Clive, IA

Practical resilience for a relocator: food, water, energy, and defensibility

For a single individual or family, building resilience in Clive requires a proactive, layered approach. Food security is the most achievable goal. The surrounding farmland is a massive resource, but access to it depends on relationships with local farmers or securing your own plot. Clive's residential lots are typically suburban—quarter-acre to half-acre—which limits large-scale gardening but is sufficient for a high-yield vegetable garden, fruit trees, and a small chicken coop. The local farmers' markets and co-ops in nearby West Des Moines and Urbandale offer a backup, but these are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Water security is more challenging. The municipal water supply comes from the Des Moines Water Works, which draws from the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. This system is vulnerable to contamination, whether from industrial accidents, agricultural runoff, or deliberate sabotage. A relocator should invest in a high-quality water filtration system (e.g., Berkey or a reverse osmosis unit) and consider drilling a private well if property allows, though well water in the area can be high in nitrates and iron. Rainwater collection is legal in Iowa and can supplement non-potable uses. Energy resilience is critical. The grid in central Iowa is generally reliable, but ice storms and derecho events (like the August 2020 storm that devastated the region) can cause multi-day outages. A whole-house generator running on propane or natural gas is a wise investment, paired with a small solar panel system for off-grid capability. Defensibility is the weakest point for most suburban homes. Clive's neighborhoods are open, with easy access from multiple streets. A relocator should prioritize a home on a cul-de-sac, with a fenced backyard, and consider reinforcing doors and windows. Building a community of like-minded neighbors is the single most effective defensive measure—a neighborhood watch or mutual aid group can provide early warning and shared resources. The local police department is responsive, but in a widespread crisis, response times will lengthen dramatically. The proximity to the Iowa National Guard's Camp Dodge in Johnston (about 15 miles north) is a double-edged sword: it provides a potential source of order but also a potential target.

The overall strategic picture for Clive is one of calculated risk. It offers the economic and logistical advantages of a major metro area—good hospitals, schools, and supply chains—while being far enough from the urban core to avoid the worst of a potential collapse. For a conservative-leaning relocator who values community, self-reliance, and preparedness, Clive is a viable option if you are willing to invest in hardening your home, building local networks, and maintaining a low profile. The key is to treat Clive not as a final destination but as a base of operations. Have a bug-out plan for a rural retreat further west or north, where land is cheaper and population density is lower. Stockpile supplies for at least 90 days, including food, water, medical kits, and ammunition. Stay informed about local politics and community events—the area leans conservative, which can be an asset for finding like-minded allies. Ultimately, Clive is a good place to be prepared, but not a place to be complacent. The risks are real, but with deliberate planning, they are manageable. The question is not whether you can survive here, but whether you are willing to do the work to make it so.