Living in Des Moines

We moved to Des Moines 18 mo ago.  A cold winter day, after 20 years in a small town we moved to the city.  Never a day goes by that we regret this decision.  Every opportunity I have I walk/jog around Gray's Lake and I'm amazed at the diversity.  I know Iowa is very "white", but Des Moines is not. It is refreshing to head over there on a beautiful day and see families of all backgrounds enjoying the day, as well.  The medical worker taking a walk, still in her scrubs.  Her colleagues up ahead visiting as they walk.  One dark skinned the other not.  The young couple, too.  I'm sure they knew they needed to take baby out on this beautiful day and use the stroller that they bought when they found out they were expecting.  Daddy pushing, admiring this beautiful child.   Iowa is known for it's welcoming spirit and over the years has open homes and communities to refugees of all kinds. The Iowa International Center website has a great PPT by John Wilkens that overviews this issue- http://iowainternationalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/John-Wilkens-powerpoint.pdf.  I love it here and never miss an opportunity to try to convince friends and family alike to join us in moving to this great place.  Not only am I reminded of what a great place Des Moines is by my walks around Gray's Lake, I see it by it's booming economy and great cultural and entertainment spaces. John and I love that we can head up to Jasper Winery on any Thursday evening in the summer and enjoy a concert on the lawn or have several choices of lovely, welcoming restaurant patio's within close proximity to our neighborbood.  In a recent National Journal article @ http://www.nationaljournal.com/next-america/population-2043/do-the-most-hipster-thing-possible-move-to-des-moines-20141016, it was said "Des Moines is a large living room. There's this homey feel....."  The author also mentioned "there's a T-shirt shop and community staple in East Village called Raygun. It's cushioned between foodie restaurants and basement bars, and provides ironic wear for the otherwise earnest customers who frequent the neighborhood. One of their most popular shirt designs is a perfect expression of the ambition and slight exasperation of the locals here: "Des Moines, Iowa: Let us exceed your already low expectations." I love it!!! Please join us in doing the same.  And if you can't move here, that's ok.  Just take time to come visit and if you do, take a walk around Gray's Lake, I hope you get the same wonderful feelings I do.