Which is better?Chicago, Minneapolis, Indianapolis or Cedar Rapids. (Marion: how much, home)

[nene87]

I am relocating soon and I would like everyones opinion on which city is better to them as far as the jobs, rent, schooling, crime, cost of living etc.

Alot of people are moving to Cedar Rapids,Iowa and Minneapolis,Minnesota because the cost of living is cheap they got nice schools, clean air its the city and in Minneapolis you dont pay taxes on certain things plus they have really nice government programs.

[iowegian]

I think that you need to decide first what size of city you're looking for. If you're looking for the large metropolitan area experience, you should rule out Cedar Rapids right now. If you're looking for a smaller city, then Cedar Rapids is probably your best bet.

I'm sure that crime, rent, and cost of living are probably considerably lower in Cedar Rapids than in other areas, and the public schools are probably better. As for jobs, it kind of depends what kind of work you are looking for. There may be more jobs in a larger area (since there are more businesses) but Iowa also hasn't been hit as hard by the recent economic crisis, so you never know.

[StilltheSame]

Advice - look at your income/employment options first; then look at the key things that are important to you - schools; size of city; commute; weather; cost of living. Then use some cost of living indicators - Minneapolis' housing is reasonable - but is not inexpensive and there is a state income tax that is costly. But the quality of life is awesome and the schools are very good. Things to consider.

[nene87]

Originally Posted by iowegian

I think that you need to decide first what size of city you're looking for. If you're looking for the large metropolitan area experience, you should rule out Cedar Rapids right now. If you're looking for a smaller city, then Cedar Rapids is probably your best bet.

I'm sure that crime, rent, and cost of living are probably considerably lower in Cedar Rapids than in other areas, and the public schools are probably better. As for jobs, it kind of depends what kind of work you are looking for. There may be more jobs in a larger area (since there are more businesses) but Iowa also hasn't been hit as hard by the recent economic crisis, so you never know.

thanks

[Joe3rdwash]

Originally Posted by StilltheSame

Advice - look at your income/employment options first; then look at the key things that are important to you - schools; size of city; commute; weather; cost of living. Then use some cost of living indicators - Minneapolis' housing is reasonable - but is not inexpensive and there is a state income tax that is costly. But the quality of life is awesome and the schools are very good. Things to consider.

Minneapolis is also diverse and top in entertainment after Chicago and New York

[Luke9686]

Employment, budget, etc. will determine which of these cities you'll live.

[dalesandn]

Indianapolis, home of the Indianapolis Colts, has by far the lowest cost of living. My family is relocating to IA from Indy and we are so frustrated with how much things cost out there. We live in Morgan County, which is just SW of Marion County, and pay only $1000/yr in taxes on a $300,000 home. Home prices are considerably lower also. You will pay more in property taxes and home values are higher in Marion County and Johnson County, but if you want a cheap place to live within 30 minutes of Indianapolis to the NOrth and Bloomington to the South, then Morgan County is for you.

[pepe1]

Originally Posted by Joe3rdwash

Minneapolis is also diverse and top in entertainment after Chicago and New York

Really? I could probably think of no less than 100 cities I would place ahead of Minneapolis and behind NYC & Chicago in both of these categories...

[StilltheSame]

Originally Posted by pepe1

Really? I could probably think of no less than 100 cities I would place ahead of Minneapolis and behind NYC & Chicago in both of these categories...

I think you would be quite suprised. I know I was. The arts scene is unbelievable and amazing - do a bit of research. For example the Twin Cities have the second largest number of theater seats, second only to New York. Within 1/2 a mile there is the Orpheum, Hennepin, Pantages and Guthrie theaters. Not including smaller productions in the upcoming couple of months: Cats, Mamma Mia, Avenue Q; Dreamgirls, Wizard of Oz, Young Frankenstein; Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth, Brief Encounter, Streetcar, M.Butterfly and Dollhouse. Moreover between student tickets, rush tickets, family night and Target Play dates - its far more affordable than most cities.

[Joefan1]

Indy is the best by far. Chicago is the worst. Iowa cities are all in trouble, but still much better than Chicago.