An overall idea of these towns? Shenandoah, Red Oak, Glenwood (Bellevue: apartments, home)

[IL60544]

Help! I'm trying to figure out where to relocate and time is running out (I have to be moved by the first week in June). I've been in touch with the school systems in these areas and they seem to have surprisingly good special needs programs for smaller communities. My son has autism, so the school situation is a top priority. From what I can tell via communications with school officials, that's one step out of the way.

These are the three areas I'm looking at now and would appreciate any insight into the general atmosphere of these towns. I'm not worried about employment as I have a portable career (I work online), but I'm concerned about safety, would love a quiet, slower-paced lifestyle (living in the Chicago area with its heavy traffic has never been a bright spot for me), and as it's just going to be my son and myself I'm hoping for a place with a good selection of nice apartments. The home in the country can wait a few years (but that's my dream).

[mustang84]

I've been to all three of these towns, although the last time I was in Glenwood and Shenandoah was several years ago. They are your typical medium-sized Iowa towns...safe to live, good schools, and not really a lot going on. All three are about the same size, although I think Red Oak is a little larger than the other two.

If I had to pick one, I would go for Glenwood. It's close to Omaha and near I-29, so you will have a shorter drive to activities like the zoo, museums, and shopping. It's also located by the scenic Loess Hills.

[IL60544]

Thanks, mustang84. I appreciate the info. I grew up across the river from Iowa (literally. My hometown, Bellevue, is right across the bridge. So Omaha's my old stomping grounds), but for some reason never spent much time exploring the smaller towns there. The bluffs are beautiful, though. I've never heard them called Loess Hills, but I'm assuming that's what they are.