By Shane Goodman Publisher/Editor
The new east side
For years I have heard people from the eastern side of Des Moines complain about how the western side gets all the attention. The tide is clearly turning.
That’s not to say that the west side of the Des Moines area isn’t doing well. It is, but the attention has turned east, and deservingly so. Communities like Altoona and Pleasant Hill have become great places to live and work. I have seen it firsthand and am continually impressed with the vision and excitement in the area. Move over Jordan Creek; the Shoppes at Prairie Crossing are coming after your customers.
Much of the excitement has centered around the opening of the new Bass Pro Shops in Altoona, but this is just the beginning. Drive through the area, and you will see and hear dirt-moving equipment prepping land for development. Walk inside the new Southeast Polk High School and prepare to be in awe. And take your pick from many of the best residential values — both new construction and used — in the metro. Despite an economic downturn both nationally and locally, this area continues to thrive.
Reporter Matt Miller interviewed many of those who have been involved with this growth and shares their visions for the future of Eastern Polk County.
Thanks for reading. CV
