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Jack best-worst

Best hidden gems in Des Moines

Alright, With a population of 212K, Des Moines is a mid-size city. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Any advice would be great. TIA! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development.
60 upvotes

5 Replies

Avery Baker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Theodore C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Kennedy H.
literally same
20 upvotes
Eliana Smith
spot on
18 upvotes
Jameson Miller
This.
17 upvotes
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