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Jordan Cooper living

What I wish I knew before living in Des Moines

Random thought, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 53°F, so expect cold winters. It's a a mid-size city city with about 212K people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
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Isabella Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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