Random thought, Been living here since 2021. Crime rate is something to consider — Des Moines sits at 712.1 per 100K. With a population of 212K, Des Moines is a mid-size city. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this? It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
38 upvotes
4 Replies
Ruby Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
All Countries
