|
|
Post by gary on Feb 9, 2018 15:18:47 GMT -5
Anybody thinking of Chicago as a possible landing spot should be aware of the peculiar Chicago lunacy known as “dibs.” For example:  |
|
|
|
Post by harp on Feb 9, 2018 15:38:12 GMT -5
I'm not in Chicago, but I will defend cibs to the death.
In a different, non-dibs city, I once shoveled out my space beautifully because my small car cannot clear large embankments of snow. My a-hole neighbor with an SUV didn't shovel out his space at all. I'll give you one guess as to which space he took when she came home. And I'll give you one guess as to who got to shovel out a second space.
Compared to that madness, dibs is quite civilized.
|
|
|
|
Post by tripper on Feb 9, 2018 15:50:09 GMT -5
I love my current office. I have to transfer back home because of family. That's pretty much the end of the analysis. Nothing is more important to me than my family. ETA: And I love my old office, too. This is exactly my situation. |
|
|
|
Post by jagvet on Feb 9, 2018 17:20:05 GMT -5
Anybody thinking of Chicago as a possible landing spot should be aware of the peculiar Chicago lunacy known as “dibs.” For example: Thanks, Gary. My wife's flight there yesterday got cancelled on account of blizzard. I have to be there next week! |
|
|
|
Post by jagvet on Feb 9, 2018 17:22:12 GMT -5
On transfers, consider state income tax, housing costs, quality of life, in addition to family needs. I doubt many people transfer because someone in their office is a jerk. Maybe the jerk will transfer, too!
|
|
|
|
Post by goldenretrievermom on Feb 13, 2018 0:05:19 GMT -5
True, but on the other hand, I’m in a city that hardly anyone would see as desirable, but the office itself is so great that I am hesitant to consider transferring. What was it Forrest Gump said life was like? Assuming you're somewhat married to your ALJship, I'd sure choose the great office. Ya know what they say about a happy spouse. . . . |
|
|
|
Post by desert2beach on Feb 13, 2018 10:04:14 GMT -5
As silly/obvious as it might sound, I'd also ask or research what the customary expenses are for the area so that your cost comparison is truly accurate. For example, if you live in the south, you may pay a landscaper to cut your lawn. If you move to the north, you may have that expense, plus the expense of snowplowing in the winter.
We moved between two similar climates and expected expenses to be largely the same. Alas, they were not as there were things we had to pay for in the new location that we didn't pay for in the old location.
|
|
|
|
Post by neufenland on Feb 13, 2018 13:57:45 GMT -5
This has probably been asked, but out of curiosity, after the initial 15 months, how easy would it be to transfer to the NHC locations in Baltimore or Falls Church?
My understanding is that it can be difficult to go back to the DC area (hence, be prepared for a five-year stint at the initial assignment), but through some research in other corners of the internet, it was suggested that the NHCs make going to DC a little easier after the 15 months.
Is this completely wrong, or is it so situationally-dependent that a meaningful answer really can’t be given?
I understand I’ve put the cart way before the horse here, but it’s certainly on my mind as the process goes on.
|
|
|
|
Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 8, 2018 6:51:44 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Pixie on Apr 8, 2018 7:30:42 GMT -5
Interesting. Note the article said the resulting salaries assume homeowners aren't spending more than the recommended 30% of their income on housing. I have heard from one board member that the housing costs in NYC are closer to 50% of income. NYC was the highest required salary about $418,000. Washington, DC was relatively mild at approximately $155,000. |
|
|
|
Post by Prrple on Apr 8, 2018 14:23:30 GMT -5
Interesting information.
Kansas City, Mo.
