kimrachell said:

FauxReal said:

Spent 3 days in Des Moines last week. I would recommend the other places. I haven't been to those places, but they sound far more interesting than what I found in Des Moines. That said, I found West Des Moines far nicer than Des Moines itself.

Of course, Des Moines is probably the most affordable option on the list.

when i looked at the des moines area online, i noticed that west des moines looked a lot nicer. seems the area around jordan creek was newer. thanks for your response. the cost of living seems very affordable there, and the crime rate seems pretty low too.

i'm leaning towards miami though.

Yeah I actually stayed not too far from Jordan Creek. A couple miles perhaps. Nice mall. Got some good Bosnian food nearby too (well...I have nothing to compare it too, but I liked it).

It wasn't a bad place at all. Some areas did look a bit rundown though, but you'll get that in any large city.

where else but SoCal can you surf, ride the desert, and snowboard all in one day?

If ur into that kind of thing, then Diego it is.

Seriously. It's all about what you're into. Diego is not LA or San Fran so if that's the gauge you'll be diappointed. But u can drive there from here for a visit. It is a relatively diverse city, resturants galore, steadily growing, a small big city. Then there's the difference of the county of vs. the city of.

myfavorite said:

i wouldnt recommend anywhere in texas.......the lone star state....:eyeroll:

why ?

i liked it just fine

[Edited 3/29/11 4:33am]

FauxReal said:

kimrachell said:

when i looked at the des moines area online, i noticed that west des moines looked a lot nicer. seems the area around jordan creek was newer. thanks for your response. the cost of living seems very affordable there, and the crime rate seems pretty low too.

i'm leaning towards miami though.

Yeah I actually stayed not too far from Jordan Creek. A couple miles perhaps. Nice mall. Got some good Bosnian food nearby too (well...I have nothing to compare it too, but I liked it).

It wasn't a bad place at all. Some areas did look a bit rundown though, but you'll get that in any large city.

In the '90s, there was a significant influx of Bosnian refugees into some parts of Iowa. You can get very good and authentic Bosnian food there. It's interesting. When I go back to Iowa to visit my mom, it's kind of fun to try some new things.

In terms of expense, I would say SD is most expensive, Miami would be second, then Dallas with Des Moines being the least expensive. Good neighborhoods here include Coral Gables, as Sags mentioned, also Miami Shores, Aventura, Pinecrest, Miami Lakes and Highland Oaks. Generally speaking, the expense goes up the closer you get to the ocean.

In terms of cultural diversity, Miami would be the most diverse. There's literally every culture represented here whether it's food, arts, entertainment, etc. We have a strong presence of Asians, Europeans and such but the strongest cultural influence here comes from all over the Caribbean.

The schools are very much a mixed bag and Gov. Voldemort has vowed to further decimate the education infrastructure. I wouldn't put my kid in a public school here.

The weather in Miami is hot and humid for most of the year, but we get some really outstanding weather in the winter. Summer is stiflingly hot except when it rains, which it does a lot in the summertime. Hurricane season is June 1 till Nov. 30th but unlike earthquakes and tornadoes, there is plenty of advance warning. Both residents and local officials have hurricane prep down to a science. Unlike N.O. during Katrina, almost everyone knows what to do and where to go, therefore instead of a huge loss of life it's moreso a matter of huge cleanup, property damage, insurance wars, power restoration and the like. We usually get one or two major storms a year...sometimes none.

I would say the crime rate is higher in general if you take organized and white collar crime into consideration. Random street crime isn't high in most areas but gang related incidents do occur. There are Cuban, Haitian, Russian, and Dominican as well as American gangs but they rarely interfere with non-affiliated people.

A lot of people are not particularly friendly here compared to other states I have visited and many are downright rude. If you enjoy meeting fairly sophisticated, well read, urbane people, you might want to settle elsewhere.

Recreation, entertainment, night life, restaurants, beaches, museums, and other attractions are all top notch and the city itself is clean for the most part with a lot of downright beautiful scenery.

It all depends on what you're looking for. My mom dragged us here when I was a kid and I've been here ever since but if all goes according to plan, I'd like to retire somewhere else.

