Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider — Des Moines sits at 712.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $183,700 on average. Household incomes average around $63,966 in Des Moines. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thanks! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
36 upvotes
33 Replies
Connor Phillips
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Barbara P.
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Adrian Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Jace Jones
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
38 upvotes
Andrew
following this thread
35 upvotes
Elena G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Clara Brooks
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Liam Brooks
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Fairview area are tough. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
andrew_girl
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Michael Rogers
seconding this
28 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
as a local I can confirm
24 upvotes
wyatt_living
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Adam Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Evan Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 45, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
desert_amelia89
honestly same experience here
16 upvotes
Isabella Rivera
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Boston it's hit or miss.
16 upvotes
Parker
underrated comment
16 upvotes
Carson Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 9 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Carter H.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
14 upvotes
Isabelle Ruiz
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Fairview area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Dylan
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Joseph W.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The walkability is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Avery M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Sharon T.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Mackenzie Reyes
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Claire Hall
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Cooper Reyes
nah I disagree
8 upvotes
Willow Watson
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much growing but now it's tough.
7 upvotes
loving_jeremiah78
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Ruby L.
bump
3 upvotes
Wesley Myers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
0 upvotes
Jameson C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Austin it's pretty good.
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