Des Moines and Iowa.
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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.
Mark | Phoenix, AZ