Salary required for a 10% down payment: $29,036
Salary required for a 20% down payment: $24,000
Median home price: $110,827
Brings a song to mind ... Kansas City here I come
|
|
|
|
Post by Pixie on Apr 8, 2018 16:01:18 GMT -5
And then, of course, Wilbert Harrison had the original hit:
|
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 10, 2018 21:11:39 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 11, 2018 19:05:45 GMT -5
So since there is plenty of time until the next cert  , thought i would post some of the little snippets from my above linked post. Unfortunately, for all of you, I'll be offering some of my own commentary along the way  #1 Austin, Texas No, there is no ALJ office that i know of in Austin, although oddly enough, it was an option on the last GAL. However, as the top pick, it should at least be mentioned. People are drawn to the Texas capital's music, outdoor spaces and cultural institutions. Austin was established along the Colorado River on the edge of the Hill Country in 1839. Originally named "Waterloo," Austin remains rich in history, from the bronze statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan that greets visitors near the river, to the stately Capitol that anchors downtown, to the LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas at Austin. Named the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin has a plethora of music venues and local bands to entertain endless crowds. However, musicians should think about finances before moving, as many say it's difficult to make a living in music in Austin. Still, a number of well-established locales are regularly booked and host major musical acts. The metro area is home to banner music festivals like Austin City Limits, a two-weekend-long fall event featuring major headliners and lesser-known acts, as well as South by Southwest, an annual set of film, interactive media and music festivals held in March. Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest has become beloved as a pioneering festival of progressive music and comedy. Rankings U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there. Austin, Texas is ranked: #1 in Best Places to Live #9 in Best Places to Retire 7.7 Overall SCORECARD Desirability8.9 Value7.1 Job Market7.4 Quality of Life7.1 Net Migration 9.4 Austin, TX Quick Stats 1,942,615 (WHAT?  ) METRO POPULATION $50,830 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY 79.7° / 54.8° AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS 33.9 MEDIAN AGE $278,608 MEDIAN HOME PRICE 32.2 inches AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL 3.2% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE $1,098 MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT 26.4 minutes (ha, NOT) AVG COMMUTE TIME What's the cost of living in Austin, TX? Austin is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. That may be great news for the local economy, but a tough pill to swallow for people shopping for a home. The median sale price for a single-family home in Austin is well above the national median. However, Austinites' pocketbooks benefit from no personal(!) or corporate income tax, and a low state and local tax rate. Index Score: 7.1 /10 Austin offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income. Housing Costs this Year Austin $278,608 USA $222,408 What's the weather like in Austin, TX? Summers in Austin take some getting used to, with temperatures often scorching and humid. The metro area experiences mild weather throughout the rest of the year, though temperatures have been known to drop in the winter. Seasonal Temperature (Avgs) 50.6°F Winter 67.2°F Spring 82.7°F Summer 68.4°F Fall Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs) 2.4 in Winter 2.7 in Spring 4.4 in Summer 4.0 in Fall Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. What's the best way to get around Austin, TX? Austin is among the nation's worst metro areas for traffic congestion. Austin's traffic problem can be addressed with flexible work schedules, due diligence when choosing a neighborhood and, for those wanting to get in some exercise while commuting, using public transportation, walking and biking. The metro area's public transit system, Capital Metro, operates more than 80 bus routes and a 32-mile rail line. Texans love to drive though, and for those craving the wind-in-the-hair feeling, State Highway 130 offers miles of tolled lanes with the highest speed limit in the western hemisphere: 85 miles per hour  .Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just a few miles from downtown and has about 300 daily flights. Amtrak trains and intercity buses also service the metro area. Commuting in Austin, TX Means of Transportation Driving 86% Equal to national average Bicycling 1% Equal to national average Walking 2% Equal to national average Public Transit 2% Below national average Average Commute Time What is there to do in Austin, TX? Residents like to escape the urban bustle with a hike, bicycle ride, jog, kayak or canoe ride in one of more than 250 parks. Austinites also love to watch sports, and enjoy wearing burnt orange to cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns, tailgating at football games and packing the school's basketball arena. Austin also hosts the X Games and Formula One races at the Circuit of The Americas. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin houses many establishments where residents can enjoy good tunes. Those who are looking for a great dining experience will enjoy Austin's bustling culinary scene, featuring an endless array of food trucks and high-quality, esteemed restaurants. My thoughts: Surprised Austin is #1. Great town but housing costs, road congestion, and summers are why I'm surprised. Chris' pick (apparently i have self designated myself an "expert" on such matters): Austin should clearly be in top 25. Hello Medicare, this would not be a bad spot for a new office..... |
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 11, 2018 19:15:31 GMT -5
#2 What's it like to live in Colorado Springs, CO?
