Former Des Moines area resident. Biggest pro is definitely the people. I've lived on both coasts and while some places seemed close, no one has ever actually matched Iowans. Biggest con, however, is there's never a lot of things to do. On the west coast I could go to a beach then the mountains in the same day. On the east, I could just about do the same.
Lived in Des Moines for 3 years and just moved back to Eastern Iowa. I missed DSM so much. The people are awesome, there's so many unique things to see and do, the food options are endless, and the energy just doesn't compare. I love Des Moines
My uncle used to live in Des Moines before he retired from owning a Thai grocery store on 2nd Ave by University Ave next to Burger King and moved to Florida as a snowbird. He said Des Moines had grown a lot but of course not booming at a fast rate like the city Austin
As someone who grew up in a hostile environment in a major city in California, I can say that Iowa feels totally safe! The people are also easy to talk to.
Except with the data centers moving in causing real estate prices to dramatically increase. Go to the Waukee area and there’s construction for hundreds of million dollar homes.
As someone who is heavily contemplating moving from middle virginia to des moines this was very intuitive. I would just like to inquire how's the Job Market and Apartment Rental Market?
So glad it was helpful! Statistically, our job market is better than most cities our size. There are a lot of thriving companies here (and new ones starting) that are always looking for employees. Some fields are going to be more competitive than others, but overall I see the job market as very strong. Regarding apartment rentals, as Des Moines continues to grow rents will probably increase with it, but there are plenty to choose from right now. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with ! 515.414.6281
There are small towns past the suburbs that have morning commute times of 25-45 minutes for 30 miles. These "exurbs" have older houses in good condition for under 200k. some under 100k in quiet towns with great schools and exceptionally low crime. These towns have shopping, restaurants, doctors, dentists, electricians, plumbers and so on. Job market, construction, engineering, medicine, finance, some factory, lots of hospitality, retail. Some of the factory jobs took a hit recently, but I don't expect a major downturn. Gardening is great. The smaller towns socially, they revolve around church, high school sports and arts, maybe the gun club. I live in Adel, I commuted to Des Moines. It was nothing like an east coast commute. Now that I've retired I walk my dog 900-1,000 miles a year in this quiet little town with nice parks and good sidewalks. Oh, the only real problem is that the presidential election cycle starts less than two years after the previous election.
Des Moines is nice because it has most of the things you can find in a big city, just in a smaller package so the drive times are less. However, that's not true if you're trying to get around at rush hours. I lived in Waukee, and worked in downtown for a while. I usually worked 7-3, so I missed the worst of the traffic, but on the rare occasion I had to stay late it was really painful. And this was post pandemic. Still better than Denver, though!
At 5:08 there’s only a couple of neighborhoods to avoid where the vast majority of crime occurs. Other than those neighborhoods, it’s a very safe city.
Des Moines metro is essentially a large corporate campus for the restaurant cartels, insurance, banking and agri-business. There is very little consideration in local government beyond those entities and their employees. Their presence is over represented. Iowa values large institutions over individuals in general. Taxes are "Business friendly", lol.
Thanks for your thoughts, Zach. I'm not an expert in the economy (by any means) so I can't confirm or deny this, but there are many small businesses thriving here
A big con I've found is that many people don't understand that allowing or enabling transients, beggars, homeless is NOT compassionate and will only worsen.
The negatives is DART. It’s not the best because there are fewer routes & it takes longer to get from one area to the other. I honestly want them to fix the side walks before spending time makes those bike paths for example the one on Ingersoll isn’t necessary because the city could just build a better sidewalk
There are alot of community activities to do! Do you like sewing? There is a group for that! Do you like pottery? There is a group for that! The list goes on! Honestly...you will never be boared! You will be on the couch tired from all the fun you just had during the week!
I’ve lived in Des Moines for 13 years, and here are some not mentioned: Pros: -Great (and diverse) food scene for a city it’s size -Farmers markets & festivals (world food fest, art fest, Octoberfest, etc.) -Adventureland -Art scene -Bike Trails -Our international Airport has lots of direct flights and it’s getting expanded to accommodate more Cons: -Big name traveling acts like Concert tours, Comedians, Broadway Shows skip Des Moines & go to KC, Twin Cities, Omaha, and Chicago instead. -Several small Music Venues closed -Sleepy downtown except for in the summer on a weekend. Otherwise not much going on down there.. Yes even in the East Villiage. -Exciting projects get announced & then they never follow through & if they do it will take decades. We’ve been promised an update to the dangerous east and west interchanges for over 15 years and they are just now getting around to one and just starting to talk about the other one again... They announced the soccer stadium in like 2019 and still have yet to see any progress.. They have been talking about the “market district“ forever now.. The indoor water park out in West Des Moines… have yet to see that..The new Skyscraper “the fifth” where they tore down that old parking garage & they started to build it but it got cancelled, and now we just have a new huge ugly parking garage in place of the old huge ugly parking garage 🙄
Ha ha ha.. I knew a guy who lived in Drake neighborhood, but he use to go to the clubs & bars out by Jordan Creek. The issue is transportation, but if you want to hang out near there you might meet classier women. You don’t have to move; however just change the places you hang out & you will be able to upgrade
He was referring to a specific person who's commute to their jobs from where they bought their house was going to be 45 mins. In Las Vegas for example from the NW side to the SE side takes you about 40-45 min with minimal to no traffic just the distance alone.
