Livability Score

85
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (17) F
Corazon Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
La Barista Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Grounds For Celebration
Coffee Shop
Friedrichs Coffee
Coffee Shop
PerKup Cafe
Coffee Shop
Caribou Coffee
Coffee Shop
Friedrich's World Coffees
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Caribou Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Timbuktu Coffee Bar
Coffee Shop
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Grounds For Celebration
Coffee Shop
Grounds For Celebration
Coffee Shop
Gateway Market Café
Coffee Shop
Mars Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Smokey Row Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Java Joe's
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (10) A+
Artisan Gallery 218
Art Gallery
Olson-Larson Galleries
Art Gallery
Unknown Name
Attraction
Rex Mathes Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Colby Park Performance Pavilion
Theatre Arts
I.M. Pei Building
Art Gallery
Richard Meier Building
Art Gallery
Eliel Saarinen Building
Art Gallery
Des Moines Art Center
Museum
Sylvan Theater
Theatre Arts
Art Studios
Art Gallery
Last Laugh Comedy Club
Theatre Arts
Salisbury House
Museum
Des Moines Community Playhouse
Theatre Arts
Clive Caboose
Attraction
Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre
Theatre Arts
Valley Stadium
Stadium
AMC Classic Cobblestone 9
Cinema
Lauridsen Amphitheater
Theatre Arts
Black Cultural Center
Theatre Arts
La Casa Cultural Center
Theatre Arts
Drake Stadium
Stadium
Sheslow Auditorium
Theatre Arts
The Varsity Cinema
Cinema
Henry G. Harmon Fine Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (108) A+
Winchester Public House
Bar
Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega
Bar
Chocolate Storybook
Sweets
Taco John's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Dairy Queen
Fast Food
G. Mig's 5th Street Pub
Bar
Charlie's Filling Station
Bar
Wendy's
Fast Food
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Sweets
Sully's Irish Pub
Bar
B&C Sports Bar
Bar
Little Caesars
Fast Food
Pal Joey's
Bar
Cattoors on Grand
Bar
Ladder 13
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Jimmy John's
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Jimmy John's
Fast Food
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits
Alcohol
Jeremiah Bullfrog's
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
B-Bop's
Fast Food
Fitness (18) A+
Valley Junction Activity Center
Community Centre
Polk County Westside Community Center
Community Centre
Eddie Davis Community Center
Community Centre
Planet Fitness
Gym
CrossFit West Des Moines
Gym
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Farrell's
Gym
Fitness by Design
Gym
Gold's Gym
Gym
Fitness World West
Gym
Koko FitClub
Gym
Burn Boot Camp
Gym
Snap Fitness
Gym
Northwest Community Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Kosama
Gym
Valley Community Center
Community Centre
Elks Lodge #2752
Community Centre
Prairie Life Health & Fitness
Gym
Krave Gym
Gym
Maximum Fitness
Gym
Farrell's
Gym
Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Xpressive Fitness
Gym
Groceries (14) B
Nan's Nummies
Bakery
Let Them Eat Cake
Bakery
Fareway
Grocery Store
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Aldi
Grocery Store
The Bake Shoppe
Bakery
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
The Cheese Shop of Des Moines
Cheese
La Mie Bakery
Bakery
Fresh Thyme
Grocery Store
D&D Bakery
Bakery
Campbell's Nutrition
Grocery Store
Lara's Bakery
Bakery
Price Chopper
Grocery Store
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
Natural Grocers
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Fareway
Grocery Store
Crème Cupcake
Bakery
Price Chopper
Grocery Store
Old Home Bakery Outlet
Bakery
Paul
Bakery
Hy-Vee
Grocery Store
Hilal Groceries
Grocery Store
Parks (138) A+
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
American Legion Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Wilson Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Railroad Park
Park
Frisbie Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Florer Park
Park
Holiday Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Shops (292) A+
Scott's Shoppe
Convenience Store
Hair Studio on Vine
Hairdresser
The SALON by InStyle
Hairdresser
Joy's Treasures
Gift Shop
La Michoacana Mexican Grocery
Convenience Store
Last Tear
Furniture
Southpaw Furniture
Furniture
Perry Bridal Boutique
Clothing
Morrissey Fine Jewelry
Fashion
Penrod's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Judy K's - Now and Then
Clothing
Ivy Lane
Clothing
Bamboo Massage & Spa
Beauty
Bozz Prints
Gift Shop
Bing's
Gift Shop
Memory Lane Antiques
Furniture
Heart of Iowa Market Place
Gift Shop
Shear Pawfection
Pets
Sisters in the Junction
Clothing
The Parlor Co
Hairdresser
2AU Limited
Fashion
Finding Iowa
Furniture
MoMere
Gift Shop
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
Sassy's Boutique
Clothing
See more West Des Moines amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 0.9% take public transportation in West Des Moines.
Public Transit Stops (1)
Stops & Stations F
42nd St & Harwood Dr
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 42nd St
Bus Stop
42nd St & Woodland Ave
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 41st St
Bus Stop
42nd St & Rollins Ave
Bus Stop
42nd St & Rollins Ave
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 39th St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 39th St
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
42nd St & Kingman Blvd,
Bus Stop
42nd St & Kingman Blvd
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 37th St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 37th St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 35th St
Bus Stop
University Ave & 42nd St (Far-Side)
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 35th St
Bus Stop
University Ave & 41st St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & #3220
Bus Stop
University Ave & 39th St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & Crescent Dr
Bus Stop
University Ave & 39th St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 31st St
Bus Stop
Ingersoll Ave & 31st St
Bus Stop
University Ave & 37th St
Bus Stop
University Ave & 37th St
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
0.9% F
See more West Des Moines commute data

