City
- Public SchoolsB-
- Crime & SafetyC
- HousingB-
- NightlifeA
- Good for FamiliesB
- DiversityA
- JobsB+
- WeatherB-
- Cost of LivingB+
- Health & FitnessB
- Outdoor ActivitiesB
- CommuteA
Real Estate
Median Home Value
$127,200
National
$184,700Median Rent
$822
National
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Des Moines Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
Des Moines Neighborhood Map
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety
C
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Residents
Working in Des Moines
Jobs
B+
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$52,251
National
$55,322Des Moines Reviews
248 reviews
All Categories
So far I have had a great experience living in Des Moines. I have lived in the area for almost 3 years and I have never had any problems with my neighbors. I have moved 3 times in these three years. It is also a great place for people raised in small towns to go out and ease themselves into a city life. It is a good place to learn about other people and their walks of life too! I scored affordability low because it is harder to pay for living for younger adults, especially if you don't have roomates.
Des Moines is completely different to where i originally came from: New York, Bronx! I'm about to hit 5 years here on August 4th, and I've gone through a lot of things here both good and bad. When it comes to wanting a life that is much more simple, quieter and a place with an average cost of living then Iowa is actually nice! I like the people here and DUE to the people here I was able to calm down from being the very hostile New Yorker to a very friendly 'Iowan'... it's nice, if I can say so myself. There's quite a lot of grass and country type of ordeals that makes going outside a lot more fun and enjoyable if you like nature as well! Des Moines is also expanding slowly so there's always new stuff that comes! And it is also small enough where they have this thing called the Iowa State Fair, it's pretty dope. Overall, Des Moines is pretty nice - sometimes it's still odd that I actually live here now, but I do, and I will make the best of it like I been doing for the past five years.
Low cost of living! Extremely low unemployment rates! Up and coming city full of festivals and events without the crime rates! Des Moines city planners are fiscally responsible for the most part and seem to invest a lot in beautifying the city. The sculpture park, state historical museum, east village, art center, botanical center, plentiful libraries and miles upon miles of bike and walking paths may not seem that crazy appealing for tourists but they sure make the city much more livable.