You should move to Des Moines and then we can have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I just live 2 hours away!

Des Moines might not be exciting for night life but as another orger pointed out, it's what you make of it. But it can be great for family life. Parks, botanical gardens, great restaurants, shopping, Adventureland amusement park, etc. Rock bands are still willing to play there.

babynoz said:

In terms of expense, I would say SD is most expensive, Miami would be second, then Dallas with Des Moines being the least expensive. Good neighborhoods here include Coral Gables, as Sags mentioned, also Miami Shores, Aventura, Pinecrest, Miami Lakes and Highland Oaks. Generally speaking, the expense goes up the closer you get to the ocean.

In terms of cultural diversity, Miami would be the most diverse. There's literally every culture represented here whether it's food, arts, entertainment, etc. We have a strong presence of Asians, Europeans and such but the strongest cultural influence here comes from all over the Caribbean.

The schools are very much a mixed bag and Gov. Voldemort has vowed to further decimate the education infrastructure. I wouldn't put my kid in a public school here.

The weather in Miami is hot and humid for most of the year, but we get some really outstanding weather in the winter. Summer is stiflingly hot except when it rains, which it does a lot in the summertime. Hurricane season is June 1 till Nov. 30th but unlike earthquakes and tornadoes, there is plenty of advance warning. Both residents and local officials have hurricane prep down to a science. Unlike N.O. during Katrina, almost everyone knows what to do and where to go, therefore instead of a huge loss of life it's moreso a matter of huge cleanup, property damage, insurance wars, power restoration and the like. We usually get one or two major storms a year...sometimes none.

I would say the crime rate is higher in general if you take organized and white collar crime into consideration. Random street crime isn't high in most areas but gang related incidents do occur. There are Cuban, Haitian, Russian, and Dominican as well as American gangs but they rarely interfere with non-affiliated people.

A lot of people are not particularly friendly here compared to other states I have visited and many are downright rude. If you enjoy meeting fairly sophisticated, well read, urbane people, you might want to settle elsewhere.

Recreation, entertainment, night life, restaurants, beaches, museums, and other attractions are all top notch and the city itself is clean for the most part with a lot of downright beautiful scenery.

It all depends on what you're looking for. My mom dragged us here when I was a kid and I've been here ever since but if all goes according to plan, I'd like to retire somewhere else.

thank you so much for your response! great to hear from someone who has lived there for years. education is something really important to us, because our son is 6 years old & attends public school. california public schools are not the greatest, so i am hoping to move to an area where the school district is in better shape. too bad the schools aren't better in miami.

miami sort of appeals to me because of the culture, my husband is brazilian, so i'm not looking to live some place that doesn't have some diversity.

JuliePurplehead said:

You should move to Des Moines and then we can have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I just live 2 hours away!

that would be awesome, we love the cheesecake factory!

jone70 said:

kimrachell said:

hi, thanks so much for the info.! it's very helpful hearing from someone that has actually lived in the area. we're looking to move because of my husband's job, they are offering these locations for us to choose. but i am not wanting to rush into making a choice, i really want to know about the area before we just jump in. because wherever it is that we do move, we plan on being there until our son finishes school, which is several years away. iowa is high on my list right now.

You're welcome. Are there stipulations like you have to live in the City of Des Moines? You could also consider living in town/city that's not too far from Des Moines. I guess it depends on how much of a commute you'd want. One year during winter break, the dorms were closed at school, but I was working at the Rec. Center to pick up extra hours - I stayed with my friends in Ames and drove to Des Moines every day - about 45 minutes. Not necessarily saying you should consider Ames, which is very much a college town because of Iowa State; just pointing out that you could choose a smaller neighboring community to Des Moines. Even though Drake U. and several smaller community colleges are located in Des Moines, it is not a "college town". Like I said, for Iowa it's a big city, it just happens to have a university there. I would also definitely recommend visiting if you can, just to get a feel for it. I can't really recommend any neighborhoods because I lived at/near Drake while I was there. At that time, the neighborhood just east of the University was kind of sketchy - don't know if that is still the case; but I wouldn't want to live right next to a college anyway. Good luck with your decision!

