Des Moines 83 Exceptional
Des Moines Livability #24 ranked city in Iowa#734 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Des Moines

PROS
  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

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What's it like Living in Des Moines?

Des Moines, Iowa is a highly populated city with a population of 215,408 people. The majority of Des Moines residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Des Moines is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 46%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Des Moines. With an average one way commute time of only 19 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 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Des Moines and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Des Moines to Iowa and the national average.

The livability score in Des Moines is 81/100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, Des Moines ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Des Moines has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Des Moines ranks very well for amenities (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Des Moines does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Des Moines has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Des Moines has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Blank Park Zoo, Iowa State Fairgrounds, and Des Moines Art Center.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Des Moines apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Des Moines real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Des Moines. Median real estate prices in Des Moines come in at $141,300, which is 6.4% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Des Moines, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 8.3% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Des Moines

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Des Moines?

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Compare Des Moines, IA Livability

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      Des Moines transportation information

      Statistic Des Moines Iowa National
      Average one way commute19min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.7%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.5%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Des Moines, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).