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Review West Des Moines
You are more likely to see a fairy than bus
3.5
rating
By
Anonymous (
May 13, 2025)
West Des Moines as a stand alone city is insanely boring, with no public transport. I know there are public buses, but I feel like seeing them more than once a year is pushing it. There is literally no entertainment here, unless shopping is your hobby. Also everything is closed p ...Read More
ast like 10:00 pm.
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Easy Living in West Des Moines, IA
4
rating
By
Anonymous (
Aug 22, 2012)
I was born and raised in West Des Moines, Iowa. The thing I love most about Des Moines is that even though it's one of the largest cities in Iowa and has all the amenities of a city, it still has the homey, small town Midwestern charm that I miss so much. Since I moved from West ...Read More
Des Moines twelve years ago, I have made a great effort to go back at least once a year to visit family and surround myself with the simple and endearing Iowa culture.
West Des Moines's population has increased drastically since I lived there. They are continually trying to escape the small-town vibe and become a more urban city to attract out of state visitors. One of the newest attractions that I love is Jordan Creek Town Center. Jordan Creek has all of my favorite restaurants, like P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, Panera Bread, and Joe's Crab Shack. It also has a large Century Theater and a large shopping mall. However, behind West Des Moines' outward appearance of urban city buildings, fashionable malls, and popular restaurants is a city founded by family oriented people with hard work ethics who cherish the simple life.
The best time to explore the city is in the spring or fall and right in the middle of the day. With its multiple parks, sports, and recreation sites, West Des Moines is perfect for active people. Rush hour traffic is almost non-existent, making the daily commute hassle free. The city was built around the schedules of businesses like banks and government buildings. Because of this, at 9:00pm, eighty five percent of the city shuts down for the night. The only food you will find to eat that late at night is at the local gas station, a bar, or in your aunt's fridge.
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West Des Moines, IA - Expesive, High End City
1.5
rating
By
mia2821 (
Aug 01, 2011)
Not much but shopping and a few other things to do. If you don't have extra cash to spend this area can be pretty depressing/ Everything costs a lot. (Meaning if you're an average person, you probably can't afford to do much of anything out here but watch everyone else spend t ...Read More
heir money.) Area is also set up for having a car so if you don't have a car or can't afford to drive West Des Moines is not the area for you. Bus routes are outdated and not very good. If you want to try and use the bus service to get to a job you will probably be out of luck.
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West Des Moines, IA - Expesive, High End City
1.5
rating
By
mia2821 (
Aug 01, 2011)
Not much but shopping and a few other things to do. If you don't have extra cash to spend this area can be pretty depressing/ Everything costs a lot. (Meaning if you're an average person, you probably can't afford to do much of anything out here but watch everyone else spend t ...Read
More
heir money.) Area is also set up for having a car so if you don't have a car or can't afford to drive West Des Moines is not the area for you. Bus routes are outdated and not very good. If you want to try and use the bus service to get to a job you will probably be out of luck.
Read Less
What the locals say about
Family friendlyPublic transit is accessibleWalkable to grocery storesYards are well-keptLots of parksWalkable to restaurantsFriendly neighbors Safe at night Pet friendly Streets have sidewalksA quiet areaSense of community
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West Des Moines Awards
❰❱
Compare West Des Moines, IA Livability
A+
Amenities
Are there many local amenities in
West Des Moines?
Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.
Parks
American Legion Park
Wilson Park
Railroad Park
Frisbie Park
Florer Park
Holiday Park
Colby Park
Beh Glen Park
Entertainment
Artisan Gallery 218
Olson-Larson Galleries
Rex Mathes Auditorium
Colby Park Performance Pavilion
I.M. Pei Building
Richard Meier Building
Eliel Saarinen Building
Des Moines Art Center
Food & Drink
Winchester Public House
Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega
Chocolate Storybook
Taco John's
Subway
Dairy Queen
G. Mig's 5th Street Pub
Charlie's Filling Station
F
Commute
Is public transit available in West Des Moines?
Of all people who commute,
0.9% take public transportation in
West Des Moines.