I want to relocate my son and I to Iowa but unsure of where yet. Any ideas? (Council Bluffs: schools, university)

[aw48203]

I'm looking into moving to Iowa city also. I'm originally from Iowa but haven't been back in years. Now that I have kids I think it's the best choice for me and them. I grew up in Davenport. Curently in Detroit, Michigan trying to get away before my kids get into the wrong things.

[jtv2011]

try the hull and sioux center area...or anywere in sioux county...plenty of opportunities

[MastermindDSM]

3. Religion is not oppresive in Iowa. If you move to say, Pleasant Hill (where my parents live), your neighbors won't shun you if you don't go to church. The church doesn't have a huge impact on local politics, like in Utah.

There are plenty of towns that are religious heavy. For one, Orange City is extremely religious. If you are non-religious (christian) dont bother giving Sioux County a second look. 90% conservative

[cyclone47]

I was born and raised in Iowa, but also lived in Minnesota for a few years. That is another state you might consider relocating to, specifically Mankato, Minnesota (home of Minnesota State University). Stay away from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area though if you want to avoid congested urban sprawl. I have lived in Des Moines, Iowa for the past thirty years, but with all of the urban sprawl that has also gone on here over the past twenty years it is becoming too congested for my liking. I can think of a few small towns in Iowa that I would consider moving back to. Personally though, my first and only choice would be Ames, Iowa. This is a town of 25,000 people, but grows to 50,000 people when Iowa State University is in session and the students are back in town. Because it is a college town, you have all of the amenities of a much larger city without all of the hassles and congestion. There are plenty of cultural activities and sporting events to keep you busy year round. It is a beautiful town, with lots of parks and a great school system. It is also only 35 miles north of Des Moines if you desire large shopping malls and a bigger selection of restaurants, etc.. Otherwise there would be absolutely no reason to leave Ames for anything that Des Moines has to offer. Seriously take a look at Ames, Iowa!

[hardrocker]

stay away from Webster City. I have lived here for 7 very long, arduous years and there is nothing for anyone here, unless you're looking for drugs or to be ripped off, by the many shyster small business owners. (and yes, i am looking to move from this dump....A.S.A.P.)

[hawkeye2009]

Originally Posted by mwipp

Des Moines or North Liberty/Iowa City! The most to do and diversity!!!! Dubuque stinks...sorry!

I grew up in Iowa City and went to med school there. We lived in the Quad Cities and now in Des Moines. I had a clinic in Dubuqe and really liked it. It is a clean town with not too big. It is 95% Catholic, but nobody rams it down your throat. Iowa City can be tiresome for non students after a while, but the non-university people live on the east side and it is, in my opinion, the best side to live on. Des Moines is a good town, but avoid the east side.

[bizman1776]

Move to Sioux City...they are booming right now with economic development. It's nuts how much has gone on here in the last 5 years or so.

[citygirlatheart80]

Check out someplace like: Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Muscatine, or Burlington (beautiful towns, along the river, good schools, nice sized communities- you really can't go wrong)

[kenneth.kahl]

I recommend investigating Coon Rapids.

Coon Rapids has the darkest skies in the nation, so they have lots of opportunities to check out the stars. It seems like a great place to me from driving through and visiting with some of their community members. It has a cute downtown, a good variety of small and large businesses, and a great park (Whitrock Nature Conservancy). One cooler novelty is the annual "Highway 141 Garage Sales" in which every town on Iowa Highway 141 holds garage sales. Great for a road trip! Good luck with your next chapter of life!

[bcrichdesmoines]

Iowa City or Ames sounds perfect for you.