Commute to State Center/Marshalltown (Des Moines, Ames: good schools, shop, moving)

[Browns09]

My family is looking to move from Cleveland to Iowa (2 kids under age 7). Where would people recommend moving that is within a reasonable commute to State Center/Marshalltown area? We are looking for the most kid-friendly area--young families, good schools, things to do. I've heard both Ames and Ankeny are nice, but having not driven it, it looks a bit far on the map. Marshalltown appears to be a bit older, but maybe I'm wrong.

[pepe1]

Ames to Marshalltown is a 35-40 minute commute on a good day. Ankeny to Marshalltown would be close to an hour commute on a good day. On a snowy Iowa winter day - the commute would be miserable. I would not want to commute from either Ames or Ankeny to Marshalltown every day.

Marshalltown is a older community that is somewhat stagnant economically. For what it is worth -There is a large hispanic population in Marshalltown due to a meat packing plant.

I personally would look into the communities of Nevada and Newton if I had to work in Marshalltown. They are both about a 30 minute drive to Marshalltown. Excellent schools in both communities and both are close to Ames/Des Moines fo entertainment & shopping.