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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, two years ago we left DC for Iowa. Both DH and I are born and raised natives so it was a HUGE move not only for us but for our families as well. Here's what we found:
My base salary increased by 40K, my bonus increased 70K
DH salary decreased by 20K, his bonus stayed the same
Private school tuition for two kids dropped from 52K to 12K
Our 4BR, 3BA brand new house with upgraded everything, acre lot and full landscaping in what is considered 'the best' neighborhood cost 525K
We joined the local golf/tennis/swim club for 3K per year
My daughter's music teacher costs $200/semester for private lessons thru the local university's community music program
My commute is 7 minutes, DH is 12 minutes.
I never drive more than 10 minutes for any errand or shopping.
We have made a lot of really good friends, so many that we're woefully behind on reciprocating invitations so we need to have a big patio party soon.

To be honest, we were really apprehensive, but we've been here 2  years and you couldn't pay us enough to move back to the rat race. I know people will prattle on about museums, etc. but in all honesty, how often did you avail yourself to all the cultural aspects of the city? If you find that yes, you take full advantage of the museums, ballet, theater, etc. then you probably wont' be happy here. If not, you may find you have a lot to gain in a slower paced environment.

To another point, yes, there is the keep up with the Jones' everywhere you go, but the Jones' have less here then they do in DC so keeping up is pretty easy. That and people think its really tacky to talk about how your kid is taking calculus in the 7th grade :)

The state college system is pretty good. If you are an Iowa resident and your kid scores decently on exams and grades they can go to one of the 3 state universities for peanuts. Most of the Iowa private colleges (including Grinnell where DS is going in the fall) offer Iowa kids generous scholarships just for being Iowan.

All in all, its not for everyone but its worth checking out. West Des Moines is very nice, lots of jobs and tons of growth going on right now.

Good luck :)[/quote]

Not OP, but what is the weather like in Iowa?  I hate cold and long winters.  I've always had that impression of Iowa.  But maybe I'm wrong.[/quote

Iowa is brutal cold in february - I spent a month in Iowa in Feb 2014 and I felt like I was in siberia. [/quote]

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