Des Moines, Iowa
SperlingViews

Des Moines-THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD - 5/17/2007

Des Moines is growing. It is a great place to live. There is a diverse population of people here. The schools are ranked among the highest scores nationally.The teachers are caring and devoted. It is relatively safe. The news is more likely to cover car accidents than murders. If you are in search of religion, it is here as well. But people don't often carry their religion on their shirt sleeves. There are things to do and places to go for all walks of life, but the pace is simpler and slower than larger cities. This is definitely not LA or New York. Unemployment is low. Insurance is the industry of Des Moines. Cost of living is lower than many places, and public education is excellent. Air pollution is not a big problem. Public transportation does cut off in the evening. Weather- well I think the 4 seasons are the best, but by Feb. most Iowans are tired of shoveling. There are beautiful parks, and lakes, a couple of small scale rivers. Most importantly the people here are overall genuine and friendly. I love Des Moines. I am a Des Moines native, but have lived in San Diego, the Quad Cities, and St. Louis. Des Moines ranks highest in my book.[more...]

Des Moines: Bad Place. - 3/22/2007

If you like cold, ugly cities, full of ignorant self-righteous Christians, then, yes, Des Moines is the place for you. And, low crime rate? Something that Iowan's LOVE to brag about! Iowa has the biggest meth problem in the country, and Des Moines has one of the highest number of domestic violance incidents in the country as well. But of course, that's not real crime is it? Real crime only exists in Detroit, Chicago, and all the other big cities that people in Des Moines so often critize. Des Moines? Get a life you soppy bunch of Iowans.....[more...]

Bang for your buck - 12/30/2006

The cost of living, compared to other large metropolitian areas, is extremely reasonable.[more...]

Great Place - 10/26/2006

Des Moines has a very low crime rate, and the people are very nice. Schools here are very good. The cost of living is relatively low compared to many other cities. I am a college student, and I could definitely see myself staying in Des Moines. I only have one complaint: For young, unmarried people, there is not much to do. This is a great place to raise a family, but not so good for younger people.[more...]

Des Moines overall - 8/20/2006

I've lived in Texas and California, and Des Moines is as good of a place as any to raise families. I don't have any special love for the city, though, and am currently looking for a warmer state to do winter running. Just as other posters have stated, there's good and bad in all cities, so don't expect Des Moines to be perfect. Rachel said come and visit, good advice. Explore it for a week, then decide. The population is relatively small. This is good for raising families, lower housing costs, etc. Finding HIGH paying work will be tougher, though. (HIGH being more than $60K.) A few industries dominate this town. (It is not Los Angeles with EVERY kind of industry.) I recently spoke with a women in Las Vegas, she said she soon wants to sell her business and raise her young kids in Minnesota--we'll see, though, apparently business is good in Vegas! So, "family" people claim to love places like Des Moines. For single folks, if they love sports bars, metro Des Moines has a lot. If you are single and want 365-day access to every "single-friendly" event possible, then Des Moines won't work. Again, think LA, or any LARGE warm-weather city where weather doesn't shut down travel. Or people just get sick of the winter and don't want to leave home! You can be happy here--but remember that the overall pace of life is more laid-back, less frantic, and more traditional.[more...]

Des Moines weather - 8/20/2006

I think the winter weather is similar to the whole northern US, including places like Montana or Wyoming. Des Moines is windier and drier than parts east. But, winters can be strangely quiet, cloudy and windless. Or blizzard-y. Or windy and sunny, and 5* temp. Snowfall in Des Moines is noticeably less (or it melts quicker) compared to northern Iowa. Falls and springs are short but pleasant. May and June are tornadic. I think summers are the best, I like warm weather and have no complaints. (I lived in central Texas before, that's why I have no complaint!) If Iowa had a warm winter, there would be a huge population here, I think. But the winters are bad. (I guess I wouldn't mind 1-week. But several months is too much.) If you are disabled, can't walk on ice, must drive 365 days/year, then you shouldn't move here (or Montana, or Wisconsin, etc.) I like to run a lot, and hate that I have to always take time to clean my car windshield off, to navigate streets, to get to a gym. Some people run outside in the winter, which I think is just idiotic.[more...]

