This is Fort Dodge, The Most 'Dangerous' City in Iowa

[@NickJohnson]

Here's the entire Midwest road trip playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZyYdKyPmq-Hj8U

[@fat_cat8108]

thats wrong link I think

[@amyfletcher4749]

Haa. You caught that too!!!!

[@kevinlursen1465]

Hey your getto in your life is maybe shingles but we work hard for what you called getto What but we work hard for those houses

[@kevinlursen1465]

Go to west Bt is the home of the GERATq

[@kevinlursen1465]

Sorry grandson grabbed my tablet. But anyway plz go to the town West Bend it is the home of the GERATOW A TOWN OF THE CRISTIAN HOME OF A PLACE WHERE A MAN THATMADEGOD THI CHIRTFROMSTONE SO HIS WIFE WOULD NOT DIE

[@Ndw1995]

Nick is on a mission to run every red light in the Midwest

[@jordanseay216]

Haha! I was going to say!

[@TheCyborgTrucker]

So it wasn't my imagination.

[@NickJohnson]

He is not and he already left the Midwest anyways

[@jordanseay216]

@@NickJohnson awe too bad! Hopefully you made a pit stop in Madison! It’s a great city though some areas can be rough.

[@NewHaven203]

Lol I never notice but now that everyone is mentioning it I’ll have to pay more attention

[@MasterMalrubius]

I was riding with a friend in Iowa. At every red light he just kept on going. I was freaking out. Then when he got to a green light he slammed on his brakes and stopped. I said, "What they hell did you stop at a green light?". His rely was, "Because Nick Johnson might be coming the other way!"

[@NickJohnson]

Oh ha ha ha I don't run red lights all the time and even if I do I'm going slowly anyways

[@jorgen1990]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@travis1974]

😂😂😂

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

lmao

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

That's good, I like that one

[@jackpeterson2307]

That was one of the most blatant red light runs I've ever seen lmao 4:42

[@artbyty]

Wilma car get hit by a semi if I run this red light?

[@bdh3949]

Saw that and thought about it. What may have happened is this: Nick has a very close-up view in the camera of the street and objects, meaning he has a long focal length, like close-up tunnel vision through the camera. Whereas he is driving and may be a few car lengths before the light which he saw turn yellow on the cross street light and kept moving but the camera looks as though it records him going through the red light.

[@Kyle-zw6jy]

Lmaooooo

[@philipbrooks02]

I'm so glad you noticed that too lmaoo. I saw that and immediately went to the comments to see if someone else saw that.

[@CFox.7]

@@bdh3949 Huh ? No focal length explains running that red light. It was well red before he was anywhere near it - there is no lens distortion

[@coopsmusicvision]

i left Massachusetts 23 years ago and moved to Iowa. i love it here and will never leave . everything is cheaper .people are very nice. yeah there's not much to do, but I'll take a little boredom over high stress anytime. best state in the country in my opinion.

[@jeremeyworrel6714]

I grew up in the burned out house at the 3:53 mark. Was just back in the old stomping grounds to take a first hand look and it certainly choked me up a bit. The neighborhood was much different in the late 70s and 80s. Thanks for memories 318 S 18th.

[@robnailer9832]

OMG I remember you! I stayed with my grandmother across the alley from you on 4th Ave! Recently thought of u when I seen house caught on fire. The neighborhood has certainly gone downhill

[@robnailer9832]

Neighborhood has certainly gone down. Reiners. Duffer. Schmoker. Grady. Bock. Williamson… good ole days

[@Samantha-eo3mc]

Iowa seems like such a nice place! I like what the chap you interviewed had to say. As a South African looking in from the outside, it’s great to get these perspectives on towns in the US.

[@JimmyEatDirt]

Iowa is best described as a little European country, most of the population is of German descent, and if you find a good job all of the housing is affordable, save a few places. We'd be glad to have you if you decide to join us.

[@whiskybooze]

I lived in Iowa for almost 20 years and never felt unsafe.

[@iavagabond124]

Born and raised in Iowa! I hardly ever feel unsafe here, it's very peaceful and nice

[@todddoetken2594]

I now see one benefit of your life behind bars.

[@rodrigoalfaro112]

That’s because you’re the danger.

[@kevinmcgovern4726]

Iowa is safe

[@whiskybooze]

@@rodrigoalfaro112 Me? How so?

[@simnolia]

I grew up in Fort dodge. Moved to Denver, Colorado for 3 years. Returned to dodge, and first few years back there was a shooting across the street. Another time the swat team busted into my neighbors house and a house down the street. Kids threw a brick through another neighbors car window. A lot of this happens early morning hours 2-5am.

[@unklejungle]

As a Brit with a son studying in IA (Waterloo) all I can say is we love it, its safe for our youngest and locals are great. Why people aren't flocking back to towns like Fort Dodge is beyond me. The choice of going to the west coast (Northern CA) to study or Iowa was a no brainer for him/us. I just need to work on my E5 immigrant Visa application!

[@iowadarkride]

If you decide to come, welcome!

[@kcck7588]

This is so refreshing to here.

[@savagerandy8244]

Ironically waterloo per capita is in the top 20 cities in America for crime.. how you didn't see any of the black thugs around is insane.

[@jeffpingel7197]

@@savagerandy8244 you lost me at “black”.

[@iowaguy1984]

Thank you for saying Fort Dodge isn't that bad. Yes, our crime rate has gone up lately but that has been happening everywhere. Fort Dodge has been trying to change it's image and it is going to take some time. We do have some very beautiful parks in town and some great hiking trails. Retail is slowly making a comeback in town and the mall area is being completely redevolped. Thanks for visiting Fort Dodge!

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

Iowa is sesame street compared to other states, I would much rather live in Fort Dodge than anywhere in California or New York

[@ladydimples7883]

@@Vincent-ke5zn 👏🙌

[@showmemojo4784]

If it wasn't for all the damn methicins it be absolutely marvelous

[@Leanne-mw8nm]

@@showmemojo4784 Are you referring to people making methamphetamine?!!

