10 best places to live for less

**dmclone** · 11-18-2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Clones85'

This can't be! Des Moines is a brain drain and Omaha is the city that rocks!!

I know you're probably kidding but this is one thing that annoys me. The difference between living in Omaha and Des Moines has to be very close to the same with the exception of more husker fans.

**Stewo** · 11-18-2009, 10:28 AM

North 'O' alone makes Omaha unlivable. Serious.

**Clones85'** · 11-18-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I know you're probably kidding but this is one thing that annoys me. The difference between living in Omaha and Des Moines has to be very close to the same with the exception of more husker fans.

I am kidding. There is a poster on here that went on a rant about how Des Moines sucks and Omaha is awesome.

**dmclone** · 11-18-2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Clones85'

I am kidding. There is a poster on here that went on a rant about how Des Moines sucks and Omaha is awesome.

I remember that and I didn't know if it was you or if you were making fun of that person. Now I know.

**CyLoboClone** · 11-18-2009, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by alarson83

you're just butt hurt.

hmmm... what does "you are just butt hurt" even mean?

**Tarbox** · 11-18-2009, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Stewo

North 'O' alone makes Omaha unlivable. Serious.

Word.

**wonkadog** · 11-18-2009, 01:40 PM

Just moved to Utah this past summer. If I can't be in Iowa, this is the next best place I've been as far as things to do, safety, price of homes, raising a family. As for alcohol, you have to go buy anything above 3.5% at the state-run liquor store but you get used to it. Have to get my 8-Star whiskey somewhere! Stupid crazy Mormons.

**LindenCy** · 11-18-2009, 01:47 PM

Central Iowa is a great place to live. I hope too many people don't figure that out.

**LeSchmick** · 11-18-2009, 02:00 PM

Des Moines: The Greatest City in the Universe!

**jumbopackage** · 11-18-2009, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

It's tough to lump Des Moines into one big group. It's a world of difference between living in the actual city of Des Moines compared to living in a suburb.

Des Moines proper compared to suburbs:
Higher taxes compared to suburbs (per $1,000)
Cheaper housing
Worse schools
Higher crime

Taxes are a bit higher, granted, but they are going up (and will continue to go up) in the suburbs as new and expanded city services and infrastructure are required to support their growth.

It is also partially made up for by cheaper housing (who cares if the rates are lower if the total amount you pay is the same or higher in the 'burbs?).

Schools aren't the greatest, but there are some really good ones there too, and the entire school system is still very good compared to a lot of cities in Des Moines' class overall.

I also wouldn't say that crime is significantly higher, depending on the area you're in. yes, the east side and southeast sides of town are pretty rough, as can be the Drake neighborhood but there is plenty in the burbs as well (at least the "older" ones), and overall it's not too bad.

Des Moines Crime Map - Showing Crime in Des Moines, IA - Crime Statistics - Crime Alerts - Crime Stops Here

I feel safe in DSM proper, and I am, overall, very pleased with city services. I've lived both in the "new part" of WDM and now in DSM proper, and I really have no desire to move back outside of the city.