I need assistance on where to relocate?!
 

My husband and I are both in our middle 20's, we have a two year old daughter and we want to relocate....Ovbiously we want to relocate somewhere that is clean,safe and has good schools. We currently live in southeast Iowa and we would like to stay somewhere in Iowa,Wisconsin or Minn, We just cant figure out which is the best answer. I have done research on these states but its not the same as talking to somebody that has had experiences in these areas. All ideas and imput would be GREAT! My husband is a union electrician and I am (for now) a stay at home mom,so our options are pretty open.... THANK YOU SO MUCH for any advice!

There are many, many areas in those three states that are clean, safe, with good schools. Some sample questions to ask yourself in order to narrow your search: Do you prefer big cities or small towns? Do you like cultural activities like theater, symphony, ballet or outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing--or both? Does the religious make-up of your area matter to you? What do you enjoy doing? There are many more questions, but I think you get my drift.

Have you ever taken one of those where should I live quizzes? I think there is one on money.com or something

We lived in Northfield, MN for 3 years and found it pretty ideal. It's close enough to the Twin Cities, but has its own culture thanks to two very fine colleges in town, Carleton and St. Olaf's. Great schools, charming town. I highly recommend it.

Other than we want to live in a somewhat smaller city but we would like to live near larger cities for things to do,we arent looking for anything real specific. We would ovbiously like a family friendly area,where there are things for us to do as a family.Where we live now there is nothing to do (other than go to the park and play outside the house). Our area doesnt offer much for children as well.

If I were to relocate I would go to a college town; so Newbe's choice of Northfield seems ideal. It is a beautiful town; small and personal yet allthe cultural opportunities of two great colleges. If you start longing for the big city or its shopping opportunities it is very close to the southern side of the Twin cities and the MOA. That being said I have another thought for you. I love Ames Iowa. My daughter is a Junior there and we visit often (we're from Eagan, mn). It is a great little town with many advantages; great college, wonderful churches; lots of culture, close to Des Moines but also to camping and lakes. Ames has pretty good shopping - it is a college town; but is also close to an outlet mall in Story City as well as wonderful shopping in Des Moines. The people seem very friendly - 0h and I think it was Money mag who voted them the number 2 small town in America. The weather in Ames is warmer than Mn - seems like summer is one week longer on either end and more mild all winter. Lots to think about but the bottom line is I think if you looked into college towns you could begin to narrow your search.

The two places that come to my mind are Madison & Minneapolis.