.

[Edited 3/28/11 5:53am]

nothing says we have to stick to the main city, we can look in the towns around too. great info, thanks!

Efan said:

Kim, is weather a big factor? I can't say much about the weather in Dallas, but Miami is like a sauna all year long. I'd hate to live there. San Diego is fairly nice all year long, but sometimes in a dull, boring way (not to mention that San Diego residents love to talk about weather, to the point where it bores you to tears). And Des Moines has seasons--sometimes brutal seasons.

If you're living in the Bay Area, I would think the cost of living would be lower in all four of the cities you're considering, although I haven't researched that so I don't know for sure.

San Diego is prettier than the Bay Area in the sense that the weather is better more often, but it has nothing on San Francisco in terms of culture, restaurants, the arts, being a "real city," etc.

If you have friends in the Bay Area that you would like to keep in touch with, San Diego would be the easiest choice for that.

weather is not as much of a factor to us as other things. but i do worry about too much snow, because my husband is from brazil, and is not used to driving in that kind of snow, something tells me he might do better in a warmer climate? he really likes the weather we have here in the bay area.

the cost of living is nuts in the bay area, i love it here, it's a beautiful area, but the amount of money you have to pay is just beyond what we are willing to pay to settle down our family and plant our roots somewhere.

whistle said:

Dallas. the best choice considering cost of living, amenities and climate.

if money is no object, choose Miami if arts and entertainment is your thing.

if climate is a big deal, choose San Diego.

i'd only choose Des Moines if you were over 60.

dallas seems pretty good to me, but i just can't get passed it being in texas

JuliePurplehead said:

Des Moines might not be exciting for night life but as another orger pointed out, it's what you make of it. But it can be great for family life. Parks, botanical gardens, great restaurants, shopping, Adventureland amusement park, etc. Rock bands are still willing to play there.

we're looking for a great place to raise a family, with all the things you mentioned. my husband and i do not drink, or like to go to bars/night clubs. many people might consider us boring? we get more enjoyment out of travel, and going places together as a family. we are pretty calm people. the only thing i worry about in iowa is the snow. not sure about that part? and i'm an ocean/beach person. but it seems like a good place for a family.

kimrachell said:

help me decide, we might have the chance to move to one of these cities Miami Florida, Dallas Texas, Des Moines Iowa, San Diego California. If you could/had to pick one to live in for the next several years which one would you choose? and why? i've been looking up info. about each place, such as crime rate, cost of living, schools, etc...but can't seem to decide. right now we live in the bay area of california.

San Diego. Easier to get back to the Bay.

SagsWay2low said:

kimrachell said:

help me decide, we might have the chance to move to one of these cities Miami Florida, Dallas Texas, Des Moines Iowa, San Diego California. If you could/had to pick one to live in for the next several years which one would you choose? and why? i've been looking up info. about each place, such as crime rate, cost of living, schools, etc...but can't seem to decide. right now we live in the bay area of california.

Depends on what you're looking for.

Dallas has the most bang for the buck when it comes to home prices and house size. And it's a big city with lots to offer. It just happens to be smack dab inside a very strange state.

San Diego is lovely...just lovely...but the schools are meh, and the houses are expensive as hell, even after the crash. Plus damnit if it rarely ever rains there. dry, dry dry.

Miami is meh unless you're in certain neighborhoods--but you have to REALLY pay to live in those. Coral Gables is just lovely.

South beach is fun. And of course, it's Miami! yay!

If I had my choice I'd chose Miami, but I can't be trusted, because I'm biased, being a Floridian for 12 years.

coral gables is beautiful, i love it! been to florida a few times in my life, might make a trip there this summer to check it out?

kimrachell said:

JuliePurplehead said:

Des Moines might not be exciting for night life but as another orger pointed out, it's what you make of it. But it can be great for family life. Parks, botanical gardens, great restaurants, shopping, Adventureland amusement park, etc. Rock bands are still willing to play there.

we're looking for a great place to raise a family, with all the things you mentioned. my husband and i do not drink, or like to go to bars/night clubs. many people might consider us boring? we get more enjoyment out of travel, and going places together as a family. we are pretty calm people. the only thing i worry about in iowa is the snow. not sure about that part? and i'm an ocean/beach person. but it seems like a good place for a family.

