A born and raised Des Moines native, this is really cool to see. I like when people outside of the state don’t think of Iowa as just a corn hick state. Thank you for this video man, have a great day!
Great video, I'm from Des Moines born and raised you are correct on your description of my hometown. I currently reside in San Diego Ca and Love it out here but there's NOTHING like Midwest Living. I haven't been back since 2012 I'm traveling back home this August for 2 weeks and I must say I'm excited. Thanks for sharing you did a fantastic job blessings from San Diego!
Thank you for this video! I am actually moving to Des Moines in about a month to attend Drake University. I'm from Texas and I've lived here my whole life but the first time I visited Des Moines with my family it felt completely different from Dallas however it was in March and was snowing a little so that was a shock, I don't think I was mentally prepared for how cold it can get there, but It also seems a lot more clean and the people are very friendly and a lot of them struck up a conversation with us. The area surrounding my school isn't the safest but outside of it, it's very nice and it seems like theres many things to do! I will admit driving 10 hours through the midwest was a complete bore but I think I will whole heartedly enjoy spending the next 4 years (possibly even more after I graduate) in Des Moines.
Thanks for watching and for the comment! Welcome to Des Moines and congrats on Drake! It’s not that bad of an area during the day. Night can get a little bit crazier…haha. And yes, we can get very cold and very hot here…sometimes a day apart! Good luck in your studies and beyond :) (By the way, check out my Iowa playlist for other stuff to do while you call it home!) th-cam.com/play/PL4NWbeNPyUsCUkpRUXebUXXPGl8kA5IQC.html
@@TheWanderingFirefighter Curious about other areas that may not be safe. My husband and I are pretty sure we want to retire to Des Moines in a few years but I worry about the homeless and drug scene. I know every city has troubles and though I wish there was more that could be done for the homeless, I also don't want to live in an area where this is an issue. We live far from the Midwest, so traveling/driving around the city aren't practical ideas. I love the snow and thunderstorms, and that is partly why I'm drawn to the city, among other things, such as a zoo and parks/lakes, etc. No to mention the lower cost of living! If I could move there now, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I'm so ready to retire and leave the town we're in! Just have about 5 years to go before I can do it... Thanks for the video!
@@kayelane5868 There are pockets of unsafe areas, but compared to cities of similar size and population, still safe. Getting worse every day (just like any other place on the earth), but still good people. I won't put too many areas on blast, publicly, but you can send me a private message on facebook if you want. The smaller towns (I live in Carlisle now) and some suburbs are pretty nice too.
Great video! Very informative and well done. Was watching with my daughter. At first we thought the best pizza being from a gas station was a joke (pizza from a gas station here in SoCal is horrifying), then the video showed the box of pizza being opened and my daughter and I looked at each other and gasped "what?!" and started cracking up as the pizza looked delicious. lol. How do you only have 600 subscribers? Great channel. Subscribed.
Hey thanks for the kind words!! Channel is about 7 month old and it is tricky getting subscribers at first...but growing very quickly lately. Thanks for subscribing...I greatly appreciate it! And yes, Casey's pizza is crazy good. If you're ever passing through Iowa, send me a message and we'll try to hook you up! haha
The Wandering Firefighter very cool. I didn’t realize the channel was so new. I will definitely take you up on your offer if we make it out to Iowa. We are considering where to visit for a possible move next summer. Thanks for the response!
They even have fried butter on a stick…no joke…lol! Hope you get to the Midwest someday! I love traveling and seeing the world, but always look forward to coming back home :)
Loved the video! I'm moving to Des Moines from Puerto Rico on May 31 and was feeling kind of lost on what to expect of Iowa. Tbh I'm waaaay too excited about the Farmers Market and walking around the city.
I'm really glad the video gives you some sort of idea of what to expect! Downtown Farmers' Market had its opening day last Saturday, so you're right on time! I hope you have a smooth transition...and welcome to IOWA! :)
I am planning a trip to Iowa to see my friend from highschool like in june/july. I'm hoping to have a great time looking forward to exploring and meeting new folks!
That’s awesome! Hope you have a great time :) Go see a Cubs game and check out the downtown area near the stadium. Check out the skate park too (even if you aren’t a skater…I’m not, but it’s cool!)
This was great! I’m currently planning a future road trip to Iowa next year from Toronto. The holding the door part killed me because I’m totally guilty of doing that myself. 😂 I’m from Nova Scotia originally and I miss being around kind and friendly people so that is one of things I’m most looking forward to. 😊 Cheers!
