Hi all, I'm retired and Rent is about $1,194/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $286,300, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -West Des Moines sits at 186.0 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any help is appreciated. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
Ella Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from New York about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Joseph Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
30 upvotes
lalover2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
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. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
19 upvotes
Anna Thomas
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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