my rant, summarized and why Des Moines, like many USA cities, suck Urban vs. Suburban Living: Social Perceptions and Realities Perceptions of Urban Areas: Criticism: Suburbanites often describe cities as "ugly" and the people as "mean." Reality: In urban areas, the perceived "coldness" or "rudeness" is often just people minding their own business, going about their daily tasks efficiently. The density and diversity of urban areas necessitate a more pragmatic approach to social interactions. Suburban Advocacy for Car-Centric Lifestyle: Belief: Suburban residents might argue that car-focused cities foster happier, better communities. Counterpoint: This viewpoint overlooks the fact that car dependency leads to numerous issues, including environmental damage, increased accidents, and social isolation. The suburban ideal often equates freedom with car ownership, ignoring the broader consequences. The Risks of Car Dependency Increased Danger and Lack of Accountability: Punitive Power: Cars, referred to as "2-ton death machines," give drivers significant power, which can lead to dangerous situations with little accountability. Road rage, accidents, and fatalities are more common in car-dependent areas. Social Impact: The ability to cause harm with a vehicle turns the notion of "minding your own business" into a potentially deadly activity, contrasting with the lower risk of pedestrian-oriented urban environments. Forced Car Dependency: Limited Choices: Suburban living often means that the car is the only viable mode of transportation. This lack of alternatives imposes a one-size-fits-all solution, which isn't suitable for everyone. Irony: The suburban model imposes itself on society, despite its dangers and inefficiencies, while simultaneously criticizing the urban lifestyle that offers more sustainable and safer transportation options. The Imposition of Suburban Values Contradictory Nature: Close Proximity: While suburbanites might cherish space and privacy, the necessity of a car in suburban areas paradoxically reduces true freedom and increases dependence. Community Impact: Suburban sprawl spreads this car-dependent mindset, often influencing urban planning and policies to favor cars over people, leading to further entrenchment of these issues. Environmental and Social Costs: Deadly Mistakes: The stakes of minor errors become much higher in a car-centric world, where small mistakes can lead to serious injuries or deaths. Broader Implications: The push for car-focused cities ignores the environmental degradation, social fragmentation, and health risks associated with such a lifestyle. Conclusion Your argument underscores the inherent contradictions and dangers of a car-dependent suburban lifestyle. While suburbanites might view cities as unappealing and the people as unfriendly, this perception fails to recognize the practical and efficient social interactions typical of urban environments. Moreover, the imposition of car-centric values leads to significant environmental, social, and personal risks, undermining the notion that suburban living is inherently better or happier. Promoting walkable, people-focused urban development could address these issues, offering safer, more inclusive, and environmentally friendly alternatives.
A big con is the lack of funding for conservation in Iowa. We dont have much in the way of natural areas as Iowa is the most ecologically altered state in the union. Prairie once covered 85% of the state and we now are left with less that 0.1% of that original prairie. It’s really hard to find good parks that showcase the original beauty of Iowa. Poor management of woodlands and prairies means they’re overgrown with invasives and difficult to maneuver or enjoy. Water quality is also poor because of poor conservation practices in agriculture so enjoying our rivers can be difficult when you’re thinking about the chemicals and the soil runoff in the water. However, Des Moines is an excellent place for young entrepreneurs like myself. Young people are taking the reins in a way and deciding that we must make Des Moines a cooler place to live. We have a finger on the pulse of what younger people want and have all complained at one point or another of having nothing to do here. Des Moines is truly getting cooler and cooler every year and the culture here is hip with the small town feeling of knowing someone everywhere you go. We’re already a hell of a cool city, I’m excited to see where we wind up in 10 years.
+++++Sportsman's warehouse, Scheels, Bass Pro, Brownells, Fleet Farm ---------Des Moines actual-Some neighborhoods, some parks, the shoplifting in some stores, homeless camps by the river, The burbs, not to bad, but if you get to the exurbs, where you drive past corn fields; then the towns get even better. If you love seafood, learn to embrace pork.
@@bluewffl8472 Yah, I grew up eating seafood for supper that was in the ocean 12 hours earlier. Haddock fillets larger than a standard keyboard, clams that you knew what town they came from by the taste, had a contact for lobster right off the boat.