Thanks for watching and for the comment :) I hope you have a great time on your road trip! Coming through Michigan and Illinois, etc? We took a similar road trip from Iowa to Toronto back in college and had a blast in Toronto :)
@@TheWanderingFirefighter That’s awesome! Yes that’s plan, Michigan and Illinois, seems like the fastest route but still with some cool stops along the way :)
Sorry to hear people aren’t as nice in your new location! There are great people all over the world, but I agree, Iowa has some of the best per capita :)
Loved your video 💖 I moved here 28 years ago From Austin Texas As a single parent with 4 kids my kids enjoyed the Snow for the 1st year now they're fed up with Snow that they're older and also have kids of their own Also I met my husband after 23 years And still growing strong he would like to move to Texas every now and then we go visit my familyI do not want to move back because because of traffic and and the cost of living and and also I have my kids and grandkids here and so does he every now and then my mom comes in visit but she won't visit in the snow she says it's too cold I guess you can't take her Away from Texas Away It is true you do see the 4 seasons that's the beautiful part of Iowa Des Moines Even though a lot of people still mistake Iowa from Is growing corn Not potatoesBut at the same time it is growing fast over here it's not fast paced right now that's that's what I love about it I do not miss the big cities that I was born and raised Don't get me wrong I still love Texas My heart will always be long there But I still love Des Moines Iowa it is a great place to be
Thanks for the kind words :) We just visited Texas in March and had a great time. Good people and so much to do…but yes, even though Iowa isn’t a giant tourist destination, it is a phenomenal place to raise kids and live every day life!
Thank you for the kind words! Our FFs and LEOs have a great relationship in Des Moines :) Thank you to your LEO for their service! Come on up and visit sometime!
Lived in des moines iowa my entire life, hell my parents still live in the same house i had my first birthday in (32yrs). I gotta say you totally nailed the over use of please and thank you and ma'am and sir. Also can't forget the excuse me and im so sorry either lol. Ope, welp, there's nothing wrong with being overly polite. Also, any time one of my customers call me ma'am i usually make a joke and say "dang, I thought I was a miss". And the door thing, yes 🤣 we're all guilty of it. Unfortunately people aren't quite as polite as they were even like 3 years ago. Love this city though.
I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska so generally the same region but never called soda "pop". I used to watch The Jetsons as a kid on Cartoon Network and Elroy always called his dad "pop". By that logic, you might as well refer to soda as "father". That's why I never called it pop despite growing up in the midwest.
I lived in Des Moines for 10 months and will admit there are better paying and has a much stronger job market than the Quad-Cities (where I'm from). But, it's extremely clicky because many of the people there never move away and its a very family town. And it's God a full boring for nightlife. and social. I received a job offer from Denver, CO, and left. Much happier in the Rocky Mountains. And BTW, there are a lot, I mean a lot, of us ex-Iowans out here.
I love the Denver area and I'm glad you found a spot you're happy in...but, me personally, I wouldn't want to live anywhere but Iowa full-time :) Probably has to do with the "family town" quality you mention :)
They people are great in my opinion :) The cold and snow may be an adjusment for you if you haven't experienced it before...but as far a quality of life goes--its tough to beat Des Moines :)
Good stuff, planning to move but still havent decided yet- Have a question - Do you guys have any green bananas and taro etc like Polynesian food or Polynesian store thay sells them?
Hi! I’m not sure if there is a specific Polynesian food store, but I do know of a Filipino store that would probably sell the kind of food you’re looking for!
I lived in Des Moines for 29 of my 50 years, now I live in southern Iowa. In my experience I would say that about 50% of Iowans say "Soda". and I have never met another Iowan who calls a "Creek". a. "Crick". Otherwise this is spot on. Firefighters are awesom1
Thanks! And I’ll have to say I have only heard a handful call it soda and almost everyone I know calls it a crick…lol. All has to do with personal experiences I guess…haha!
Visiting my friend in the Urbandale area. Got an Airbnb near Drake University, so we are excited to chill and be one with the locals. Greetings from Southern California :) P. S. WANT TO DEFINITELY GO TO FARMER'S MARKET!!! (Last week of September :).
A little kept secret, since your going to be around Drake, go try drake dinner!! Awesome food and great atmosphere. It will remind of of old 50’s cafés but modern
Yes! Thanks. Not that I forgot…but it would be a 10 hour long video if included everything…haha! I love it there. I think Polk County just purchased it. It had been closed the last two winters due to Covid.
Just made first road to Iowa from Texas , like every one else though Iowa was flat boy was I wrong, Started my trip from Dallas to Tulsa to Joplin to Kansas city From there NORTH TO IOWA LOVED EVERY MILE ,ENDING TRAVELS TO DES MOINES ,WENT TO THE FAIR, Fair was awsome, The town was awsome,loved the Sky line and river , while there Discovered the town of Winterset Close by where John Wayne was Born and they filmed Bridges of Madison County, got to see 4 of 6 covered Bridges , the Bridges where built 1870 - 1883 And are awsome, won't be my Last trip . Don't miss this diamond Of the midwest.