Personally, I'd place C Springs above Austin. Below is what the REAL experts have to say....
Colorado Springs might not jump off the map as an economic or cultural hub the way larger metro areas like Denver do. But in a quieter, gentler way, Colorado Springs has much to offer, including a low cost of living, a low unemployment rate and a variety of recreation and entertainment options.
Colorado Springs attracts students, professionals and military personnel to the area with a cache of military bases and nationally ranked colleges. Plus, construction in Colorado Springs is booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks and cultural attractions.
This area, which is filled with natural wonders of its own, has the additional allure of proximity to ski resorts like Aspen and Vail without the associated steep costs of living and high levels of traffic. And even though its quaint downtown doesn't have a Bloomingdale's or Lord & Taylor, Denver's lineup of storefronts is just an hour's drive away.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Colorado Springs, Colorado is ranked:
#2 in Best Places to Live
#44 in Best Places to Retire
7.6
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability10.0
Value7.2
Job Market7.3
Quality of Life7.2
Net Migration 7.0
Read how we rank places
Colorado Springs, CO Quick Stats
688,643
METRO POPULATION
$49,450
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
62.1° / 35.7°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
34.3
MEDIAN AGE
$255,233
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
16.5 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.1%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$1,013
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
22.7 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO?
The overall cost of living in Colorado Springs is slightly more expensive compared with the national average, but residents spend slightly less than the average American for groceries, utilities and transportation. Housing costs are also higher in Colorado Springs, and the average income is on par with the national average.
Index Score: 7.2 /10
How we calculate this.
Colorado Springs offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Colorado Springs
$255,233
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Colorado Springs, CO.
What's the weather like in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs' climate is sunny, dry and generally milder than you might expect!!!! The occasional blizzard has been known to happen (usually in late winter or early spring).
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
30.8°F
Winter 47.2°F
Spring
68.2°F
Summer 49.5°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
0.3 in
Winter 2.0 in
Spring
3.3 in
Summer 1.2 in
Fall
Monthly High and Low Temperatures (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Colorado Springs, CO?
You will need a car to get around Colorado Springs. Mountain Metro Transit, the region's public bus system, is prominent in the downtown area and along major thoroughfares, though service is limited in residential neighborhoods.
Colorado Springs is fairly walkable, particularly in the downtown area. It has myriad foot paths and one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of bike lanes/paths in the country. Cool.....
The metro area has a municipal airport, which makes connections in Denver for other national and international destinations. Greyhound also has a terminal in Colorado Springs.
Commuting in Colorado Springs, CO
Means of Transportation
Driving 88%
Above national average
Bicycling 0% yeah, biking up mountains makes for a tough commute....
Equal to national average
Walking 3%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 1%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
22.7 minutes
3.4 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Average Commute
21.7 minutes
Zip Code 80916
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs is home to a sizable retiree community. More than a tenth of the population is over the age of 65. As the area military members retire, they often stay close to the nearby military bases for medical care, shopping privileges and a fairly low cost of living.
The metro area is also home to a decent number of millennials who help bring the median age of the community down to 34.
Although almost every major world religion is reflected in Colorado Springs' population, the region has predominantly attracted a large influx of Evangelical Christians.
What is there to do in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs' scenic mountain landscape lends itself well to outdoor activities. Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails criss-cross the region's urban and open spaces, while stunning geological features like Garden of the Gods – a public park featuring large formations of red sandstone rocks – and Seven Falls – a set of cascading waterfalls – are tucked between residential areas of town. Meanwhile, the views from Pikes Peak are well worth the drive up the mountain.
