Leaving Iowa

**timappelgate** · 09-01-2010, 08:19 PM

I'll be graduating college in a couple years, and I'm wondering what its actually like to say goodbye to this state. I've done my fair share of bashing about Iowa, but I imagine its gonna be sad. I was born in Philly but my dad is from Nevada, IA and my mom is from Ames and we have lived in Mason City for 17 years. Any thoughts?

**cyclonedave25** · 09-01-2010, 08:21 PM

People are very nice and the cost of living is good, compared to other areas of the US.

**Palmer** · 09-01-2010, 08:22 PM

I moved away and lived in Germany, Texas (San Antonio)..and a bit in CA.

Iowa was always home to me and I was thrilled to have the chance to move back.

**crash_zone** · 09-01-2010, 08:23 PM

Home is always home. I lived out of state for awhile, managed to find a job and get back and I'd be content to stay in-state. Its nice knowing all the major roads, having small towns, and being able to make it back to ISU for games. There just aren't a lot of jobs in the state.

**CyCrazy** · 09-01-2010, 08:25 PM

I lived in Denver, St Louis and am now back in Ames. I love Ames and have no plan on leaving again. I did like my two previous stops though.

**Wesley** · 09-01-2010, 08:30 PM

Midwest is best to raise kids. You will be back.

**dbodeenisudm** · 09-01-2010, 08:34 PM

iowa will be a good place when the poo hits the fan. stay away from major metropolis'; martial law will be declared there first. if you stay in major city be prepared to bug out at any time within 4 hours. the only worry about iowa is the harshness of winters; which will be magnified now that the gulf current from florida to scotland is broken; it would go to the ozarks maybe. good luck. will you miss roller city?

**timappelgate** · 09-01-2010, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by dbodeenisudm

iowa will be a good place when the poo hits the fan. stay away from major metropolis'; martial law will be declared there first. if you stay in major city be prepared to bug out at any time within 4 hours. the only worry about iowa is the harshness of winters; which will be magnified now that the gulf current from florida to scotland is broken; it would go to the ozarks maybe. good luck. will you miss roller city?

HAHAHA ROLLER CITY!!! dude its been shut down for awhile. they only rent it out for private parties now.

**FarminCy** · 09-01-2010, 08:42 PM

I moved to Denver right out of college and loved my time there, lots of outdoor activities, young neighborhoods, great bar scene, etc. After awhile though the novelty wore off and I was able to come back to Iowa. Love where we are now and plan on staying here as the school district is top notch.

However I recommend going somewhere else for awhile and trying a new area. You may love it and never come back or it may make you realize how good we have it in Iowa. Either way it's a win for ya. I knew Denver was not a long term place for me but I loved the experiences i had while living there.

**timappelgate** · 09-01-2010, 08:45 PM

Thanks for all the advice, Fanatics! This has always been a great place for me to share ideas and get feedback.

GO CLONES!!

**mwitt** · 09-01-2010, 08:46 PM

I'd recommend seeking jobs both in and out of state and go where the best opportunity is.

**cstrunk** · 09-01-2010, 08:48 PM

I am currently going through this situation, as I moved to Texas a few months ago.

It's nice to get away and see something new. The hard part is trying to start a new life in an unfamiliar area. Having to make new friends and such. With work, it's sometimes hard for me to have time to get out and do stuff. I am making new friends and it isn't all that bad, but home is home and I have lots of great friends there.

It really makes you appreciate any opportunities you get to come back, visiting or permanently.

**ISUAgronomist** · 09-01-2010, 09:08 PM

Been in Texas for two years now. The experience has been very good for the wife and I. We moved to continue our educations without either of us having to take time off from school. Only two years left. When we move back our first stop is the Ticket Office.

Home is home.

**capitalcityguy** · 09-01-2010, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by timappelgate

I'll be graduating college in a couple years, and I'm wondering what its actually like to say goodbye to this state. I've done my fair share of bashing about Iowa, but I imagine its gonna be sad. I was born in Philly but my dad is from Nevada, IA and my mom is from Ames and we have lived in Mason City for 17 years. Any thoughts?

Best of luck. Just remember, you have lived in a couple select places in Iowa. This isn't all Iowa has to offer.

I lived in Mason City for a few years after ISU. It was fine, but I was ready to move if the right opportunity came along. It did and I moved to DM and have zero desire to leave.

**cdekovic** · 09-01-2010, 09:14 PM

I was raised in Ames and moved to Colorado and lived there 12 years before returning with my family (Wife was born in Ames). My sons have since grown up, one has graduated from Iowa State and we encouraged him to take the adventure while he's young and explore new places. Is is currently living in the SF Bay area and loves it. We will encourage son #2 to explore new places as well. Iowa/Ames will always be here and once they begin to have families they may likely consider returning