Hey, I've been here for 6 years and Crime rate is something to consider -West Des Moines sits at 186.0 per 100K. With a population of 69,893, West Des Moines is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Elijah Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Ian King
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Ezekiel Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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