Thanks for the comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip and your time in Iowa :) I also have a video on the Bridges of Madison County here if you want to check it out! th-cam.com/video/Q80KpRj1AAA/w-d-xo.html I also have a Best of Iowa Playlist for next time you're in the area! th-cam.com/play/PL4NWbeNPyUsCUkpRUXebUXXPGl8kA5IQC.html Have a great day!
I moved here from another town in iowa with my husband, and need some tips on things to do. We have a lot of trouble deciding on what’s worth the $. Any tips would be great!
Welcome to Des Moines! Glad to have you :) Depending on what you like to do, Des Moines has a pretty good bike trail system now. Lots of bar/grills along the way! As mentioned in the video, the farmers market, State Fair, and Cubs games are good summer activities. If you check out my “best of Iowa” playlist, you’ll find some things within driving distance as well. You can also check out Des Moines park and rec for some activities like slow pitch softball or things to do at Grays Lake. Hope you enjoy your new move!
I've lived here for 28 years. I heard my first drive-by shooting and encountered the most racist people right after I moved here. The people can be horribly rude. The phrase "Iowa Nice" is 100% false in the cities. In fact, Des Moines was voted the "#1 city with the rudest drivers in the U.S." Property taxes are also outrageous. I didn't realize this until I compared with friends in other states. I will say life in the country is idealistic. The people in the rural areas are definitely Iowa Nice. The biggest problem with living in the country is the lack of jobs. Des Moines does have a great job market. A lot of people live in the country, and commute to Des Moines. If you want to know how "nice" people in Iowa are, read through the comments on any local news story.
Or read the comments on any news story in any state or in any place in the world on any subject…or on a TH-cam video…lol. I must say that I have been very intrigued with the differing experiences people have had. I guess differing opinions occurs for any other location in the world as well.
I once moved to Metro Des Moines… stayed there for some years too, and I can tell you right now he is wrong about the people. Everybody there is super grumpy and rude..and they’re assholes on the road too. It is also pretty boreing, and living downtown isn’t worth it. Nothing down there at those prices is worth it🤦🏻♂️… not shitting on Iowa though it’s not a bad place it’s just not for everybody. The suburban areas are a perfect place for raising kids/starting a family!
Thanks for watching, Noelle! Do they tell jokes? I’ve been told by people from literally every city in every state that they don’t. That’s the difference. You can watch again to see :)
Here’s this article saying jokes while trick or treating dates back to Des Moines in the 1940s for your reading pleasure. I appreciate your interaction :) www.nydailynews.com/news/national/midwest-halloween-tradition-calls-jokes-wrote-article-1.2844718
Well I'm far beyond that age range nowaydays..lol..but there seems to be! And I know Des Moines has a 100 females for every 97 males, so you're already ahead there! haha
The problem with Des MoINES, is there is not a lot 2 do there, other than the state fair, but that happens just once a year, the real problem is they don't have any professional sports teams,i could see if they have a championship college basketball or football team, but they don't even have that. they don't have a amusement park. my take on the visit i had there was, it's a nice place 2 visit, but not 2 live
I guess I have an opposite view. Not a whole lot to visit but a tremendous place to live :) I can go visit busy places but at the end of the day, I like my quieter home to live in :) I would hate to live somewhere busy…especially with traffic. To each their own, though! (oh, and we have an amusement park and water park in Altoona, just outside of Des Moines :) )
Des Moines does have professional sports teams but they are minor league franchises. The I-Chubs, I mean Cubs, was mentioned in the video. It's not the MLB Cubs but it's their Triple A team, the top Minor League Baseball team in their organization. Same goes for professional hockey. The Iowa Wild is the top Minor League Hockey team of the NHL Minnesota Wild organization. You can often see MLB or NHL players on injury rehab playing with the Iowa Cubs/Iowa Wild or their opponents. Talking about no amusement parks. Have you not heard of Adventureland in Altoona?
I’ve traveled all over the country and see the worse of Des Moines in my job…I can say with confidence that drugs aren’t just an Iowa problem, unfortunately :(
I'm a proud Iowan... born and raised... couldn't imagine living anywhere else. My state is beautiful ❤❤
I agree! Love visiting the world, but love living in Iowa!
@@TheWanderingFirefighter .
. Born and someday death... never will leave. Iowa is a place I'm proud of.
Except for Ankeny! My God! Gobbling up the most fertile soil in the country! So unconscionable!!!! God help us all!!!!
