Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Located in the state of Iowa, West Des Moines is a moderately-sized city with a population of 68,345 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 85% of West Des Moines residents are White, 7% Asian and 4% Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in West Des Moines. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in West Des Moines is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in West Des Moines and in the areas around West Des Moines is a much easier task.
The livability score in West Des Moines is 85 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, West Des Moines is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, West Des Moines has received high marks for crime (B-), cost of living (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+).
If you're considering living in West Des Moines, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, West Des Moines provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Valley Junction, Val Air Ballroom, and Limey's Pub.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. West Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 165 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.9%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that West Des Moines schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making West Des Moines an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, West Des Moines has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that West Des Moines meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in West Des Moines. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in West Des Moines are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in West Des Moines come in at $400,860, which is 67% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Des Moines, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | West Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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