If you are not used to driving in snow/ice, a winter in Des Moines will definitely be an adjustment. However, the good thing about living in Des Moines - as opposed to living in a small town/farm is at least you have the services of the City to clear the roads. But driving is different and nothing to take lightly. Make sure you have a front wheel drive vehicle (add snow tires if you want extra traction), keep some non-perishable snacks, water, blanket, and kitty litter (to put under tires for traction if you get stuck) in the car. No problem! Of course, in the summer there is the chance for tornados...

Although Iowa is landlocked, there is a large lake (relatively speaking) near Des Moines - Saylorville Lake (http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Saylorville/) where you could go fishing, camping, boating, etc. Or if you want to travel further, the "Iowa Great Lakes" - East/West Okoboji, Arnold's Park, Spirit Lake are in northwestern Iowa, about an hour from the Minnesota border - they are very popular in the summer. (Probably a 5-6 hour drive from Des Moines.) And, as I mentioned before, the West Des Moines Public Pool is also an option. It's the largest public pool in Des Moines and its suburbs. (Btw, looking at the Saylorville map, I noticed Ankeny, which iirc, is one of the nice cities/suburbs near Des Moines.)

Babynoz mentioned someting about the people in Miami being sort of unfriendly. I don't think, in general, you will find that to be the case in Iowa. ALthough Des Moines is a large city, so who knows. All I know is where I grew up (a farm community in northwestern Iowa) everyone is SO nice it's almost hard to believe they're sincere. It's even more apparent to me now, when I visit, because I've lived in NYC for many years (and was in Chicago before that). I'm not really a "people person" so the wanting to chat with strangers and be overly friendly is sort of odd to me. Also the pace of life is much slower. Definitely.

(Also, I'm sure you know this, but just in case you don't, the "s"-es in Des Moines are silent so it's pronounced De Moyne not Dez Moynez. )

if I had to choose without visiting, I would choose San Diego.

But if I was going to move somewhere I would definitely visit, unless there was a great opportunity that i could not pass up

Des Moines sounds appealing for the cheap-ness!

You are in the bay area, why haven't we met yet?

kimrachell said:

babynoz said:

In terms of expense, I would say SD is most expensive, Miami would be second, then Dallas with Des Moines being the least expensive. Good neighborhoods here include Coral Gables, as Sags mentioned, also Miami Shores, Aventura, Pinecrest, Miami Lakes and Highland Oaks. Generally speaking, the expense goes up the closer you get to the ocean.

In terms of cultural diversity, Miami would be the most diverse. There's literally every culture represented here whether it's food, arts, entertainment, etc. We have a strong presence of Asians, Europeans and such but the strongest cultural influence here comes from all over the Caribbean.

The schools are very much a mixed bag and Gov. Voldemort has vowed to further decimate the education infrastructure. I wouldn't put my kid in a public school here.

The weather in Miami is hot and humid for most of the year, but we get some really outstanding weather in the winter. Summer is stiflingly hot except when it rains, which it does a lot in the summertime. Hurricane season is June 1 till Nov. 30th but unlike earthquakes and tornadoes, there is plenty of advance warning. Both residents and local officials have hurricane prep down to a science. Unlike N.O. during Katrina, almost everyone knows what to do and where to go, therefore instead of a huge loss of life it's moreso a matter of huge cleanup, property damage, insurance wars, power restoration and the like. We usually get one or two major storms a year...sometimes none.

I would say the crime rate is higher in general if you take organized and white collar crime into consideration. Random street crime isn't high in most areas but gang related incidents do occur. There are Cuban, Haitian, Russian, and Dominican as well as American gangs but they rarely interfere with non-affiliated people.

A lot of people are not particularly friendly here compared to other states I have visited and many are downright rude. If you enjoy meeting fairly sophisticated, well read, urbane people, you might want to settle elsewhere.

