Questions About Greater Des Moines

Considering moving to Greater Des Moines, but not familiar with this region in the heart of the Midwest? No worries! We’re answering eight commonly asked questions about Greater Des Moines communities, covering topics like employment, recreation, transportation, weather and more.  

Maybe you’re wondering what Des Moines is known for or what makes it a great place to live. Are the Midwest winters really that cold, and what challenges does the weather bring? What major employers have headquarters here? Maybe you’re even wondering: is Des Moines cool? (We sure think so!)No matter how much you know about The Hawkeye State, you’re sure to find some new information below to help you get to know DSM better — so you’re more than prepared to relocate, and even better, you’re excited to get here. 

Is Greater Des Moines a good place to live? Don’t just take our word for it – ask a DSM MVP. These community champions can answer even more questions about living here. Connect with an MVP. 

While most people might say DSM is known for its 11-day state fair and its gold-domed Capitol building, we like to think DSM s is just as known for its major employers, robust restaurant scene, outdoor recreation and arts and culture. 

Attractions like Adventureland in Altoona, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), Living History Farms in Urbandale and Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines are well-known throughout the region and beyond. The ever-growing bike trail system is a draw for visitors and locals alike, with the popular High Trestle Trail drawing more than 250,000 visitors per year, 45,000 of which are from out of state. If you love biking to miss this guide on Ways to Bike Greater Des Moines.  

But there are a lot of cool things about Des Moines that you might not know, and this list of 20+ Cool Things You Didn’t Know About DSM might surprise you!  

Des Moines is a family-friendly place, and we’ve got more than enough reasons why your family will love it here (and your fur family members, too!). 

What are the highest paying jobs in Iowa? 

In Iowa, healthcare-related occupations are among the highest paying in the state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Healthcare occupations with the highest annual mean wages include ophthalmologists, surgeons, dermatologists, physicians, neurologists and more.  

Take a look at how Cole Strain moved from Texas to become a nurse practitioner for MercyOne Pulmonary Critical Care living in DSM.  

Other occupations like airline pilots, chief executives, post-secondary law teachers, sales managers, information security analysts and computer and information systems managers are also high on the list. 

Parks, outdoor recreation and sports are easy to come by in Des Moines. Walking, running and biking trails cover the region, while aquatic centers, state parks and golf courses offer ways to get outside. Explore parks in every community, including city parks, nature parks and dog parks. Check out this roundup of outdoor recreation you might be surprised to find in DSM.  

As for sports, not only are there plenty of local teams to cheer on, but Iowa’s first professional soccer team to the new Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza in the future. The region is also home to more than a few outdoor pickleball locations, which means you can take advantage of the fastest-growing sport in the country.