The Best of Both Worlds: From Southwest Florida to Greater Des Moines
When Ray and Pat Carroll’s daughter and her husband, Betsy and Matthew, moved to Greater Des Moines (DSM) 15 years ago, Ray and Pat didn’t think that someday they would be buying the house next door to their grandchildren. Today, while keeping their home in Naples – where their son lives with his family – Ray and Pat enjoy the best of both worlds: life in Iowa and Florida; spending part of each year as residents in Naples and DSM.
“It’s all about family,” Pat shared. When their oldest grandson didn’t make it to Florida for the annual summer visit, Ray and Pat knew that if they wanted to be a part of his life, they needed to be closer. “It was an easy decision, and the real estate market is strong and prices are reasonable, so we bought a house.”
There’s a lot the Carrolls love about DSM. Whether it’s the beautiful colors of fall, the snow in the winter or the shows at the Des Moines Civic Center, they love it all. “Des Moines still has a small-town charm with all of the benefits of a tremendous cultural scene – the history, the buildings, the diversity of activities from urban to agriculture to the parks – we love it all.”
Among the many things that Ray and Pat love about DSM, the ease of transportation stands out. When Allegiant Airlines announced direct flights between Des Moines and Fort Myers, they were thrilled. “This makes getting here and back so much more comfortable and convenient,” they said.
Part of living in Greater Des Moines means that small town feel with big city amenities – something Ray and Pat have experienced first-hand. “There’s a waitress at Waveland Café, one of our favorites, that has begun to recognize us,” they shared with a smile. “Sometimes we even come to DSM for the ice cream,” they teased. “We love Black Cat Ice Cream and will usually check the menu before we come.”
For the Carrolls, the time they spend in DSM is like a pleasant vacation; it’s their home away from home. “We would have followed our daughter anywhere, but there are so many things that make it so enjoyable to be here.”
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