[@showmemojo4784]

@@Leanne-mw8nm yes I am it's got my small Midwest town ate up also seems like it's a theme across those places like ours

[@kaylapodelco5327]

I was born in Fort Dodge and almost all of my family still live there. There are a lot of good people there. I have lived across the country and Iowans definitely don’t really realize how things are other places.

[@edwardalamo2507]

A culture revolution where the white male is the eternal enemy, as black and brown take over, thats the wish of the Liberal Democrats.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

God bless iowans, everyone I met in Iowa were friendly and polite people 🙏. I would just like eastern Iowa, east of Iowa city

[@JoeMama-tx5bq]

Like another commenter said, it’s not that people are unaware, they are aware and that’s why they’re here.

[@tyleral5280]

I dont think that's the issue most people have with Iowa. It's that there isn't much to do and usually half the year its bitter cold outside. That combination seems to lead to alot of trouble for people. Iowa isn't like California where people are out on the streets doing whatever they want and making a life out of it because they would literally die once it starts hitting -40 degree windchills in iowa. The weather insures that iowa doesn't have those kind of problems literally on the streets but that doesn't mean it isn't there. It's just indoors in all those welfare house's and homeless shelters. There isn't many homeless people surviving the winter in iowa on the streets. That just comes down to the weather. Iowa has issues because of its lack of anything fun to do in most of the state. That leads to people drinking and doing drugs and going to partys or bars and getting messed up and making bad decisions. Iowa is also pretty heavily policed considering the population so people that make bad decisions usually get caught pretty quickly.

[@ConsciusVeritasVids]

@@tyleral5280 Iowa cops would rather bust someone for a bag of weed than investigate sexual assault cases.

[@jerilynn871]

i usualy watch these late at night to relax, the other night i dozed off watching one these videos and dreaming i was driving around with you and you dropped me off in a cornfield and left me and i woke up 😂😂😂😂😂 i need to stop watching these at bedtime lol

[@justdevine864]

Isn't it funny how we dream about what we're listening to.

[@birdflipper]

That was your sub conscious keeping you safe after seeing Nick run all of those stop signs.

[@NickJohnson]

Wow Jeri did we eat Casey's together?????

[@conniewieck6158]

I've lived in Iowa my whole life and I'm 68 trs old and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The little town I live in is about 70 people around that, there is no empty houses, no stores what so ever, we do have a garage that fixes mostly farmer trucks for their corn hauling and bean, work on their semis and once in awhile a car or pickup. Nice quite little tow, mixture of young and old and we know everybody. I raised my kids here and now my oldest son is raising his kids here among other young people. There are young people that grew up here, got married lived 5 miles away, but ended up when they seen a house for sale, bought it, remodeled it and now raising his son here. My husband was born and raised here, I came from a town 25 miles away but wouldn't trade this town for anything. There are no police here so if we need them or an ambulance you have to wait till they come. I don't even think the town I'm from is even on the map at least it used to be then they took it off and don't think it's back on, cause it's out in the country which I love. I'm enjoying your little trip through parts of Iowa and we are very, very lucky here.

[@isabelg2056]

I grew up in Fort Dodge. The neighborhood that was driven through that was referred to as "the worst neighborhood," I wouldn't even rank among the top 10 worst neighborhoods. In fact, it's one of the nice middle class areas. The neighborhoods that have given my hometown its reputation were completely missed and passed by. Deep in the neighborhoods by the prison and college, called "ABC land" are among the worst. Graffiti everywhere, run down homes, fights, drugs, gangs, violence, the works. It's very unfortunate. The neighborhood down by Corpus Christi Church and the Community Health Center is intense, as well. I witnessed an incident of mugging in that area when I was in elementary school. Also the street I grew up on had 3 houses burned down in my childhood. 2 to arson, and 1 to drug manufacturing (this is really tragic, especially considering that I lived on the better end of the middle class area, no where near the worst areas). Growing up, there have been so many days when I woke up to find out another close family friend or major community member had died because of another incident or wrong place wrong time mix up sort of situation. A beloved pastor was tragically murdered outside of a church just a few years ago. I graduated from the high school in town. I don't think a week passed by without a huge fist fight or huge crime related incident being relevant. We're talking drug dealing, gang violence, elementary school kids with drugs or contraband, etc. I'll never forget the days I walked into a classroom to find that the person who sat next to me the day before or the person who was assigned as my lab partner was now in jail because they shot or robbed somebody the day prior. I couldn't count the instances we were in the National news for the incidents around here, or the times the schools I attended, all the way down to my elementary school, were on lockdowns for violence in the surrounding neighborhoods, threats of violence to the school, someone bringing in a weapon, etc. Yes, even in elementary school. It has become a troubled town. For being a small town, the prevalence of crime is extremely high and unfortunate. Obviously, a town of less than 25K in proportion to cities with millions, like Chicago, doesn't compare. It is like comparing a small marble to a boulder. For Fort Dodge being the "small marble" in this example, it sure is rough. The prevalence of crime in Fort Dodge for a town that small is ridiculous and sad. With all respect, I get very tired of hearing the opinions of people who visited my hometown one time for only a couple hours give their reviews and make extreme statements and reviews without even knowing the other half and the true extent, without visiting the areas of complete tragedy and reading into the daily News of Record, or the reports from the worst incidents. It's not 100% fair to judge when you haven't walked through someone's shoes or even spoken to someone who spent their whole life there. I'm grateful to have grown up a Dodger. I'm grateful to have grown up in a better situation than most in the town, and I'm grateful to have grown up in a city that honestly could be worse. It's still a struggling community, especially considering the size. There are countless efforts to make things better and change things and so many fights for change exist, but there will always be a broken part of my hometown.