Recreation, entertainment, night life, restaurants, beaches, museums, and other attractions are all top notch and the city itself is clean for the most part with a lot of downright beautiful scenery.

It all depends on what you're looking for. My mom dragged us here when I was a kid and I've been here ever since but if all goes according to plan, I'd like to retire somewhere else.

thank you so much for your response! great to hear from someone who has lived there for years. education is something really important to us, because our son is 6 years old & attends public school. california public schools are not the greatest, so i am hoping to move to an area where the school district is in better shape. too bad the schools aren't better in miami.

miami sort of appeals to me because of the culture, my husband is brazilian, so i'm not looking to live some place that doesn't have some diversity.

We have a very strong South American presence here including Brazil so your hubby would be cool. I would research the schools very carefully though.

How soon do you have to decide?

kimrachell said:

veronikka said:

I wouldn't leave Cali, that leaves San Diego as my choice

cali is a beautiful state for sure! i've only been to san diego once, and that was back in the 80's. i might need to take a road trip down that way to check it out.

San Diego is awesome. I have close friends in La Jolla and its one of my favorite places to visit. But like Stoned said, its expensive. Plus, its hot. Plus, depending on where you are in Cali, the demographic is TOTALLY different. As a person who never plans on leaving the Bay Area, the San Diego area as whole is just WAY too SoCal for me. I'm not sure its really any more expensive than many parts of the Bay Area, though. And maaaaan there are some beautiful areas down there (and close by). But the heat and the different vibe are just too noticeable for me to ever move there.

I never been to Des Moine and haven't visited Dallas or Miami in over a decade, so I don't really have anything to say for or against those choices.

Oh, why are you leaving the Bay Area? I've lived a lot of places and I can say with CONFIDENCE that there is no place like it.

OK, I read a little more. First, I don't have kids so I can't judge cities in that regard. Second, SD has quite a few great "scenes" (or terrible ones if you ask one of my friends ). In other words, they have things for adults to go out and do at night. A lot of them.

I wish I could move to San Diego

Cerebus said:

kimrachell said:

cali is a beautiful state for sure! i've only been to san diego once, and that was back in the 80's. i might need to take a road trip down that way to check it out.

San Diego is awesome. I have close friends in La Jolla and its one of my favorite places to visit. But like Stoned said, its expensive. Plus, its hot. Plus, depending on where you are in Cali, the demographic is TOTALLY different. As a person who never plans on leaving the Bay Area, the San Diego area as whole is just WAY too SoCal for me. I'm not sure its really any more expensive than many parts of the Bay Area, though. And maaaaan there are some beautiful areas down there (and close by). But the heat and the different vibe are just too noticeable for me to ever move there.

I never been to Des Moine and haven't visited Dallas or Miami in over a decade, so I don't really have anything to say for or against those choices.

Oh, why are you leaving the Bay Area? I've lived a lot of places and I can say with CONFIDENCE that there is no place like it.

OK, I read a little more. First, I don't have kids so I can't judge cities in that regard. Second, SD has quite a few great "scenes" (or terrible ones if you ask one of my friends ). In other words, they have things for adults to go out and do at night. A lot of them.

I've in and around SD for 17 years. I was BORED 2 tears and that is the reason I left. Add 2 that the fact that the house I wanted was $9.6 million dollars. I left and came here, got a better house 4 a FRACTION of the cost. If like hanging around those Tiger Wood "type" of negroes, by all means move 2 S.D.

I live in Dallas and have done so for 26 years. Here is my opinion...

The Pros of Dallas:

Low cost of living - property taxes are low, the real estate crash had scant impact here. We have a term here - "$40,000 millionaires." Because cost of living is so low, you do not have to make much money and can still wear designer clothes, drive expensive cars, and eat at high-end restaurants.

Great school districts - primarily in the suburbs of Dallas

Great restaurants - it was reported recently that Dallas has more restaurants than any other place in the US, including NYC.

Friendly people - I find that in general, southern hospitality is alive and well here. Random strangers open doors for you or greet you when you walk by.

The Cons of Dallas:

Summer - the heat and humidity is brutal and long. It can start in April and not end until November some years, but for sure May through Sept you will want to be inside air conditioned places during the day.

