Living in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is filled with vibrant neighborhoods in which you can make your home, and living Downtown is convenient and fun. With a broad selection of new and historically renovated housing units continuously added to the market, why not join over 12,000 people who have found Downtown DSM is the place for them?
Des Moines schools and higher education opportunities are nearby and easily accessible. Shopping for groceries Downtown is more convenient than ever with the Fourth + Court Hy-Vee down the street, and there are many other locations to shop Downtown DSM. Living in Downtown Des Moines means living within walking distance of some of the best restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and having the Principal Riverwalk and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in your backyard. When you live in Downtown DSM, things to do and world-class festivals and events are right outside your doorstep, too.
Downtown Des Moines Housing
No matter your needs, goals and lifestyle, there’s a Downtown Des Moines housing option for you. From studios and lofts to condos, townhomes and brownstones, new buildings are being built, restored and renovated all the time.
Downtown Des Moines Neighborhoods
Each of Downtown DSM's well-known neighborhoods offers something different. Will you make your home in the Market District, one of Downtown DSM's newest districts? Or perhaps the Gray’s Lake Area, or in the midst of the Historic East Village's bustling shopping district? Learn more about each unique Downtown Des Moines neighborhood.
Downtown Des Moines Schools
Downtown DSM is within the Des Moines Public Schools district (DMPS). If you live in Downtown DSM, view the DMPS District Maps to determine which school your family may attend based on your address.
Higher education opportunities are available at many universities and classrooms located either in or near Downtown DSM as well. Learn about all the opportunities for education Downtown DSM has to offer!
Downtown Des Moines Grocery and Convenience Stores
Downtown residents have several grocery store options to choose from to make shopping convenient! Longtime Downtown DSM business, Gateway Market, offers groceries along with unique, local lunch and dinner options to grab and go. Hy-Vee also offers a Downtown DSM Fourth + Court location close to many Downtown apartment complexes. With Hy-Vee Aisles Online, Downtown residents can order their groceries online and have them delivered right to their doorsteps, adding even more convenience to Downtown living. Check out these other opportunities to shop for groceries and other household items Downtown DSM.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown DSM's resurgence was a long time coming. See how Downtown DSM continues to grow! Now that Downtown DSM is thriving, you don't want to miss all it has to offer. From beautiful views of the Des Moines River to new Downtown shops, Downtown DSM just keeps getting better.
Getting Around Downtown DSM
Downtown DSM's wayfinding system with clear signage makes it easy to get around, directing drivers and pedestrians to major destinations and public parking lots and garages. Just follow the blue signs! The streamlined signage doesn't stop outside. Downtown DSM's four miles of connected skywalks are easily navigated thanks to updated signage. And you can get anywhere downtown DSM in less than 20 minutes by bike. Check out BCycle if you don't have your own! DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority) runs numerous bus routes through Downtown DSM. Riding the bus around Downtown DSM is simple with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). For the most up to date routes, check out DART's interactive map and bus stop finder.