[@jugaming3808]

Nice to see an honest comment. I've been working in Fort Dodge for a couple of months now and there are doped up crackheads roaming around everywhere. Actually had an interaction with one today that quickly ended after he realized there were like 4 cops in the area.

[@aesonmoritz2100]

Right, this guy really missed that part of Fort Dodge. I'm always hearing something on the radio or TV about Ft Dodge shooting or something.

[@michelleboard3846]

Speaking of arson, remember the string of fires and the tragic burning of the oldest church in FD among the arsonists targets? I agree if he were to actually go to the "bad part" of town he'd agree.

[@roam4eight]

I had forgotten about the church fire! I agree he definitely did not go to the "bad" part of town though. I remember right after moving into my first apartment in college the roof was blown off the neighboring house. Found out fast that was a wonderful neighborhood (right off the corpus christi parking lot!)

[@michaelshort7472]

I grew up near the old Pleasant Valley school near what was called "The Flats." Mr. Johnson apparently didn't get down there, and really, it's kind of hard to find unless you know where it is. It wasn't a really bad place to be, but as time went on into the 1980s and 90s, it got a lot worse. It didn't help when Hormel's pulled out of town and threw about 1500 people out of work. When I graduated from high school, there were 33,000 people in town, and we graduated a class of over 550 people. Now, barely 240 graduate each year. In the 1960s it was a great place to live, but now I'm afraid there's not a lot to hold folks there.

[@shannonconrad7844]

please do a video on Waterloo, Iowa next!!

[@NickJohnson]

One day Shannon!

[@CoachFeelgood]

Yes plz do Waterloo and Cedar Rapids

[@Angela-po9oh]

Fort Dodge is a wonderful community that like other towns, has its issues. We have a wonderful community college, beautiful parks and plenty of historical sites to visit. To understand the level of community, you must be involved. The job options are not low, there are a ton of opportunities if one wants to work. We live simple, but comfortable. Crime is everywhere . I grew up in San Bernardino CA, so I would agree, its all about perspective. I would live no where else. Fort Dodge is home.

[@rodchris8630]

Amen, sister. Welcome to God’s country. All the best to you!

[@NickJohnson]

I grew up in San Bernardino too Angela!

[@kennyalvarado8230]

@@NickJohnson i grew up in chino

[@AliciaM5555]

I'm from LA but live in Victorville. 😎😎

[@terryhurts7172]

Fort dodge is wonderful if you are white trumper.

[@traeevans5070]

I was born and raised in fort dodge iowa and I think this is one of the best places to live. I'll continue to live here till I die

[@NickJohnson]

Good

[@SaydeeLashaeClay]

@@NickJohnson FortDodge isn’t bad . Try Davenport Iowa , Waterloo Iowa and Cedar Rapids Iowa .

[@leagarner3675]

That says a lot. There are people around the country who feel trapped in a bad location.

[@richardclark.]

@@NickJohnson your attitude is horrible.

[@tacobannana6628]

I love nicks videos, been watching for years and its the best on youtube

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Taco!

[@larryhall897]

Really interesting video. I live about 10 miles north of Fort Dodge, I worked in Fort Dodge for years, and my children all went to school in Fort Dodge, and I agree with you... Fort Dodge is not bad. In fact, for most of the residents, it's a nice place to live and work. Thanks for your of observations.

[@randalperson2581]

Hi, cuz! Never thought that I would find you on here! Tell Kathy I said hi.

[@scottgebow6539]

Fort Dodge is Martha’s Vineyard compared to most major cities in America as far as crime goes.

[@hackfabrication139]

Been to Fort Dodge a number of times 1978-1980 when I was an owner/operator leased to Michigan Nebraska Trucking. Hauled lots of paper rolls from Michigan to the National Gypsum plant there. Then either beef out or deadheaded to get another load somewhere in Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota.

[@MakesMeNoDifference-sd9qg]

I was born in Ft Dodge and then at age 4, family moved to farm a little farther than an hour NW of Fort Dodge. However, Ft. Dodge in the 1960s was the place to shop - the mall was new and had all the correct stores - JC Pennys, Sears, etc. It is sad that the industry left but still a few good large manufacturers. It has been cleaned up in the last 15 years and its reputation is rebuilding slowly. One example is that the Girls State HS softball tourney is held in Ft. Dodge every spring.

[@timhardyk1202]

My aunt worked at that J.C. Pennys! I'm from Lemars IA ( ice Cream Capital of the world!!) and my daughter played on those fields for state playoffs, she got play against Paige Lowery, Soldier Creek Winery is who produces our wines at Oscar Carl Vineyard and Winery in Sioux City that we run as a family, come and have a sip of wine!!

[@skylermummert24]

@@timhardyk1202 Cherokee Iowa native here just had some blue bunny ice cream in lemars this afternoon

[@debi5292]

The mall is an empty lot of large size. It was removed this year.

[@Doctor_Primo]

As someone who has lived in Iowa for 30 years I can say the crime here in Council Bluffs is getting worse because there has been an influx of people moving here from Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, KC, and other large Midwestern cities. As someone who has traveled abroad quite a bit, was actually just in Seattle for a week about a month ago and talk about a city where you gotta watch your back. Quite a bit of Iowans exaggerate the situation here. I'm honestly surprised Council Bluffs or Waterloo we're not higher on the list statistically than Fort Dodge. Big problems in Iowa from My experience is pills, meth, and assaults from being drunk and disorderly.

[@brendasue1591]

You didn't tour the prison?

[@Doctor_Primo]

@@brendasue1591 lol

[@birdflipper]

Nice shirt, Nick! Single handedly increasing the town's per capita income by 100%

[@corrinetomlyanovich305]

There is a place in fort Dodge called the flats. You most visit. It's like a ghetto but different. It has the flair of the southern jue joint.

[@jennywelp2927]

one young African-American man in another state wanted to spend a summer in Fort Dodge to get to know his father and grandfather. It was tragic that he was shot in a drive-by shooting, and became quadriplegic. Only lived for about 18 months after that.

