From Baton Rouge to Iowa or Minnesota? (live, racism)

[Meemur]

Do you need something to put on your car?
What happens if the snow buries your car in? Do you shove it or what?
Should i look into a rental near my place of business just in case? I have no CLUE! lol

1. Winter emergency kit:

How to Make a Winter Survival Kit

2. Snow scraper:

Amazon.com: Snow & Ice Scrapers & Brushes - Exterior Accessories: Automotive: Snow Brushers, Ice Scrapers & More

3. I take this to mean: should I live near work?

I do. I didn't want more than a 30-minute commute. It's 12 minutes on good days, and that's mostly sitting at three traffic lights that take awhile.

But that's me. I just don't like having to get up at the crack of dawn to be at work at 9:00. Getting up at 7:50 is much more civilized.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by kristengalloway1991

It would most likely be Iowa City. Although i do have a question.. Not even 10 mins away from Baton Rouge , is a town called Port Allen. Its rent is way cheaper, Small town, and safer to live. Is there a town kinda like this around iowa City?

Concerning jobs, all i have is customer service. i would like to get into maybe receptionist or something that will pay comfortably. I might also check into the ICPD. Maybe be a dispatcher. I will take about anything as long as my bills are covered. Hell i'll even pull 2 jobs if need be. Thanks.

Yes, there are several smaller towns not far from Iowa City that would be less expensive. I certainly wouldn't call Iowa City unsafe though either.

[kristengalloway1991]

How is Des Moines compared to cedar rapids?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by kristengalloway1991

How is Des Moines compared to cedar rapids?

Bigger

[kristengalloway1991]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Bigger

Thanks.

[Stavemaster]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Bigger

Generally smells better, too.

[Stavemaster]

Originally Posted by kristengalloway1991

Yea, i figured this much.. I dont know anything about snow. lol. It has rarely happened down here. How do you get around with the snow? Do you need something to put on your car? What happens if the snow buries your car in? Do you shove it or what? Should i look into a rental near my place of business just in case? I have no CLUE! lol

I'm with Meemur on trying to find a place fairly close to work. I'd prefer it not just because of the snow factor but just because I don't want a long commute. YMMV.

As far as getting around in the snow, you will probably need to invest in a good shovel and get ready to use it. Being in town is not proof against this either, since snowplows pile the stuff up on the curb as they go down the street, and you'll still have to dig out your driveway. But hey, cardio. You won't need to put chains on your tires or anything like that, though.

Driving tips: take it slow and easy, don't tailgate, and when you need to hit the brakes, do it gently. Also if you're following a semi or other large vehicle, keep your distance or you may end up with a windshield full of dirty slush and ice. I hate that.

[steel03]

Originally Posted by kristengalloway1991

How is Des Moines compared to cedar rapids?

Des Moines is a large, cohesive metro area. Cedar Rapids is small and it feels small, and the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area is still disjointed. Des Moines probably feels bigger than it is. It has more amenities and more cultural and recreational institutions. In terms of how similar they are to each other Des Moines/Cedar Rapids/Iowa City is a bit like Chicago/Houston/Minneapolis (though obviously on a much much smaller scale).

[lurtsman]

In my experience in Iowa, the area was relatively welcome to gay people, but there was a very strong vibe of racism. Hearing racist comments from my coworkers made me very uncomfortable, but it wasn't just one or two of them. It was the the over whelming sentiment. I finally got out of there.

If you want an area that is accepting of interracial and gay relationships (something none of us have any right to discriminate against), consider living in a more liberal area.

Also, beware the weather. Iowa City recently was around -9 in the morning with a feels like below negative 30. Yes, it's unusual to get that cold, but it happens, and being very cold is normal.

[jthomas.7489]

Originally Posted by lurtsman

In my experience in Iowa, the area was relatively welcome to gay people, but there was a very strong vibe of racism. Hearing racist comments from my coworkers made me very uncomfortable, but it wasn't just one or two of them. It was the the over whelming sentiment. I finally got out of there.

If you want an area that is accepting of interracial and gay relationships (something none of us have any right to discriminate against), consider living in a more liberal area.

Also, beware the weather. Iowa City recently was around -9 in the morning with a feels like below negative 30. Yes, it's unusual to get that cold, but it happens, and being very cold is normal.

Where was this at? My experience has been completely different in Iowa (I have a biracial family) and in fact Iowa is one of the most welcoming places we have been. Although I imagine it varies from place to place.