2019 Best Places for Young Professionals in IowaAbout this List

Sherman Hill

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 2 reviews

Niche User: Located Downtown easy to get to everything!
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• B

• A+

• 2,775 Population

East Village

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 1 review

• A-

• C+

• A+

• 1,292 Population

Downtown

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A-

• B

• A+

• 4,010 Population

Woodland Heights

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A

• B

• A+

• 3,915 Population

North of Grand

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 2 reviews

Niche User: Living in central Des Moines was a great opportunity for me. It will always be home no matter where "home" ends up changing to over the years. The atmosphere is wonderful. I live close to Downtown Des Moines, where there is always something going on. Also, I live not too far from the beautiful Gray's Lake and Water Works Park which are major attractions for walking. It has beautiful landscape.
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• B

• A+

• 4,358 Population

Chautauqua Park

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• B

• B-

• A+

• 1,886 Population

Arbor Peaks

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A

• B

• A+

• 6,510 Population

West Des Moines

• Town in Iowa
• 108 reviews

Former Resident: The people live up to the "Iowa nice" reputation! There are great public schools, as well as options for private. Shopping and dining options have greatly increased over the past ten years. Cost of living and taxes are also lower than most places. My biggest complaints would be 1)the harsh winter weather and 2)the relatively small airport if you enjoy traveling...(though getting through security usually only takes 10 minutes!).
Read 108 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 62,999 Population

Capitol Park

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• B+

• C+

• A+

• 3,388 Population

Westwood

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A

• B+

• A+

• 5,237 Population

Beaverdale

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 11 reviews

Current Resident: Beaver dale is a little nook In the middle of Des Moines, close to everything, and yet it’s as cozy as can be. The people seem to always be out walking their dogs, shopping, exercising, or having a drink on a patio. When I have children I want to raise them here!
Read 11 Reviews

• A

• B-

• A+

• 13,372 Population

Waveland Park

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A+

• B+

• A+

• 3,942 Population

Coralville

• Town in Iowa
• 43 reviews

Current Resident: Coralville is a great place for people to raise a family or for couples just starting out. There are homes across all price ranges, plenty of retail, lots of restaurants, parks, bike trails, movie theaters, easy access on/off highways and close to the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!) and art, culture and nightlife in downtown Iowa City. Coralville itself has reasonable taxes, is safe, and still growing. We've lived here after living in Atlanta, Boston, Greater NYC, Chicago suburbs, and Seattle. Have to say it's one of the best places we've ever lived for overall quality of life, affordability and safety.
Read 43 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 20,250 Population

Windsor Heights

• Suburb of Des Moines, IA
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: Great houses, cool events in the park, awesome bike trails, and generally friendly people. We have Hy-Vee, Walmart, and samsclub. The police, fire, and end personal are exceptional as well. Overall a great place to live.
Read 8 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 4,990 Population

Salisbury Oaks

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A+

• B

• A+

• 3,778 Population

Greenwood Historic

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A+

• B

• A+

• 1,991 Population

Meredith

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 2 reviews

Niche User: I love my area because of my comfortability, but there are more wealthy communities in the area than mine. However compared to the rest of the country, this is definitely a phenomenal suburb to live in. It is very safe and welcoming to anyone.
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• A

• A+

• 7,217 Population

Capitol View South

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• B-

• C+

• A+

• 1,352 Population

Linden Heights

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A+

• B

• A+

• 1,787 Population

Iowa City

• Town in Iowa
• 279 reviews

Current Resident: Iowa City offers city/college life as well as suburban options. Conveniently located next to Coralville and about a 30-minute drive to Cedar Rapids (depending on location), it's difficult to be bored here. Multiple food options that continue to expand. Yet, living is expensive, so living without a roommate or significant other is rarely an option, which may be a main contributor to the homeless population. Iowa City has maintained some historical portions of the city, particularly downtown, so many of the houses are older and need work. Overall, Iowa City has a lot to offer as far as family activities and nightlife. Whether you're a college student or a professional, Iowa City is worth looking into.
Read 279 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A

• 73,415 Population

Merle Hay

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 28 reviews

Niche User: I love my neighborhood. It's safe. I know most of my neighbors. I have played with the neighbor kids and their pets. My neighbors have also helped me find my dog before. My house is also a good distance from the elementary, middle, and high school I went to so it was easy to walk, ride my bike, or drive when needed. I hope to see my neighborhood grow a little bit. I also hope the education system gets better and pushes more students to their full potential.
Read 28 Reviews

• A-

• B-

• A

• 15,904 Population

Waveland Woods

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A

• B+

• A

• 1,946 Population

Drake

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
• 25 reviews

Parent: Des Moines is a safe, clean, family friendly place to live. The schools are academically challenging. Many colleges are located here and in the suburbs. Employment opportunities exist for all socioeconomic levels. It is a diverse city in that we are accepting of refugees and immigrants. The city offers nightlife as well as arts and cultural events. We have our own Symphony, ballet, choirs. Summertime offers many free festivals downtown as well as ticketed events. we have a nationally recognized state fair. We also are within driving distance of many bigger cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis and Kansas City. I would rank this area 8 out of 10. Good quality of life, but slow paced vs a bigger city.
Read 25 Reviews

• A

• B

• A

• 15,618 Population

University Heights

• Town in Iowa

• A+

• A+

• A

• 1,242 Population

Frisbee Park

• Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

• A-

• B+

• A

• 4,609 Population