Hometown Image: Downtown Des Moines

I took this picture while driving in downtown Des Moines on the way to meet my sister for lunch. It was taken in the Spring of 2008. I actually grew up about ten miles north of where I took this picture, in a suburb of Des Moines. I have always loved the downtown area. I love the similarity it has to well known cities such as New York or Chicago, but at the same time maintains its own style. Also, it doesn't cover the same extent of area those other cities do, which is great in the fact that it is easily accessible. Also, it is very safe, having one of the lowest crime rates of any urban area in the country. Des Moines provides the best of large and small cities in one place that is easy to visit.