Opportunities to ski and snowboard are within a few hours' drive, while the U.S. Olympic Training Center is a great place to go to watch the experts in action.
Those with an interest in the Wild West can tour the Old Colorado City historic district, a neighborhood filled with pioneer-style buildings now housing souvenir shops and art galleries. The area is also home to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, beautiful Victorian houses in the Old North End and a historic and fun downtown with many restaurants that won't break your budget – and a few restaurants that will.
Find out more about what there is to see and do in Colorado Springs, CO
|
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 11, 2018 19:20:27 GMT -5
#3 Denver
What's it like to live in Denver, CO?
Founded in the mid-1800s as a mining hub during the gold rush, Denver has come a long way since its Wild West days. Over time, its residents have evolved from gun-slinging gamblers into an easygoing crowd of ambitious, progressive-minded fitness fanatics and nature lovers who are eager to push the envelope on everything from civil rights to drug laws. Nicknamed the Mile High City for its 5,280-foot elevation (although officially reported as 5,279 feet), Denver's location at the base of the Rocky Mountains provides a gateway to a slew of outdoor pursuits, although it is probably best known for its devout ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
To clarify a common misconception, Denver is not a mountain town. It actually takes at least an hour to drive to the Rockies. But there are some great places for recreating within a 30-minute drive of downtown, such as Red Rocks Park and Cherry Creek State Park.
Some might say that Denver is experiencing a gold rush of a different color: green. After Colorado residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, Denver has seen a surge in cannabis-related commerce, from dispensaries to magazines to high-tech paraphernalia like vaporizers, rolling papers, lotions and storage containers – and the industry is just gaining speed.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Denver, Colorado is ranked:
#3 in Best Places to Live
#50 in Best Places to Retire
7.5
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability8.4
Value7.2
Job Market8.1
Quality of Life6.7
Net Migration 7.9
Read how we rank places
Denver, CO Quick Stats
2,752,056
METRO POPULATION
$55,910
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
64.6° / 36.2°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
36.2
MEDIAN AGE
$362,492
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
14.3 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
2.6% (wow, that's great!)
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$1,119
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
27.3 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Denver, CO?
Over the last few years, Denver has experienced a population boom, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. As a result, the cost of living has dramatically increased, with housing costs seeing one of the biggest hikes. The average home sale price in Denver is now significantly higher than the national average.
Index Score: 7.2 /10
How we calculate this.
Denver offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Denver
$362,492
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Denver, CO.
What's the weather like in Denver, CO?
Although the weather in Denver is generally sunny and dry, it can be subject to quick bursts of rain, snow, hail and lightning thanks to its geographical relation to the foothills of the mountains. The local rule of thumb is that if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes for it to change again. Those unfamiliar with the Mile High City may think that winters are bad, but Denver usually experiences bright blue skies and powdery snow that melts by noon.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
31.1°F
Winter 48.3°F
Spring
71.4°F
Summer 50.9°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
0.4 in
Winter 2.1 in
Spring
2.2 in
Summer 1.0 in
Fall
Monthly High and Low Temperatures (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Denver, CO?
Despite being a very eco-friendly community, many people in Denver have cars. The highways are becoming more crowded during rush hour as commuters make their way between downtown Denver and its outlying commercial areas like the Denver Tech Center to the south and Broomfield to the north.
Some Denver neighborhoods are walkable; however, most of the metro area is too spread out for much more than strolling. Many people prefer to use bikes instead, and there are more than 85 miles of paved trails throughout the metro area for cyclists(oooh). The Denver-based bike sharing company, B-cycle, provides access to roughly 700 bikes at 88 stations across the metro area.
The RTD light rail – an above-ground tramway – is another popular mode of transportation, especially for commuters. The latest expansion of the light rail provides service to Boulder and the Denver International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the country. RTD also provides commuter bus service throughout the area, while Amtrak and Greyhound offer ground transportation to nearby metro areas.
