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Reasons to Live in Des Moines

It’s pretty standard to do research on where you might choose to build your life before you decide to make a big move. We know if you’re considering relocating, you’ll be searching for all the reasons to live in Des Moines and the surrounding Greater Des Moines (DSM) region. (Guess what? We can’t think of any reason not to move to Des Moines, Iowa!)  You’ll be looking up living in Des Moines, Iowa reviews and considering whether the 1,300 restaurants and thousands of acres of parks are enough to get you here, or whether the significant industries like healthcare, finance and insurance offer enough opportunity and advancement to make the move.  

  1. So is Des Moines, Iowa a good place to live? Read through 11 reasons we think it is. Weigh up the pros and cons of living in Des Moines, Iowa, and decide for yourself… but we have a feeling we know what the answer will be… 

    Two women holding a boy on a swing in front of a brick house. They are all smiling.

    1. 1. Cost of Living

    2. The cost of living in DSM is holding steady and is 13-15% lower than the national average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research. Read up on housing and job compensation in the region to see just how much further your dollar goes in DSM.  

    3. 2. Growing Transportation Options

    4. For those living and working in and around Des Moines, getting around isn’t difficult thanks to Des Moines Area Transit Authority (DART), bicycle sharing and short commutes. The Des Moines Airport also saw record-breaking numbers for 2024 and continues to announce new air routes, including nonstop flights to Boston and Jacksonville through Allegiant Air. With these new routes, there are now 32 nonstop destinations from DSM. 

    5. 3. Restaurants Offer Memorable Experiences

    6. Oak Park in Des Moines was recently selected for USA Today’s 2025 Best Restaurants in America list. The restaurant’s seasonal dinner menu includes locally sourced products, while the wine program introduces vintage wines to diners. Simon’s, also in Des Moines, was recently named a semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality for the 35th James Beard Awards. Oak Park and Simon’s are just a few of many restaurants in DSM that offer unforgettable dining experiences.

    7. A small catamaran ship on the beach with a person laying in the sun.

    8. 4. Proximity to State Parks

    9. There are more than 70 state parks in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, but did you know that of those, many of them are within a short driving distance of DSM. You can visit these state parks in the region: Big Creek in Polk City, Elk Rock in Knoxville, Lake Ahquabi in Indianola, Lake Keomah in Koemah Village, Ledges in Madrid, Margo Frankel Woods in Des Moines, Pammel in Winterset, Rock Creek in Kellogg, Summerset in Carlisle or Walnut Woods in West Des Moines. Get the Parks Passport to discover even more state parks you didn’t know were here. 

    10. 5. Volunteer Opportunities Abound

    11. Current volunteer opportunities aren’t hard to find in the region, whether you’re looking to volunteer short- or long-term for a local organization. From helping to promote healthy hearts with the American Heart Association to lending a hand at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, volunteering and giving back is just another way to get connected in DSM. 

    12. A barista at a coffee shop handing a warm drink in a to go cup to a smiling woman.

    13. 6. Small Businesses Flourish Here

    14. For aspiring entrepreneurs, finding ways to network and build a strong community to rely on is an important part of a new business’ success. That’s why the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Affiliate Chamber network, small business events and more allow you to get the support you need to continue to grow your small business here.  

    15. 7. DSM = Career Choices

    16. Okay, so this is a reason to work, rather than a reason to live in DSM, but hear us out: DSM is home to a variety of employers – from major national corporations to startups and small, locally owned businesses. This makes the world your oyster for finding an employer that fits your career goals. Check out the key industries and major employers and then search for DSM jobs hiring now in the Greater Des Moines Career Center. 

    17. 8. Low Crime Rate

    18. The lower crime rate in DSM and Iowa makes for safer neighborhoods. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Des Moines as one of its top 10 safest places to live. Operation Downtown, a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), helps maintain Downtown Des Moines as safe and hospitable, while the Des Moines Police Department’s Loop Squad is helping Downtown business districts stay safe, too. 

    19. 9. New Things on the Horizon

    20. The region is booming with new developments! You’ll soon be able to check out the new USL pro soccer team at the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza in Des Moines. In nearby West Des Moines, The Grand Experience will eventually offer attractions like an indoor waterpark, while the new Athene Pedestrian Bridge now connects Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park. In Grimes, a new amphitheater, built at the Grimes Public Library, was recently finished. A new distillery is also expected to open this year in Bondurant as part of the Grain District Downtown Redevelopment Plan. 

    21. Two children standing on a table like structure outside. They are holding hands with statues on the table and there are leaves on the ground.l

    22. 10. Changing Seasons

    23. From the first bright days of spring to the sunny days of summer, you won’t want to miss any season in DSM. There’s much to love about the crisp air of fall and the cold-weather adventures you’ll get to experience when living in this part of the country. Throughout the spring, you can head to Gray’s Lake or any number of parks in the region to fly a colorful kite or enjoy the first signs of spring. During summer, hit up the local pools. (Tip: Most pools and waterparks in DSM are operated by municipalities. Check their websites for locations and details.) Each fall, visit a local pumpkin patch or orchard for attractions like hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals and more. Or attend a fall festival! And ice skating under the stars in the middle of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) or cross country skiing on park trails are the perfect way to get outside during the winter months.  

    24. Three adults running over a paved bridge that is surrounded by greenery.

    25. 11. Trails, Trails & More Trails

    26. Speaking of trails: Outdoor recreational activities like biking, running and walking are a highlight in DSM. With more than 800 miles of trails connecting the region’s communities, you never have to go far to get outside and enjoy one. From the High Trestle Trail to the Raccoon River Valley Trail to the Chichaqua Valley Trail, you’ll love traveling by foot or by bike on these scenic trails. A lot of cities have walkable neighborhoods, too, including Prairie Trail in Ankeny and Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines. 

    27. Find Your Greater

    28. Do you need even more reasons to live in Des Moines? If so, get a free relocation guide sent to you to learn more about the region and why so many have chosen to live here!