How DSM Compares and Ranks

When Alex and Andrew were looking to make a move, they compared Greater Des Moines (DSM) to other metro areas and ultimately settled on DSM.

Watch their story above to learn more about what led them here. Hearing other people's "why" can help you on decide where to live, work or retire. Doing your research is also important before you move yourself (or your whole family!) to a new place. One place to look? National rankings and other quality of life studies, and you'll see DSM atop many of these lists.

Let’s explore why: 

Where DSM Ranks: #2 Best Place for Young Professionals

Among 100 metros analyzed, DSM ranks second among the best places for YPs in a 2024 study conducted by Forbes. Among the categories analyzed, DSM ranked well for budget-friendly housing options including an average rental cost of $1,057 per month. The article also cited the region’s high earning potential and status as one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Where DSM Ranks: #6 Best Place for Families 

A 2023-24 ranking by U.S. News & World Report proves we’re all about family here. DSM earns a coveted spot on the list due to the region’s low cost of living, boasting roughly 20% of the median household income as needed for housing here – which is well below the national average. Additionally, DSM’s strong job market and short commute times (averaging 20 minutes or less across the metro!) also adds to the attraction for parents considering a move here. 

Where DSM Ranks: #7 Safest City to Live 

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 list of Safest Places to Live in the U.S. includes DSM within the top 10 due to the region’s low crime rates per 100,000 people and high quality of life scoring. As the write-up states, DSM “has a small-town, know-your-neighbor feel to it” and “it's a place where you'll bump into people you know at the grocery store and get invited to backyard barbecues.” We can vouch for that! 

Where DSM Ranks: Top 15 Affordable Places to Buy a Home 

Zillow’s 2024 study lets the world in on one of our region’s best secrets: DSM is a hotspot for affordable home ownership. With a typical home valued just over $270,000 and monthly mortgage payments averaging $1,409, aspiring homebuyers should expect to save for about six years for a 20% down payment on a home here. People looking to buy a home in DSM will find a variety of choices, from quaint historic neighborhoods like the locally well-loved Beaverdale brick homes to large sprawling yards in the suburbs or further into rural communities, you can find parcels of land suited for large swaths of flower and produce gardens, outdoor recreation and more. With 800+ miles of connected trails for biking, running and walking within the region, the majority of communities have access to parks and the vast trail system for additional exploration. 

Where DSM Ranks: Top Best Places to Live (or Retire) in the U.S.  

With all these indicators, it’s not surprising U.S. News & World Report also ranks DSM in its list of best places to live, and also best places to retire, among 150 cities reviewed. Here’s where DSM shines: 

• The Greater Des Moines region has a strong job market, with a lower unemployment rate than the national average. With 80 insurance companies located here, DSM boasts strength in the insurance and financial services industry including major employers like Principal, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, EMC Insurance Companies, Wells Fargo & Co., Nationwide and Athene. The area is also known for agriculture and biosciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, tech innovation, healthcare jobs, startups and more.
•  A lower-than-average crime rate draws young people and young families here, including a median population age of 36 years old. Nearly 40% of the population is between ages 20 and 44.
• Although Iowa is a four seasons state, the climate is generally mild including 27-degree average temps in the winter and an average 76 degrees in the summer. Perfect for sledding on anowy winter days, plus lots of perfect pool days in the summer!
• Getting around is easy here due to short commute times. You’ll also find walkable neighborhoods, the Des Moines International Airport just 15 minutes from Downtown DSM, and an indoor climate-controlled skywalk system for Downtown residents and workers.
• Finally, there is so much to do here! The article cites hiking and nature at Ledges State Park and Jester Park, arts and culture like Broadway shows at the Des Moines Civic Center and big-ticket concerts at venues like Wells Fargo Arena. The Downtown Farmers’ Market draws an average of 40,000 people every Saturday morning from May through October, and there’s a community celebration or festival taking place nearly every weekend throughout the year (like the world-renowned Des Moines Arts Festival® held annually in June or the famous Iowa State Fair which occurs yearly spanning 10 days in August). 

You just have to see DSM for yourself. And if you’re not ready to make a move, stop by for a visit! We’d love to see you here in Greater Des Moines. (And bring your family, they’ll love it too.)