I'd rather not elaborate too much. Let's just say there are some business owners in the Des Moines Metro that don't make the majority of their money from the business they advertise.
FBI's most dangerous Iowa cities and towns
- Thread starter Tornado man
- Start date
I'd rather not elaborate too much. Let's just say there are some business owners in the Des Moines Metro that don't make the majority of their money from the business they advertise.
Precisely. I was born in Ames but grew up in Boone and, save the difference in the quality of high schools, all of those served me really well. Granted, if I could come back I'd probably pick Ames for a couple of reasons (better labor market, closer to ISU), but Boone would work fine, too.
-I commuted to ISU, so I graduated zero debt for 5.5 years through my master's
-I started as a sophomore because of credits taken at DMACC, which is a well-run and nice junior college
-US-30 gets you to I-35 in 30 minutes and (down 169 or 35) to I-80 in an hour, so an easy commute to Ames, pushing it a little bit if you're going down to Des Moines, but I know people that do it
-the valley itself is wonderful for all sorts of outdoor activities (boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, etc.)
-the National Guard base, the railroad, and the manufacturing firms in the northeast portion of town mean the economy around there still looks like the 50s--relatively flat income distribution, white men with only a high school degree can get good jobs--and everybody seems to have major nostalgia for that era, so what's not to like?
-then, imagine that with modern technology, an advanced sociological structure, and higher incomes without much of a change in the cost of living/housing prices to go with it
= Boone
Grew up around Boone. Watched as the county (Boone) became the meth capital of Iowa (~15 years ago). While meth still can be an issue, it is harder to produce now due to controlling of the precursors. Recently they have had, what I would consider, way too many murders for a town of 14,000 ish.
That being said, would have no reservations about living there. The post showing the violent crime stats and how CB stacked up with some truly undesirable places to live (perspective brings reality into the mix) shows that even the worst of Iowa isn't that bad on the grand scheme of things.
Presently live / work in FTD, and the town is doing quite a bit to shed its past reputation (economic development, marketing, etc.). Still has a ways to go, but trending in the right direction. The majority of the issues are located in a particular part of town. Once you are outside that, it isn't too bad. In a way we are looking to make strides like Sioux City has been / is doing. Quite a few similarities. River / packing house towns that are no longer packing house towns, newer industries, revitalizing down town, attracting people / businesses to the areas, cleaning up eye sores around town, infrastructure improvements, and so on.
That being said, would have no reservations about living there. The post showing the violent crime stats and how CB stacked up with some truly undesirable places to live (perspective brings reality into the mix) shows that even the worst of Iowa isn't that bad on the grand scheme of things.
Presently live / work in FTD, and the town is doing quite a bit to shed its past reputation (economic development, marketing, etc.). Still has a ways to go, but trending in the right direction. The majority of the issues are located in a particular part of town. Once you are outside that, it isn't too bad. In a way we are looking to make strides like Sioux City has been / is doing. Quite a few similarities. River / packing house towns that are no longer packing house towns, newer industries, revitalizing down town, attracting people / businesses to the areas, cleaning up eye sores around town, infrastructure improvements, and so on.
My favorite Italian place in Chicago was cash only.
I didn't ask. They didn't tell. But lordy that food was good
To be honest, I live in Boone and I think I live right by a what seems to be a former drughouse. Police still go over to the house to check if the current residents are hiding any drugs too.
There was this one time when about 3 cops cars were over there, we were worried something was about to go down so we closed as many windows as we could and stayed away from the windows.
And oh yeah, we've had too many murders recently. At least a couple that have gotten statewide attention.
I remember when I would open the local paper in high school (early 2000s decade) and there would be a meth lab bust like every week in Boone County.
Those days are, for the most part, over, though. There might still be a few around but they cracked down hard.
I lived one time in Redlands, Cali and went twice to watch filming of the Solid Gold Dancers in a month in near hollywood. The first time the hoods stole my CB and the second time they took the rooftop antenna. I did not replace it.
No one is trying to compare these towns to Chicago, east St. Louis, etc. good lord.
but for iowa standards these towns suck.... Having worked two different jobs throughout my time in college in Boone. I hate that place.. Absolutely dreaded bartending there.
but for iowa standards these towns suck.... Having worked two different jobs throughout my time in college in Boone. I hate that place.. Absolutely dreaded bartending there.
The part of town by the power plant, or as I like to refer to it 'sex offender central' is an area I would not be thrilled to walk around
