Des Moines may not be the first city that comes to mind when considering a move, but those who live here know it’s a hidden gem. As Iowa’s capital, it blends affordability, opportunity, and adventure in a way few places can. From vibrant neighborhoods and scenic trails, to a booming job market and a welcoming community, Des Moines offers big-city perks without the hassle. Here are the top 10 reasons why moving to Des Moines may be right for you.
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Affordable Housing
Des Moines has been making a name for itself as one of the most affordable places to live in America. It’s ranked 10th in the most affordable cities in the midwest, and it has the lowest cost of living among these cities.
Some of the most affordable neighborhoods include South Park, River Bend, and North of Grand, with rent below $1,000 a month and an average median home price of approximately $166,420.
The city of Des Moines also offers a Public Housing Program for low-income families. The rental units are located within five apartment complexes and 34 single-family homes. The city also provides accessible units for those who have accessibility needs. Rent is calculated to be 30% of the participants’ monthly adjusted income. With this rate, families pay what they can afford.
Stress-Free Commute
Compared to major cities like New York or Chicago, Des Moines is easy to navigate. The average commute time is just 24 minutes—8 minutes less than the national average. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides weekday bus service, while the BCycle bike-sharing program offers convenient rentals. Downtown is walkable, with bike lanes and a skywalk system for winter days.
Cultural Attractions
Des Moines offers an exciting mix of shopping, events, and festivals. One of the most prominent events is the Iowa State Fair, which draws in more than a million guests annually. The fair hosts many unique contests and competitions like the Pigtail, Ponytail, Braid, Mullet, and Mohawk Contest, and the Best Bagger Contest. Alongside the contests and competitions are the fair’s incredible attractions like the Thrill Zone and the fan-favorite Ye Old Mill, delicious food vendors, and souvenir cups!
If you’re looking for something more laid back, you can always spend a day shopping at the Jordan Creek Mall. Pick up some new workout and leisure gear at Lululemon or hunt for the next best scent for your home at the Yankee Candle store. Don’t forget to grab some freshly made fudge from Scheels on your way out! When you’re done, grab a bite to eat at the food court or one of the nearby restaurants. If you’re looking for a good way to end the day, Jordan Creek Mall has a Cinemark Theatre attached, so you can catch the latest and trending films!
Thriving Job Market
Des Moines has a strong economy, especially for startups and established industries. The cost of doing business is 12% lower than the national average. The city is a hub for insurance, financial services, publishing, and logistics. With a lower unemployment rate than similarly sized cities, job seekers will find plenty of opportunities.
Expansive Food and Drink Scene
Des Moines boasts a strong farm-to-table culture. Popular spots include Zombie Burger + Drink Lab which was featured on national TV, and a collection of local wineries perfect for wine lovers. Whether you’re after a casual burger or a fine dining experience, the city’s culinary scene has something for everyone.
Friendly Communities
Because of the booming event and festival scene in Des Moines, the community is very close-knit. Some great examples of these activities that bring neighbors together include the Botanical Blues event which is hosted every Sunday from January 5th through March 30th, and the Immigration Action Workshop, which is organized by St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church to gather those who would like to learn how to assist immigrants and refugees.
On top of these community events, Des Moines is also a great place for volunteer opportunities. Members of the community can sit down with a preschooler every week and read books with them in the Book Buddy volunteer program. Or, if you’re only looking to volunteer for a day, that’s okay because United Way Central Iowa hosts an annual event known as Day of Action. On Day of Action last year, the organization gathered more than 575 volunteers and over 45 projects were completed. So, have no doubt—in Des Moines, there’s always a way to connect with your community!
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Connection To Nature
Des Moines has an abundance of parks, lakes, and rivers, which can provide many opportunities to see the great outdoors. The city has over 800 miles of trails and bodies of water teeming with various species of fish. So, if you’re interested in connecting with nature, Des Moines is the place for you!
