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Living Here

Greater Des Moines (DSM) must be the place. As a local, you'll find affordable living, vibrant Downtown amenities, welcoming suburbs, world-class education and commute times averaging 20 minutes or less — all while enjoying an ideal work-life balance. In DSM, you can truly have it all:

  • Top 10 Best Place for Business and Careers — Forbes, 2019
  • Top 20 Best Place to Live — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
  • #1 Best Place to Live in the Midwest for High Salaries and Low Cost of Living — The Ascent, 2021
  • #2 Safest Place to Live — U.S. News & World Report, 2021
  • #11 Most Affordable City to Buy a Home — Forbes Advisor, 2021

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Living in DSM USA

Did you know DSM is the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022)? Living here means Saturdays at the nationally-renowned Downtown Farmers' Market, afternoons strolling in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an abundance of sporting events and trails for walking, running and biking, opportunities to participate in community events and nationally ranked high quality of living.

Best Place to Raise KidsIt means biking to the job you love, and coming home to a community of friends and family. Residents care about their community, making a difference for everyone who lives here. This is a place where culture flourishes and opportunities can grow, where a work/life balance can be achieved, where education is unmatched and award-winning arts and entertainment is always just around the corner. You will find DSM is the place to be.

Discover Why DSM

Local Stories

Hear from DSM residents who know this is the place:

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Videos produced by Applied Art and Technology.

Considering a Move?

2020 Fastest Growing Metro

We're happy to help! Explore each of the unique communities around DSM and learn about their housing options and local schools. Learn more about Why DSM USA!

Downtown DSM USA

Discover Downtown DSM, the region's core and also home to some of the nation's leading major employers. As a region boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., find a list of job and career openings.

Explore Communities  See Local Career Openings