Family life - 8/17/2006

I like Des Moines and the State of Iowa in General. I spent most of my life living just north of London in England and have travelled the US and Canada widely. I found Iowa to be a great place to live and a safe place raise children. Des Moines is just big enough to have most of everything you would want, and small enough to still maintain that sense of community. There is little or no highway congestion with easy access to some nice shopping malls, downtown business district and a large, (international, although I know of no international flight into Des Moines) airport. Seated on I35 and I80 makes Des Moines a cross road to the major cities of Omaha, Kansas City, Minniapolis and Chicago. Employment prospects are good, property prices are very affordable and rental properies are average if not slightly lower for a State capital. You may decry my opinion, thats up to you. If your looking for a singles high life with 24/7 party people, Des Moines is not the place to be. My only personal dislike is the humidity of the hot summer months and I think the State income, and sales taxes are to high. But, no matter where you live, there is bound to be something you dislike.[more...]

Grudge against Iowa? - 5/15/2006

Boo-Hoo, boo-hoo. Some bad people provided opinions about Iowa, that conflicted with Jimmy's. These bad people obvioulsy have a grudge against Iowa. Hey! Jim-Boy! Guess what? I don't like Pepsi. Cause I gotta grudge against it!! Now be a good boy, and dry those tears dear.....and for the rest of you, please start saying good things about Iowa!! Jim-Boy's obviously upset!!![more...]

Des Moines is A+! - 5/8/2006

Des Moines is a great place. I just moved back to Des Moines from Minneapolis. I would recommend visiting www.desmoinesmetro.com to get the REAL truth about Des Moines than some internet troll that has a grudge against the State of Iowa and Des Moines. I'm single and I can allows find many things to do. There are numerous resources that have calenders full of events, just look for it. You have to make an effort to find things to do anywhere you go. There is everything from rock concerts to trails to great shopping in Des Moines. I bought a condo in Downtown Des Moines for a lot less than Minneapolis, and my change in income wasn't that dramatic, especially when you consider the cost of living index. The winters in Iowa are no worse than any other upper midwestern state, especially in Minnesota![more...]

Des Groin - 2/8/2006

Not much flavor here---basic living. Midwestern people are good and for most part---genuine. Uninteresting terrain, extreme weather. Iowa has highest lieracy rate in U.S. ---that is a good thing given the youth's (echo boomers) inability to spell among other things. I.O.W.A.---idiots out wondering around, may be harsh. it is not HEAVEN----it is IOWA. As the world becomes smaller due to advances in communication---Iowa still lags and feels isolated culturally.[more...]

Ugly city. Very ignorant. - 2/6/2006

I have been in Des Moines for the past 5 years. The city is ugly. There is very little for young people to do. And, the people (for the most part) are ignorant to other cultures, and other points of view. In fact, when I travel, and tell people I'm from Des Moines, they wonder why the hell anyone would want to live there! I wonder too! I'll be out in a year! Thank God![more...]

Reply to Devin - 2/5/2006

You are quite right that you can have experiences in other places that you can't have in Iowa. I have lived in Mexico. There are obviously many experiences you can have in Mexico that you can't have in Iowa. There are also many experiences in Iowa you can't have in Mexico. I have also lived in Miami and the same is true there. I have also travelled to New Orleans, Indiana, Arizona, Texas, Michigan and many other states. I love travelling and seeing new places. Every place has its pros and cons. You cannot experience all the things in life there is to experience in Iowa, or any one place. That is why travelling and living in other places is important to make a decision on where you want to live. I was not trying to say that you can experience all the diversity there is to experience in Iowa. But I am sick of people saying there is NO diversity in Iowa. I do speak Spanish fluently, and most of it I learned in Iowa among the growing Latino population. I grew up and lived in Iowa for 24 years, but I have also lived in Mexico and Miami. I think everyone has to decide where it is they are happy and want to live. I love to travel and experience many different places, but as far as raising a family and settling down, I want to be in the Midwest.[more...]

