Reversing the Iowa Brain Drain: Why Talent is Attracted to Greater Des Moines
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For years, headlines like “Iowa’s ‘brain drain’ among worst in U.S.” have painted a bleak picture. According to a Washington Post analysis of National Bureau of Economic Research data, roughly 34% of Iowa college graduates leave the state in search of larger cities and broader career opportunities. However, that narrative misses an important part of the story, one that is increasingly visible in Greater Des Moines.
While some talent leaves, many people are also arriving or returning. A United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study shows that roughly 54% of moves involving Iowa are inbound. Among them are boomerang professionals, people who left the Midwest, gained experience elsewhere and intentionally returned to Greater Des Moines to build their careers and lives.
New or Returning Professionals in the Historic East Village
That pattern is evident within I & S Group, Inc. (ISG), an employee-owned firm located in the Historic East Village. Since 2014, the firm’s Des Moines office has grown from a handful to 71.
Dozens of ISG’s employees previously lived in cities like Denver, Austin, Omaha, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Chicago and on the East and West coasts. These are places often cited as destinations siphoning talent away from Iowa.
Instead of staying in those larger metros, many chose to relocate to Greater Des Moines, bringing fresh perspectives, expanded skill sets and diverse professional experiences with them.
For many, the move was not just about a job. It was about finding a place that felt sustainable long term.
Finding Community, Not Just a Career
Zack Valigosky is a systems commissioning engineer on ISG’s mechanical engineering team. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Zack moved to Des Moines to explore career opportunities. What convinced him to stay was the sense of community he found outside of work, especially through cycling.
“The cycling community here is amazing,” Zack said. “There’s a strong network, and it’s easy to get involved, especially with events like RAGBRAI.”
RAGBRAI continues to draw national attention. About 18,000 riders registered in 2023 and more than 474,000 riders have participated since the event began in 1973. For people like Zack, those shared experiences create immediate connections and a feeling of belonging.
A Different Kind of Lifestyle Than the Coasts
Architect Gladys Petersen, AIA, NCARB, spent time in California before deciding to make Greater Des Moines home. The contrast was clear almost immediately.
“There’s this peace and connection here that I couldn’t find in California,” Gladys said. “People are friendly, and there’s a sense of community that makes you feel at home.”
Her experience echoes what many returning or relocating professionals discover. Greater Des Moines offers something larger metros often struggle to provide: an affordable, high-quality lifestyle paired with genuine human connection.
In 2025, Greater Des Moines’ cost of living was reported to be 86% lower than San Francisco, 72% lower than New York, and notably below cities like Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. For many professionals, that difference directly translates into financial stability and long-term planning.
With a Walk Score of 90 in downtown areas, more than 100 shops and services in the Historic East Village, outdoor destinations like the Principal Riverwalk, Nollen Plaza and West River Front Park and a Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring more than 300 vendors, Downtown Des Moines delivers urban amenities without overwhelming scale.
Built for the Long Haul
For those who have been in Greater Des Moines longer, the region's evolution has reinforced their decision to stay.
Eric Gjersvik, PE, a civil engineer who has had a role in planning and designing a number of projects in central Iowa since 1991, moved to Des Moines from North Dakota. His perspective reflects decades of growth and reinvestment.
“Des Moines has changed a lot for the better since I first moved here,” Eric said. “The City is proactive about improving quality of life, whether it’s infrastructure, parks or creating spaces for people to gather and enjoy.”
With 92 parks, more than 98 miles of trails and over 4,000 acres of public land, the City continues to prioritize outdoor access and livability. Eric also points to strong schools, safety and a family friendly environment as reasons his commitment to the area extends well beyond his career.
“It’s a great place to raise a family,” he said. “And there are so many opportunities to get involved in the community.”
Welcoming Energy + Opportunities to Get Involved
Libby Alsteen is a graduate water and wastewater engineer who moved to East Village in Des Moines from Green Bay, Wisconsin, in January 2025. She moved for a job and didn’t expect the abundance of welcoming energy and opportunities to get involved that she found here.
“There’s always something going on, especially in the East Village,” Libby said. “Between the Farmers Market, the World Food Festival, seasonal events, and pop-up shops, it feels like there’s a strong central hub where people naturally come together.”
Libby describes Des Moines as having a bigger city vibe without feeling overwhelming. “It felt like the right size, big enough to meet people and find opportunities, but not so big that you feel lost,” she said.
Since her arrival, Libby has become a member of Young Professionals Connection, met many great friends and attended various events.
Everyday Ease Makes a Difference
For Ashley Powell, a process water and wastewater engineer originally from Minnesota, ease of living played a major role in her decision to move to Des Moines, despite having career options in Illinois and Nebraska.
“I love that I can get anywhere I need to in 30 to 45 minutes,” Ashley says. “I wouldn’t want to deal with long commutes, and here, I don’t have to.”
With an average commute time of just over 17 minutes, shorter than the national average, the City allows people to spend less time in traffic and more time on what matters, whether that is family, hobbies or community involvement.
A Different Story Than Headlines Suggest
While national articles may continue to sound alarms about Iowa’s brain drain, the lived experiences of people moving to or returning to Des Moines tell a different story, one centered on choice, connection, and long-term growth.
Whether drawn by career opportunities, affordability, strong schools, short commutes or a sense of belonging, Greater Des Moines is proving to be more than a stepping stone. For many, it is a place to return to, invest in and put down roots.
Ready to grow in Greater Des Moines? Check out the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s job board: greaterdsmusa.com/grow-your-career/job-openings
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Author Profiles
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Danielle.Propst@ISGInc.com
Danielle Propst is a senior planner with ISG in Des Moines. A Board Chair for Lead DSM, she cultivates emerging leaders across Greater Des Moines. Her leadership and community impact were recognized through her selection to the Business Record Forty Under 40 Class of 2025.
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Mary.Luna-Duffy@ISGInc.com
Mary Luna‑Duffy is an office lead and assistant project manager with ISG in Des Moines. With ISG, as chair of the City of Elkhart Parks and Recreation Board, and as a Greater Des Moines Partnership Workforce Collaborative member, she works toward elevating individuals and communities in Iowa.
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