It will always be Sec Taylor Stadium to me!!!
Same! Forever and always!
Sex Taylor Stadium!
A born and raised Des Moines native, this is really cool to see. I like when people outside of the state don’t think of Iowa as just a corn hick state. Thank you for this video man, have a great day!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it. Iowa is one of the best places around :)
You’re a great ambassador for Iowa. Especially all the talk about manners and courtesy!
Thank you for the kind words! Very much appreciated :)
This is why after living in Missouri for 10 years we are coming home to Iowa! Great description of this lovely state!
The state and its people are ready to welcome you back!
Die with memories not dreams! Love that line!
Thank you! I gotta say, it was pretty transformational for me when I first heard it :)
I was born and raised in Des Moines, and this video is spot on.
👍🏼
Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)
Great video, I'm from Des Moines born and raised you are correct on your description of my hometown. I currently reside in San Diego Ca and Love it out here but there's NOTHING like Midwest Living. I haven't been back since 2012 I'm traveling back home this August for 2 weeks and I must say I'm excited. Thanks for sharing you did a fantastic job blessings from San Diego!
Hey thanks for watching and for the kind words! I hope you enjoy your return visit home!
Been to des Moines and virtually every part of iowa many times for work. Finally visiting downtown Des Moines!
Alright! Don't forget your skateboard and head to the skate park...lol
I have lived in Des Moines for 4 years now and this video couldn't be more accurate, great video!
Hey thanks, Ryan…I appreciate that! And we’re happy to have you in DSM :)
As a Iowan or Iowegian I agree its a pretty good place to grow up and raise a family
Tough to beat!
Thank you for this video! I am actually moving to Des Moines in about a month to attend Drake University. I'm from Texas and I've lived here my whole life but the first time I visited Des Moines with my family it felt completely different from Dallas however it was in March and was snowing a little so that was a shock, I don't think I was mentally prepared for how cold it can get there, but It also seems a lot more clean and the people are very friendly and a lot of them struck up a conversation with us. The area surrounding my school isn't the safest but outside of it, it's very nice and it seems like theres many things to do! I will admit driving 10 hours through the midwest was a complete bore but I think I will whole heartedly enjoy spending the next 4 years (possibly even more after I graduate) in Des Moines.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Welcome to Des Moines and congrats on Drake! It’s not that bad of an area during the day. Night can get a little bit crazier…haha. And yes, we can get very cold and very hot here…sometimes a day apart! Good luck in your studies and beyond :)
(By the way, check out my Iowa playlist for other stuff to do while you call it home!)
th-cam.com/play/PL4NWbeNPyUsCUkpRUXebUXXPGl8kA5IQC.html
@@TheWanderingFirefighter Curious about other areas that may not be safe. My husband and I are pretty sure we want to retire to Des Moines in a few years but I worry about the homeless and drug scene. I know every city has troubles and though I wish there was more that could be done for the homeless, I also don't want to live in an area where this is an issue. We live far from the Midwest, so traveling/driving around the city aren't practical ideas. I love the snow and thunderstorms, and that is partly why I'm drawn to the city, among other things, such as a zoo and parks/lakes, etc. No to mention the lower cost of living! If I could move there now, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I'm so ready to retire and leave the town we're in! Just have about 5 years to go before I can do it... Thanks for the video!
@@kayelane5868 There are pockets of unsafe areas, but compared to cities of similar size and population, still safe. Getting worse every day (just like any other place on the earth), but still good people. I won't put too many areas on blast, publicly, but you can send me a private message on facebook if you want. The smaller towns (I live in Carlisle now) and some suburbs are pretty nice too.
@@TheWanderingFirefighter Thanks for the info. Yeah, the world is getting exponentially worse.
Great job capturing the essence of Des Moines!
Thanks!
Great video! Very informative and well done. Was watching with my daughter. At first we thought the best pizza being from a gas station was a joke (pizza from a gas station here in SoCal is horrifying), then the video showed the box of pizza being opened and my daughter and I looked at each other and gasped "what?!" and started cracking up as the pizza looked delicious. lol. How do you only have 600 subscribers? Great channel. Subscribed.
Hey thanks for the kind words!! Channel is about 7 month old and it is tricky getting subscribers at first...but growing very quickly lately. Thanks for subscribing...I greatly appreciate it! And yes, Casey's pizza is crazy good. If you're ever passing through Iowa, send me a message and we'll try to hook you up! haha
The Wandering Firefighter very cool. I didn’t realize the channel was so new. I will definitely take you up on your offer if we make it out to Iowa. We are considering where to visit for a possible move next summer. Thanks for the response!