I've driven through Ft. Dodge a couple times but never spent much time there. Their population is ~25k (much smaller than DSM) so it's going to be a much different feel
Iowa nice, fairly polite, but not real open. You can live next to your neighbor for years, have a great relationship, but never see the inside of their home. The settlers here, they endured a lot, fires, floods, disease, blizzards. The exuberant people, the emotional people, they perished or had their spirit crushed. Now generations later, they are still quiet reserved unemotional for the most part. For instance, a musician goes to the park with a guitar, in some cities a half hour later there are 8 people in a jam session. In the Midwest, the musician is treated differently, for the most part he or she is given space and not interrupted.
Yea, so many streets need to be repaved. It isn't just potholes, it's complete degradation. Also, no drive-in movies anymore. The closest is in Newton.
Yeah seems like those are a thing of the past. Superior (in NW Iowa) has one too. Our winters contribute a lot to our poor road conditions in some areas. It's a lot to keep up with
@@livingincentraliowa S. Dakota has worse winters than we do in Iowa, yet their roads and highways are much better. Why is that? Materials? More maintenance?
You lost me at Iowa Nice. I was born here. Grew up here. Moved away and have lived around the country and travelled around the world. Briefly lived abroad. Came back to Iowa disappointed to find that the unfriendliest people I’ve ever met were from my own home state. Lots of nice folks too, of course, but there’s a general air of misery, for lack of a better word. Everyone seems a tad repressed and depressed. And I could have some compassion on this if it weren’t for the constant assertion that we’re the nicest people in the world and better than everyone else (spoiler: North Carolinians and Germans take the cake, for me.)
Major con... Des Moines city government sucks. I'd argue that Iowa schools used to be good. Currently, they're a joke. Especially Des Moines district schools. Our state motto should be changed to, "Our Taxes We Prize, And Our Roads We shall Not Maintain" For pros, there are tons of parks and trails and even woods if you know where to look for em. You've got spaces like Margo Franko Woods Walnut Woods. Whatever the woods by the art center are called I forget, and not too far outside the suburbs you've got Ledges, Thomas Mitchel, Chichaqua bottoms and the green belt. Neil Smith. And just hundreds perhaps thousands of miles of bike trails that do pretty much connect just about every pat of the city and stretch well beyond the suburbs. Another pro... Our art center is pretty decent and it's by freewill donation. So you can just go for free if you are down bad or just stingy.
It's only there sometimes - I should have included that. But they are working on it! www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-foul-odor-monitoring-data/60705513
You need a car to do everything. If you don't have one, you're screwed. Basically in american terms, iowa is the most average, boring place. But we have a unique opportunity in the next 25-30 years, to build places for people, and not 2 ton death machines as climate change and over pricing of the coast brings more people here. Hopefully we can build those communities starting yesterday, otherwise iowa is just another boring american city. Drive everywhere, complain about traffic and pretend to enjoy the outside.
Like, a lot of the pros here about iowa being "nice," is due to the fact that it's a fake nice. If you see someone outside, which is rare, they are off work or not doing anything better with them time other than spending it for recreational purposes. So if someone is walking, they have carved out time in their day for a stroll, like you guys. Meaning they're usually not in a hurry. So if you see someone actually fucking walking outside, that's why. In other cities, where people have their lives, and walk places because they dont' rely on 2-ton death machines, they're going to go about their business. They're use to seeing people outside, in fact a lot of people. You can't stop and say hi to most people, or wave, they would normally think you're trying to scam them into something. But instead you have awful, terrible drivers (like any car-dependent city) has this issue: You can totally have nice, normal small talk conversation with a stranger in a grocery store. But once you leave that store, you in this hypothetical could have arrived by bicycle and that stranger will gun you down if you are in their way because once you are behind a 2 ton death machine with gigantic stroads, everything becomes an inconvenience to you, including that nice person you talked to the store. That's why it's a fake nice. The terrible road rage is the shock Iowans get when they're in New York City for example and new yorkers aren't nice to them. Iowan's are no nicer than someone from New York. It's just seeing someone outside equates to them expecting an entitlement of being nice "like waving, saying hello, etc," when in reality their car-brained minds can't comprehend their niceness is fake and they equate being outside with recreational time, not running your business / errands. That's why Iowans say hello to strangers outside, because it's done when time has been carved out for it and there's an expectation to do it since you don't have plans to go anywhere, other than meander about. Go to a real city where people actually walk, then it's like driving in Iowa or any other car-dependent place, honk and pass the biker closely and get irately mad.