Des Moines and Iowa. - 1/31/2006

I lived in IA from 1966 until 1987. I was born in HI and lived in CA, the bay area. My last 4 years in IA were in the Des Moines area. I could live there again were I not seeking better climates. I've vacationed in So Cal, N Cal, Upstate NY and New England and the South including the lower Appalation Trail. All nice, but different. I have lived in Phoenix since 1987. I could stay here were it not for seeking better climates again. I have a good sized family that remains there in IA - some having returned from other places (HI, CA, CO, etc.). There is a lot to be said for the pace of life there. It may be more family oriented... I'd rather my kids had been reared there. I don't see the housing prices as low as some have suggested - you can't get that much for 110k in the metro DSM area. I looked while back there last summer. But, it likely beats a median price of 250-260k here in PHX. There is not as much for a single person to do, I agree, except socialize/party. That gets old. I personally like to pick and choose my weather and Phoenix is good for that, yet I have Carlsbad, CA and - get this - Hot Springs, AR on my radar as climates I have enjoyed and could live in. I will not pay the prices Real Estate has been bringing in the San Diego area, but I will pay attention to values - they will correct downward. I am trying to learn more about ABQ, NM as well. Then there is the South Pacific... perhaps one day. I returned to DSM in July '05 for a grandmothers funeral. 94 degrees and 90% RH on the day I arrived. It was thick. A wonderful storm that night and then 80 degrees the following day (perfect for the funeral). The next day was 90+ degrees and dayumed humid again. Returned to PHX to 105+ degrees and lots of humidity (for PHX, that is). Yep - pick and choose. But we can all live with our choices. I've been here for 18 years, and will likely have some more time here to come. IA is good.[more...]

Reply to Rachel - 1/31/2006

I lived in Iowa for 27 years, from the time I was born to the time I finally left. I even grew up on a farm! I think that I've seen the entire state enough to know that it's not for everyone, and we will all have differing opinions. I am an adventurer and seeker of new things, therefore to say that you can seek out what you are finding (like diversity) in Iowa is not always true. I too speak French and have even traveled to Europe and saw many things that can never be found in Iowa. I feel as a native Iowan and person who has gone through many things personally, professionally and educationally in Iowa, that I have a valid opinion and right to critique the land of my upbringing. I also got very tired of hearing that "it's such a great place", "you won't find anywhere else like here", "younger people need to stay", and "if you leave, you'll come back". The best thing I ever did for myself was to move and to Vegas of all places. There's so many experiences, different people and opportunities now that I never had. In this case, we're going to have to agree to disagree.[more...]

Sunshine in Iowa - 1/21/2006

I disagree with Devin that only 1/4 of the days are sunny in Iowa. I would say about half the days in Iowa are sunny. I have lived in Iowa 24 years.[more...]

Reply to Michelel - 1/21/2006

I grew up in Ames, Iowa, and I have to say Iowa is one the best places to live. I am sick and tired of people bashing Iowa. If we are to compare Des Moines with Chicago, for example, a family in Chicago earns only $2,000 more a year than a person in Des Moines, and yet the average house in Des Moines costs $110,600, and the average house in Chicago costs $403,000!!!! There are beautiful houses to be found in Des Moines. As far as the weather, the winters are harsh, but they make you appreciate the spring more. The spring, summer, and fall are absolutely gorgeous in Iowa. As far as diversity, diversity is found by people who are diverse. I learned to speak Spanish and French fluently IN IOWA. As I said, I grew up in Ames, and I have met people from all over the world in Ames. For the past six years, I have spoken Spanish with native speakers daily in Ames. I just moved to Miami to be with my fiance, who has a job here. That was a big mistake!!!! We both are yearning to get back to Iowa. Here in Miami, the average family earns only around $29,000, but the average house costs $387,000!!! We are wasting our money here. I have found there are good and bad people everywhere, but in general, I find the people in Iowa to be very nice and honest folks. For the record, I have never ever had people deal with me dishonestly in Iowa the way Michelel refers to. This is one young, Iowan girl who wants to go back.[more...]