Great Video. Des Moines it is a amazing place to rise kids.
Thank you, Juan...and yes, I love traveling, but no other place I'd want to raise a family!
Next week I hope to see this nice city 🙏
Awesome! I hope you have a great time :)
I was born in Des Moines and grew up in Illinois. I’m glad I moved back!
Welcome home!
Great video thanks, visiting from NZ in September and just booked tickets for a ball game as recommended cheers
That’s awesome, mate! My wife and I backpacked through NZ during college. Loved it there. Great people and beautiful country!
I love this!! We take our home for granted but I love it here!!
Thanks! I appreciate that…and you’re so right. I take it for granted sometimes.
That food on a stick looked pretty good. 👍 You painted a good picture for someone who has not been to the Midwest yet. Thanks!
They even have fried butter on a stick…no joke…lol! Hope you get to the Midwest someday! I love traveling and seeing the world, but always look forward to coming back home :)
Great representation! Born and raised here as are kids and their kids. ❤️
Thank you very much! Iowa proud!
Loved the video! I'm moving to Des Moines from Puerto Rico on May 31 and was feeling kind of lost on what to expect of Iowa. Tbh I'm waaaay too excited about the Farmers Market and walking around the city.
I'm really glad the video gives you some sort of idea of what to expect! Downtown Farmers' Market had its opening day last Saturday, so you're right on time! I hope you have a smooth transition...and welcome to IOWA! :)
I am planning a trip to Iowa to see my friend from highschool like in june/july. I'm hoping to have a great time looking forward to exploring and meeting new folks!
That’s awesome! Hope you have a great time :) Go see a Cubs game and check out the downtown area near the stadium. Check out the skate park too (even if you aren’t a skater…I’m not, but it’s cool!)
Great Video! If you love beggars night try visiting the Brook Run village area on the east side of the town, it get very crazy in that neighborhood.
Thank you very much for the kind words :) And thanks for the suggestion…we’ll have to check that out!
Casey's pizza is FANTASTIC..... it's true. Fun vdeo...subbed.
Right??? Doesn’t make sense, but it is! Haha
Thanks for the support and sub :)
This was great! I’m currently planning a future road trip to Iowa next year from Toronto. The holding the door part killed me because I’m totally guilty of doing that myself. 😂 I’m from Nova Scotia originally and I miss being around kind and friendly people so that is one of things I’m most looking forward to. 😊 Cheers!
Thanks for watching and for the comment :) I hope you have a great time on your road trip! Coming through Michigan and Illinois, etc? We took a similar road trip from Iowa to Toronto back in college and had a blast in Toronto :)
@@TheWanderingFirefighter That’s awesome! Yes that’s plan, Michigan and Illinois, seems like the fastest route but still with some cool stops along the way :)
@@CosmeticHappy Indiana Dunes National Park is a good stop!
This was a very nice educational proud native video.
Thank you…much appreciated :)
I❤wa has the best people lots of love . Moved 3 years ago grew up there but were am at know not even close to the hospitality .
Sorry to hear people aren’t as nice in your new location! There are great people all over the world, but I agree, Iowa has some of the best per capita :)
Very Cool! I'm heading up after the Thanksgiving Celebration! Can't wait. Would totally move to Iowa given half a chance. Love from Texas!
Thanks for watching and for the comment :) I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and an awesome time in Iowa!
Casey’s pizza is the best! Living in Nebraska Casey’s is all over
Just a little bit of Iowa trying to class up Nebraska a bit is all. Haha
Loved your video 💖 I moved here 28 years ago From Austin Texas As a single parent with 4 kids my kids enjoyed the Snow for the 1st year now they're fed up with Snow that they're older and also have kids of their own Also I met my husband after 23 years And still growing strong he would like to move to Texas every now and then we go visit my familyI do not want to move back because because of traffic and and the cost of living and and also I have my kids and grandkids here and so does he every now and then my mom comes in visit but she won't visit in the snow she says it's too cold I guess you can't take her Away from Texas Away It is true you do see the 4 seasons that's the beautiful part of Iowa Des Moines Even though a lot of people still mistake Iowa from Is growing corn Not potatoesBut at the same time it is growing fast over here it's not fast paced right now that's that's what I love about it I do not miss the big cities that I was born and raised Don't get me wrong I still love Texas My heart will always be long there But I still love Des Moines Iowa it is a great place to be
Thanks for the kind words :) We just visited Texas in March and had a great time. Good people and so much to do…but yes, even though Iowa isn’t a giant tourist destination, it is a phenomenal place to raise kids and live every day life!