Here it is, broken down by ChatGPT "Fake Nice" Critique: The idea that Iowans are "nice" is challenged, suggesting that this niceness is superficial and context-dependent. Implication: The commenter argues that the perceived friendliness in Iowa is situational and linked to recreational, not functional, activities. Walkability and Urban Living Contrast: In walkable cities, people are accustomed to seeing many others outside, often busy with their daily lives rather than out for leisurely strolls. Implication: People from car-dependent areas might not understand the dynamics of more pedestrian-oriented environments where interactions are different. Road Rage and Social Interactions Critique: There is a disconnect between the pleasant social interactions in places like grocery stores and the aggressive behavior exhibited on the roads. Implication: This discrepancy highlights a deeper issue with car-dependent culture, where being behind the wheel fosters impatience and hostility. Expectations and Realities Contrast: In more walkable cities, the expectation of casual greetings and friendliness isn't as prevalent because people are often focused on their own tasks. Implication: Iowans might interpret the absence of this friendliness as rudeness, not realizing it’s a different cultural norm. Conclusion: Cultural Disconnect Overall Message: The commenter suggests that people from car-dependent cities like Des Moines have a limited understanding of the benefits and social dynamics of more walkable areas. They may perceive friendliness and civility differently due to their car-centric lifestyle, which affects how they interact with others both inside and outside their vehicles. In summary, the comment critiques Des Moines for its heavy car dependency and the superficial nature of its perceived friendliness, contrasting it with the authentic, if brisk, social interactions found in more pedestrian-oriented urban environments. The underlying message is that with a shift toward more walkable infrastructure, Des Moines has the potential to develop a richer, more genuine community dynamic as it adapts to future challenges.
Hey Kris, I'm genuinely curious why you think that? Our office is in West Des Moines; I live in Johnston; Jim lives in Urbandale; and we both have clients in Des Moines proper. The purpose of this video was to talk about the metro as a whole.
@@livingincentraliowabecause your not actually living in des Moines itself you guys are in the subarbs. Its a very different life than actually being in des Moines theres a few neighborhoods i wouldnt even consider buying a house in due to theft and property damage
@@ItsGalaxys we both live in Urbandale but spend plenty of time in Des Moines. This video was about the Des Moines Metro area as a whole, including all the suburbs. You're right that there are neighborhoods in Des Moines with a very different feel from others, but every city/suburb is going to have this.
@@bluewffl8472I want to see some of the restaurants that don’t get exposure. My kids films around on the east side.. near the capital no problems at all
Commute time is definitely a huge PRO. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Of course! Glad you agree
Former Des Moines area resident. Biggest pro is definitely the people. I've lived on both coasts and while some places seemed close, no one has ever actually matched Iowans.
Biggest con, however, is there's never a lot of things to do. On the west coast I could go to a beach then the mountains in the same day. On the east, I could just about do the same.
Agreed!
Lived in Des Moines for 3 years and just moved back to Eastern Iowa. I missed DSM so much. The people are awesome, there's so many unique things to see and do, the food options are endless, and the energy just doesn't compare. I love Des Moines
Me too!
My uncle used to live in Des Moines before he retired from owning a Thai grocery store on 2nd Ave by University Ave next to Burger King and moved to Florida as a snowbird. He said Des Moines had grown a lot but of course not booming at a fast rate like the city Austin
There are a lot of pros to the fact that we haven't grown as fast as Austin - very different cities!
As someone who grew up in a hostile environment in a major city in California, I can say that Iowa feels totally safe! The people are also easy to talk to.
One of the advantages of the so called boring Midwest is lower real estate prices and lower prices on lots of other things
There's a reason the prices are lower.
Agreed! Outside of property taxes, just about everything here is more affordable than the national average
@@Marchant2 yeah i think our weather has a lot to do with that 🙃
low price of girls ?
Except with the data centers moving in causing real estate prices to dramatically increase. Go to the Waukee area and there’s construction for hundreds of million dollar homes.
Thank you for the information.I will be heading to Des Moines as a foreign teacher from the Philippines in October 2024.
Hey sorry for the delay! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
515.414.6281
As someone who is heavily contemplating moving from middle virginia to des moines this was very intuitive. I would just like to inquire how's the Job Market and Apartment Rental Market?
So glad it was helpful! Statistically, our job market is better than most cities our size. There are a lot of thriving companies here (and new ones starting) that are always looking for employees. Some fields are going to be more competitive than others, but overall I see the job market as very strong.
Regarding apartment rentals, as Des Moines continues to grow rents will probably increase with it, but there are plenty to choose from right now.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help with !
515.414.6281
There are small towns past the suburbs that have morning commute times of 25-45 minutes for 30 miles. These "exurbs" have older houses in good condition for under 200k. some under 100k in quiet towns with great schools and exceptionally low crime. These towns have shopping, restaurants, doctors, dentists, electricians, plumbers and so on.
