Curtis, 57, retired Navy living in the Philippines. I was born in Ottumwa, but raised since age 3 as a southern California kid. I'd go on Iowa summer visits every few years of my childhood to visit my dad and his family. I LOVED those summers, the fresh clean smell of hay and corn fields, going to little league baseball games, river fishing and just the small town feel. (nearby Agency also) I haven't been back since 1987 (age 20) but I count Iowans as the best of us. Best wishes..
I grew up in Ottumwa; born at Ottumwa hospital in 68; lived on Hill st. close to Indian Hills, and Hamilton on the South Side. Moved to Colorado in 78, however, spent every summer with grandparents who lived on the north and south side. The absolute best childhood memories are in Ottumwa. Thank you for you video.
The city is a shell of its former glory years. Its streets, evident in this video, are the worst in the Midwest. They will tear up your car. The city was booming in the 70’s/80’s, now it’s crumbling and sad.
HEY!!! That's my old Black '06 Saturn Vue at 7:15. I really miss that car. Unfortunately, it had a lot of issues and I ended up having it crushed in November 2022.
I know this town really well. I was born there. I grew up in Oskaloosa. Went to school at Indian Hills. This town used to have so much to offer. My mom and I would go to the mall and Target all the time.
been looking at this city, it looks better than most affordable areas to live and the company I work for has a plant there so I can just transfer in instead of having to find a whole new job. Not ideal but there is nowhere nice that's affordable anymore.
Some areas are definitely better than others. The north side is a lot better than the south except for a few spots like North Court and Jefferson Street. South isn't great, but there are cul-de-sacs there that are really nice. I'd avoid the east and west ends
Church, bars and a live event center is about all we got for adults to do. Most adults spend their weekends drunk. It’s affordable if you don’t pick up an addiction
@@User_yhvz yea I kind of figured that's why Iowa is still affordable despite the good economy. not much going on, still I really do prefer my own company so that shouldn't be to bad.
I really like Ottumwa and it may not be an inner city slum but it definitely isn’t clean or pristine, it’s gritty and full of character (though some parts are clean.)
I'm from Iowa, born and raised. Still here. Ottumwa is full of drugs and crime and has been, most of my life. And I'm almost 60 yrs old The last 50yrs being the worst.
Curtis, 57, retired Navy living in the Philippines. I was born in Ottumwa, but raised since age 3 as a southern California kid. I'd go on Iowa summer visits every few years of my childhood to visit my dad and his family. I LOVED those summers, the fresh clean smell of hay and corn fields, going to little league baseball games, river fishing and just the small town feel. (nearby Agency also)
I haven't been back since 1987 (age 20) but I count Iowans as the best of us. Best wishes..
I grew up in Ottumwa; born at Ottumwa hospital in 68; lived on Hill st. close to Indian Hills, and Hamilton on the South Side. Moved to Colorado in 78, however, spent every summer with grandparents who lived on the north and south side. The absolute best childhood memories are in Ottumwa.
Thank you for you video.
The city is a shell of its former glory years. Its streets, evident in this video, are the worst in the Midwest. They will tear up your car. The city was booming in the 70’s/80’s, now it’s crumbling and sad.
HEY!!! That's my old Black '06 Saturn Vue at 7:15. I really miss that car. Unfortunately, it had a lot of issues and I ended up having it crushed in November 2022.
I know this town really well. I was born there. I grew up in Oskaloosa. Went to school at Indian Hills. This town used to have so much to offer. My mom and I would go to the mall and Target all the time.
Ottumwa has lost many jobs over the past 50 years. It was a much nicer small city
been looking at this city, it looks better than most affordable areas to live and the company I work for has a plant there so I can just transfer in instead of having to find a whole new job. Not ideal but there is nowhere nice that's affordable anymore.
Some areas are definitely better than others. The north side is a lot better than the south except for a few spots like North Court and Jefferson Street. South isn't great, but there are cul-de-sacs there that are really nice. I'd avoid the east and west ends
Church, bars and a live event center is about all we got for adults to do. Most adults spend their weekends drunk. It’s affordable if you don’t pick up an addiction
@@User_yhvz yea I kind of figured that's why Iowa is still affordable despite the good economy. not much going on, still I really do prefer my own company so that shouldn't be to bad.
Still the shithole I remember! Was only there a year thank God!
Beautiful little city, clean and pristine
This is just downtown. It's really a work in progress
I live in a big giant sprawling city, trust me you have it good there my friend
I really like Ottumwa and it may not be an inner city slum but it definitely isn’t clean or pristine, it’s gritty and full of character (though some parts are clean.)
Wow, it’s been almost 7 years since I left Ottumwa. It has really changed a bit! I really miss it.
I lived in Ottumwa for three years. Great city, except for the winters! Nice downtown area. I miss Casey's pizza and shopping at Hy- Vee.
Like how you try and drive left of the center line of traffic to miss all the rough spots
I'm so glad people actually know ottumwa
Well a lot of people know it. Just not for good reasons
How many miles from this town to the state capital?
It's about an 1hr and 45 minute drive, give or take depends on the route and your speed as well🫶
So this is what Radar’s (M*A*S*H*) home town looks like.
He was not for real from there.
That was just his so, called home town for the series MASH
Isn't Tom Arnold from Ottumwa?
well, thank you, mr. detective..
I'm from Iowa, born and raised.
Still here.
Ottumwa is full of drugs and crime and has been, most of my life.
And I'm almost 60 yrs old
The last 50yrs being the worst.
This is the worst video I have ever seen and it didn’t even show the highlight of Ottumwa the Canteen restaurant.