Apartment Hunting in Des Moines

After two years in my abode in West Des Moines (the longest I’ve lived in one place over the past six years), it is once again time to move. Moving is probably my least favorite thing in the world. I’m not sure which I dislike more – finding the place or the actual physical process of moving.

Finding a place in the Des Moines area can be a challenge. I’ve enjoyed living in West Des Moines; it’s close to everything – groceries, shopping, restaurants, etc.  However, it’s not so close to downtown. If you’re just heading down there for a drink or two, it’s fine, but making it a full-fledged night out downtown can be challenging with the ridiculous cost of a taxi ride home.

I would love to live downtown or in my favorite Des Moines neighborhood– Sherman Hill.  But finding something in my price range is close to impossible. There are so many great lofts downtown, but you either have to make twice what I do or considerably less to be able to live there. It’s all either income restricted or you have to actually buy a loft rather than rent it. 

Whatever happened to the middle ground? Sure, there are plenty of YPs working in finance who are making much more than me; and yes, it’s great to appeal to the  “artsy” crowd and encourage them to live downtown with “affordable” living. However, where does that leave the rest of us? I don’t mind being in the suburbs, but more and more, my after-work activities are taking place downtown, and I work at Drake. There’s just not much of a selection in Des Moines or close to downtown –unless you want to buy a house, which is a topic for an entirely different post.

Future Plans for Living in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)

I sincerely hope that the many community development plans (like the Tomorrow Plan & Capital Crossroads) underway will address this issue in the downtown area. It’s obvious there’s a huge demand for downtown living, but the stipulations and costs make it difficult for many YPs to make a move to downtown a reality. 

Alyssa Cashman
YPC Marketing Chair