Indianapolis twin (Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary: attorney, law school, university)

[WildWestDude]

Des Moines is not that far off

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

Des Moines is not that far off

How so?

[WildWestDude]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

How so?

"not that far off" meant not in distance, but similar size, in cornfields, non-descript with similar downtowns with capitol buildings. I got the same feeling from both cities though Columbus indeed comes closer

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

"not that far off" meant not in distance, but similar size, in cornfields, non-descript with similar downtowns with capitol buildings. I got the same feeling from both cities though Columbus indeed comes closer

Indianapolis:

City pop: 798,382 (2008 Est. from C-D)
MSA: 1,525,104 (2000 Census)
White non-Hispanic pop: 68%

Des Moines:

City pop: 196,998 (2008 Est. from C-D)
MSA: 481,394 (2000 Census)
White non-Hispanic pop: 79%

In terms of size and racial makeup, the two aren't even close. It is true, of course, to note that both are surrounded by corn, and both are state capitols. They're also home to small, well-regarded universities (Butler in Indy's case; Drake for Des Moines).

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Colts

Odessa, Texas

I really don't think so.

[Colts]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

I really don't think so.

It was an obvious joke.

I third Columbus, Ohio. Very similar.

[WildWestDude]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Indianapolis:

City pop: 798,382 (2008 Est. from C-D)
MSA: 1,525,104 (2000 Census)
White non-Hispanic pop: 68%

Des Moines:

City pop: 196,998 (2008 Est. from C-D)
MSA: 481,394 (2000 Census)
White non-Hispanic pop: 79%

In terms of size and racial makeup, the two aren't even close. It is true, of course, to note that both are surrounded by corn, and both are state capitols. They're also home to small, well-regarded universities (Butler in Indy's case; Drake for Des Moines).

I would call that racial makeup difference not all that different . And the way Indy counts its metro area by including the whole county is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. I did however expect Des Moines to be a bit more populous.
That said I still see more similarities than not. Also, granted I am no expert on either cities. I am more familiar with Indy than Des Moines in which I stayed there for just a few hours. Lets say its the feeling I get from both cities

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

I would call that racial makeup difference not all that different . And the way Indy counts its metro area by including the whole county is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. I did however expect Des Moines to be a bit more populous.
That said I still see more similarities than not. Also, granted I am no expert on either cities. I am more familiar with Indy than Des Moines in which I stayed there for just a few hours. Lets say its the feeling I get from both cities

Indy's MSA is more than just Marion County, as Des Moines' MSA is more than just Des Moines proper. An MSA includes the city proper and surrounding suburban areas (admittedly that's a simplified definition). So, I don't know what you're getting at by saying it's an apples to oranges comparison. You may be referring to the fact that Indy's city proper population includes almost all of Marion County. This is because the city covers all of Marion County, except for the excluded towns of Lawrence, Southport, Speedway and Beech Grove. No tricks there at all. It's been that way since 1970.

Indy also has major league sports, has hosted international and major national sports competitions, and hosts major conventions. Des Moines hasn't. Sorry to sound argumentative, but Indy is in a much bigger league than Des Moines.

As for racial makeup, an 11% difference is very significant if you consider the entire country is only about 12% African-American.

[WildWestDude]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Indy's MSA is more than just Marion County, as Des Moines' MSA is more than just Des Moines proper. An MSA includes the city proper and surrounding suburban areas (admittedly that's a simplified definition). So, I don't know what you're getting at by saying it's an apples to oranges comparison. You may be referring to the fact that Indy's city proper population includes almost all of Marion County. This is because the city covers all of Marion County, except for the excluded towns of Lawrence, Southport, Speedway and Beech Grove. No tricks there at all. It's been that way since 1970.

Indy also has major league sports, has hosted international and major national sports competitions, and hosts major conventions. Des Moines hasn't. Sorry to sound argumentative, but Indy is in a much bigger league than Des Moines.

As for racial makeup, an 11% difference is very significant if you consider the entire country is only about 12% African-American.

No problem, arguments are fine as long as they have limits.
Anyway, yes counting the whole county is a disadvantage to other cities.
Hmm, bigger league in what you said but when it comes to living there they are probably not much different.It is pretty plain living in both cities. Looking at this from a bigger prespective many cities in the midwest are pretty similar. I can only find myself going to a zoo or musuem once in a blue moon. Indy wants to be in a bigger league but is a long way from that IMO. Not too long ago Indy was called a nap town. Would give the city though an A for effort.
Don't the Colts have a real small fan base like Green Bay?

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

Don't the Colts have a real small fan base like Green Bay?

You actually think the Packers have a small fan base? Have you seen how many Packers fans turn up at stadiums around the NFL when they play?