My LEO wants to transfer there. We have never even been to Iowa we are from down south! But I’m so drawn to it for some reason! Love the video
Thank you for the kind words! Our FFs and LEOs have a great relationship in Des Moines :) Thank you to your LEO for their service! Come on up and visit sometime!
The holding the door scene is the best!
Haha! Thanks…I’ll let the girls know. We had a good time with that :)
Lived in des moines iowa my entire life, hell my parents still live in the same house i had my first birthday in (32yrs). I gotta say you totally nailed the over use of please and thank you and ma'am and sir. Also can't forget the excuse me and im so sorry either lol. Ope, welp, there's nothing wrong with being overly polite. Also, any time one of my customers call me ma'am i usually make a joke and say "dang, I thought I was a miss". And the door thing, yes 🤣 we're all guilty of it. Unfortunately people aren't quite as polite as they were even like 3 years ago. Love this city though.
Thanks for the comment! And yes, I say “ope…sorry” anytime I even sort of come close to walking in someone’s way…haha.
Be sure to check out Scornovacca's Pizza on SE 14th Street. Small, family owned restaurant. Pizza, pasta, and garlic bread!
Love Scornovaca’s! Grew up not far from there :)
2:34 that skate park is literally so cool!
I live in Des Moines and go there a lot. It’s new, I’m pretty sure it was built in 2021! 😂
It is cool, isn't it? Super awesome to see the Mountain Dew tour there! If it was around when I was a kid, I might have been a skater...lol
Got to try machine shed too! It’s the best!
Love it there!! Big ‘ol helpings too! Lol
I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska so generally the same region but never called soda "pop". I used to watch The Jetsons as a kid on Cartoon Network and Elroy always called his dad "pop". By that logic, you might as well refer to soda as "father". That's why I never called it pop despite growing up in the midwest.
Haha…yep, the ol Jetsons logic never fails :)
Nice video
Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words :)
Great video very informative ... I subscribed.
Thank you! I really appreciate that :) Have a great day!
Helpful info , travelling to Iowa this aug
Thanks, Andrew. I appreciate it. The fair runs Aug 11-21 if you’re in town then! Have a great time :)
Iam from Iowa left in the 5th grade lots of FAM still there now I reside in Texas definitely a culture shock
Once an Iowan, always an Iowan! lol
Love it :)
Thank you!
Stay off of University Ave, between MLK Blvd and 2nd Av. Sorry, Millie's Drive In is closed for good. Dez Monez.
Great video!
Thank you, Jacob…much appreciated!
I lived in Des Moines for 10 months and will admit there are better paying and has a much stronger job market than the Quad-Cities (where I'm from). But, it's extremely clicky because many of the people there never move away and its a very family town. And it's God a full boring for nightlife. and social. I received a job offer from Denver, CO, and left. Much happier in the Rocky Mountains. And BTW, there are a lot, I mean a lot, of us ex-Iowans out here.
I love the Denver area and I'm glad you found a spot you're happy in...but, me personally, I wouldn't want to live anywhere but Iowa full-time :) Probably has to do with the "family town" quality you mention :)
Also, DSM is a great home airport. Currently building a new terminal that I predict will rival Charlotte, Indy or SLC.
Absolutely! I know the DSM airport very well :) Exciting times with the new terminals and flight options coming!
Is it bigger than Denver? I got lost at DSM! So confusing!!! My God!!
I live in Texas and I'm considering Des Moines to relocate
They people are great in my opinion :) The cold and snow may be an adjusment for you if you haven't experienced it before...but as far a quality of life goes--its tough to beat Des Moines :)
Thanks for reminding me why I left 35 yrs ago! (Norwalk)
Did I hear you use the word HIP !!??😂🤣😂
Both of those actors mothers were teachers of mine.
Thanks for watching. Hope you found someplace that’s a better fit for ya :)
(I’m not sure if I said hip or not…I hope not. I better go check. Lol)
great video!!
Thank you!
Good stuff, planning to move but still havent decided yet- Have a question - Do you guys have any green bananas and taro etc like Polynesian food or Polynesian store thay sells them?
Hi! I’m not sure if there is a specific Polynesian food store, but I do know of a Filipino store that would probably sell the kind of food you’re looking for!
Yes there are a few stores in Des Moines that do
I lived in Des Moines for 29 of my 50 years, now I live in southern Iowa. In my experience I would say that about 50% of Iowans say "Soda". and I have never met another Iowan who calls a "Creek". a. "Crick". Otherwise this is spot on. Firefighters are awesom1
Thanks! And I’ll have to say I have only heard a handful call it soda and almost everyone I know calls it a crick…lol. All has to do with personal experiences I guess…haha!
@@TheWanderingFirefighter To be honest, overall that is the best description of Des Moines I have ever heard on TH-cam.
