Firstly why Des-Moines, Iowa?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Des-Moines
• State: Iowa
• Population: 214,133 people
• Des-Moines’s quick summary would be The state capital, famous for its annual Iowa State Fair and the vibrant East Village.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 17,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 700

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a state capital offers government job opportunities attracting professionals

Perk #1: Des-Moines Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $69,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Des-Moines is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-4000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Des-Moines’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,988
• Property Tax %: 1.47%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Des-Moines, West-Des-Moines, Clive, Johnston, and probably could include Urbandale
• Avg. Age of Homes in Des-Moines: 77 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Des-Moines’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Des-Moines are  Insurance, Finance, and Healthcare
• Des-Moines Job Scene: stable job market focused on finance and insurance
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene centered on finance technology, health IT, and insurance
• Des-Moines Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Des-Moines: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Des-Moines

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-80 and I-35 converge in Des Moines creating major access points
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on I-235
• Transportation Score: 40 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Des-Moines: 210,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Des-Moines: iowadot.gov/mvd
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Des Moines International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Des-Moines’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Des-Moines is best described as experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters that can bring snowfall warm summers with temperatures reaching above 80°F and mild springs and autumns featuring moderate temperatures and changing foliage
• Winter Weather in Des-Moines i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Des-Moines can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Des-Moines are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Des-Moines is usually cool with crisp air
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Des-Moines below Freezing: 25
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban activities
• Des-Moines Winter Air average air quality with some pollution spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Des-Moines Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Des-Moines 7
• While the number of trade schools inside Des-Moiness’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Des Moines Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Des-Moines Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Des-Moines only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Des-Moines only Police Officers is about 460
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Des-Moines’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Des-Moines’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Des-Moines’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Des-Moines

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a growing arts scene and diverse economy
• You might enjoy concerts at the Des Moines Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Des-Moines  features a growing nightlife with local breweries bars and live music venues for captivating evenings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Des-Moines

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of farm-to-table dining and local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 55 scattered around Des-Moines
• The Popular Sports Team is Des Moines Buccaneers
• Top Level Political Climate in Des-Moines can be described as politically mixed state capital focused on equity and local governance
• Des-Moines’s Longer standing religious establishment is Des Moines First Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Des-Moines Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Des-Moines has 55 Parks?
• Gray’s Lake Park is Des-Moines’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Des Moines Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Des-Moines Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Des-Moines can be described as steady urban pace with a focus on business and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Des-Moines going to local fairs community gardening event picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Des-Moines are Ames 33 miles away Urbandale 6 miles away Ankeny 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Des-Moines or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on I-235. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Des-Moines’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Des-Moines are Ames 33 miles away Urbandale 6 miles away Ankeny 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Des-Moines has 25 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Des-Moines people have an average (positive or negative) $-4000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   700 homeless people living in Des-Moines. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed state capital focused on equity and local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Des-Moines.

Retiree & Senior Life in Des-Moines

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for income tax exemptions aimed at retirement funding
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Wesley Acres
• Des Moines Senior Center features a variety of activities and wellness programs for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Des-Moines, Iowa?

If Des-Moines, Iowa ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Des-Moines, Iowa, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!