Mel Wildermuth recently posted this question on linked in: Soon moving to Des Moines (this summer). What are some reasons why we will be happy in Des Moines?
This was my off-the-cuff reply:
1. If you have kids it is the best place in the world to raise and educate your kids.
2. If you don’t have kids, you know you are a part of a family-centered, education-focused culture.
3. You are the center of the political universe every 4 years.
4. Traffic Traffic Traffic – no small thing to be able to get to where you are going.
5. Clean air!!
6. Clean water
7. If you want a day trip to the big city, take your pick in terms of the direction you want to go.
8. GREAT (and reasonably priced) golfing!
9. Strong work ethic. If you can somehow plug into the old-fashioned farm ethic, you’ll be inspired.
10. They aren’t kidding when they say the people are different. Make a small effort to connect and you’ll be surrounded with friendly people ready to pitch in and help with anything.
This list is merely a start, but just a few of the things that immediately come to my mind. Iowa is a fantastic place to call home, and one of the world’s best kept secrets. Iowans (at least this Iowan) do not really object when some folks laugh and tell us the last time they drove through the state. Their response comes after I say something like “I’m from Iowa – somebody’s gotta be.”
Iowa is the best kept secret folks. We like it that way. Keeps traffic manageable - at least until the next political season.
What would your response be to Mel’s question?? Post below and respond to Mel here.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Your list was pretty thorough, John. Although I would add specific to Des Moines, that the city leaders have really done a nice job with development, and it has a lot to offer. The new sculpture garden is awesome!
Uncle John those are some very true and hilarious things. The political center of attention was very true. Don’t forget the great highschool baseball teams. Lol
Michael Gilligan
I live in Urbandale, a suberb of Des Moines and it is very true except that we hardly have clean air anymore, too many cars