Commuting in Denver, CO
Means of Transportation
Driving 85%
Equal to national average
Bicycling 1%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 4%
Equal to national average
Average Commute Time
27.3 minutes
1.2 minutes more than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
Who lives in Denver, CO?
Many Denverites are out-of-state transplants. Between 2010 and 2014, the metro area experienced one of the largest influxes of domestic migrants in the country. Due to the mix of people, the majority of Denver's residents are open-minded and have led the metro area to many progressive milestones, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and recreational marijuana use.
Denver's population is fairly young, with millennials making up about 22 percent of the population. The Mile High City is also known as a good area for singles since the male-to-female ratio is 50/50.
Less than 40 percent of the Denver population identifies as religious, with the majority of them practicing Catholicism. Other religions represented in the community include other forms of Christianity, Judaism and several Eastern religions.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Denver as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Denver, CO?
Denver offers more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and playgrounds. In fact, many of Denver's most prominent neighborhoods are built around and named after such beloved green spaces like Washington Park, City Park, Cheesman Park and Sloan's Lake. The metro area's proximity to the Rocky Mountains also creates numerous opportunities for residents to ski and snowboard in the winter.
Denver is also home to a flourishing arts scene, and music is a big part of life here. Numerous famous acts originated here at high altitude, including The Fray and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
There are also nearly 100 breweries in metro Denver, and the sudsy area is host to the annual Great American Beer Festival that showcases more than 3,800 beers from 800 breweries around the country.
|
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 11, 2018 19:22:58 GMT -5
#4 is Des Moines, uh, that's great...? well, I'm off to something else so we will all have to wait to find out what makes Des Moines sparkle in these rankings.
|
|
|
|
Post by christina on Apr 11, 2018 21:19:42 GMT -5
What's it like to live in Des Moines, IA? The capital of this so-called flyover state may not top your to-visit list, but Des Moines is a great place to live and raise a family. Elegant colonial and Tudor-style homes built in the early 1900s hide in quiet neighborhoods minutes from buzzy downtown, where lofts and condos draw the millennial crowd (cool but TELL me about Winter puhlease). Many families with kids flock to the suburbs where new housing developments continually pop up. And there's plenty to do and see in Des Moines. Cultural events and festivals draw all ages to the downtown area. One-of-a-kind shops, locally owned restaurants and hip bars enliven entertainment districts. And plenty of bike trails and parks (and even a few lakes) provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. hmmm... The metro area of more than 600,000 has a small-town, know-your-neighbor feel to it. It's a place where you'll bump into people you know at the grocery store and get invited to backyard barbecues. Newcomers, take note: The people of Des Moines are some of the nicest you'll ever meet. Rankings U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there. Des Moines, Iowa is ranked: #4 in Best Places to Live #16 in Best Places to Retire 7.3 Overall SCORECARD Desirability5.5 Value8.5 Job Market7.3 Quality of Life7.0 Net Migration 7.5 Read how we rank places Des Moines, IA Quick Stats 611,755 (doable) METRO POPULATION $49,420 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY 60.3° / 41.4° AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS 35.6 MEDIAN AGE $181,217 MEDIAN HOME PRICE 36.0 inches AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL 2.9% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE $831 MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT 20.1 minutes AVG COMMUTE TIME What's the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? The cost of living in Des Moines is lower than the national average. Housing prices in Des Moines proper are well below the national median. Downtown, housing costs tend to be especially reasonable. But venture out to suburban areas like West Des Moines, Ankeny and Urbandale, and home prices increase. Index Score: 8.5 /10 How we calculate this. Des Moines offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income. Housing Costs this Year Des Moines $181,217 USA $222,408 Housing Costs Over Time Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Des Moines, IA. What's the weather like in Des