Next-Level Neighbors: Building Community in West Des Moines
“Field of Dreams” said it best: “Is this Heaven ... no, it’s Iowa!”
For Kelli Kerton, who was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has called West Des Moines home for the past 12 years, the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region is everything her family could want. After living in St. Louis, Ill. and gaining experience working in the insurance industry (she’s got 17 years under her belt and is licensed to help with auto, home, life, health, financial services, pet insurance, small business and more!), Kelli looks for ways to reach out and help others through her work and looks forward to finding ways to put a smile on someone else’s face.
“Every day I get to make a positive impact on someone's life and make a difference in the world … I love what I do!” she says.
Being a mom is Kelli's favorite job title, and she doesn’t take the role lightly. With two kids in the Waukee Community School District, Kelli and her family are busy with soccer, football, basketball, dance, volunteering and hanging out with their two Labradors, Stanley and Gilbert.
“This place is amazing! The schooling and education are incredible, the community ‘feel’ and involvement opportunities are always there, the job opportunities and development paths continue to grow and the cost of living is affordable,” Kelli says.
Living in West Des Moines positions Kelli to take advantage of local restaurants, shops and things to do. Her favorites? Simon’s for the service and food as well as hidden gem Beaverdale Nutrition and Little House of Goods, where she finds fun accessories and home décor.
Kelli also volunteers with local organizations across the region, including Children’s Cancer Connection, Meals from the Heartland, Clive Community Center, Grapevine (an incredible women-run organization), Women’s Reciprocity Group, Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa and many more.
Kelli and her family chose West Des Moines as their home because everything they need is within a three-mile radius, the people of West Des Moines are kind and Iowa’s changing seasons are a sight to behold in this conveniently located suburb of Des Moines. A shared love of kindness, love, togetherness and acceptance of each other helps build up the neighborhood, and the families living in her neighborhood have embraced this outlook, caring for one another and welcoming new families as though they’ve always been there.
Making friends and keeping busy is easy when there are 22 kids between just six houses in their cul-de-sac, too! And the neighborhood comes together to care and celebrate each other. Recently, the neighborhood surprised one of their own, Leroy, with a party when he turned 91. The proud Korea War veteran walks the neighborhood twice daily and is a joyful, happy member of the community.
“I have become close to him and we all watch over him like he is our dad,” Kelli says.
Deciding to create a life and home in West Des Moines has led to connection and community for the Kerton family. Not only that, but the area has become a place where Kelli can live her motto: “PMS every day … Grow Physically, Mentally and Spiritually (PMS) every single day!”
Find Your Place in DSM
Communities like this are waiting for you all over Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn more about the region and how you can make it your home sweet home.
Connect with DSM