Job market, construction, engineering, medicine, finance, some factory, lots of hospitality, retail. Some of the factory jobs took a hit recently, but I don't expect a major downturn.
Gardening is great.
The smaller towns socially, they revolve around church, high school sports and arts, maybe the gun club.
I live in Adel, I commuted to Des Moines. It was nothing like an east coast commute. Now that I've retired I walk my dog 900-1,000 miles a year in this quiet little town with nice parks and good sidewalks.
Oh, the only real problem is that the presidential election cycle starts less than two years after the previous election.
Des Moines is nice because it has most of the things you can find in a big city, just in a smaller package so the drive times are less. However, that's not true if you're trying to get around at rush hours. I lived in Waukee, and worked in downtown for a while. I usually worked 7-3, so I missed the worst of the traffic, but on the rare occasion I had to stay late it was really painful. And this was post pandemic. Still better than Denver, though!
agreed!
I feel spoiled with everything being so close in terms of shopping. I have made some wonderful friendships as well.
agreed!
At 5:08 there’s only a couple of neighborhoods to avoid where the vast majority of crime occurs. Other than those neighborhoods, it’s a very safe city.
Super
Des Moines metro is essentially a large corporate campus for the restaurant cartels, insurance, banking and agri-business. There is very little consideration in local government beyond those entities and their employees. Their presence is over represented. Iowa values large institutions over individuals in general. Taxes are "Business friendly", lol.
Thanks for your thoughts, Zach. I'm not an expert in the economy (by any means) so I can't confirm or deny this, but there are many small businesses thriving here
You didn't mention the summertime heat and humidity.
Thank you! This is a con to me but actually a pro to my wife
One con is the airport is expensive and limited on flights in my opinion.
Thanks for your insights! I agree, I can usually find cheaper flights in Minneapolis or Omaha, but the convenience is very nice to have here
Great Video Guys! Your video is very informative. I’m moving up there during the summer months from Texas. ###Amazon
Thanks Andrew!! Are you going to be working at the Amazon warehouse in Bondurant?
Nice video! Iowa nice :)
Thank you!
What about the differences between iowa and nebraska?
Great idea. Will make a video about this soon!
@@livingincentraliowa greetings from Peru!
I can confirm that the property taxes are CRAZY high! They are nearly triple what they'd be in similar places in Missouri.
Crazy high. Worst thing about our state IMO
Still cheap. Try Texas
And owning a home is stupid unless you have a family
A big con I've found is that many people don't understand that allowing or enabling transients, beggars, homeless is NOT compassionate and will only worsen.
The negatives is DART. It’s not the best because there are fewer routes & it takes longer to get from one area to the other. I honestly want them to fix the side walks before spending time makes those bike paths for example the one on Ingersoll isn’t necessary because the city could just build a better sidewalk
completely agree
There are alot of community activities to do! Do you like sewing? There is a group for that! Do you like pottery? There is a group for that! The list goes on! Honestly...you will never be boared! You will be on the couch tired from all the fun you just had during the week!
Thanks for sharing!
hello dude
In California, the rat race and traffic are making me crazy, but it seems too slow over there now.
Can I ask what you mean by too slow?
Yeah, stay in California.
@@Harold.Richard I left your shithole already
@@Harold.Richard i left your craphole already
Thank you for highlighting my dad's state of birth
my pleasure!
I been in Des Moines, Ia since 1981. I refused to move elsewhere.
smart decision!
I’ve lived in Des Moines for 13 years, and here are some not mentioned:
Pros:
-Great (and diverse) food scene for a city it’s size
-Farmers markets & festivals (world food fest, art fest, Octoberfest, etc.)
-Adventureland
-Art scene
-Bike Trails
-Our international Airport has lots of direct flights and it’s getting expanded to accommodate more
Cons:
-Big name traveling acts like Concert tours, Comedians, Broadway Shows skip Des Moines & go to KC, Twin Cities, Omaha, and Chicago instead.
-Several small Music Venues closed
-Sleepy downtown except for in the summer on a weekend. Otherwise not much going on down there.. Yes even in the East Villiage.
-Exciting projects get announced & then they never follow through & if they do it will take decades. We’ve been promised an update to the dangerous east and west interchanges for over 15 years and they are just now getting around to one and just starting to talk about the other one again... They announced the soccer stadium in like 2019 and still have yet to see any progress.. They have been talking about the “market district“ forever now.. The indoor water park out in West Des Moines… have yet to see that..The new Skyscraper “the fifth” where they tore down that old parking garage & they started to build it but it got cancelled, and now we just have a new huge ugly parking garage in place of the old huge ugly parking garage 🙄
Love this. Thank you! I am coming up on 2 years in DSM and really appreciate your insights.
