Need Iowan's Input (Iowa City, Ames, West Branch: HOA, condo, crime)

[GayleAZ]

There are no safe places in AZ to live. There are pretty places, expensive places, places with gates and dogs and trees and grass to keep out the desert, but still it is just that. A desert. rapidly becoming devoid of water, over populated, polluted and crime ridden. You can pretend it isn't happening just like CA pretended for years it wasn't happening to them, but eventually reality comes a callin' and not everyone can live in the richest part of town. You have to drive to the airport (almost worst part of town) or a sporting event (mostly built in the barrio or what is now the ghetto) or museum (the corner with the worst accidents in Phx for years) eventaully. A lot of that stuff in Phx has been moved to the relatively newer burbs.. but you can't gate off society completely.. sooner or later it comes knocking at your door. And I think denial of problems here is the WORST thing that people do because then the problems just keep multiplying because they are ingnored until someone rich gets hurt or involved. Sad but true. I guess most states have their rose colored glasses about certain areas. Unlike AZ - where we are always in a haze about the next crisis - and then have NO clue how to fix it, because we ignored it until it was cancer that became inoperable.

[DBQer]

Gayle, consider moving to Dubuque. I read over your comment and I think that you would fit in nicely here. You mentioned that you enjoy wine and crafts and such. We have a winery right here in the city!!! The grapes are grown just a few miles outside of town. Check these out: [http://www.stonecliffwinery.com/] (broken link) [http://www.grapeharbor.com/] I used to work at a grocery store here in Dubuque, and I can tell you that wine consumption is huge here (wine tasting, etc...), so I'm sure you'll enjoy that. Also, we have a summertime farmer's market in our downtown area, and we are always having craft fairs in downtown's Washington Square. Since the city has a large tourist economy, there are many stores that sell all of the craft stuff, as well (Hobby Lobby, Ben Franklin...).

You also mentioned that you work in the medical field and would need a job and a house. You're in luck there as well. We have numerous hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes that are constantly advertising for more help. The local housing market is quite affordable, as well. I believe that the median home price in Dubuque is around $130,000, but if you're on a tight budget, you could get something very nice for less. I also saw that you commented on how bad our humidity is. While it can be pretty rough, you won't find any relief anywhere else in Iowa. The river may increase it a tad, but with the cool breezes that come off of the water, you don't notice it.

You also said that you want someplace that's quiet and safe. I must say that the the suggestions you've recieved about moving to Des Moines are not mentioning the CRIME there. It is a SERIOUS problem. Dubuque enjoys a very LOW crime rate. 1 murder a year is typical, if that, and virtually every neighborhood is safe to walk, leave your car unlocked, or whatever. I hope you consider all of this as you make your decision. Let me know if you have questions.

[Ben Around]

Gayle--Here's my recomendation. Get on a plane for Chicago (preferabley Midway, not O'Hare). Rent a car and drive about 3 hours to West Branch, IA. There you will find a very quaint small town, very quiet with your requisite "cute" shops and restaurants and even a winery! Then drive another 10 miles West (either down I-80 or the Local Road) and you'll be in (relatively) bustling but (relatively) crime free Iowa City. Go over to the University of Iowa west side health complex, the second-largest public teaching hospital in the US and apply for a job. They have tons of them at all levels, and their benefits are fantastic (I used to work there). I think living in West Branch (or one of the many other less-quaint surrounding small towns) and getting a health care job at UI will be your best bet in Iowa!

[peach49]

well i guess i just miss that this weekend.but i would eather be here than iowa.but again i live in a good area.but good luck.

[gayleinAZ]

I'm sure you're a nice person and live in a beautiful home. But Scottsdale in a very small part of the metro area. I was at Scottsdale Park on Via Linda over the weekend and it's beautiful... but it does not represent my world. I'm almost surprised they didn't ask me for a passport to enter the park. However all kidding aside, Az is a mess and a lot of people are leaving and the people who are coming in from CA and Mexico are bringing in the problems they had in those areas. You can't cloister yourself in Scottsdale and assume the rest of the valley will take care of itself. For those who prefer to stay here, you will have to fight for change and the rights that the working class legal American's are rapidly losing here. I hope you've read my posts in a positive light. I only stated what is public fact.. and if public fact needs to reflect a better light on this state, it will be up to the people who stay here to live to improve the public image.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Des Moines is good, downtown is on the rebound and there is a cute area across the river by the Capitol which seemed neat. Iowa City is substantially smaller, but you can't go wrong with 25,000 college kids. Dare I say it is just as vibrant as DSM? They say Dubuque is great (I have yet to go, but I hear they have water) All should have strong hospitals. I would shy away from Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, the latter seemed especially starved for vibrancy. Thats just my 2c
---Minnehahapolitan

[peach49]

yes you are right i do live in a new home.and what i see it not that bad.but i never go into phoenix.but i do watch the news.but out here it is very nice.

[crashcop]

Originally Posted by gayleinAZ

I'd love to fly straight into Des Moines but it costs a fortune. I can fly into KC and rent a car for 3 days for what it costs to fly to DM. HOWEVER since I won't be out there until later in summer, I can go onto one of those ticket sights that were suggested and see if I can get a better flight price. I've been to the KC airport about 5 times now and pretty much have the hang of the place. I just catch a shuttle to the car rental place and BOOM I'm on my way. It's very handy. I'll keep my eyes open for discount airs thought Thank you.

Gayle, USAirways flies non stop Sky Harbour to DSM. Skip the travel sites go right to the airline web, I travel several times a year, these are your best prices. Here is a sample, book at least 14 days out. I am all about saving money and time. Hope this helps. The prices listed below are roundtrip x taxes and fees.


Displayed are the lowest available
roundtrip coach fares
Help me with this page Return

Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ
3 DAYS EARLIER 3 DAYS LATER
Friday
July 06 Saturday
July 07 Sunday
July 08 3 DAYS EARLIER
Depart

Phoenix, AZ
to
Des Moines, IA

3 DAYS LATER Saturday
June 30 $318 $318 $389 Sunday
July 01 $349 $349 $420 Monday
July 02 $278 $278 $349


http://www.usairways.com/awa/booking/lowfarefinder.aspx

[GayleAZ]

I didn't know US Air went to Des Moines. Last time I checked it was only American and they seemed to be holding the market hostage with their air fares. I will check it out. US Air is based here along with Southwest so I have their websites in my 'favorites' list.

[Tek_Freek]

I forgot the Art Festival
http://tinyurl.com/2d9sdr

There is also an Art Center
http://tinyurl.com/ytnpex

Science Center
http://tinyurl.com/yqq3t7

Botanical Center
http://tinyurl.com/yp8yru