Moines, IA? In the winter, expect a handful of snow days (really? a "handful" as in for a giant? ) and low temps. At the first sign of spring, eager school kids wear shorts and flip-flops, even if it's only 50 degrees out. Iowans relish late spring and summertime when temperatures warm. August is often hot and humid, while fall is typically cool and pleasant for football games, tailgating and trips to area orchards. Not sure I'm buying this temperature description.. Seasonal Temperature (Avgs) 25.3°F Winter 51.1°F Spring 74.1°F Summer 52.6°F Fall Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs) 1.4 in Winter 4.7 in Spring 4.9 in Summer 3.1 in Fall Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. What's the best way to get around Des Moines, IA? Navigating Des Moines is easy, but you'll need a car. Unfortunately, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority only offers limited bus service on nights and weekends. Downtown Des Moines and the historic East Village are walkable, and certain streets have bike lanes. Des Moines also offers the BCycle bike-share program. Plus, downtown has a skywalk system, which makes getting around downtown on foot more comfortable on chilly days- oohhh, so maybe i could live in an apt in this skywalk system? Des Moines International Airport is a 15-minute drive from downtown and is serviced by American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air. Charter buses also stop in the region, while Amtrak trains stop in Osceola, about an hour south of Des Moines. Commuting in Des Moines, IA Means of Transportation Driving 92% Above national average Bicycling 0% Equal to national average Walking 2% Equal to national average Public Transit 1% Below national average Average Commute Time 20.1 minutes 6.0 minutes less than national average Average Commute Times by Zip Code + - Who lives in Des Moines, IA? Des Moines' strong job market, low cost of living and entertainment options have lured many young professionals to the metro area. In fact, many area homebuyers are between 25 and 34 years old. Young families are part of that buying boom, and the fast-expanding surrounding suburbs are known for top-notch schools and clean, safe neighborhoods. Residents of Des Moines are well-educated, with almost 90 percent obtaining a high school degree and a quarter receiving a bachelor's degree. Almost half of metro area's residents consider themselves religious. The most prevalent affiliations are mainline Protestant, evangelical Protestant and Catholic. Age Distribution Marital Status Breakdown Fewer single people in Des Moines than national average Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. What is there to do in Des Moines, IA? Residents enjoy the performing arts at a number of different venues, including the Civic Center and the Wells Fargo Arena. For outdoorsy types, the metro area boasts 600 miles of biking and walking trails, and the nearby Ledges State Park and Jester Park are great for hiking and camping. Baseball fans cheer on the minor league Iowa Cubs. Other favorites include the Iowa Wolves (basketball), the Des Moines Buccaneers (hockey), the Iowa Wild (hockey) and the Iowa Barnstormers (arena football). From May through October, the downtown farmers market spreads out across eight blocks in the Court District, and festivals like the Des Moines Arts Festival in June energize the region. And, yes, locals do visit the annual Iowa State Fair to glimpse the life-size butter cow sculpture and taste the latest food on a stick. |
|
|
|
Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 11, 2018 22:11:42 GMT -5
It's late, I'm on the board, reading other posts. I run across a post about Des Moines, and the ADD kicks in. Down the rabbit trail I go, to find where they came up with such an unusual name. Here's what Wiki has to say:
Des Moines
Etymology
From the French name of the nearby Rivière des Moines, which superficially means "river of the monks" and has traditionally been interpreted as a reference to the Trappist monks who settled along it. "It is more likely, however, to be a name of Native American origin, recorded in a 1673 text as moinguena", a Miami designation of the Moingona. The precise interpretation is uncertain; see Moingona.
There you go folks, a bit of trivia. Maybe it'll be a Jeopardy answer someday.
|
|
|
|
Post by stevil on Apr 12, 2018 9:09:14 GMT -5
I went to Law school in Des Moines a very long time ago. I can tell you that the winters can be bitter (windy), and you'd best check flood plains before you buy or rent anything near the river. Otherwise, I enjoyed being there (except for most of that law school thing - did anyone reeeeally enjoy law school?).
|
|
, thought i would post some of the little snippets from my above linked post. Unfortunately, for all of you, I'll be offering some of my own commentary along the way 
) 
.