@@jonclark4378 Thank you, Jon. Your words are very much appreciated!
Visiting my friend in the Urbandale area. Got an Airbnb near Drake University, so we are excited to chill and be one with the locals.
Greetings from Southern California :)
P. S. WANT TO DEFINITELY GO TO FARMER'S MARKET!!! (Last week of September :).
Hope you have a great time, man! Farmers' Market runs every Saturday through October, so you should be good to go there!
A little kept secret, since your going to be around Drake, go try drake dinner!! Awesome food and great atmosphere.
It will remind of of old 50’s cafés but modern
@@timothydake4098 Absolutely! Ask for my friend, Tricia!
Try not to get shot.
drake is a high crime neighborhood my dude
You forgot about sleepy hollow for winter fun. Can’t you ski there?
Yes! Thanks. Not that I forgot…but it would be a 10 hour long video if included everything…haha! I love it there. I think Polk County just purchased it. It had been closed the last two winters due to Covid.
Just made first road to Iowa from
Texas , like every one else though
Iowa was flat boy was I wrong,
Started my trip from Dallas to
Tulsa to Joplin to Kansas city
From there NORTH TO IOWA
LOVED EVERY MILE ,ENDING
TRAVELS TO DES MOINES ,WENT
TO THE FAIR, Fair was awsome,
The town was awsome,loved the
Sky line and river , while there
Discovered the town of Winterset
Close by where John Wayne was
Born and they filmed Bridges of
Madison County, got to see
4 of 6 covered Bridges , the
Bridges where built 1870 - 1883
And are awsome, won't be my
Last trip . Don't miss this diamond
Of the midwest.
Thanks for the comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip and your time in Iowa :) I also have a video on the Bridges of Madison County here if you want to check it out! th-cam.com/video/Q80KpRj1AAA/w-d-xo.html
I also have a Best of Iowa Playlist for next time you're in the area! th-cam.com/play/PL4NWbeNPyUsCUkpRUXebUXXPGl8kA5IQC.html
Have a great day!
Born and raised in Des Moines you find your fun! Obviously better if you know people but you make it what it you want it to be!
Absolutely!!!
Newton guy here go Hawks
My daughter will be a Hawk in the fall...Go Hawks!
I moved here from another town in iowa with my husband, and need some tips on things to do. We have a lot of trouble deciding on what’s worth the $. Any tips would be great!
Welcome to Des Moines! Glad to have you :)
Depending on what you like to do, Des Moines has a pretty good bike trail system now. Lots of bar/grills along the way! As mentioned in the video, the farmers market, State Fair, and Cubs games are good summer activities. If you check out my “best of Iowa” playlist, you’ll find some things within driving distance as well. You can also check out Des Moines park and rec for some activities like slow pitch softball or things to do at Grays Lake.
Hope you enjoy your new move!
@@TheWanderingFirefighter Thank you!! I’ll look into these. Have a great one.
Thank you...you too!
You forgot the Knoxville Nationals sprint car race
Thanks! Next time :)
Are the suburbs as nice?
Suburbs are growing like crazy and have most of the newer homes and businesses in the area. Most are pretty nice.
I've lived here for 28 years. I heard my first drive-by shooting and encountered the most racist people right after I moved here. The people can be horribly rude. The phrase "Iowa Nice" is 100% false in the cities. In fact, Des Moines was voted the "#1 city with the rudest drivers in the U.S." Property taxes are also outrageous. I didn't realize this until I compared with friends in other states. I will say life in the country is idealistic. The people in the rural areas are definitely Iowa Nice. The biggest problem with living in the country is the lack of jobs. Des Moines does have a great job market. A lot of people live in the country, and commute to Des Moines. If you want to know how "nice" people in Iowa are, read through the comments on any local news story.
Or read the comments on any news story in any state or in any place in the world on any subject…or on a TH-cam video…lol.
I must say that I have been very intrigued with the differing experiences people have had. I guess differing opinions occurs for any other location in the world as well.
I once moved to Metro Des Moines… stayed there for some years too, and I can tell you right now he is wrong about the people. Everybody there is super grumpy and rude..and they’re assholes on the road too. It is also pretty boreing, and living downtown isn’t worth it. Nothing down there at those prices is worth it🤦🏻♂️… not shitting on Iowa though it’s not a bad place it’s just not for everybody. The suburban areas are a perfect place for raising kids/starting a family!
Sounds like you hung out in the wrong places or with the wrong people, Doug :( Sorry you had a bad experience.
Bonnie& Clyde put ur town on map!
Go IOWA!!
Ha! That’s why we’re so hardcore in the 515!
