Presidential Affection: Mamie (Doud) Eisenhower, born in Boone, was the very first president's wife to permit a public kiss by her husband after the Inauguration ceremony.
With a little under 13,000 residents, Boone, IA, has a metropolitan attitude in a micropolitan package, ranking 75 or "extremely livable" by AreaVibes
Presidential Affection: Mamie (Doud) Eisenhower, born in Boone, was the very first president's wife to permit a public kiss by her husband after the Inauguration ceremony.
With a little under 13,000 residents, Boone, IA, has a metropolitan attitude in a micropolitan package, ranking 75 or "extremely livable" by AreaVibes. Courage. Adventure and excitement are part of the city's heritage, as evidenced by its namesake, Colonel Nathan Boone. Though his dad, Daniel Boone, is the one that had songs written for him, Nathan Boone was a pioneer in his own right. The land of Boone, Iowa, was first thoroughly explored by Nathan Boone, earning him high honors and naming rights from Iowa's early settlers.
Most of the folks in Boone have a car, but if you don't, there is no need to fret. Boone has a unique service, Boone County Public Transportation, which is a cross between a taxi and a public bus. A driver will take you from your front door to anywhere you need to go in Boone County. This is also a great way to get to know the city before you move in.
For those that believe life is a highway, there is plenty of access to major thoroughfares to take you anyplace you want to go. Interstate 35 runs north to south to the east of Boone, and you can pick up highway 80 south of the city. This road cuts a straight line from the east coast to the west coast, going all the way from Teaneck, New Jersey to San Francisco, California.
The Des Moines International airport is a quick trip to the south of Boone, and local flights can land even closer at the Municipal Airport.
Taking Care of Business
Boone's city services are on top of their game, constantly taking a proactive approach to handling residents' needs. Both the fire department and the police department hold annual Citizen's Academies to help the locals better understand roles and responsibilities. Ever wanted to slide down a fire pole or ride in a police car with the lights flashing? This is your chance to fulfill your childhood dream!
The City Council is active, and public committee meetings welcome comments from the community on important issues affecting the airport, libraries, utilities and more. The Mayor of Boone is focused on economic development so that all Boone residents can enjoy good jobs, offering a variety of attractive financial incentives for businesses. Ready to start your own company? While your plan to open a pet rock shop might not qualify, some of your other brilliant ideas could become reality in Boone.
Speaking of business, don't forget any of the important paperwork when you start hunting for a home; copies of your ID, bank statements, letters of reference, a recent credit report are some of the essentials needed to lock in a deal.
Choosing the Boone neighborhood that's right for you depends on your vision of an ideal lifestyle. There are four general areas to choose from:
Downtown Boone: Downtown Boone is as close as you will get to urban living, but you still have all of the benefits of suburbia. The things you need are in walking distance, but you don't have to worry about crowds of people and massive traffic jams. A lot of the buildings date back to the early 20th century, which adds some historic flavor to the area.
Despite its proximity to the Municipal Airport, Cedar Pointe Golf Course and a large array of parks, downtown prices are affordable and easy to secure. For a modest monthly payment, you can unpack your boxes in one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments for rent, or single-family homes with three or four bedrooms. If you're looking for serviced apartments in Boone, there are some available in the larger apartment complexes.
The Neighborhood West of Downtown: This section includes a fascinating piece of Boone history, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Homes have a turn of the (20th) century feel, and there are plenty of apartments to choose from. Townhouses are more common in this section of the city, and prices here are quite reasonable.
The Long Stretch North of Downtown: In this area, you'll find a rural atmosphere, starting off with city blocks and fading into longer and longer gaps between roads. Home prices are comfortable, and you can rent an apartment in one of the large complexes, or you can select from rental homes in a variety of sizes. There is plenty of housing for rent, so take your time in looking through your options.
Fraser: Fraser is a little more expensive than other areas in town, but that's because the rental houses and mobile homes available here come with so much space. This section of the city is particularly popular with micro-farmers
When friends and family come to visit, they are sure to wonder how you stay busy. There is too much to show them in just a few days, but here is a small sample of ways to wow them:
Walk across the Kate Shelley High Bridge, named in honor of the woman who, in 1881, averted disaster by warning an oncoming train that the bridge had been washed out.
Sample one of the 18 award-winning wines at Snus Hill Winery.
Indulge your need for speed at the Boone Speedway, which hosts the annual IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals.
Get outside at Seven Oaks Recreation, where you can ski, snowboard, and tube in the winter, and hike, bike, and boat in the summer. When the weather is good, you can even stalk and shoot your buddies in the paintball field!
Festivals and Fun
Every July, the Boone County Fair attracts people from all over Iowa. In addition to the 4-H shows you would normally expect, this fair features some extra special attractions, such as the Truck Pull, the Demo Derby, and the Mud Race. Pigs aren't the only ones who will need to be hosed off after those events.
Don't worry the fairgrounds don't sit vacant when the excitement ends. There is a variety of entertainment scheduled year round, including holiday activities, equestrian shows, and agility training for dogs. Perhaps a solution to tire out that playful pup that tears through your house like a hurricane?
Since 1976, the folks of Boone live in anticipation of the annual Pufferbilly Days Festival, which honors the railway heritage of the area. Since it is always held the week after Labor Day, it adds an extra few days to summer fun.
All in all, Boone is an ideal city for Midwestern living. Residents are known for their hospitality, and within a few days of your move, you will feel like a part of the community.
