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Old 09-18-2015, 09:51 PM
 
Location: Liminal Space
1,023 posts, read 1,551,197 times
Reputation: 1324

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If you've been to both places, how would you rate Cedar Falls vs. Lawrence KS for a young family with two kids? Assume salary of $70,000 in both places. Consider factors such as:
  • Cost of housing
  • Outdoor activities
  • Weather
  • Farmers Markets
  • Availability of good restaurants in various ethnic styles
  • Availability of cultural activities e.g. art, museums, symphony, performing arts
  • Local music scene
  • Libraries, parks, kids activities
  • Tolerant, progressive community
  • Proximity to other cities within 1 1/2 hour drive; nearby places that offer a change of pace or different opportunities, be they large cities, scenic small towns or other unique locations.
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Old 09-19-2015, 09:38 AM
 
2,017 posts, read 3,191,211 times
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I would choose Lawrence over Cedar Falls. Both have cute downtowns, but Lawrence has a much more vibrant downtown and is an easy 45 minute drive to Kansas City, whereas Cedar Falls is isolated in that respect. However, CF is near the MN/WI border, Mississippi River that offers beautiful scenery. Lawrence is closer to the Ozarks.
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Old 09-19-2015, 05:11 PM
 
Location: Boilermaker Territory
26,404 posts, read 46,544,081 times
Reputation: 19539
^
Agreed. Lawrence offers more if you value a larger metro area nearby but want the "smaller city" college town experience and amenities.
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Old 09-20-2015, 06:23 AM
 
93,164 posts, read 123,783,345 times
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Cedar Falls is right next to Waterloo. So, it is essentially a twin city, that is next to a bigger city.
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Old 09-20-2015, 09:19 AM
 
9,480 posts, read 12,285,664 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ckhthankgod View Post
Cedar Falls is right next to Waterloo. So, it is essentially a twin city, that is next to a bigger city.
If Waterloo is still as bad as it used to be, that's not a plus.
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Old 09-20-2015, 03:44 PM
 
2,017 posts, read 3,191,211 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ElleTea View Post
If Waterloo is still as bad as it used to be, that's not a plus.
It still is ... Not a plus at all for Cedar Falls, IMHO.
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Old 09-21-2015, 12:27 PM
 
93,164 posts, read 123,783,345 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ElleTea View Post
If Waterloo is still as bad as it used to be, that's not a plus.
Is Waterloo really that bad or is it relative to the rest of Iowa?
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Old 09-21-2015, 12:40 PM
 
9,480 posts, read 12,285,664 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ckhthankgod View Post
Is Waterloo really that bad or is it relative to the rest of Iowa?

Last I new it was not a thriving town, and more than a bit depressing. The fast that Cedar Falls is next door is a boost for Waterloo, not the other way around.
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Old 09-22-2015, 03:24 PM
 
Location: Boilermaker Territory
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Waterloo was hit hard by the severe decline in the ag belt during the 1980s as it consolidated and lost jobs that were John Deere related. It has never really recovered well from that decade.
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Old 09-26-2015, 03:28 PM
 
Location: Cleverly concealed
1,199 posts, read 2,043,113 times
Reputation: 1417
Caveat: I grew up in Lawrence. That said, choose Lawrence. It's twice as populous with a much larger university as the town's anchor, and only 40 minutes from Kansas City, which will have everything Lawrence does not. We are also known as the "blue dot" in the red state if you take my meaning.

The weather will lean more toward summer. Winter is less severe than Iowa. Summer is hotter.
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