Positive recent changes for DBQ!!!
-
6/3/2009
If you are looking for a place to move, but don't think Iowa is appealing, you might want to consider Dubuque. DBQ is far from the flat farm land that you might think of when you think of Iowa. The Mississippi and the river bluffs provide outstanding natural beauty. I was born & raised in DBQ. I now live in a different city, but my family is still in DBQ and I regularly visit. I am very happy for the changes in the city since I left. I have read other reviews about the ugly warehouses and deteriorating homes... much of that is changing.
The city has taken many steps to revitilize the riverfront. They have removed many of the old warehouses and the old packing house in order to create a new park and walking place along the river. They also opened up the downtown plaza to traffic in order to spur economic development. It really is very pretty.
DBQ has also had some recent economic growth. IBM has taken a new residence in what had previously been a dead downtown area and will be creating 1,300 new jobs. There is a new meat packing plant being constructed also, this time on the outskirts of town so the smell should not affect too many residential neighborhoods like the old one.
There are still areas of town, especially the lower Rhomberg Avenue area, which are in desparatate need of an "Extreme Makeover." The city should consider a plan to either fix up these homes or bulldoze them. (They are not of any historical significance.)
So, if you are looking for a great place to raise a family, consider Dubuque. The schools are very good, the city is clean, the crime rate is low and the cost of living is incredibly affordable.
Jesilea | Cottage Grove, WI