect.. So if anybody has any ideas of good medium sized towns. 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!!!!

[Northern Traveler]

I'll recommend Cedar Falls to start you off ... nice town of about 35,000 ... has quite a bit going on with UNI in town, very clean - VERY low crime - and very good schools.

Although it is joined with Waterloo - it is a seperate city; and oddly a lot of Waterloo people stay in Waterloo for their needs, and Cedar Falls people stay in Cedar Falls for their needs.

[gypsy77]

I'm moving to Burlington, but everyone will tell you it's dead there and not to move there, etc.. I like it. I don't care what everyone says. So that's my suggestion. : )

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by gypsy77

I'm moving to Burlington, but everyone will tell you it's dead there and not to move there, etc.. I like it. I don't care what everyone says. So that's my suggestion. : )

I, sadly, am one of those people. Not because I hate Burlington or think you are dumb for liking it - but from personal experience of living in the area for 14 years ... I would never move back.

[iowamama26]

Thank you N.T. I will definatly check that out. I am very impressed with the schools.

[gypsy77]

Burlington probably died because all the younger people moved away! The only people left behind are over 70 years old. Well, we're bringing the life back to that dead town. I know 3 different couples who are in their late 20's that are moving back to Burlington because they are settling down and raising babies. I hope more do the same. Burlington has so much potential to be a great town, why did it die on the vine? What happened for everyone to want to leave over the past 2 decades?

[AmberandJan]

I'd agree with Cedar Falls too! I live in Urbandale, but went to college in CF. Every time I'm back there I think it would be a great place for a family to live! I know a great Realtor there if you're ever there and want to peek at some homes!

[SharpHawkeye]

I'll throw one out here: Ames.

It's about 50K, so it's a little bigger than what you were thinking but it feels like a small town. Plus, just like in Cedar Falls the college adds a lot of character and culture to the town. Great schools, low crime, a nice mall. Plus it's closer to Humbolt, so the move wouldn't be as rough.

Just another option to consider. Good luck!

[iowamama26]

Thank you everyone. I have been looking online and I am not finding many rentals in cedar falls. ames as quite a few though...I have been to ames alot for their mall! Both towns seem to have decent rent prices comparable to Humboldt..Which is a huge plus. I am also looking for a really nice aquatic center, and the one in cedar falls looks like a blast!! When I told my 7 year old son we were thinking of moving to a big town,, He said "find one that has a super fun pool!" LOL.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by iowamama26

Thank you everyone. I have been looking online and I am not finding many rentals in cedar falls. ames as quite a few though...I have been to ames alot for their mall! Both towns seem to have decent rent prices comparable to Humboldt..Which is a huge plus. I am also looking for a really nice aquatic center, and the one in cedar falls looks like a blast!! When I told my 7 year old son we were thinking of moving to a big town,, He said "find one that has a super fun pool!" LOL.

The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls is almost brand new - however, it gets very busy and is not big enough. It's relatively cheap though so I'm sure your kids will have a good time.

Anyway, CF definitely has the upper hand if you are looking for a good aquatic center because of The Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo...very nice, biggest in the state.

Lost Island Waterpark