[@kezzi1419]

Grew up in south subs of Chicago, raised my kids in a small town in NW Indiana and moved near Des Moines IA 7 years ago. Feels like the south suburbs of Chicago 40 years ago. Love Iowa! Great diversity, community driven, considerably safer than Chicago suburbs and friendlier than small town Indiana.

[@Theaustrianpainter88]

I agree nwi people aren't very friendly. Might maybe have something to do with the lead exposure in nwi

[@lewellynhughes9909]

DMI

[@dark808bb8]

I love that you are covering Iowa. I just moved from rural Michigan to a suburb on the outskirts of Des Moines. I drive past a corn field on my way to work but am also, like, 15 minutes away from anything I could want to buy. Just moved here yesterday, so far it's nice and quiet in my little corner of the city :) I've already started getting Iowa themed ads on KZbin for local politicians and HyVee (in Michigan we've got Meijer, not HyVee). Lol

[@josephsmith590]

Welcome lol I'm an hour away, keeps me away from the heavier traffic while still being able to go if I want!

[@angelisasommars7981]

Welcome to Iowa. I see it's been 2 wks. Hope 😁 that your move proved to be a good choice for you. And it hasn't been to hard to adjust.

[@jennteal5265]

Michigan native, Iowa transplant here! I really miss Meijers and always hit it up when I go back to visit...but I do love some Hy-Vee!

[@skylermummert24]

Fareway meat counter is way better than Hy-Vee

[@lindajmorris9178]

As far as Meijers in Michigan there is one in every city. Heck where's a Meijers anyway you turn.

[@markobrion8293]

I lived in moorland as a kid. My dad worked at Hormel until it closed. I enjoyed the video

[@mbravo4738]

I'd love for you to do Sacramento, CA. I just moved from there to a town an hour from Fort Dodge and We love it.

[@NickJohnson]

I'll be in Sacramento in a week!

[@mbravo4738]

@@NickJohnson awsome! Don't be afraid to venture to South sac. Prices have shot up double in the past 7 years. Can't wait to watch it!

[@ricksdestinationcebu]

You need to hit Keokuk and Fort Madison and Burlington Iowa,, they got issues there,, i lived there for work for 9 months,, had challenges..

[@NickJohnson]

Just wait Rick

[@randyrobinson9113]

Awesome thing about Iowa is that every little town has a disc golf course. Take that California!

[@MamaBegail]

I am in fort dodge. All the way from the Philippines and i could say that Fort Dodge isn't a bad place to live. It is a great place to live to those family who are wanting to save and earn since the cost of living isn't that high. Also, i could say, fort dodge is still a safe place to stay :)

[@NickJohnson]

Good!

[@ftw1980]

There is nothing safe about dirty dodge

[@MamaBegail]

@@ftw1980 learn to clean 😊lol

[@Gemini.308]

Bruh, youre telling the biggest lie to everyone. Ive lived in Iowa all my life. My girlfriend used to live in fort dodge in 2018 and i lived in waukee at the time. Every time i drove there to pick her up to spend the weekend together, i just felt a wave of darkness completely fall on me. Shes told me dozens of times that police wont even respond to any 911 calls that isnt something serious such as a shooting or a murder once it hits midnight and sometimes even 10pm. You clearly havent lived in fort dodge long enough to know its true colors. You know where that hospital is by thebig bridge that a couple houses are underneath it? Well one of those houses had a guy in it in 2018 that would shoot at people with a .22 caliber rifle who were walking the bridge minding their own business. Ive witnessed it first hand the kind of crap that goes on there. It is absolutely terrifying. Fort Dodge needs to be hit with a dozen missiles.

[@MamaBegail]

@@Gemini.308 bru! I haven't locked my door here ever since i moved here. And my neighbor are still living here for 85years. I dont think he would reach that age if it's really dangerous here. I even open my door everyday and leave it unlocked 😃 even slept at night without locking my door lol

[@TanksOwnall]

So I've lived in fort dodge off and on most of my life, but as a trucker I've grown to appreciate a simpler small town. I can just bobtail into my driveway and enjoy time off!

[@beautifulvictory4eva185]

IOWA IS FOR ME! ♥️⭐ THANK YOU NICK!

[@scottcoleman2876]

The world could use a dose of Iowa right now👍

[@scottcoleman2876]

No cop no stop 😉

[@casiemarieharris1042]

Definitely not!!! People are much happier on the coast!!

[@waterloo123100]

@@casiemarieharris1042 More like crazier on the coast

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Yeah, Iowans have the reputation of being the nicest people in America. Perhaps one could say Iowa is the Canada of the USA. Johnny Carson was born in Iowa. He's a good example of a nice guy if you've ever seen his Tonight Show (62 -92) I've never been there. But it sure sounds like a paradise without beaches. Personally, I like to be near the ocean. Not sure why! I never go in it.

[@waterloo123100]

@@jacksonmorganfroghin4815 That reputation is definitely not true. People out west are a lot nicer in my experience

[@taraswanner6749]

Just moved to Iowa from Louisiana. The people here don't know how fortunate they are. They would be flabbergasted to see the state of parts of new orleans.

[@mickieb910]

Iowans Are not blissfully unaware we are very aware that’s why we choose to stay where we are or live in Iowa away from all the crazies

[@stevefisher9595]

Totally agree 👍 well said

[@geraldburmeister9637]

I whole heartedly agree. Just got back from visiting my daughter in Denver. For me less is more.

[@mickieb910]

@@geraldburmeister9637 exactly I actually am literally sitting in Denver right now had to pick up my son’s vehicle and drive it back it’s a gorgeous day but way too many people

[@goldiekhan7117]

44 yrs In Iowa I did have to move to Philly for a little culture and excitement. Still have my acre and farm house in Iowa . Well it’s nice to have a paid off 35 k house to go to have family gatherings 😁

[@Mr.Ratchet]

I'm thinking of leaving Philly for Iowa. Found a really nice place in Fort Dodge 6br for the price I'd pay for a 2br here in Philly.

