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Is West Des Moines a good place to live?Yes, West Des Moines is considered one of the best places to live in Iowa. Known for its welcoming community, excellent schools, and vibrant local economy, the city offers a high quality of life. Residents enjoy a mix of suburban comforts and urban conveniences, with plenty of parks, dining options, and shopping areas like the Jordan Creek Town Center.
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Is West Des Moines a walkable neighborhood?West Des Moines is somewhat walkable, with a Walk Score of 34 and a Bike Score of 37 according to Walkscore.com, indicating that most errands require a car, but some areas may offer better walkability or biking options. While the city has pockets of well-connected streets and proximity to parks, schools, and shopping centers, many neighborhoods remain car-dependent. For those who enjoy cycling, the city’s dedicated bike paths and trails provide additional options for getting around.
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What are the activities for kids in West Des Moines?West Des Moines offers a variety of fun and enriching activities for kids. Families can spend time at Raccoon River Park, which features a playground, beach area, and nature trails, or visit the Valley Community Center, which hosts engaging classes and events for children. Kids can also participate in local youth sports leagues, enjoy interactive learning at the nearby Science Center of Iowa, or attend one of the many summer camps available in the area, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do.
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What are the transit options in West Des Moines?West Des Moines provides several convenient transit options for residents and visitors alike. The DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) bus service connects the city to the broader Des Moines metro area, making public transit accessible. The city is also bike-friendly, with dedicated trails and pathways for cycling and walking. Major highways such as I-35 and I-80 offer excellent driving access for commuters, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, making it easy to travel throughout the region.
If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in Des Moines, Iowa look no further than The Grantham Group. We’re passionate about the city’s growth and are dedicated to helping our clients find the perfect home or investment property in this thriving, financially stable city. The City of Des Moines provides exceptional city services and is home to over 200,000 residents. With 49 unique neighborhoods and 4,000 acres of parkland, there is truly something for everyone here. Give us a call today to start your search!
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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#1 Place for Young Professionals to Live – Forbes
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Top 10 Fastest-Growing Mid-Sized Metro — Site Selection Group, 2023
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Top Five Small City for Young Graduates — Pheabs, 2023
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Top 12 Best Mid-Size City in the U.S. — Extra Space Storage, 2023
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#3 Best Market for Recent College Graduates — Zillow, 2023
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Top 20 Best Place to Live in the U.S. — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
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# 1 Best Midsized Metros for Millennials — CommercialCafe, 2023
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#7 Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S. — Apartment List, 2023
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Top 10 City for a Minimalist Lifestyle — RentCafe, 2023
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#9 Top Metro for Number Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million) — Site Selection Magazine, 2023
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#5 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Families — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
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#12 Most Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
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#4 Most Arts-Vibrant Mid-Sized Community — SMU DataArts, 2022
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#6 Best Place for Women in Real Estate — MyEListing, 2022
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Top 10 Most Neighborly City in America — Neighbor Blog, 2022
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Top 10 Best Affordable City for Gen Z Renters — GoBankingRates, 2022
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Top 25 Up-and-Coming Tech Market — CBRE, 2022
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Top 20 Tech City for IT Jobs — CompTIA, 2022
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One of Five Cool Places in America Where You Can Still Buy a Home for Less Than $200,000 — MarketWatch, 2022
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Top 10 Best State Capital to Live In — SmartAsset, 2022
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#7 Most Affordable Housing Market — GoodHire, 2022
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#6 Top Metro for Number Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million) — Site Selection Magazine, 2022
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Top 10 Place Where It’s Easiest to Save for Your First Home — Money, 2022
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One of 50 Cities Worth Exploring in 2022 — Travel Pulse, 2022
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Best Mid-Size Town in the Midwest — Midwest Living, 2022
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FUN FACTS
The name “Des Moines” means “of the monks” in French.
The city gets its name from the nearby Des Moines River, which was named by early French explorers.
Des Moines is home to more than 220 parks and 81 miles of trails.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a plethora of green spaces and recreational opportunities in and around the city.
The Iowa State Fair, held in Des Moines, is one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the United States.
Every August, the fairgrounds come alive with livestock shows, concerts, carnival rides, and deep-fried delicacies.
The state capitol building in Des Moines is one of the few with a golden dome.
Its distinctive dome is covered in 23-karat gold leaf, making it a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline.
