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Both are mid-sized Midwestern cities with decent economies, and happen to be state capitols of their respective states. I live in Wisconsin, but have been to Des Moines many times for conference meetings and enjoyed my visits every time. I am asking this for a friend who is looking to move to either of these cities based on the following metrics: Education, economy, infrastructure, environment (i.e. nature and sustainability), employment opportunities, COL, local and state government, or diversity (racial and ethnic or LGBT community).
Has anyone lived or visited the two of these cities? If so, describe what you liked about them.
Last edited by InnovativeAmerican; 12-30-2018 at 04:32 AM..
Lived in Des Moines, live a couple hours from Madison and visit regularly. Love both. Can't go wrong with either.
Madison has more of a college town vibe, whereas Des Moines has more of a young professional vibe. This is reflected in the kinds of establishments you see in the downtown areas, but Madison isn't JUST a college town either. Madison has the lakes on both sides, and is very close to the Driftless Area, which gives it an edge for outdoor stuff. Des Moines has a better/easier to work with infrastructure, IMO. While Madison's geography is prettier, it creates some headaches. I'd give Des Moines the edge in craft beer/food scene, but Madison has an edge with the cultural/arts scene that surrounds the college. Cost of living is probably better in Des Moines, due to being farther from Chicago (UW has lots of Chicago $ influx which drives costs up). Des Moines is warmer, but more prone to violent storms.
Like I said, I love both of these cities and could easily live in both (loved living in the one I did).
I would choose (and voted for)Madison, due to the university, the water element, the demographics of the population, and the close proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago. Des Moines isn't isolated, but doesn't have access to the amenities a larger city offers, just an hour, or so, away.
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