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Old 02-27-2010, 11:48 PM
 
3 posts, read 46,739 times
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I and my family are moving to Des Moines in May and I need some help figuring out a couple of things

1. We need a safe place to live, we are not ready to buy a house but would be willing to do RTO but still need something that is in a safe area and within good areas for school for our kids. Any ideas where we shouldn't go and what neighborhoods we should be looking for? I heard Windsor Heights is an okay area but to stay away from the South side.

2. Need a good doctor, dentist and Orthodonist?

4. Also a big issue is landlords. If you know of any Good ones please let me know.

Any information I can get from people that live in Des Moines would be FABulous.
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Old 03-01-2010, 07:30 AM
 
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Safe neighborhoods?

Anywhere in the suburbs. Also the west side of Des Moines is okay. Windsor Heights is far west Des Moines and is perfectly okay. South side can be a little rougher. However if one goes to Carlisle or Norwalk (south "suburbs"), these are great places to live. Altoona and Ankeny are good places to live as well. The only areas to avoid would be east and south sides of town.

Good Doctors?

Methodist (Iowa Health Systems) and Iowa Clinic are a little stronger than Mercy System

Good Orthodontist?

McGarvey on the west side


Good Dentist?

There are alot. Barsetti and Bartlett are a couple of good ones
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Old 03-01-2010, 09:27 AM
 
2,652 posts, read 8,566,607 times
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I wouldn't neccesarily count out the east side either. There are great east side areas, and bad ones. Growing up in Pleasant Hill, which is an eastern suburbs, most of my friends are east siders. I've found the community on the east side to be closer knit than out in the burbs. But to each there own. You won't find brand new Mcmansions on the east side, but you will find a lot of friendly neighbors. BUT, the east Des Moines schools suck. Big time...
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Old 03-01-2010, 02:37 PM
 
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
2,401 posts, read 4,335,271 times
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I'd find your neighborhood first, and then request drs, dentists, etc. recommendations. I had great experience with Dr Hipp (42nd on University) as an orthodontist, but he's is only convenient if you live on the west side of Des Moines or work downtown.

__________________________________________________ ______________________
CCG
Read it on www.desmoinesreport.com
Not flashy, but all Des Moines....all the time.
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Old 03-03-2010, 10:28 PM
 
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Waukee would meet all of your needs.
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Old 03-04-2010, 06:57 AM
 
3 posts, read 29,989 times
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Default Lived in area 14 years...

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChicNebIagirl31 View Post
I and my family are moving to Des Moines in May and I need some help figuring out a couple of things

1. We need a safe place to live, we are not ready to buy a house but would be willing to do RTO but still need something that is in a safe area and within good areas for school for our kids. Any ideas where we shouldn't go and what neighborhoods we should be looking for? I heard Windsor Heights is an okay area but to stay away from the South side.

2. Need a good doctor, dentist and Orthodonist?

4. Also a big issue is landlords. If you know of any Good ones please let me know.

Any information I can get from people that live in Des Moines would be FABulous.
Actually there are some nice neighborhoods on the south west side and it is a bit less expensive. Some of the best schools (and property taxes) are in Urbandale. Waukee is a newer part of the area. Taxes are a bit higher, but schools are good. West Des Moines would also be a good choice. Best Des Moines areas are north of University and west of about 35th St. Another good area is Ankeny.
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Old 03-14-2010, 12:51 PM
 
3 posts, read 46,739 times
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thanks for all the feedback, really appreciate it.
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Old 03-14-2010, 09:24 PM
 
Location: West Des Moines
36 posts, read 113,115 times
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1. I would live off of Kingman Avenue which is serviced by Roosevelet High. Safe but upscale. I'd even go for Sherman Hill if you can afford it.
2. I go to Lakeside dental in Pleasant Hill and they are fabulous.
3. I don't know about landlords...
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Old 03-15-2010, 11:21 AM
 
5 posts, read 31,715 times
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Default Opinion About Des Moines

Since you have a family I personally would recommend staying away from the Kingman Ave or Sherman Hill area. Kingman Avenue is a mix of run down old homes and then old homes that have been restored to their once amazing glory. The restored ones are absolutely beautiful, but Kingman Blvd. is a busy street and not too far from what is considered the worst part of Des Moines (the north part of Des Moines by Drake University). I know a lot of Professors live in the Kingman area but I'd sure hesitate living there if I had kids. As far as Sherman Hill goes, it is also a mix of neat historic homes/delapidated fixers. A lot of students rent in the Sherman Hill area in converted homes made to apartments. It is a neat little area with charm, but the fixed up homes are pricey and there really is not the feel of a family neighborhood. You may get charm and closer to downtown, but again, not a place I would live if I had a young family. Other than that, I would echo the thoughts of others on here- avoid the east side, especially Northeast side.
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Old 03-15-2010, 08:31 PM
 
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
2,401 posts, read 4,335,271 times
Reputation: 1464
Quote:
Originally Posted by Salty1 View Post
Since you have a family I personally would recommend staying away from the Kingman Ave or Sherman Hill area. Kingman Avenue is a mix of run down old homes and then old homes that have been restored to their once amazing glory. The restored ones are absolutely beautiful, but Kingman Blvd. is a busy street and not too far from what is considered the worst part of Des Moines (the north part of Des Moines by Drake University). I know a lot of Professors live in the Kingman area but I'd sure hesitate living there if I had kids. As far as Sherman Hill goes, it is also a mix of neat historic homes/delapidated fixers. A lot of students rent in the Sherman Hill area in converted homes made to apartments. It is a neat little area with charm, but the fixed up homes are pricey and there really is not the feel of a family neighborhood. You may get charm and closer to downtown, but again, not a place I would live if I had a young family. Other than that, I would echo the thoughts of others on here- avoid the east side, especially Northeast side.
We go on the annual Sherman Hill house tour each year and you'd be surprised how many young families live there. If you want more of an urban neighborhood, you should definately check this out.
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