Not as bad as the others here say - 12/2/2005

Des Moines isn't that bad. I am originally from Michigan and found everyone to be friendly despite my single status in my first years here. That was in the mid 90s and at that time the job market was incredible. Unemployment was below 1% and employees had the pick of the jobs since there were more jobs than people to fill them. The work here is fairly limited to retail, big business (office jobs) or entrepreneurship. But, that suits me just fine because I am not into outdoor manual labor anyway. The weather does suck! Winters do not see as much snow as Colorado, Michigan or even Chicago - but the bitter cold really is tough to live with. Every winter I've been here I have experienced days with wind-chills in the -40s. That's insane. It has improved a lot in regards to cultural diversity and things to do. Most of these changes have been quite recent (2 years). I think that has a lot to do with the new crew of city planners that came in a few years back. The improvements have been very positive. Also, the info on the site here is inaccurate in that Des Moines has QUITE A FEW Starbucks (unfortunately -their coffee is bitter with prepacked beans that are not roasted fresh- shame if you're a Starbuck's fan!).[more...]

Oh yes and the climate... - 9/28/2005

Right again Devin...the climate is by far the worst of any place I have ever been. The humidity is terrible and the winters are worse...coming from Chicago that says alot. The most inconsistent weather ever. Freezing one day, humid the next. My body temperature is off drastically. Last year, there was a blizzard in October. Friends visited from Chicago and said they could not believe it and that the snow resembled spikes. Not too mention the DM airport security was doing security body checks due to our heightened alert. Our friends said the airport security was far more strict than O'hare and they could not believe the delay it caused. As if...a terrorist would even want to come to Iowa.[more...]

Here! Here! To the 1st Comment - 9/28/2005

Devin is so right. We are 40mn N of Des Moines and moved here as a married couple w/o children from downtown Chicago seeking an "American dream kind of life." Worst mistake ever. Do not move to these parts of Iowa w/o children, you will feel isolated, singled-out and treated as if something is wrong for being married and not having children. Furthermore, there is no diversity and job oppurtunities are far and few between. The people here also lack the integrity they portray. Many bible belters here but not really Christian. We purchased a $83,000 home that was not worth $50,000 and it came with many issues that were not disclosed. The realtor knew it and after we purchased it, never saw the realtor again and their office was right up the street. I can assure you not many people breaking the doors down to get to small town Iowa from Chicago. We were suckers. We too temped the entire three years we have been here-Iowans as they are called don't seem to like outsiders- so we aren't hired, invited, treated, or asked to be involved unless they want your money and that when that's over, they will smile to your face and then talk behind your back. Don't move here-no wonder the Gov. had to go to Chicago to try to recruit former Iowans to return.[more...]

People - 6/17/2005

Des Moines is not very diverse and cater's to people with children. It's not very single person friendly and has an older population that is resistant to change. Job opportunities are limited to only a few industries and not are well paying positions. Although the cost of living is lower, it does not compensate for the low wages. I've lived in Des Moines for five years and only had temporary positions due to the lack of variety of industry. People are fairly judgemental as well to people without children and think there may be something wrong with them. The young professional groups only go out to drink instead of doing community work and bringing diversity and opportunities to others. The climate is horrible and inconsistent. One day it could be 85 and 90% humidity and the next 65, no humidity. The winters are harsh with terrible winds and a lot of snow. There's only about a fourth of the days a year with sunshine. It's not the place for allergies or sunny weather mavens. Bottom line, if you're under 30 or 35 without children or married, Des Moines is not really the place to be.[more...]