Moving to Grinnell (Des Moines, Iowa City: colleges, to live in, professionals)

[ncantone]

I just got a job in Grinnell and will be moving there next month. I'm assuming that social life for a mid 20s single minority professional is going to be pretty limited. Any ideas on things to do and how to meet mid 20s singles and professionals?

[Lily0fthevalley]

I saw you hadn't had any responses - so I'll do what I can.

I live near Grinnell and go visit a friend there now and then. To me, Grinnell is an odd combination of small town and college town that hasn't seemed to have meshed the two aspects as well as many other small college towns. But because of Grinnell College there is a strong contingent of young people in their 20s, including many minorities. The college also has brought in an academic professional crowd - to me, though, most of these folks seem older than 20s.

There are a few nice little stores, and lots of friendly people. You certainly won't encounter any prejudice.

At any rate, Grinnell is right in between Des Moines and Iowa City and is an easy drive to both, so if you don't mind a trip of apx. an hr and a half to go to events and what not, you'll do fine.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by Lily0fthevalley

I live near Grinnell and go visit a friend there now and then. To me, Grinnell is an odd combination of small town and college town that hasn't seemed to have meshed the two aspects as well as many other small college towns. But because of Grinnell College there is a strong contingent of young people in their 20s, including many minorities. The college also has brought in an academic professional crowd - to me, though, most of these folks seem older than 20s.

Grinnell College is one of those liberal arts colleges that draw from all parts of the country so its student body is far more diverse than the average Midwestern college.

If you have to live in a small Midwestern town, move to one with a college as there will always be something going on.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I lived in Grinnell years ago and it was one of my favorite places in Iowa, this coming from a guy that lives on the coast in Southern California. For a city its size it seemed to have a lot going on. Back in the mid 80's the state was suffering from a recession. I remember back then that Grinnell seemed insulated from that. Hope things are still going well there.