Reviews & Comments
Boone, IA
Run...Don't walk! -
5/20/2013As long as you grew up here, or have a relative who did, you will do just fine. Outsiders...they don't want them! Other than a railroad employee, or two, in 5 years, I never met anyone who either hadn't grown up there, or wasn't related to someone who did...your basic inbreeding! They definitely don't like change and unless it affects either their land, or their taxes, you won't see nor hear from them. The town has a definite, "From the Right Side of the Tracks" attitude which divides the town, not only north and south, but east and west. While it may appear Norman Rockwellesque - it is not. Didn't expect a central Iowa community of 12,600 to be dealing with as many social issues such as drug use and homelessness, and it has had its share of shootings (mostly by the cops). Lot's of "old" money in town that likes to control things; which explains the need/survival of 5 banks in a town that size, and a population that hasn't grown in 50+ years! And they must survive on pizza as there are about 6 pizza places. Pull up a chair at one of the many local watering holes, listen to the sound of a train whistle (About every 5 minutes), or the roar of the engines at the Boone Speedway and be sure to buy the Mayor a beer...he is their local Beer Pong Champ!
Boone, IA
Run...Don't walk! -
5/7/2013Lived there 5 years; other than a few railroad employees, everyone I ran into was related to someone in the community. Most are either resistant to change, or have a lot of apathy; which could explain why the community has had an almost stagnant population growth for the last 50 to 100 years! Basically a community of inbreds; struggling to survive and no plans, or hope to grow.
Boone, IA
Run...Don't walk! -
5/7/2013Lived there 5 years; other than a few railroad employees, everyone I ran into was related to someone in the community. Most are either resistant to change, or have a lot of apathy; which could explain why the community has had an almost stagnant population growth for the last 50 to 100 years! Basically a community of inbreds; struggling to survive and no plans, or hope to grow.
Boone, IA
Boone, Iowa -
2/16/2009Small town mid-western living at it's best is the way to describe Boone, Iowa. Centrally located in Iowa; Boone is just minutes from Ames, home to Iowa State University, and less than an hour north of Des Moines. Besides the ability to tap into the culture of these two Communities, you are also less than a 1/2-days drive to Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, St. Louis and Sioux Falls, SD.
The city still celebrates its railroad heritage with its annual Pufferbilly Days celebration. There are lots of area tourist attractions such as the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Snus Hill Winery, The Iowa Arboritum, Ledges State Park, the Birthplace of Mamie Doud Eisenhower,Boone County Historical Museaum and Seven Oaks recreation. For hunters there is an abundane of public hunting land along the Des Moines River,and Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city's parks, including McHose Park.
There is a nice mix of industry and many unique shops in the downtown area.
A very good school system as well as a branch of the Des Moines Araea Community College (DMACC).
The community has remained around 13,000 in population for many years, but the rural homes and sub-divisions continue to grow.