[@tmusa2002]

4:39 - Ran a stoplight!! We stop for red lights in Iowa, Nick! 😊 Be careful out there! 🚜

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

yeah i told him, next trip he better let Mappy drive, im not sure about runnin' all those red lights, nick gotta be careful we dont want no hassles from da laws .

[@conartistap8831]

You going to southeast Iowa. Like burlington,ottoumwa, muscatine former thriving towns?

[@NpisVwjNeejYias]

I live 15 minutes from Fort Dodge and I go there weekly and don't see it being that bad. I heard some coworkers called Fort Dodge the mini Minneapolis. I used to live in Minnesota for over 20 years and I really glad I've moved here.

[@skylermummert24]

I hated living in Minnesota

[@mississippiensis]

I live in Dubuque and have never been to Fort Dodge, but it just seems like a typical Iowa town for its size.

[@zacharyrogerssr9331]

It is definitely typical for nothing. Bar to church ratio on par with the rest of the state. 1 of each

[@tmusa2002]

I’m in northern Clinton County. I’m hoping Nick ends up in Sabula, Bellevue and Dubuque! 🙂

[@vilstef6988]

Wouldn't be upset if Iowa stayed the same! Lots of Iowans seem dedicated to this.

[@SimonMartinForPrimeMinister]

The best thing ever to come out of Iowa is Slipknot!

[@dcrelictunes1967]

I was born in Fort Dodge in 1967 and lived there til 1986, when I joined the Air Force. The video is exaggerated, it's not dangerous and still a great town to live in. Hard working and good schools. It's only dangerous if someone goes out looking to get into trouble. My mom is 85, my brother owns a cabinet shop there still thats been in the family since 1952. Both live there and like it !

[@reinderboterhoek3808]

Thanks for letting me drive on South 25th street again. I'm Dutch and was an exchange student in '77. Lived on that street that year. Sure changed a bit. But still recognize the fine neighbourhood.

[@ogram46]

Please do a review of Amana, Walford, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City

[@NickJohnson]

Ok

[@A_Legal_Immigrant_1776]

Nick, any videos up in North Dakota??

[@starfox8006]

Nobody goes there lol

[@pedrobrando4606]

He might have reservations about doing video in the Dakotas

[@virginiabolt4725]

Love love love the banter nick love all your video's

[@nicklausmaran2502]

Plus I love what you do my sir ☺️

[@jackwolf6390]

I used to live in Moorland so thankyou so much for making this!

[@zero1fifty8]

Very informative and entertaining videos!!! Great job Nick!

[@cwagner4704]

I moved here from the east coast , when I first got here I thought I’d landed on the set of Pleasant ville.

[@captaindrywall]

Nic, I lived in Sacramento Ca. for 61 years I moved to Cedar Rapids Ia 6 years ago, best move I could have made. I came here to be Iowan not a dirty low down Californian moving here to change things. Good people here. The weather is very good (six months out of the year, maybe 7) I like what you said here, sure beats all the other videos that only mention the corn. Very smart you can parle' this youtube channel into quit the referral agency. Fact is before I moved here I would have called you for advice.

[@NickJohnson]

Darn! Next time! And Cedar is the next stop!!

[@Alex_Gordon]

awesome! thanks for all these vids..they provide a never ending source of entertainment! all the best, from Sweden 👍👍

[@hawkeyegirl1308]

I wish you would have done Davenport, Iowa. I would have loved to see your perspective.

[@NickJohnson]

Next time!

[@DawgMama]

Definitely more dangerous than Fort Dodge. Wear a bullet proof vest for DPort

[@SaydeeLashaeClay]

@Hawkeye Girl Thank you !!! Definitely worse than FortDodge . He needs to go there on Thursday-Sunday .

[@SaydeeLashaeClay]

@@DawgMama Right !!

[@Lrsdport]

The quad cities is where he should of gone

[@mickieb910]

You can live in Iowa and not have to lock your door which is very nice you neighbors are there for you it’s community you can’t get that in the city I moved here from Denver I grew up in Denver and I’m going to tell you I will not give this up the winter suck here but the peace and low crime is worth it!!! And we have an awesome governor

[@skylermummert24]

I’ll take Denver and it’s legal weed over Iowa lol

[@aesonmoritz2100]

Not all of Iowa. I live near Des Moines in Pleasant Hill and we get people all the time riding through our neighborhoods looking to find someone slipping. Keep your doors locked and your cars locked if they in the driveway. Times are changing.

[@mickieb910]

@@aesonmoritz2100 I don’t live near Des Moines

[@terryhurts7172]

Iowa is for whites and the whitewashed.

[@mickieb910]

@@skylermummert24 Colorado is where I grew up it’s heartbreaking to see what it has become the weather is great other then that they ruined that state making it leagal I have nothing against marijuana God knows I smoked my fair share growing up but the way they have made it legal has ruined that state the people that has brought in the filth it’s a dirty town now which is heartbreaking to see a bunch of yuppies walking around with no clue what’s going on in the world you can have it I’ll take my rural life!!

[@cmiltimore470]

Wow, I was born in Fort Dodge, left there in 1954. I couldn't handle the winter weather. I'm shocked it's the worst town. Thanks for all your work, Nick.

[@NickJohnson]

It's not the worst. It's probably the most dangerous

[@PlayThroughTheGame]

my winters are -40 degrees in the province of Québec.

[@nacl2858]

@@PlayThroughTheGame ok

[@waterloo123100]

@@NickJohnson Fort dodge is child’s play compared to waterloo. Cedar Rapids and davenport are the two most dangerous cities in Iowa.

[@jonathanielpringlemaniii]

@@waterloo123100 waterloo and ottumwa*

[@3rdworldgarage450]

If I lived somewhere like that I would never leave. There is nothing better in the rest of the world, especially not in the cities.