So big name acts don't come to Wells Fargo Arena.? Or Iowa State Fair? Hmmm
I lived in the drake apartments for awhile.. nothing but 304’s everywhere
what are 304's?
Ha ha ha.. I knew a guy who lived in Drake neighborhood, but he use to go to the clubs & bars out by Jordan Creek. The issue is transportation, but if you want to hang out near there you might meet classier women. You don’t have to move; however just change the places you hang out & you will be able to upgrade
45 minute commute is alot. Tulsa is bigger with about a 20 minute commute. Bartlesville is 45 minutes away.
I can't remember where I mentioned 45 minutes in this video but I'll take your word for it! I've never been to Tulsa and appreciate the insights
He was referring to a specific person who's commute to their jobs from where they bought their house was going to be 45 mins. In Las Vegas for example from the NW side to the SE side takes you about 40-45 min with minimal to no traffic just the distance alone.
The phrase you were looking for I think is... Iowa. Don't like the weather? Wait a minuet, it'll change.
hahaha exactly
I live here
my rant, summarized and why Des Moines, like many USA cities, suck
Urban vs. Suburban Living: Social Perceptions and Realities
Perceptions of Urban Areas:
Criticism: Suburbanites often describe cities as "ugly" and the people as "mean."
Reality: In urban areas, the perceived "coldness" or "rudeness" is often just people minding their own business, going about their daily tasks efficiently. The density and diversity of urban areas necessitate a more pragmatic approach to social interactions.
Suburban Advocacy for Car-Centric Lifestyle:
Belief: Suburban residents might argue that car-focused cities foster happier, better communities.
Counterpoint: This viewpoint overlooks the fact that car dependency leads to numerous issues, including environmental damage, increased accidents, and social isolation. The suburban ideal often equates freedom with car ownership, ignoring the broader consequences.
The Risks of Car Dependency
Increased Danger and Lack of Accountability:
Punitive Power: Cars, referred to as "2-ton death machines," give drivers significant power, which can lead to dangerous situations with little accountability. Road rage, accidents, and fatalities are more common in car-dependent areas.
Social Impact: The ability to cause harm with a vehicle turns the notion of "minding your own business" into a potentially deadly activity, contrasting with the lower risk of pedestrian-oriented urban environments.
Forced Car Dependency:
Limited Choices: Suburban living often means that the car is the only viable mode of transportation. This lack of alternatives imposes a one-size-fits-all solution, which isn't suitable for everyone.
Irony: The suburban model imposes itself on society, despite its dangers and inefficiencies, while simultaneously criticizing the urban lifestyle that offers more sustainable and safer transportation options.
The Imposition of Suburban Values
Contradictory Nature:
Close Proximity: While suburbanites might cherish space and privacy, the necessity of a car in suburban areas paradoxically reduces true freedom and increases dependence.
Community Impact: Suburban sprawl spreads this car-dependent mindset, often influencing urban planning and policies to favor cars over people, leading to further entrenchment of these issues.
Environmental and Social Costs:
Deadly Mistakes: The stakes of minor errors become much higher in a car-centric world, where small mistakes can lead to serious injuries or deaths.
Broader Implications: The push for car-focused cities ignores the environmental degradation, social fragmentation, and health risks associated with such a lifestyle.
Conclusion
Your argument underscores the inherent contradictions and dangers of a car-dependent suburban lifestyle. While suburbanites might view cities as unappealing and the people as unfriendly, this perception fails to recognize the practical and efficient social interactions typical of urban environments. Moreover, the imposition of car-centric values leads to significant environmental, social, and personal risks, undermining the notion that suburban living is inherently better or happier. Promoting walkable, people-focused urban development could address these issues, offering safer, more inclusive, and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Really appreciate your thoughts. I haven't heard that take before and it's thought-provoking. Thank you!
@@livingincentraliowa honestly, I respect the honest response. Thank you.
@@livingincentraliowalook up strong towns
@@justindavis7928 thank you for letting me know about this!
A big con is the lack of funding for conservation in Iowa. We dont have much in the way of natural areas as Iowa is the most ecologically altered state in the union. Prairie once covered 85% of the state and we now are left with less that 0.1% of that original prairie. It’s really hard to find good parks that showcase the original beauty of Iowa. Poor management of woodlands and prairies means they’re overgrown with invasives and difficult to maneuver or enjoy. Water quality is also poor because of poor conservation practices in agriculture so enjoying our rivers can be difficult when you’re thinking about the chemicals and the soil runoff in the water.
However, Des Moines is an excellent place for young entrepreneurs like myself. Young people are taking the reins in a way and deciding that we must make Des Moines a cooler place to live. We have a finger on the pulse of what younger people want and have all complained at one point or another of having nothing to do here. Des Moines is truly getting cooler and cooler every year and the culture here is hip with the small town feeling of knowing someone everywhere you go. We’re already a hell of a cool city, I’m excited to see where we wind up in 10 years.
agreed! thanks, Josh.
