Moving from OK to IA (Des Moines, West Des Moines: real estate, tornadoes, for sale)

[alycat2616]

I have two young daughters and my husband has been offered a new job with Hormel in Osceola, and am looking to move either to Osceola or Indianola. Any suggestions? I'm not a country girl so would perfer to be around more people, but also don't want to be stuck in the hussle and bussle of the busy life.
I grew up close to San Fransisco, CA and want to keep a tight leash on my girls (knowing what I did). But at the same time want to be able to do things, unlike Oklahoma City, and not live in a dump.

Or are there any cities close to Osceola and Des Moines that I should look into.

[Luke9686]

If you are not a country girl, don't live in Osceola. It's a tiny town, with nothing at all to do. Indianola is a nice town not far from Des Moines. It would be about a 30 minute drive to Osceola for work. Maybe 10-15 minutes to the south side of Des Moines, and about 25 minutes to downtown Des Moines.

Des Moines is not really the hustle bustle type of city. Also Indianola is a good town with good schools. You will still be able to keep a close eye on the kids, but for the most part they will stay out of trouble there.

I think Indianola would be your best bet. Close to the city, but far enough away so that you don't feel the hustle and bustle. Not a bad commute to Osceola.

You also said you werent able to do much in OKC??? I would think there is more to do there than in Des Moines though.

[crashcop]

Originally Posted by alycat2616

I have two young daughters and my husband has been offered a new job with Hormel in Osceola, and am looking to move either to Osceola or Indianola. Any suggestions? I'm not a country girl so would perfer to be around more people, but also don't want to be stuck in the hussle and bussle of the busy life.
I grew up close to San Fransisco, CA and want to keep a tight leash on my girls (knowing what I did). But at the same time want to be able to do things, unlike Oklahoma City, and not live in a dump.

Or are there any cities close to Osceola and Des Moines that I should look into.

Real estate wise Osceola is more affordable than Indianola. Indianola is closer to what you want. Simpson College is located in Indianola, it is a good city with quality schools.

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[Michael Baker]

By all means, West Des Moines is the place to start.. check out Ankeny and Bondurant areas.. You are going to love the midwest and especially Iowa.... You can always visit SFRAN

[CAELENSGRAM]

Osceola is a nice rural town that has been ruined by the casino that now exists at it western edge. Lots of transient traffic that I would not like with small children.

Indianola is a nice town with great schools and lots of things for kids to do. It's also a 15 minute drive to Des Moines, the capital city. You will find all that you have in OKC in Des Moines, and little traffic compared to where you are now. I grew up not far from Indianola and spend time there almost once a week. It's a lot slower paced than a big city but with many of the same conveniences. Housing prices are probably much lower than you are used to, with the median home priced about $110,000.

Good luck and remember that we have fewer tornadoes but a lot more snow!

[doogy]

Just to warn you that the winters are BRUTALLY COLD.....VERY VERY COLD...COLD.....it's cold for at least 4-5 months...there isn't much going on in Iowa but it's a safe place to live. There is a low crime rate because it's too COLD!!!

[alycat2616]

Thank you so much for the information. I would much rather deal with the cold than tornados. I grew up in Northern California, so we would visit the mountains. Speaking of Mountains is there skiing anywhere?

Growing up in CA there was always things to do, wether it cost a lot of money or it was free. There were lots of parks and sidewalks, people took care of their homes and the city. Here in OK everything is just falling apart, there really isn't much to do (that's free anyway), the streets are narrow and there aren't any sidewalks. The highways really suck.

[Pearlbob]

Indianola has way more to offer, and is near DSM which is the largest city in the state and has tons to offer. Osceola would be very disappointing to you, IMO.

I've always thought the roads up there are bad, just because of the brutal winters though, not due to poor city management or anything like that.

No mountains in Iowa, just rolling hills BUT there is that big fake ski place...someone will know, it was there when I was growing up but I can't recall the name.

[Luke9686]

[quote=alycat2616;828362]I would much rather deal with the cold than tornados. I grew up in Northern California, so we would visit the mountains. Speaking of Mountains is there skiing anywhere?

You do know Iowa gets plenty of tornados right?? Not as many as OK, but they do get them.

There is decent (by midwest standards) skiing just outside of Minneapolis. A place called Afton Alps. Its about a 4 hour drive from Indianola. Otherwise Colorado is a good days drive away.

There is also plenty to do if you look for it. Clear Lake is nice. Lake Okoboji is pretty cool. Farmers market downtown DSM. Other city stuff in Des Moines too. Clive after five in the summer. Iowa State Fair (top 100 things to do before you die, I read somewhere).

Chicago is relatively close, as is Minneapolis.

Overall the quality of life is good.

[Stevie]

Seven Oaks near Boone is a good place to ski. They also have some skiing at Sleepy Hollow, which is in the Des Moines area (east side I think).

I agree that Indianola is a good choice. It's a nice little town with some activities, recreation, etc. and is very close to Des Moines. There’s also the hot air balloon event called National Balloon Classic every August in Indianola.

I don't know anything about Osceola though.