Name: West Des Moines, IA
Rating: 0.0

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( 9 Ratings )

Living in West Des Moines, IA

Ranks better than 85% of areas Follow

Population

66,724

Median Age

35.7 Years

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 38% higher than the Iowa average
Cost of living in West Des Moines is 14% higher than the Iowa average

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What do the locals think about West Des Moines?

75%

Family friendly

50%

Public transit is accessible

75%

Walkable to grocery stores

88%

Yards are well-kept

75%

Lots of parks

63%

Walkable to restaurants

Friendly neighbors

Safe at night

Pet friendly

Streets have sidewalks

63%

A quiet area

88%

Sense of community

Based on 8 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll

West Des Moines Reviews

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

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, 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

West Des Moines Awards

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