cost of living A-

The cost of living in West Des Moines is 102/100 - which is 14% higher than Iowa.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. C+
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax D
See more West Des Moines cost of living data

crime B-

West Des Moines crime rates are 1,967 per 100k, which is 22% higher than Iowa
Property Crime
1,719 crimes per 100k C
Violent Crime
249 crimes per 100k B
See more West Des Moines crime data

employment A+

The median income in West Des Moines is $74,159 - which is 36% higher than Iowa.
Med. Household Income
$74,159 B
Unemployment Rate
1.8% A+
See more West Des Moines employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (62)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
Iowa Complete Wellness Chiropractic
Doctor
Mark Essy DDS
Dentist
Wehrspan Chiropractic
Doctor
Elite Dental Studio
Dentist
West Des Moines Fire Department Station 17
Fire Station
Walnut Creek Pediatrics
Clinic
Family Dentistry
Dentist
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Life Point Dental Group
Dentist
E P True Chiropractic
Doctor
Eye Care of Iowa
Doctor
Fountain West Health Care Center
Nursing Home
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Hospice of Central Iowa
Nursing Home
Windsor Heights Police Department
Police
Windsor Heights Fire Department
Fire Station
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Iowa Dental Group
Dentist
Physicians Eye Clinic
Doctor
West Des Moines Medical Center
Doctor
Allergy Institute, P.C.
Doctor
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Iowa Vein Center
Doctor
Endodontics PC
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality A-
See more West Des Moines health & safety data

housing A+

West Des Moines home prices are $228,300 - which is 72% higher than Iowa
Home Price
$228,300 A-
Home Appreciation Rate
14% A
Home Affordability
3.1x (home price to income ratio) B+
See more West Des Moines housing data

schools A+

The West Des Moines graduation rate is 95% - which is 8% higher than Iowa
School Test Scores
74% B
High School Grad. Rates
95% A+
Elementary Schools (13) D-
Hillside Elementary School
Sacred Heart School
Hanawalt Elementary
Merrill Middle School
Fairmeadows Elementary School
Iowa Christian Academy
Windsor Elementary
St Theresa Catholic School
St Augustin Catholic School
Cowles Elementary School
Hubbell Elementary
Clive Learning Academy
Greenwood Elementary School
Western Hills Elementary School
New Horizos Academy
Mt Olive Lutheran School
Crestview School Of Inquiry
Montessori Children'S House
Jordan Creek Elementary School
Perkins Elementary School
Hillis Elementary School
Callanan Middle School
Ruby Van Meter School
Ruby Van Meter
Smouse Opportunity School
High Schools (5) F
Walnut Creek Campus
Iowa Christian Academy
Dowling Catholic High School
Roosevelt High School
Valley High School
Valley Southwoods
Ruby Van Meter School
Ruby Van Meter
Scavo Alternative High School
See more West Des Moines education data

ratings C+

West Des Moines has an overall rating of 68% from 9 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes D
User Surveys (7)
From AreaVibes A+
See more West Des Moines user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

West Des Moines, IA Area Guide

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Photo of West Des Moines, IA
( 9 Ratings )

Living in West Des Moines, IA

Ranks better than 85% of areas Follow

West Des Moines Area Facts

  • West Des Moines has a Livability Score of 85/100, which is considered exceptional
  • West Des Moines crime rates are 22% higher than the Iowa average
  • Cost of living in West Des Moines is 14% higher than the Iowa average

What do the locals think about West Des Moines?

Based on 7 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll
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West Des Moines Reviews

Write a review about West Des Moines Tell people what you like or don't like about West Des Moines…
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. Read Less
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
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West Des Moines Awards

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Compare West Des Moines, IA Livability

      vs

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in West Des Moines? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      American Legion Park
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name

      Entertainment

      Artisan Gallery 218
      Olson-Larson Galleries
      Unknown Name
      Rex Mathes Auditorium
      Colby Park Performance Pavilion
      I.M. Pei Building
      Richard Meier Building
      Eliel Saarinen Building

      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.
      Drive to Work
      81%

      4% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      A- Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in West Des Moines? The cost of living in West Des Moines is 102/100 - which is 14% higher than Iowa.
      West Des Moines
      102

      2% more expensive than average

      Iowa
      90

      10% less expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      B- Crime

      What is the crime rate in West Des Moines? West Des Moines crime rates are 1,967, which are 22% higher than Iowa
      Total Crime
      1,967 per 100k people

      15% lower than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 51

      15% lower than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      4%

      Year over year crime is up

      A+ Employment

      What is the median income in West Des Moines? The median income in West Des Moines is $74,159 which is 36% higher than Iowa.
      Median household income
      $74,15934% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $45,76853% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      2%

      61% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is West Des Moines a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Methodist West Hospital
      MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Dermatology PC
      Langel Chiropractic Clinic
      Ashworth Chiropractic Clinic
      Ashworth Vision Clinic
      Active Family Chiropractic
      Lasik Plus
      Enhanced Health Chiropractic
      E P True Chiropractic

      A+ Housing

      What are West Des Moines home prices? West Des Moines home prices are $228,300 - which is 72% higher than Iowa
      Median home value
      $228,30024% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $1,05811% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      59%

      6% lower than the US average

      A+ Schools

      Does West Des Moines have good schools? The West Des Moines graduation rate is 95% - which is 8% higher than Iowa
      High school grad. rates
      95%

      15% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      74%

      54% higher than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      15:1

      5% lower than the US average

      C+ User Ratings

      Is West Des Moines a good place to live? West Des Moines has an overall rating of 68% from 9 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      68%

      9 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      55%

      2 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      98%

      7 total surveys

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