Quality Education
Iowa is home to many wonderful school districts like the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which is Iowa’s largest public school district with 38 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and nine high schools. Some of the best high schools include Ankeny High School, which is ranked sixth in the state; Adel DeSoto Minburn (ADM) High School, which is ranked seventh in the state, and Valley High School, which is ranked 11th in the state. On the topic of education, Des Moines is the location for many high school state tournaments, so living here is at the center of high school extracurriculars!
If you’re looking for higher education, Des Moines has quite a few opportunities for this. Drake University, one of Des Moines’ private institutions, is ranked 179 out of all national universities with a 65% acceptance rate. Another large school is Des Moines University, which is a private university that focuses on the medical field. In 2023, DMU osteopathic students achieved the highest board exam pass rate in the nation, so it’s truly a prestigious medical school.
For those who are looking for something less intense, it’s worth checking out Des Moines Area Community College. DMACC offers over 220 degrees, certificates, and diplomas, which is more than any other community college in Iowa. It has multiple transfer partnerships with various universities, such as the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. CityView even named DMACC the Best Community College in Iowa for 2025. So, the college packs a big punch in terms of opportunities and ways to succeed!
Safe and Secure City
Safety is a top concern when moving, and Des Moines delivers. In 2022, Des Moines’ violent and property crime rates were below the national average, making it one of the safer cities of its size. Additionally, there was a decrease in the crime rate by 17.64% from 2022 to 2023. Some of the safest areas to live in include Millman with a whopping 95% rating in safety compared to other cities in Iowa, and Saylorville with a crime rate 80% lower than the national average.
True Season Change
Des Moines offers all four seasons, making it ideal for those who appreciate variety. Winters are chilly, averaging 27°F, but snow days are minimal. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, while summers reach a comfortable 76°F—warm but not scorching. If you love seasonal changes without extreme weather, this is the place to be.
Conclusion
Des Moines stands out as a city that offers the best of both worlds—affordability and opportunity. With low housing costs and public housing programs, it’s an accessible place to settle down. The stress-free commute, whether by car, bus, bike, or on foot, makes daily life easier. Beyond practical benefits, Des Moines has plenty to explore. From cultural attractions like the Iowa State Fair to a thriving job market, opportunities are everywhere. Food lovers will appreciate the various dining options, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy miles of trails and scenic parks. Families benefit from top-rated schools, and residents take comfort in the city’s safe neighborhoods. Plus, for those who love experiencing all four seasons, Des Moines delivers just the right balance.
With its friendly communities and endless ways to get involved, Des Moines isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. If you’re looking for affordability, opportunity, and a strong sense of community, Des Moines is ready to welcome you home.
FAQs
It certainly depends on what you’re looking for in a neighborhood. Do you prioritize safety? Size? Location? There are a ton of factors to take into account when looking at the best neighborhoods. Beaverdale, Capitol East, and Downtown Des Moines are among some of the best neighborhoods to call home.
Absolutely! On top of wonderful schools and safe neighborhoods, Des Moines also hosts a ton of different events that are fun for the whole family! The Iowa State Fair is one of the most popular events for the family, but Adventureland Park also offers some entertainment and excitement for the whole season.
There are plenty of moving services in Des Moines, IA to choose from. If you’re looking for labor-only services, UniMovers Des Moines offers affordable rates that save customers 30-50% compared to full-service moving companies.
There’s a ton of exciting things to do in Des Moines like visiting the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or taking a walk on one of the many trails. If you’re not a big fan of the outside, Des Moines also has a beautiful art museum with various different exhibits and collections.
Harley Green was born and raised in Holiday, Florida, and has always had a passion for storytelling, design, and strategic communication. She’s currently finishing up her degrees in Integrated PR & Advertising and Creative Writing at the University of South Florida, where she balances writing, research, and creative projects. When she's not working or going to class, she's watching anime, playing video games, or spending some time with her two cats, Ciri and Cana.
