My husband and I moved here from Chicago for a job and a project, and never looked back. Life here is easier than anywhere we've ever lived, because of short commutes (ours is 5 and 6 minutes respectively, because we live very near downtown), and because there's accessibility to everything and everyone. It's true that there are just six degrees of separation in the flat world we live in. But in Des Moines, I'm always able to reach whoever I am looking for. We call it "Des Moines' two degrees of separation." And when you get through to someone, even if he or she is a stranger, they listen and respond. Friendly doesn't begin to describe it. There's an openness here that makes life easier and more satisfying. There are also amazing amounts of sophistication and energy. People travel and bring back the best ideas to implement here. Even the typically boring old guard is not quite so boring here. We love Des Moines, despite our friends' assumption (some here in Des Moines!)that it's a temporary respite from big-city life. We are here to stay.

Carroll Stoner
-Submitted by: carroll

I grew up in Southern California and my wife in Portland Oregon. We've lived in WDM for 14 years and can't imaging living anywhere else.

We've met the friendliest people, we have no traffic, no crime and tremendous school systems. We have tremendous business opportunities and the amenities are growing in number and quality.

It's true, we could use a governor with more common sense, strategic skills and vision - but we're growing in spite of it. In fact, history shows us that there have been amazing and wealthy families in our community who have actually cast the vision and created the growth throughout DSM. I think that's amazing!

I could go on and on - but this is a wonderful town. If you don't think so - hang your hat in So. Cal someday - purchase your 1200 s.f. house for 500K and sit in traffic for 2 hours while your kids go to substandard schools... you'll appreciate our town.

-Jeff
-Submitted by: Jeff

I grew up in Des Moines and always new it was a good place. It took going away to college, moving out of state for my first job, and finally moving back to realize Des Moines is a GREAT place.

I now recognize that Des Moines offers more opportunities for young professionals than the metropolitan cities that surround us. In a larger city, I didn't even know how to begin to become involved. In Des Moines, I can succesfully manage a great career and a number of community activities.
-Submitted by: Jenna

I moved my family here in October of 2005 from Southern California where my wife and I had been born and raised. We could have gone anywhere in the United States, but after a couple visits to Des Moines to visit friends, we were convinced it was right for us...we just didn't know HOW right it was.

The Des Moines metro offers what I'd classify as "easy living" for a family. We have two small children and my wife is a stay at home mom. Des Moines offers a huge variety of activities and classes for the kids, and plenty of adult diversion with enough restaurant choices to challenge even the healthiest eater.

The Des Moines metro combines small town ease with large town amenities...all supported by people with great spirit, ethics, and optimism.

I'm proud to be an Iowan now and when I think back to how much time and energy we used to waste just "being a Californian"...it's truly amazing.

Des Moines is truly a gift and unique in the world today.
-Submitted by: Doug

i like living in greater dsm because of the many opportunities to get involved in my community and have a direct impact in my community! -brando

-Submitted by: text message

the schools
-Submitted by: Text message

I love living and working in Greater Des Moines. My children have the best of both worlds -- a place where Mom and Dad have time to spend with them but they can also experience a world-class city.
-Submitted by: Amanda