Camila T. best-worst Mar 11, 2026

Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $183,700, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $63,966 in Des Moines. Homes are going for about $183,700 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.

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