+++++Sportsman's warehouse, Scheels, Bass Pro, Brownells, Fleet Farm
---------Des Moines actual-Some neighborhoods, some parks, the shoplifting in some stores, homeless camps by the river,
The burbs, not to bad, but if you get to the exurbs, where you drive past corn fields; then the towns get even better.
If you love seafood, learn to embrace pork.
Splash in Des Moines or Waterfront in Ankeny.
@@bluewffl8472 Yah, I grew up eating seafood for supper that was in the ocean 12 hours earlier. Haddock fillets larger than a standard keyboard, clams that you knew what town they came from by the taste, had a contact for lobster right off the boat.
What about Fort dodge Iowa.
I've driven through Ft. Dodge a couple times but never spent much time there. Their population is ~25k (much smaller than DSM) so it's going to be a much different feel
The hometown of Slipknot
I wouldn't consider myself a fan (masks are too scary) but it is pretty cool
@@livingincentraliowa Yes, it is.
Iowa nice, fairly polite, but not real open. You can live next to your neighbor for years, have a great relationship, but never see the inside of their home.
The settlers here, they endured a lot, fires, floods, disease, blizzards. The exuberant people, the emotional people, they perished or had their spirit crushed. Now generations later, they are still quiet reserved unemotional for the most part.
For instance, a musician goes to the park with a guitar, in some cities a half hour later there are 8 people in a jam session. In the Midwest, the musician is treated differently, for the most part he or she is given space and not interrupted.
Yea, so many streets need to be repaved. It isn't just potholes, it's complete degradation. Also, no drive-in movies anymore. The closest is in Newton.
Yeah seems like those are a thing of the past. Superior (in NW Iowa) has one too.
Our winters contribute a lot to our poor road conditions in some areas. It's a lot to keep up with
@@livingincentraliowa S. Dakota has worse winters than we do in Iowa, yet their roads and highways are much better. Why is that? Materials? More maintenance?
@@steveearp7722 I'm honestly not sure. I don't have much experience driving on S. Dakota roads
They out priced every one out of there
Out of Des Moines?
You lost me at Iowa Nice.
I was born here. Grew up here. Moved away and have lived around the country and travelled around the world. Briefly lived abroad. Came back to Iowa disappointed to find that the unfriendliest people I’ve ever met were from my own home state. Lots of nice folks too, of course, but there’s a general air of misery, for lack of a better word. Everyone seems a tad repressed and depressed. And I could have some compassion on this if it weren’t for the constant assertion that we’re the nicest people in the world and better than everyone else (spoiler: North Carolinians and Germans take the cake, for me.)
Thanks for your thoughts! I haven't had the same experience but really appreciate the perspective
That’s a lot of chem trails
Yep - we have an airport here
Major con... Des Moines city government sucks.
I'd argue that Iowa schools used to be good. Currently, they're a joke. Especially Des Moines district schools.
Our state motto should be changed to, "Our Taxes We Prize, And Our Roads We shall Not Maintain"
For pros, there are tons of parks and trails and even woods if you know where to look for em. You've got spaces like Margo Franko Woods Walnut Woods. Whatever the woods by the art center are called I forget, and not too far outside the suburbs you've got Ledges, Thomas Mitchel, Chichaqua bottoms and the green belt. Neil Smith. And just hundreds perhaps thousands of miles of bike trails that do pretty much connect just about every pat of the city and stretch well beyond the suburbs.
Another pro... Our art center is pretty decent and it's by freewill donation. So you can just go for free if you are down bad or just stingy.
Dont tell them about the smell.
It's only there sometimes - I should have included that. But they are working on it!
www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-foul-odor-monitoring-data/60705513
Huh...where are the women?
not sure
Historically a conservative state. Pro gun, one of the higher ranked guns per person state but yet one of lowest in gun crime. Wierd how that works.
It's the opposite. Iowa has historically been a progressive state; it has only gotten more conservative recently.
@@top10cars2Governor Braindead would argue that with you...
I’ve lived in Iowa for 15 years. In that time it has gone from blue to purple to red.
Actually it’s 16th for gun deaths which puts it in the top half of the highest rate of gun deaths. Funny how statistics work.
You need a car to do everything. If you don't have one, you're screwed. Basically in american terms, iowa is the most average, boring place. But we have a unique opportunity in the next 25-30 years, to build places for people, and not 2 ton death machines as climate change and over pricing of the coast brings more people here.
Hopefully we can build those communities starting yesterday, otherwise iowa is just another boring american city. Drive everywhere, complain about traffic and pretend to enjoy the outside.
