Hey everyone, Been living here since 2012. Household incomes average around $63,966 in Des Moines. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Has anyone dealt with this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
6 upvotes
41 Replies
Axel James
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
40 upvotes
Maverick Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
raised_eli47
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much growing but now it's better than expected.
39 upvotes
Eli M.
preach
32 upvotes
Cooper J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Emma L.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mexican places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Everett
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Mia R.
Moved here from Dallas about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to safety but Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Paisley Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Atlanta about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Greyson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Valentina Smith
spot on
25 upvotes
Hazel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Autumn M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Landon King
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Lakewood area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
sdwalker2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Stella Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 33, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Uptown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
24 upvotes
Charlotte P.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
24 upvotes
Nevaeh Collins
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Brooklyn Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Xavier Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 34, moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
23 upvotes
Willow
great question, following
17 upvotes
Mason
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
omaha_allison
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
autumn_runner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Wayne R.
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Elijah
accurate
7 upvotes
Emilia Edwards
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Wesley Y.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
Nova Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
tampa_stella
accurate
5 upvotes
Nora Bennett
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
seconding this
3 upvotes
oaklandlife2024
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
3 upvotes
Jordan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
3 upvotes
Kayden
I work in engineering here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Alexander Lewis
Bought a house here in 2017 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
1 upvotes
lake_ella18
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 35, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
1 upvotes
Jackson Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 3 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are pretty good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Austin Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are tough. 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. Limited shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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