When contemplating a move to a new city, it’s crucial to evaluate various factors such as cost of living, employment opportunities, education, safety, climate, and transportation. Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, frequently emerges in discussions about livable Midwestern cities. But is Des Moines a good place to live? Let’s explore the key aspects that define life in this city.
Cost of Living
One of the most appealing features of Des Moines is its affordability. The overall cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average. Housing plays a significant role in this affordability, with costs about 31% less than the national average. For example, the median home price in Des Moines is around $398,206, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $875 per month.
Utilities and transportation are also more affordable compared to national figures. Utility prices are about 16% lower than the national average.
However, it’s important to note that while housing is generally affordable, some residents still face challenges. More than 20% of renters in the Des Moines metro area spend half of their income on rent, highlighting affordability issues for lower-income individuals.
Employment Opportunities
Des Moines boasts a diverse job market, particularly strong in sectors like finance, insurance, and biotechnology. As of December 2024, the unemployment rate in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area was 3.2%, slightly higher than previous months but still indicative of a relatively healthy job market.
Statewide, Iowa’s labor force participation rate climbed to 67.0% in January 2025, reflecting an increase in individuals engaging in the workforce.
However, it’s worth noting that Iowa’s job growth has lagged behind the national trend. National employment growth peaked at 2.04% in September 2023, declining to 1.56% by September 2024. In contrast, Iowa’s growth reached 1.11% in December 2023 and ended at 0.73% in September 2024.
Education
For families with children, the quality of education is a significant consideration. The Des Moines area offers a range of educational options, including several well-regarded school districts. According to Niche’s 2025 rankings, the top school districts in the Des Moines area include:
- Ankeny Community School District
- Waukee Community School District
- Urbandale Community School District
- West Des Moines Community School District
- North Polk Community School District
However, challenges persist. In November 2024, the Iowa Department of Education released new state school performance ratings, identifying a dozen Des Moines schools on Iowa’s low-performance list.
Safety and Crime Rates
Safety is a crucial factor when evaluating a city’s livability. In 2024, the Des Moines metro area recorded 22 homicides, with 17 occurring within the city itself. This represents an increase compared to the previous year but remains below the 2022 high of 23 homicides.
According to NeighborhoodScout, the violent crime rate in Des Moines is 7.04 per 1,000 residents, higher than the national median of 4 per 1,000. The property crime rate stands at 33.38 per 1,000 residents, also exceeding the national median.
Climate
Des Moines experiences a humid continental climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from lows of 17°F in winter to highs of 86°F in summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 38.9 inches.
Public Transportation
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides public transportation services throughout the city and surrounding communities. DART operates a network of bus routes, including local, express, and on-demand services. The central hub, DART Central Station, is located in downtown Des Moines.
However, public transportation options are somewhat limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, and many residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting.
Housing Market Trends
The housing market in Des Moines has seen significant changes in recent years. Home sale prices in the metro area reached record highs in 2024, with the median sales price increasing from $193,500 in January 2019 to $300,000 in May 2024, a 55% increase.
While this surge has built homeowner wealth, it has also exacerbated affordability gaps for low-income families. City officials are considering establishing a community land trust to address these issues.
Community Initiatives
In response to the rising housing costs and affordability challenges, Des Moines is exploring innovative solutions to support low-income families and maintain long-term housing affordability.
Community Land Trusts
One such initiative is the establishment of a Community Land Trust (CLT). A CLT is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land on behalf of a community to ensure that housing remains affordable for future generations. Homes are sold to individuals at below-market rates, while the land itself is leased from the trust, thereby reducing the overall cost of homeownership. This model not only facilitates affordable housing but also promotes community involvement and sustainable development.
In October 2023, Des Moines officially initiated the creation of an “affordable forever” home network through the development of a CLT. This plan aims to break the cycle where subsidized homes lose affordability after ownership changes hands.
The trust will use public and philanthropic funds to purchase properties across the city, ensuring that these homes remain accessible to low-income families. Applications for the CLT Advisory Committee were opened to involve community members in this endeavor.
Arts and Culture
Des Moines boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, offering residents and visitors a plethora of events, festivals, and institutions that enrich the community’s cultural fabric.
Festivals and Events
- Des Moines Arts Festival: Held annually in June at Western Gateway Park, this festival attracts over 200,000 attendees and features a diverse array of visual and performing arts.
- 80/35 Music Festival: Named after the two interstates that intersect in Des Moines, this multi-day music festival showcases national and local artists. In 2024, the festival is set to move to Water Works Park, offering expanded space and amenities.
- Iowa State Fair: An iconic event held every August, the fair features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and a wide variety of food options. In 2024, the fair recorded an attendance of 1,182,682, highlighting its significance in the state’s cultural landscape.
Museums and Art Centers
- Des Moines Art Center: This institution offers art exhibitions, educational programs, and studio art classes, housing a collection that spans from the 19th century to contemporary works.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Located within Western Gateway Park, this 4.4-acre park features sculptures by renowned artists, contributing to the city’s public art initiatives.
Parks and Recreation
Des Moines offers an abundance of green spaces and recreational opportunities that cater to a variety of interests and promote an active lifestyle.
Water Works Park
Spanning 1,500 acres, Water Works Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It features trails, picnic areas, and the Arie den Boer Arboretum, which houses approximately 1,200 crabapple trees. The park also hosts events at the Lauridsen Amphitheater, including concerts and festivals.
Principal Riverwalk
This 1.2-mile recreational trail connects the east and west sides of downtown Des Moines, featuring pedestrian bridges, landscaped promenades, and access to various attractions along the Des Moines River.
Gray’s Lake Park
Located just south of downtown, Gray’s Lake Park offers a 1.9-mile lighted trail encircling the lake, providing opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. The park also features a boat rental facility, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
Retail and Shopping
Des Moines serves as a central retail hub in Iowa, offering a mix of thriving shopping centers and areas poised for redevelopment.
Jordan Creek Town Center
Located in West Des Moines, Jordan Creek has experienced a retail renaissance, attracting popular stores such as The Lego Store and Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as experiential attractions like Dave and Busters and Top Golf. The area around Jordan Creek is also set for further retail and dining expansion.
Valley West Mall
In contrast, Valley West Mall has seen a decline, with major tenants relocating and the mall expected to go up for sale soon. The city plans to redevelop the space into a mixed-use area with commercial, residential, and green spaces, aiming to revitalize the aging area near I-235.
Community and Demographics
Des Moines is a city characterized by its welcoming community and growing diversity.
- Diverse Population: The city is diversifying, with growing Latino and Asian populations contributing to its cultural richness.
- Community Engagement: Residents are known for their community-oriented spirit, with numerous opportunities for volunteering and civic involvement. Organizations such as One Iowa and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa offer avenues for engagement and connection.
Is Des Moines a Good Place to Live?
Des Moines presents a compelling blend of affordability, cultural vibrancy, recreational opportunities, and community engagement. While challenges such as housing affordability and retail redevelopment exist, proactive initiatives like the establishment of Community Land Trusts and urban revitalization projects demonstrate the city’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Whether you’re drawn to its thriving arts scene, expansive green spaces, or the welcoming community, Des Moines offers a quality of life that appeals to a diverse range of residents.
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