Des Moines is a highly populated city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 212,859 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Des Moines is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? One big advantage of living in Des Moines is the reasonable commute times to work. With an average one way commute time of 19 minutes, getting to work is faster than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Des Moines, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Des Moines and in the areas around Des Moines is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Des Moines has received a livability score of 81 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Des Moines ranks well in multiple categories! Des Moines has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are seven total categories that generate the livability score. Des Moines ranks well for amenities (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Des Moines does not score well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Location, location, location - those 3 words empasize the significance of the location of any property and are possibly the three most important words in your search for a new place to live. Fortunately, in Des Moines, there are an abundance of amazing local amenities and other interesting things to do. These include grocery stores, coffee shops, places to eat and parks. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Des Moines: Blank Park Zoo, Iowa State Fairgrounds, and Des Moines Art Center.
For individuals considering a relocation, job opportunities often take center stage as a crucial factor. Your chances of finding new employment in Des Moines is actually far better than most areas. With a low unemployment rate of 0.51%, you are likely to see an increase of job options, higher wages, improved workforce productivity and higher economic growth.
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, 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.
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 $119,800, which is 9.8% lower 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 2.5, which is 4.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.3% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.2% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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