Altoona or Ankeny for 50-Something Single? (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids: house, neighborhoods, closing)

[Meemur]

It looks like I'm going to be working in Ankeny but the property taxes seem high to me. It might be worth it if there are any really quiet neighborhoods for a 50-something single lady. Or would the east side of Altoona be better? I don't want to find myself in the middle of young families. I like children but not all the time.

For those in Altoona, is Adventureland noisey in the summer evenings? Does it generate a lot of traffic at opening and closing time?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

[runewell]

Bondurant? It shows signs of growth but is just a tiny bit off on its own.

[Meemur]

Originally Posted by runewell

Bondurant? It shows signs of growth but is just a tiny bit off on its own.

No grocery stores over there, as far as I can tell, plus it looks like it would be hard commute on icy days. That's why I'm looking at Ankeny and Altoona. I realize some days are "no drive, no way," so it's nice not to be far away from grocery and drug stores.

[capitalcityguy]

You're putting yourself in suburban family heaven so you're going to find yourself "in the middle of young families" in either place IMO.

I think you need to decide if a short commute if #1 priority or if you'd rather locate somewhere with more diverse population/similar interests.

[Husketh722]

I will say Ankeny is going to very busy. It is a younger area. But depending on where you live in Altoona, you will be right on the main road for Adventureland. Plus I dont know how bright it is at night. Depending on your commute there is plenty of other towns around Des Moines that are really good.

[Meemur]

Thanks for your comments!

[Luke9686]

Altoona, Bondurant, Ankeny in that order. Bondurant is only 5 minutes away from the Hy-Vee in Altoona. Ankeny has gotten super busy over the past decade. Altoona is nice and Adventureland doesn't generate much noise or traffic. There are very few none drivable days in Iowa. Only one so far this year.

[Meemur]

Thanks, Luke. Glad to hear it hasn't been too bad. I monitor the TV stations online, and it looks like a lot of the storms have been east in Cedar Rapids. Still, I don't go very far when the semis are sliding off the road. I grew up in Michigan, so I know about winter driving, but the older I get, the less bold I am.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by Meemur

Thanks, Luke. Glad to hear it hasn't been too bad. I monitor the TV stations online, and it looks like a lot of the storms have been east in Cedar Rapids. Still, I don't go very far when the semis are sliding off the road. I grew up in Michigan, so I know about winter driving, but the older I get, the less bold I am.

Welll...if you live in Altoona you'll be forced to take I-80 on your commute. I-80 has some of the heaviest semi truck traffic in the US.

Given what you've shared here, I'd say Ankeny is probably where you'll be the happiest.

[Meemur]

Yes, CCG, I think I may have to make some cuts elsewhere so I can afford the property taxes in Ankeny and avoid a long commute. Maybe I can find a house that's not in the middle of five families with toddlers. I'll be out in two weeks or whenever there's a five-day break in the weather.

I'm not worried about culture (diversity or lack thereof). When I'm not working, I'm reading or doing my own projects. I just like a certain amount of quiet when I'm home. I don't blast my stereo, TV, or otherwise disturb the neighbors and hope to find the same.