Waterloo/ Cedar Falls area- smaller communities (Waverly, Evansdale: fit in, renting, house)

[supermom0204]

We moved here recently from Michigan and are renting a house in a small town in the surrounding area, but don't think it's where we want to stay. We will be here for a year, but would like to start ''shopping'' for where we would like to settle. We are early 30's, working class christian, and have 2 elementary age kids. After reading some of the other threads, it has been mentioned that some communities are more open to outsiders than others, so I guess I'd first like to know what areas welcome newcomers and which would rather not have us. Our largest concern is school district. Our school district back home was exceptional, not only educationally, but it was such a family there. Every day when we took our kids to or from school we saw and had some sort of contact with our kids' teachers- sometimes as brief as ''hello'', or it could be talking at length. The principal was very actively involved with the kids and parents and knew all by name. It was always a happy, family atmosphere. I miss that school more than my family - don't tell my mother! We are in a smaller school here and thought it would be similar, but it's not. The teachers seem nice, as do administrators, but I don't ever see them, even in passing really, and the atmosphere is very ''institutional''. Not much interaction or happiness, if that makes any sense. We are desperately seeking a school like the one we left, and just not sure if we'll find it here. We needed to move here to have secure employment and we would really like to find a place where we fit in, are welcome, and can start to feel at home. Can we find that here and if so, where?

[tornadoalleylover]

I consider the area home, maybe I can help. Keep in mind most Iowans are modest, passive people who take awhile to warm up - so it may not seem very welcoming at first.

Small communities in the area that most newcomers like to consider are D-ike, in Grundy County - also Hudson, Denver, or Waverly. To the east a little further is Jesup which is a nice small town. These are all towns off of major highways which make it easy to commute into town - you will find max driving distance from any of these about 25 minutes.

Also - not quite as small, but consider Cedar Falls. It's a very small town atmostphere, very energetic people, a little bit more open and outgoing. Exceptional school district. This would be my first pick.

Avoid Waterloo and Evansdale/Elk Run Heights if you can.

[fireman7]

All I can say is look at fairbank IA !!!!!!!!! " first town in IA to beat paul dorr on a school bond " that how commited to schools we are and how big of family it is! 62.3% in 3 towns voted yes . 26min to the waterloo airport , and there is an activity most nights. (sports , community, ect ) average age 36.8 and yes im a tranplant and i can say this is home!!!!!

[jkayser]

Yes, Firemen7 is correct about Fairbank!! New Aquatic Center, hardware, and grocery stores just to name a few...Look at www.fairbank-ia.org and see for yourself! School system is one of the top in the state!!

We have activities almost every night for middle aged adults and their kids...In fact I have to go to the ball park now for a double-header of my daughter's!!

e-mail me if you want to learn more