Neighborhoods to consider- Best Schools/Communities surrounding DSM

[atler8]

I can't give any current information on possible "gifted" or advanced scholastic programs in the Newton school district but Newton is 18 miles west of Grinnell & 30 miles east of central Des Moines so it could be a sort of distance compromise location for you to consider.
The city is approximately 15,000 in population & lies directly on I-80 & was the home of Maytag until the company was bought by Whirlpool around 2007 & the operations in Newton closed. As such, it's housing stock cost factor may still be slightly depressed from that economic disaster & provide some surprisingly good value for one's buck.
Even though you are accustomed to winter driving conditions where you currently live, as has been pointed out already, traveling on I-80 in a snow or ice storm is not fun.

[Alidole]

Thanks for your advice ElleTea. Grinnell is where my job opportunity is located and Des Moines is where my husband will likely be working. Are there any communities you would recommended in between?

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by Alidole

Thanks for your advice ElleTea. Grinnell is where my job opportunity is located and Des Moines is where my husband will likely be working. Are there any communities you would recommended in between?

Gotcha.

Someone suggested Newton, which would be the only town with any size to it in between the two. I still wouldn't be crazy about that commute from November to March!

East side of Des Moines metro, you could also consider Altoona or Pleasant Hill

[akrington]

What makes Trader Joes so special to everyone? Just wondering? And are they the same everywhere?