The instate layout sucks! I-35 doesn’t go true north for at least 10 miles if you’re going to Minnesota!!! My god!!!
Because most interstates go true directions across the country…haha. Not sure of the relevance though :)
Watch your speed. Urbandale, Dizzy Heights, Clive, and West Des Moines police watch all to closely. 26 in a 25 will get you snagged. FYI.
Haha..yeah!
How’s the diversity in ethnicities?
About 70% White, 12% Black, 10% Hispanic, 7% Asian, and 1% Other
Depending on your source…lol…but I’d say that’s pretty accurate.
They tricker treat in literally every city in every state..what the hell
Thanks for watching, Noelle! Do they tell jokes? I’ve been told by people from literally every city in every state that they don’t. That’s the difference. You can watch again to see :)
Here’s this article saying jokes while trick or treating dates back to Des Moines in the 1940s for your reading pleasure. I appreciate your interaction :)
www.nydailynews.com/news/national/midwest-halloween-tradition-calls-jokes-wrote-article-1.2844718
You forgot about tge wrestling tournament
Good call. We'll include that if I ever do a 20 things to know before visting Des Moines...haha
@@TheWanderingFirefighter I'll sub so I can get tge notification
@@bennettdurham-kline6144 Great! Glad to have you aboard, Bennet :)
What about tenderloins?..
@@debbiebasche7760 Oh yes. I may need to make a Wandering Firefighter Iowa Tenderloin tour video sometime!
Does Des Moines have many single ladies in their 20s and 30s?
Well I'm far beyond that age range nowaydays..lol..but there seems to be! And I know Des Moines has a 100 females for every 97 males, so you're already ahead there! haha
There was a survey on TH-cam ranking us as one of the more unkind to people states, go figure.
Would love to see that. Do you have a link? Results would be very surprising to me as I’ve been to a lot of places with a lot more rude people…haha
Plus the best furs come from Rome, Paris and Des Moines
Haha! ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ reference?
The Wandering Firefighter haha yup
And the old "Cownie Furs" building are lofts now, side is still painted that I think lol
That is correct!
Hey the Carlisle school that’s my school
Yeah?? Go Cats!
The video is accurate. I would have liked to hear about attending an Iowa Wild game
Great idea! And we can't leave the good 'ol Des Moines Buccaneers out of the conversation! So many good memories watching those games!
I must have watched the wrong video about the great things of Des Moines.
Not quite sure what that means. Lol
The problem with Des MoINES, is there is not a lot 2 do there, other than the state fair, but that happens just once a year, the real problem is they don't have any professional sports teams,i could see if they have a championship college basketball or football team, but they don't even have that. they don't have a amusement park. my take on the visit i had there was, it's a nice place 2 visit, but not 2 live
I guess I have an opposite view. Not a whole lot to visit but a tremendous place to live :) I can go visit busy places but at the end of the day, I like my quieter home to live in :) I would hate to live somewhere busy…especially with traffic. To each their own, though! (oh, and we have an amusement park and water park in Altoona, just outside of Des Moines :) )
Des Moines does have professional sports teams but they are minor league franchises. The I-Chubs, I mean Cubs, was mentioned in the video. It's not the MLB Cubs but it's their Triple A team, the top Minor League Baseball team in their organization. Same goes for professional hockey. The Iowa Wild is the top Minor League Hockey team of the NHL Minnesota Wild organization. You can often see MLB or NHL players on injury rehab playing with the Iowa Cubs/Iowa Wild or their opponents. Talking about no amusement parks. Have you not heard of Adventureland in Altoona?
i'd say the one real downside is major drug problems throughout iowa. especially meth.
I’ve traveled all over the country and see the worse of Des Moines in my job…I can say with confidence that drugs aren’t just an Iowa problem, unfortunately :(
Great video.
I get your daughter’s joke. It doesn’t make sense. That guarantees a laugh, especially told by kids.
Haha! I still die laughing thinking about the reactions from all the people she told it to.
please dont ever talk about pizza again 😂
It’s basically all I talk about. Haha!
@The Wandering Firefighter it's a good thing to talk about. I'm from NJ so there's so much amazing pizza. Des Moines... not so much 🤣
Dead Moines ... it was, is and always will be lame
I’m glad you enjoyed the video…lol
you're pretty cute! Are you married?
Haha! Thanks for that :) Yes, I have been happily married for closing in on two decades! Lol
Did not like video and I am from iowa
Thank you for the kind words of support…lol
Des moines is in the top 3 worst places in iowa. Only beaten by the quad cities and waterloo.
Thanks for watching, Midget. Glad you enjoyed the video...lol
Casey's pizza is 🗑️
Best garbage I’ve ever had :)