Spread out - Dallas has very few "walking" neighborhoods, where you can live, shop, etc all within walking distance. Which means, you will be using your car a lot. Public transportation, while being developed, still isn't as convenient as other major US cities.

"Concrete" city - while there are a few outdoor parks/activities, Dallas isn't a pretty place visually.

Other than that - it is kind of a personal preference re: what you look for in a place to live. I've read the other comments posted about Dallas and do not agree with them all. I love living in Dallas. I travel a lot and always love coming home.

[Edited 3/30/11 19:22pm]

CallMeCarrie said:

I live in Dallas and have done so for 26 years. Here is my opinion...

The Pros of Dallas:

Low cost of living - property taxes are low, the real estate crash had scant impact here. We have a term here - "$40,000 millionaires." Because cost of living is so low, you do not have to make much money and can still wear designer clothes, drive expensive cars, and eat at high-end restaurants.

Great school districts - primarily in the suburbs of Dallas

Great restaurants - it was reported recently that Dallas has more restaurants than any other place in the US, including NYC.

Friendly people - I find that in general, southern hospital is alive and well here. Random strangers open doors for you or greet you when you walk by.

The Cons of Dallas:

Summer - the heat and humidity is brutal and long. It can start in April and not end until November some years, but for sure May through Sept you will want to be inside air conditioned places during the day.

Spread out - Dallas has very few "walking" neighborhoods, where you can live, shop, etc all within walking distance. Which means, you will be using your car a lot. Public transportation, while being developed, still isn't as convenient as other major US cities.

"Concrete" city - while there are a few outdoor parks/activities, Dallas isn't a pretty place visually.

Other than that - it is kind of a personal preference re: what you look for in a place to live. I've read the other comments posted about Dallas and do not agree with them all. I love living in Dallas. I travel a lot and always love coming home.

thank you very much for telling me about your city, i love hearing from people that actually live in the city. wow, now i'm so confused i really don't know which place to go yet.

Graycap23 said:

Cerebus said:

San Diego is awesome. I have close friends in La Jolla and its one of my favorite places to visit. But like Stoned said, its expensive. Plus, its hot. Plus, depending on where you are in Cali, the demographic is TOTALLY different. As a person who never plans on leaving the Bay Area, the San Diego area as whole is just WAY too SoCal for me. I'm not sure its really any more expensive than many parts of the Bay Area, though. And maaaaan there are some beautiful areas down there (and close by). But the heat and the different vibe are just too noticeable for me to ever move there.

I never been to Des Moine and haven't visited Dallas or Miami in over a decade, so I don't really have anything to say for or against those choices.

Oh, why are you leaving the Bay Area? I've lived a lot of places and I can say with CONFIDENCE that there is no place like it.

OK, I read a little more. First, I don't have kids so I can't judge cities in that regard. Second, SD has quite a few great "scenes" (or terrible ones if you ask one of my friends ). In other words, they have things for adults to go out and do at night. A lot of them.

I've in and around SD for 17 years. I was BORED 2 tears and that is the reason I left. Add 2 that the fact that the house I wanted was $9.6 million dollars. I left and came here, got a better house 4 a FRACTION of the cost. If like hanging around those Tiger Wood "type" of negroes, by all means move 2 S.D.

where do you live now?

Alej said:

I wish I could move to San Diego

Cerebus said:

kimrachell said:

cali is a beautiful state for sure! i've only been to san diego once, and that was back in the 80's. i might need to take a road trip down that way to check it out.

San Diego is awesome. I have close friends in La Jolla and its one of my favorite places to visit. But like Stoned said, its expensive. Plus, its hot. Plus, depending on where you are in Cali, the demographic is TOTALLY different. As a person who never plans on leaving the Bay Area, the San Diego area as whole is just WAY too SoCal for me. I'm not sure its really any more expensive than many parts of the Bay Area, though. And maaaaan there are some beautiful areas down there (and close by). But the heat and the different vibe are just too noticeable for me to ever move there.

