West Des Moines quality of life -am I missing something?
Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
26 upvotes
6 Replies
Jack
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
35 upvotes
Aria Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
34 upvotes
Zoe Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Matthew
Bought a house here in 2015 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
11 upvotes
Thomas Chavez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
5 upvotes
Katherine Morgan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
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