Reasons You'll Love Living in Des Moines

Thinking about a change? Wondering if Greater Des Moines (DSM) is right for you? You’re not the only one! In the past year, DSM has also ranked highly for millennials and young home buyers as an affordable place to live. Here are five reasons you’ll love living in DSM:

Reason #1: Des Moines’ Job Market

Moving to Des Moines, Iowa, is a great career move, no matter what industry you’re in. The key industries in DSM include advanced manufacturing, agbioscience, insurance and financial services. The region has also been recognized as a great city for people with careers in technology.

Iowa currently boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, so moving to Iowa means finding great opportunities to advance your career.

Reason #2: Des Moines Communities

DSM communities have a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for restaurants and nightlife, great school districts or outdoor activities and parks, Our communities will never let you down. And with many Des Moines suburbs experiencing explosive population growth, new restaurants, breweries, bars and social spaces are popping up across DSM.

Reason #3: Affordable Housing in Des Moines

DSM is consistently appearing on lists of the top places in the United States to purchase a home. In fact, in 2019 it was ranked top five in several lists:

• #1 Place with Good Jobs and Cheap Housing by Investopedia
• #1 Metro for Millennials to Buy Homes by Grow Magazine
• #2 Top City for Young Home Buyers by Clever Real Estate

From chic urban lofts to historical Victorians and planned neighborhoods with ample green space to rural acreages with rolling hills, moving to DSM may mean you can finally afford to buy your dream house. If you're curious about how living expenses compare to your current location, check out our cost of living calculator.

Reason #4: Things to Do in Des Moines

Moving to Iowa’s capital may not seem exciting, but in 2019, DSM once again topped the list of fastest-growing major metro areas in the Midwest. This growth brings business, and there is no shortage of exciting new restaurants, bars, breweries and entertainment venues in DSM. Whether you’re looking for museums or music, trails or taprooms, you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do.

Reason #5: Getting Involved in Des Moines

Des Moines is a top mid-sized city with many great opportunities to get involved. From professional networking groups to local community events, moving to Des Moines will provide easy ways to connect with fellow residents. DSM is also dense with nonprofits, so if you’re interested in volunteering, there is no shortage of chances to get involved with volunteer opportunities.

For even more insight on moving and living in DSM, hear from Ebonee Woods Nelson about returning to DSM or about why Jacob Demars opened a restaurant here.

Named as the #13 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and #7 Best City for Living the American Dream, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is the fastest growing metro in the Midwest. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.