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I have been to both. I prefer Albuquerque by a wide margin, but I will say I enjoy the extreme summer lushness of Des Moines.
Downtown: Des Moines has the best downtown:
There is quite alot of business in downtown Des Moines, several different districts and the skyline is excellent for a city of it's size.
Albuquerque has a small very downtown for it's size, but the huge University of New Mexico is very close and the adjacent neighborhoods to the east are very nice around the university and very vibrant.
Neighborhoods: Albuquerque by far.
Albuquerque has alot of interesting areas mainly because of the huge university presence. There is the Nob Hill area and then the alot of interesting areas along Central Avenue which is like a better Colfax in Denver IMHO.
Des Moines neighborhoods in my opinion were not very nice. They have great suburbs, but the most of the eastern half of the city is blighted.
I noticed alot of the areas east of Drake University towards the West Des Moines are nice, so they have some very nice areas in Des Moines but most of the northern and eastern part of the city going through urban decay.
Entertainment: Albuquerque by far.
Albuquerque has more of a singles scene, known for good restaurants and has a very large university.
Des Moines has a small nightlife but it is a very married city, I was there for about a week and I felt very lonely as a single person.
Economy: Des Moines wins this as it has a much better economy, but Albuquerque has a better economy then people think. I looked into the economy and New Mexico has had a never-ending economic issue, Albuquerque seems to have alot of government, university, medical jobs. There are also alot of call-centers in Albuquerque.
Suburbs: Des Moines wins this as it has very nice suburbs, Albuquerque has one big suburb called Rio Rancho which is decent but I thinK Des Moines has really, nice, clean suburbs.
Climate: Albuquerque has fantastic weather. Mild Winters and Mild Summers. Des Moines has bitter cold and snowy artic winters and hot and humid summers. Also the most moderate season is Spring with lots of heavy rain.
I prefer Albuquerque over Des Moines by a wide margin. The weather is really awful in Des Moines, the taxes are extremely high and they don't get anything for it.
I like the people in Albuquerque much better then Des Moines.
Albuquerque is more laid-back, polite and people pretty much are fairly independent minded. Alot of very interesting people there when I have taken vacations there, very interesting characters.
Des Moines was a surprise. I found the people there extremely close-minded, unfriendly, cliquish. I thought the people of Des Moines were rude to be honest. For some reason, I don't know what it is I find people instantly better when I cross into Minnesota.
I have been to both also, and depends on what your personal preferences are. The climates, foliage, vibe, culture, even size are almost polar opposites. Both cities are pleasant enough, so my choice would be a toss-up.
ABQ is more comfortable, but Des Moines is more lush (dense and wooded) and shaded. Of course, climate and scenery won't pay the bills or help you connect and fit in. You have to focus on jobs and culture for that.
Albuquerque wins in almost all areas you mentioned. Des Moines is still a good place to live if you want a decent amount of amenities, low cost of living, nice people, and dislike a desert climate.
I like driving through ALBQ, very scenic and it gives off a wild west vibe.
Beautiful area, but the city itself doesn't feel or look like a real city to me.
It has a certain busy feel, but the built environment is ugly and corny.
Des Moines feels and looks like a real city.
Des Moines has a real downtown and it is blowing up even more.
I'm impressed with the cleanliness and attention to details - the bridges, the Capitol area, etc.
Agreed that DM is more family-oriented and the singles scene cannot match ALBQ.
However I find Iowans better educated, more articulate and friendly.
That being said I would still choose ALBQ because of the scenery, weather and younger vibe.
ALBQ has a lot of potential, I doubt it will ever be fully realized.
Des Moines neighborhoods in my opinion were not very nice. They have great suburbs, but the most of the eastern half of the city is blighted.
I noticed a lot of the areas east of Drake University towards the West Des Moines are nice, so they have some very nice areas in Des Moines but most of the northern and eastern part of the city going through urban decay.
No, the whole eastern half of the city (nor the north end) is not blighted. Granted, there are neighborhoods that are still rough, but there has been a lot of renovation around the state fair grounds, especially in the last two years.
If you haven't visited lately, the growth here is amazing!
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