Like, a lot of the pros here about iowa being "nice," is due to the fact that it's a fake nice. If you see someone outside, which is rare, they are off work or not doing anything better with them time other than spending it for recreational purposes. So if someone is walking, they have carved out time in their day for a stroll, like you guys. Meaning they're usually not in a hurry. So if you see someone actually fucking walking outside, that's why. In other cities, where people have their lives, and walk places because they dont' rely on 2-ton death machines, they're going to go about their business. They're use to seeing people outside, in fact a lot of people. You can't stop and say hi to most people, or wave, they would normally think you're trying to scam them into something. But instead you have awful, terrible drivers (like any car-dependent city) has this issue:
You can totally have nice, normal small talk conversation with a stranger in a grocery store. But once you leave that store, you in this hypothetical could have arrived by bicycle and that stranger will gun you down if you are in their way because once you are behind a 2 ton death machine with gigantic stroads, everything becomes an inconvenience to you, including that nice person you talked to the store. That's why it's a fake nice. The terrible road rage is the shock Iowans get when they're in New York City for example and new yorkers aren't nice to them. Iowan's are no nicer than someone from New York. It's just seeing someone outside equates to them expecting an entitlement of being nice "like waving, saying hello, etc," when in reality their car-brained minds can't comprehend their niceness is fake and they equate being outside with recreational time, not running your business / errands. That's why Iowans say hello to strangers outside, because it's done when time has been carved out for it and there's an expectation to do it since you don't have plans to go anywhere, other than meander about. Go to a real city where people actually walk, then it's like driving in Iowa or any other car-dependent place, honk and pass the biker closely and get irately mad.
Here it is, broken down by ChatGPT
"Fake Nice"
Critique: The idea that Iowans are "nice" is challenged, suggesting that this niceness is superficial and context-dependent.
Implication: The commenter argues that the perceived friendliness in Iowa is situational and linked to recreational, not functional, activities.
Walkability and Urban Living
Contrast: In walkable cities, people are accustomed to seeing many others outside, often busy with their daily lives rather than out for leisurely strolls.
Implication: People from car-dependent areas might not understand the dynamics of more pedestrian-oriented environments where interactions are different.
Road Rage and Social Interactions
Critique: There is a disconnect between the pleasant social interactions in places like grocery stores and the aggressive behavior exhibited on the roads.
Implication: This discrepancy highlights a deeper issue with car-dependent culture, where being behind the wheel fosters impatience and hostility.
Expectations and Realities
Contrast: In more walkable cities, the expectation of casual greetings and friendliness isn't as prevalent because people are often focused on their own tasks.
Implication: Iowans might interpret the absence of this friendliness as rudeness, not realizing it’s a different cultural norm.
Conclusion: Cultural Disconnect
Overall Message: The commenter suggests that people from car-dependent cities like Des Moines have a limited understanding of the benefits and social dynamics of more walkable areas. They may perceive friendliness and civility differently due to their car-centric lifestyle, which affects how they interact with others both inside and outside their vehicles.
In summary, the comment critiques Des Moines for its heavy car dependency and the superficial nature of its perceived friendliness, contrasting it with the authentic, if brisk, social interactions found in more pedestrian-oriented urban environments. The underlying message is that with a shift toward more walkable infrastructure, Des Moines has the potential to develop a richer, more genuine community dynamic as it adapts to future challenges.
We'll have to agree to disagree! I love the changes in seasons we get and these communities are already built/being built.
You have an unhealthy relationship to hating cars @@adnanomeragic9597
Lack of opportunities low wages Des Moines getting to big for its breeches
For a city of it's size, I think the opportunities in Des Moines are great!
@@livingincentraliowa not for for people without degrees
@@livingincentraliowa honestly smaller towns you have better opportunities like muscatine for example
@@reedre6177lots of trades work in des moines and surrounding area. No college degree necessary. Buy some boots and get to work.
The fact that you came from West Des Moines negates anything you have to say about Des Moines
Hey Kris, I'm genuinely curious why you think that? Our office is in West Des Moines; I live in Johnston; Jim lives in Urbandale; and we both have clients in Des Moines proper. The purpose of this video was to talk about the metro as a whole.
@@livingincentraliowabecause your not actually living in des Moines itself you guys are in the subarbs. Its a very different life than actually being in des Moines theres a few neighborhoods i wouldnt even consider buying a house in due to theft and property damage
@@ItsGalaxys we both live in Urbandale but spend plenty of time in Des Moines. This video was about the Des Moines Metro area as a whole, including all the suburbs.
You're right that there are neighborhoods in Des Moines with a very different feel from others, but every city/suburb is going to have this.
@livingincentraliowa hit up Capitol East and walk around doing a little filming...
@@bluewffl8472I want to see some of the restaurants that don’t get exposure. My kids films around on the east side.. near the capital no problems at all