[@edwardalamo2507]

Open borders, thats what Biden and liberal democrats want, to conquer Christianity with Muslims, Hindus ,Buddhist, and atheist, that the New World Order edict

[@bluetickch2166]

It will all slowly change.. sadly

[@Leanne-mw8nm]

Why do you say that?!!

[@peggypasson8794]

I live small town iowa when I travel to the big cities I'm always glad to get back to the small town life ...

[@3rdworldgarage450]

@@Leanne-mw8nm simple. In most places, all you do is go to work and go home. In a city, transportation is much less convenient and requires buses and trains while in a place like that you can save time by driving a car or truck. You also get your own piece of land and a house and even the smallest house will be bigger than an apartment you can afford in a city. Buying a house also acts as rent control and your relative housing costs will reduce dramatically over time if you stay in the same place and never refinance it. In the suburbs and rural areas, you have space to have fun and build things while in a city there is little to do outside drinking. I would much rather explore the land in a Jeep than go to a trendy bar in a major city with a $30 cover and nothing to do but talk to fake people in uncomfortable clothes. Also, more people= more problems.

[@Tin_bAnger]

I worked on the new pork processing plant by Eagle Grove back in 2018-19. There was a murder like once a week. I was shocked to learn I passed one while exploring the town in my first week there. Also, Compared to Marshalltown when it comes to run down. Marshalltown is way uglier and run down.

[@aesonmoritz2100]

Imma keep it real Marshalltown is little Mexico. Waterloo is Little South Side Chicago.

[@Tin_bAnger]

@@aesonmoritz2100 you're no wrong.

[@dubuque1]

Did you run the red light at 4:40 ?

[@danielschmaderer]

Iowas form of dangerous is cute compared to other dangerous places. I’ll take Iowa over Chicago.

[@Jjjaaahhnn]

Chicago isn't even that bad honestly. For what Chicago offers as a city with the prices of housing it's actually a great city. South Chicago is bad, but you wouldn't live there unless you're from there.

[@danielschmaderer]

@@Jjjaaahhnn and that’s what I’m getting at. It’s like Los Angeles. Not all of it is bad. Certain parts are and some is really nice. I’m going more on the actual bad parts.

[@Jjjaaahhnn]

@@danielschmaderer Nah LA flat out sucks no matter where you are. That place is smog ridden, traffic ridden, crime ridden, overpriced, phonies, homeless, and litter and shit everywhere. Chicago is at least half decent lol

[@danielschmaderer]

@@Jjjaaahhnn smog? It was way worse in the 60s and 70s. I don’t think it’s even the worse in the country. I know it’s not the worst world wide for sure. Traffic? Yeah it can get bad, but that’s what alternative routes are for. There’s worse across the US for sure. Crime? Yeah there is crime, but it’s not the worst whatsoever. Overpriced? Can’t deny that at all. Phonies? That’s how Hollywood paints the picture. Not everyone is a phony. I’m one who isn’t. Homeless? Can’t argue that one. Litter? Not everywhere. I’ve seen way way worse. To be honest, that portion is grossly over exaggerated. LA can still be half decent in certain areas.

[@Leanne-mw8nm]

@@JjjaaahhnnDon't I know that!!!

[@SgtJoeSmith]

i had an aunt in lytton growing up. had farm, lots animals, raised silver foxes. we stayed night there couple times

[@ghostnotes5667]

I went to college in Fort Dodge. The town really isn’t that bad. Houses were super cheap and they have been trying to clean up the community.

[@Se7endSe7en1]

Are you coming through Des Moines? Curious of your opinion of our capitol city.

[@NickJohnson]

Yes eventually aaron

[@kevinmaddog3064]

I’m from Virginia and my grandmother from Franhamville IA used to take me there all the time. It was nice back in the 80s.

[@briangleason4435]

Hey Kevin it is Farnhamville, Iowa. I am from the area, my wife was from Farnhamville. Good chance she may have known your grandma...

[@kevinmaddog3064]

@@briangleason4435 Her name was Geneva Madson. Let me know just curious.

[@briangleason4435]

@@kevinmaddog3064 just asked my wife (formally Vicki Board) about her. Your grandma lived 2 houses south of where my wife lived until she moved to the country when she was 9 years old. This would have been from 1956 to 1965. She remembers knocking on her door all the time asking if she could jump on their trampoline. She was always very nice. Vic and her sister Deb went over there a lot and listened to records with Roxanne (your mom?) from her nice record set-up in the lower level of the house. Roxi was also in my older brother Mark's grade in school.

[@kevinmaddog3064]

@@briangleason4435 oh wow how interesting. No my Dad was Richard Madson the oldest son of Geneva. I will have to tell my dad and Roxi.

[@PrairieHippie]

I live near Fort Dodge. Used to work all over that town. I have never understood the hype about it either. I have lived in Minneapolis and Rural Indiana, I think Fort Dodge is a quiet, relatively safe town. Almost all of the violent crime is connected in some way. Random violence is rare.

[@NoseCandyKermit]

A lot of it is connected through drugs or gangs.

[@ETHANWXCHASING]

Being from Maryland, I've always thought of Iowa as just another fly over state with little but corn in every direction. It's definitely interesting to see the perspective of the people who live there though. Although many think of the state as boring, they are happy, and don't have the rampant crime and corruption that we have in east coast cities. Over here, we become desensitized to the daily shootings, murders, and drugs in places like Baltimore, and it's really sad the way we're letting our country go to waste.

[@codywazz9276]

Yeah idk why people pretend Iowa is Chicago or something. Safest place u could be. Nick Johnson needed content badly!😂

[@phyllisseidl9117]

Boring is great!

