Boone or Marshalltown?

[dtISU]

Serious question for CFers...After being stuck in the wasteland of B1G territory for too many years, I've been presented with two seperate employment opportunities. One is in Marshalltown and one is in Boone. Both positions are very similar and the pay is just about the same. The last time I lived in Iowa was the day I graduated, so I'm looking for advice. Which offer should I take? Either one gets me back in Cyclone country and the cost of housing seems to be much less in Marshalltown. But I'm sure there's a reason. The kids are out of the house, so school quality is not an issue. So this is where I turn to you, my CF family for advice. Which one?

 

[3TrueFans]

The answer to this question, and many others, is "not Marshalltown".

 

[Wesley]

Live in Ames and commute to Boone.

 

[chuckd4735]

Death.

 

[brianhos]

Ugh, horrible choices. I would choose Boone because it is closer to Ames.

 

[dtISU]

What's the deal with M-town? House prices average about $60 - $75/sq ft, while in Boone they're more in the $130 - $160 range.

 

[3TrueFans]

Live in Ames, not that it's cheaper, it's just not Boone. And they're both not Marshalltown.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Take Boone job but don't live there.

 

[chuckd4735]

Live in Ames and commute to Boone.

This. Its 15 miles, and well worth the commute.

 

[ISU_phoria]

Live in Ames and commute to Boone.

Good call - I think this is the approach I would take if I faced the OP's situation! There should be some good housing options in west Ames.

 

[aeroclone]

Live in Ames and commute to Boone.

I don't have a lot of knowledge of either Boone or Marshalltown, but this was the first thing that popped in to my mind as well. Living in Ames and commuting would seem like the way to go.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Marshalltown really isn't that bad, just blue collar.

 

[BigSkyCy2]

I'm not sure what my city did to all of you guys, but there is nothing wrong with living in Boone.

 

[dtISU]

I'm leaning toward Boone because i'd be 15 minutes from JTS and Hilton, but it doesn't seem like there's much going on in Boone.

 

[alarson]

I'm not sure what my city did to all of you guys, but there is nothing wrong with living in Boone.

When its that close to ames, ames is a much better option for living.

 

[BooneCy]

I am selling my house in Boone. So, move to Boone and buy my house. In all seriousness, I wouldn't even question it. Boone is a better option than Marshalltown. You are closer to Ames, and I prefer the community. I would stay in Boone, if I didn't commute to West Des Moines every day for work.

 

[Cyballz]

I'm leaning toward Boone because i'd be 15 minutes from JTS and Hilton, but it doesn't seem like there's much going on in Boone.

And there is in Marshalltown?

 

[cdnlngld]

Boone is much closer to ames..... Live in Ames, commute to Boone. I grew up in Boone. when I was a kid it wasn't too bad of a place to live..... nowadays it seems to be going down hill. I currently live in Ames and consider myself an Amesian?.. Amesenite?..... and no longer a Boonite. I love living in Ames and would never consider living in Marshaltown. I have never spent a whole lot of time in MT but understand it can be quite the rough town.

Also your added costs to living in boone are probably because of its proximity to DM. From what I hear the cost of living in Boone is getting comparable to living in Ames. I' sure the taxes are lower in Boone, but Boone always seems to be short of money.

 

[nrg4isu]

I'm from Marshalltown originally. It's gotten worse over the years, but there are still some places that aren't too bad. That being said, I agree with others. Live in Ames, commute to Boone if at all possible.

 

[gocy444]

There are some nice parts of Boone, other parts make you want to hurry home and take a shower.