Moving to Iowa...Suggestions?

Question

I am interviewing next week for a job in Atlantic IA. I've been doing some research and I'm a little concerned about the town - or lack there of. I would like to live where there is some stuff to do - I was thinking in the Des Moines/West Des Moines area.

The only concern I have is the commute. I currently live in a very populated city and even though I live about 10 miles from my job - it takes me at least 1/2 hour to get home.

I'm just concerned about the drive, mileage etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Been to Iowa several times very nice place. But harsh winters.

Answer 2

Check out Omaha too, might be a little easier drive.

Get a FWD econo car for the winter, and a motorcycle for the summer.

Outdoor stuff like hunting, fishing, hiking, motorcycling, very popular.

Still clubbing is popular in Omaha and Des Moines; good University towns in Ames and Iowa City.

I think its humid in the summer.

Answer 3

Just remember, if anyone asks you where you moved to, tell 'em Heaven.

  

At least that is the storyline that Kevin Costner is putting out.

Answer 4

Atlantic is about 80 miles from Des Moines! That sounds like a "California commute" to me!  You must really like to drive!  And that job must pay extremely well if you can afford gas for a 160 mile RT daily!  Even though it's mostly interstate with 70 mph speed limit, it would still probably take over an hour on the best days and you could get to hate it in the winter.

Council Bluffs is a bit closer ( around 50 miles) on secondary roads and that would probably take at least an hour also (also with added "fun" promised in the winter).  

Are you sure you want to work in Atlantic?

Of course if you're raising a family, Atlantic may be the perfect place.

Answer 5

sounds like you would be happier living in Council Bluffs, Iowa.. It is connected to ( opposite the river bank from) Omaha, Nebraska & Omaha is really a great city... lots to do and a thousand times better than Des Moines (trust me, I spent most my life in Iowa).... also council bluffs is only 60 miles from Atlantic and it is mostly interstate driving so could be as short as a 45 minute drive depending where you live and where actual work location is.... not sure where you are now, but it is very hard to find traffic anywhere in Iowa that takes 1/2 hour to go 10 miles on a daily basis... Warning, Iowa is very cold "most" winters and very hot & humid in the summer... otherwise it really is a decent place to live and central between Minneapolis, Chicago, & Kansas City.. good luck