[@cjseckinger8796]

Your music intro is a clip from the theme to the TV show “Cimarron Strip”. Loved that show!! 🤠

[@matthewpedersen5125]

Hey Nick, BTW, too bad you didn't make a run through Clear Lake, IA. That is small town midwest that is really kept up well. The town looks beautiful and kept up, is still full of townies as well as an influx of summer visitors, hosts big city events (The Surf Ballroom hosts real concerts with big name musicians, old wooden boat parades, art festivals, etc), the state parks are regenerating old prairies and marshes and are very people friendly, a 15 minute drive will take you to the best kept secret restaurant in the USA "The Northwest Steakhouse", and it's close to "big city" Mason City.

[@skylermummert24]

Clear lake is just as dirty as mason city lol

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I'm very honest and honorable and respect myself and others. My parents were strict. I believe that I would be welcomed in Iowa. I love the lifestyle of Iowa

[@eddiebravo7866]

You're more than welcome!

[@josephsmith590]

Definitely, most of the people I know will hold a person accountable for their dumb choices, but will try to honestly help those in need!!

[@brianrajala7671]

Iowa is not out of touch. It is the people in places like Detroit, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, NYC, Washington DC, Portland, OR, Seattle, and Baltimore that are out of touch!

[@NickJohnson]

Someone is

[@michaelmoll3031]

OH YEAH...👍🏼, Iowan now living in Seattle.

[@tomfields3682]

You know they are but what are you??😮

[@markpickering4873]

Fort Dodge may be considered the most "dangerous" Iowa City according to current stats. But Burlington Iowa made the Tonight Show years ago when it was said it was the best place to go and get away with murder. The supporting fact was at the time out of 52 murders there was only 4 that was solved.

[@robinhardersen6590]

Thanks for the thumbs up to Sioux City. I have lived here all my life, and it is a good place to raise a family and live!!!!! We are the black sheep of Iowa, since there is nothing West of Des Moines, but I love it here!👍👍👍👍👍

[@NewHaven203]

“Buckle up, put on your seatbelts it’s only going downhill” Nick: 😊

[@stuartriley]

Great video Nick

[@michaela4805]

I lived in fort dodge for a while and a handful of times I did feel unsafe. I worked late nights downtown and lived just a few blocks off downtown. Several times I heard gunshots from my apartment, and often there would be loud people yelling outside walking by who were clearly intoxicated or on some sort of drugs. Once saw a man bail out of his car and try to escape police on foot across the street. Once a man somehow got into our secure apartment complex and screamed at me in the hall. I had some scary experiences there but they were certainly not the norm. I think it’s funny people told you Sioux City was worse because I lived there as well and and I think because it’s bigger, it’s easier to stay away from the rougher areas.

[@Rhapbus1]

Wow you experienced whats called "Living in proximity to other human beings". Made you feel unsafe? You're just a fucking wimp.

[@ProWrestlingGamer]

Bro come to Chicago and everything you said will sound like a cake walk.

[@honeybfly2010]

Dang Nick…you really didn’t like Mappy’s hat! Lol 😂

[@NickJohnson]

He's just a damn varmint!!

[@colinklang]

IMO Iowans for the most part know that we have it pretty good overall. I think that's why we may exaggerate things as you said. Our bad is not really that bad. However I think we're worried about things getting bad and really going downhill. So that's on our minds especially when we see what is going on elsewhere.

[@nanz433]

Im from California city of Norwalk i moved to iowa its gonna be 2 yrs now best decision ever!!

[@tinaristau3045]

In 1978 I lived in the flats of Fort Dodge and went to College there. Iowa Central Community college.

[@martinmax1589]

I love Iowa! It's a good place to live, I know, I've lived in Iowa 50 years!

[@PinkPosy1]

Born and raised in Fort Dodge. That reputation is mostly legend. Iowan’s perspective on the condition of their town is based on what it used to be when they were young. It used to be better, but no it is not like living in a city. Those $400k homes would be over a million in Denver where I live. Denver has a huge homeless and crime problem.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I love Iowa, I would consider moving there someday, probably the east end of Iowa

[@tmusa2002]

As an Eastern Iowan, I would agree. 🌽 We’ll see what Nick thinks, he’s heading East!

[@NickJohnson]

He is

[@micahboyum6032]

Northeast Iowa is beautiful. Especially northeast of West Union. Lived there for 30 years of my life. Now I’m in Kentucky. I watch these videos cause I miss it. Just can’t get used to the south lol.

[@tmusa2002]

@@micahboyum6032 Did you move their for milder winters? What took you to KY?

[@micahboyum6032]

That was a small reason, but mostly to try something new. Since I work for the post office I could pick to work wherever I want, and we just picked this place on the map and I was accepted. Unfortunately, a lot of people around here are not fans of out of staters, and overall stay to themselves and their own families, so it’s been difficult to make friends.

[@dannyboyz7061]

4:39 not stopping for red lights today. I have things to do, more places in Iowa to see!

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

hey , you ran that red light ! i saw that, 4:38 i hope Mappy was in his car seat, better yet, might be best to let Mappy drive next trip . :-)

[@NickJohnson]

I WISH Mappy could damn drive!!!

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

@@NickJohnson LOL XD

[@Cakingyou15]

Am i crazy or did i watch you run a red at like 4:40? lol Also did you drive further east down highway 20?

[@jollyroger35]

Great video! You guest was intelligent and gave a well-rounded perspective of living there. I came from a similar area, and having lived in bigger cities as well, could really relate.

[@michaelosterhaus4309]

I was in Ft Dodge last year. It was eye opening walking down Main Street and suddenly realizing that feeling that I was “on the other side of the tracks.”

[@alanstrong55]

The city has crumbled badly over the decades. The loss of the Hormel plant and Coates & Company hurt it a big heap.

[@ubebukothepugbros.446]

My grandparents lived in Ft Dodge. Never thought it was dangerous or ugly. Its downtown always seemed big for its size. Great high school football stadium surrounded by brick wall. Amazing how it’s gone downhill since the 70s because of the Hormel plant shut down. Sen. Steve King really destroyed NW Iowa.