Des Moines Homes for Sale
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Things to Do in Des Moines
Whether you're into history, art, nature, or hands-on fun, Des Moines has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit attractions that make this city a vibrant and engaging place to explore!
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State Capitol Building: This stunning architectural marvel features a gold dome and offers free guided tours. Explore its rich history, impressive artwork, and breathtaking views of Des Moines from the grounds.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Spanning 14 acres, this oasis offers vibrant horticultural displays, including tropical plants, seasonal exhibits, and a beautiful conservatory. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a fun family outing.
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Des Moines Art Center: Discover world-class collections of contemporary and modern art alongside rotating exhibitions. Admission is free, making it an accessible way to enjoy culture and creativity.
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Pappajohn Sculpture Park: This 4.4-acre urban park features over 30 sculptures by renowned artists. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, photography, or a picnic surrounded by inspiring public art.
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Science Center of Iowa: Engage your curiosity with interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and live science demonstrations. A great destination for families and science lovers of all ages.
Local Restaurants in Des Moines
One of the perks of living in Des Moines is the incredible dining scene. If you’re craving farm-fresh dishes, international flavors, or classic comfort food, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to explore.
1. The Breakfast Club: Popular breakfast and brunch spot known for creative morning dishes and classic comfort food
2. Centro Restaurant: Upscale Italian restaurant featuring authentic cuisine and a vibrant downtown atmosphere
3. Bubba: Southern-inspired restaurant offering innovative comfort food and craft cocktails
4. Django Restaurant: French-inspired dining with an extensive wine list and elegant culinary presentations
5. Johnny's Italian Steakhouse: Classic steakhouse combining Italian flavors with premium cuts of meat
6. Skip's: Local favorite providing casual dining with a diverse menu of American classics
7. Zombie Burger: Iconic Des Moines restaurant featuring wildly creative burger concepts with pop culture-inspired names and unique flavor combinations
Hotels in Des Moines
Des Moines offers a variety of great hotel options. From upscale downtown accommodations to cozy boutique stays, there's a perfect place for every traveler to feel at home. Plus, with many hotels near popular attractions, exploring the city is a breeze!
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Hilton Des Moines Downtown: Modern, full-service hotel located in the heart of the city center. Offers stunning river views, contemporary rooms, state-of-the-art business facilities, and easy access to major downtown attractions. Perfect for both business travelers and tourists seeking convenience and comfort.
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Hotel Fort Des Moines: A historic boutique hotel dating back to 1919, blending classic elegance with modern amenities. Featuring beautifully restored rooms, a sophisticated lobby, and a prime downtown location. Ideal for travelers who appreciate historic charm and luxury.
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Des Lux Hotel: Boutique downtown hotel featuring modern amenities and urban design. Located in the heart of the city with easy access to major attractions.
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown: Full-service hotel offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and an evening reception. Ideal for business and leisure travelers.
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Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown: Extended-stay hotel with apartment-style suites, fully equipped kitchens, and complimentary breakfast. Perfect for longer stays.
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Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel: Historic downtown hotel offering luxurious accommodations and classic Iowa hospitality. Centrally located with elegant rooms and exceptional service.
Local Events in Des Moines
Des Moines has a vibrant community spirit, and you'll feel it in the city’s year-round events. Think farmers' markets, festivals, live music, and cultural celebrations — there's always something happening, making this a city where you can truly live, connect, and thrive. Here are just some of its popular events:
Iowa State Fair
One of the largest and most famous state fairs in the United States, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, unique food offerings, and live entertainment. Typically held in August, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.
Des Moines Arts Festival
A premier outdoor arts celebration held in June, showcasing over 180 artists from across the country. The festival includes live music, interactive art experiences, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Downtown Des Moines
Farmers' Market
One of the largest and most famous state fairs in the United States, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, unique food offerings, and live entertainment. Typically held in August, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.
Best School Districts in Des Moines Area
Des Moines combines strong public education with excellent private and specialized learning options. Here are some of the consistently top-performing schools in the area, based on academic achievement, student engagement, and overall performance.
Note: Rankings and grades are from Niche.com's recent assessments. For the most current information and specific details about each district, it's recommended to visit their official websites or contact them directly.
1. Waukee Community School District (Rated A+)
2. Johnston Community School District (Rated A)
3. Ankeny Community School District (Rated A)
4. West Des Moines Community School District (Rated A)
5. Van Meter Community School District (Rated A)