I never been to Des Moine and haven't visited Dallas or Miami in over a decade, so I don't really have anything to say for or against those choices.

Oh, why are you leaving the Bay Area? I've lived a lot of places and I can say with CONFIDENCE that there is no place like it.

OK, I read a little more. First, I don't have kids so I can't judge cities in that regard. Second, SD has quite a few great "scenes" (or terrible ones if you ask one of my friends ). In other words, they have things for adults to go out and do at night. A lot of them.

the bay area is very beautiful, i love it here, you can never get bored living here, because there is always some place you can go for entertainment. so many fun places to take kids. it's really a perfect area for us. but the cost is just too much. we can't afford it here.

babynoz said:

kimrachell said:

thank you so much for your response! great to hear from someone who has lived there for years. education is something really important to us, because our son is 6 years old & attends public school. california public schools are not the greatest, so i am hoping to move to an area where the school district is in better shape. too bad the schools aren't better in miami.

miami sort of appeals to me because of the culture, my husband is brazilian, so i'm not looking to live some place that doesn't have some diversity.

We have a very strong South American presence here including Brazil so your hubby would be cool. I would research the schools very carefully though.

How soon do you have to decide?

i looked up brazilian markets, places to eat, etc...and you're right, there are plenty of brazilians there.

hmmm...i will look into the schools, wish private schools weren't so much!

we need to move this summer end of july/early aug.

NDRU said:

if I had to choose without visiting, I would choose San Diego.

But if I was going to move somewhere I would definitely visit, unless there was a great opportunity that i could not pass up

Des Moines sounds appealing for the cheap-ness!

You are in the bay area, why haven't we met yet?

i know, i haven't met any of the orgers here yet. shame on me!

jone70 said:

kimrachell said:

we're looking for a great place to raise a family, with all the things you mentioned. my husband and i do not drink, or like to go to bars/night clubs. many people might consider us boring? we get more enjoyment out of travel, and going places together as a family. we are pretty calm people. the only thing i worry about in iowa is the snow. not sure about that part? and i'm an ocean/beach person. but it seems like a good place for a family.

If you are not used to driving in snow/ice, a winter in Des Moines will definitely be an adjustment. However, the good thing about living in Des Moines - as opposed to living in a small town/farm is at least you have the services of the City to clear the roads. But driving is different and nothing to take lightly. Make sure you have a front wheel drive vehicle (add snow tires if you want extra traction), keep some non-perishable snacks, water, blanket, and kitty litter (to put under tires for traction if you get stuck) in the car. No problem! Of course, in the summer there is the chance for tornados...

Although Iowa is landlocked, there is a large lake (relatively speaking) near Des Moines - Saylorville Lake (http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Saylorville/) where you could go fishing, camping, boating, etc. Or if you want to travel further, the "Iowa Great Lakes" - East/West Okoboji, Arnold's Park, Spirit Lake are in northwestern Iowa, about an hour from the Minnesota border - they are very popular in the summer. (Probably a 5-6 hour drive from Des Moines.) And, as I mentioned before, the West Des Moines Public Pool is also an option. It's the largest public pool in Des Moines and its suburbs. (Btw, looking at the Saylorville map, I noticed Ankeny, which iirc, is one of the nice cities/suburbs near Des Moines.)

Babynoz mentioned someting about the people in Miami being sort of unfriendly. I don't think, in general, you will find that to be the case in Iowa. ALthough Des Moines is a large city, so who knows. All I know is where I grew up (a farm community in northwestern Iowa) everyone is SO nice it's almost hard to believe they're sincere. It's even more apparent to me now, when I visit, because I've lived in NYC for many years (and was in Chicago before that). I'm not really a "people person" so the wanting to chat with strangers and be overly friendly is sort of odd to me. Also the pace of life is much slower. Definitely.

(Also, I'm sure you know this, but just in case you don't, the "s"-es in Des Moines are silent so it's pronounced De Moyne not Dez Moynez. )

thanks again, you have given me some very good tips on the area, been very helpful! and i didn't know the "s" was silent.

I cannot give you any advice as I haven't been to any of these places, but I want to wish you luck that you find a city where you and your family will be happy .