[@papasmurf8818]

I’m from Davenport and it’s bad down here 🎃

[@InterstateRaziTV]

Fort Dodge is pretty bad but Council Bluffs, Iowa east of Omaha, Nebraska is even more bad and dangerous. Great Video Nick!

[@MrStv1163]

LOL - I seriously laughed out lout at “even “MORE dangerous”. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. I live in Omaha and have driven through CB many times - and it’s kind of trashy in bits - but honestly, I have been through it dozens of times and just don’t think it’s that bad at all. It’s a modest, working class place with inexpensive and modest homes, and you don’t see true “blight” as you do in many rust-belt cities and towns. It also has some pretty nice areas. I don’t feel unsafe there at all. Of course, my hometown is a truly run down city in Illinois with a horrible crime rate and a very high murder rate per capita, burned out houses, empty lots, gangs, etc., so my definition of “bad” is clearly different from yours. When you’ve been in some REALLY run down areas like large parts of Flint, Detroit, Gary, E. St Louis, Danville (IL), Decatur (IL), Lima (OH), and many others, CB (or almost anywhere else in Iowa for that matter) isn’t anywhere close to “bad”. Then, go to cities in California where homelessness is epidemic and you have mentally ill, unpredictable people, often on drugs, and it can really be dangerous in parts. I’ve stopped in areas of Memphis near the airport to get gas and have seen convenience stores with thick glass barriers between clerks and the customer base, out of necessity for safety, and witnessed hostile people threatening store attendants. CB, well, it just really isn’t any of that.

[@cadenelliott9168]

I think everyone in fort dodge has watched this video. It’s on all my friends Snapchat stories lol. I’ve grown up there my entire life and I’m currently away in the military and I miss it a lot. I don’t think I’d want to live anywhere else other than fort dodge. Plus I love your Dodger shirt

[@Icantbelievethat420]

And I think nobody should think of a town as being dangerous it's all a mindset if you're scared of it then you will be afraid you'll find yourself in scary situations Don't Be Afraid never be afraid the world belongs to all of us

[@junioradult6219]

Try that in baltimore

[@brendanmartin2097]

4:40 did you just run a red light ?

[@logan4612]

First of all, I love this! Im originally from Chicago and this is definitely no ghetto! Lol I was actually surprised to see Fort Dodge as the most dangerous city in Iowa! I would of guessed Des Moines before here! Not all of us are oblivious to dangerous ‘hoods, some are though I will agree! Unfortunately crime happens everywhere. Stay safe all! Thanks for this video!

[@NickJohnson]

Ok Jamie

[@aesonmoritz2100]

That's the main problem with crime in Iowa. Some of it is home grown but a lot of it is transplants from Chicago, Minneapolis, and around the time after Katrina we got transplants from New Orleans. They were invited up here by volunteer groups. This combination has caused a significant increase in crime across the state over many years. We got Chicago gangs in Des Moines and the local law along with the FBI, DEA & ATF do joint operations to clean them out from time to time. C Block gang was a good example but now the Mexican Mafia gangs took over. Nick just pass through here and really don't know what the hell is really going on in this state. We had a 10 car drive by shooting on school grounds here in Des Moines earlier this year. We also had multiple shootings last summer and this summer across the metro and in downtown Des Moines on Court Avenue entertainment district. The shootings were so frequent downtown, the city had to hire private security and fence off the streets and make it into a walk zone. That still didn't stop the thuggery and shootings. Don't let the nice façade fool you. There's a lot of crime going on here. Right now Cedar Rapids has a gang problem going on and Davenport... forget about it. Yes we Iowans have different standards because we do see what's going on in other states. Illinois is our next door neighbor and we don't want what they got over there to come here. To tell you the truth we need to cut the welfare in Iowa to make it less attractive for outsiders to come her and bring their bullsh*t. I think Nick needs a do over in this state. I give this video an F. 👎🏾👎🏾

[@brigham2150]

I moved to Fort Dodge from Ames one year ago as of this coming Sunday. Fort Dodge to Ames is rotten apples to fresh oranges if you ask me. However, there ARE plenty of great people here. Also, one HOT subject surrounding crime in this town is the Dodger Apartments and Townhomes, just across the street from Saint Edmond’s Catholic School. I’m surprised you didn’t bring that up. A lot of bad stuff happens over there. Anyway, that’s just my perspective.

[@velt7777]

Thank you for saying how Fort Dodge isnt that bad, but you missed a lot of the bad places. the worst place is what everyone calls, “the flats” there are shootings there almost every week, fights, drug operations, etc. My father has some ptsd (diagnosed) from being down there, he witnessed a man get shot and killed in a drive by. The place fort frenzy was in one of the nicer areas of town, but just last year there was a party being held and when a girl sat outside she was shot multiple times in a drive by, some of good friends heard the gun shots, and some of my other good friends were already at the party inside. there is a lot of arson, the saint paul church arson, and other houses (thats why a lot of those houses in the hood looked burned down) You need to live in fort dodge to see the crap that goes on here. My first hand experience is when i was younger our neighbor had a meth lab, got shot when the police raided because he shot back. And my Dads place, he lives in the neighborhood FILLED with crackheads, some friends and i call it “Crack Town” there are so many meth heads pacing up and down the streets, laying on the grass, etc. My fathers dog was killed because of living in this neighborhood. sickens me, my father and i are still looking for the asshole that did it. long story short, fort dodge isnt hell, but its not a good town either. believe the people who live here when they say that fort dodge is dirty.

[@hollybrodhagen3261]

Used to live in Vinton Iowa in the early 80's have you been there very small town with alot of corn soy beans and piggies.

[@denisebeck9316]

Holly, Vinton is the most well kept clean pretty town. Proud people!

[@hollybrodhagen3261]

@@denisebeck9316 I liked living there small town charm my brother lived there and worked for Perfix was a engineer.

[@Quinn-eb6dn]

Watch every one of your videos, great insight into rural America.