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Moving to Des Moines in 2024?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Des Moines.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Des Moines.

Planning to move to Des Moines?

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, and it is a growing metropolitan area with numerous opportunities. The cost of living in the city is relatively low, and housing is a significant factor. The housing cost is lower than the national average. The economy of Des Moines is diverse, with several growing industries. It is known for its welcoming and friendly people. The city experiences all four seasons. There are several options for transportation, and some localities are more walkable than others. But before you pick the city to be your new home, explore it through our moving guide-

Quick Facts of Des Moines

Let us learn something unique about Des Moines-

Des Moines was named after the Des Moines River.

The city was originally called Fort Des Moines.

Des Moines is known for Mid-Western hospitality.

Des Moines was a key stop on early transcontinental air routes.

The city is the Insurance Capital of the Midwest.

Des Moines is home to several Fortune 500 companies.

A narrow section of road in downtown Des Moines is known as “The Squeeze”.

Blank Park Zoo of Des Moines is home to various animals from around the world.

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Top reasons to move to Des Moines

Des Moines is attracting many people and there are several top reasons to move here.

Cost of living—The cost of living in Des Moines is lower than the national average, and a significant factor is affordable housing.

Economy- The city has a diverse economy with various sectors offering numerous job opportunities. The city is making its name in growing tech companies and startups.

Education- Des Moines has a mix of public and private schools. There are several colleges and universities offering various academic programs.

Transportation- The city can easily be explored with various options available for commuting.

Recreational options- Des Moines has a lot to offer for recreation like parks, trails, lakes, and more.

Pros & Cons of Living in Des Moines

Learning about the pros and cons of living in a new city will help you prepare for the challenges. Here is the list of pros and cons of living in Des Moines-

Pros of Living in Des Moines	Cons of Living in Des Moines
The cost of living in city is relatively lower with significantly lower housing costs	The big amenities are limited in the city like specialized shops and entertainment options
The job market is diverse and economy of the city is growing	The city is car dependent as public transportation is not much comprehensive
The city boasts high quality of life and vibrant art scene	Winters are extremely cold and snowy which can be difficult for some people
The traffic congestion is less in the city making commute easy	The job market in Des Moines is very competitive
A good place for families as there are many good schools	The population in the city is less diverse and it experiences “brain drain” effect

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Des Moines, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Des Moines

Before you move to a new city, you will be worried about the neighborhood. But if you explore the good neighborhoods online then the search for a new house and perfect neighborhood will be easy. Explore these neighborhoods in Des Moines-

Downtown- This neighborhood is the heart of the city offering high-rise condos, lofts, restaurants, clubs, and cultural attractions. Young professionals prefer this location however housing can be expensive and parking can be a challenge.

West Des Moines- If you are planning to move to the suburbs, this is an excellent location. There are good schools, family-friendly amenities, and a variety of housing options. You can find single-family homes to townhouses.

East Village- This is a trendy and historic district with a mix of renovated lofts, condos, and apartments. It is known for boutiques, live music venues, and art galleries.

Beaverdale- This is a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. There are single-family homes and walkability within the neighborhood. This can be more expensive compared to other locations.

Sherman Hill- This is a historic neighborhood with Victorian-era homes. This offers a residential feel and is known for its revitalization efforts. You can find a mix of apartments and single-family homes.

Ingersoll- Grand- If you are looking for a vibrant area then this is a good option. There you can find single-family homes, urban amenities, and a neighborhood-oriented atmosphere.

Highland Park- This is a more affordable option with a mix of housing styles and is close to downtown.

Cost of living in Des Moines

Determining the cost of living in a new city is crucial to drafting a moving budget. If you know the cost of your move and the cost of living, you can have a budget-friendly move with the best moving company. The cost of living in Des Moines is affordable compared to other cities in the US.

All costs included in the cost of living, like housing, utilities, amenities, groceries, transportation, goods, and services are lower than the national average. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Des Moines-

Category	Des Moines (in USD)
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	$800 - $1,200
Utilities	$100-$300
Food	$200-$500
Transportation	$50-$100
Healthcare	$100-$500
Entertainment	$200-$500

Housing Market in Des Moines

In Des Moines, the housing market is generally considered affordable and balanced. The growth in the housing market is steady but moderate. A diverse range of housing options are available in the city. There is a good opportunity for first-time homebuyers. The median house cost in Des Moines ranges from $200,000 to $250,000.

Average Rental Cost in Des Moines

The average rental cost in Des Moines depends on the size, location, and property type. The average rental price ranges from $900-$1,1000 per month.

Des Moines job market

The job market of Des Moines is healthy and growing while offering a diverse range of opportunities. The city is making its name for itself as a rising tech hub. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of startups and tech companies.

The unemployment rate is low with the growing number of skilled professionals. Before moving to Des Moines, learn about the job market to find a job of your interest.

Top Career Options in Des Moines

Several industries are thriving with plenty of job opportunities. If you plan to move to Des Moines, learn about the top career options, their average salary, entry-level salary, and the total number of employees on the job role.

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of employees
Software Developer	$80,000 - $110,000	$55,000 - $75,000	5,000 - 10,000+
Registered Nurse (RN)	$70,000 - $90,000	$50,000 - $65,000	5,000 - 10,000+
Financial Analyst	$75,000 - $100,000	$50,000 - $70,000	2,000 - 5,000+
Marketing Manager	$70,000 - $100,000	$45,000 - $65,000	2,000 - 5,000+
Accountant	$60,000 - $80,000	$40,000 - $55,000	5,000 - 10,000+
Project Manager	$75,000 - $100,000	$50,000 - $70,000	2,000 - 5,000+
Data Analyst	$70,000 - $95,000	$45,000 - $65,000	2,000 - 5,000+
Sales Representative	$50,000 - $80,000+	$35,000 - $50,000+	5,000 - 10,000+
Human Resources Manager	$70,000 - $95,000	$45,000 - $65,000	1,000 - 2,000+
Management Analyst	$65,000 - $90,000	$40,000 - $60,000	1,000 - 2,000+

Median Salary in Des Moines

The median salary in Des Moines ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

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Major industries in Des Moines

Des Moines is home to several major industries including

Insurance

Financial Services

Agribusiness and Ag Innovation

Advanced manufacturing

Technology

Healthcare

Government

Education System in Des Moines

A good educational institution is important to find as it will provide a healthy and successful future for your children. Before moving to a new city, find a good school or college and complete one of the important tasks on your moving checklist. Here we have listed some good schools, colleges, and universities in Des Moines-

Elementary Schools in Des Moines
Prairie Trail Elementary School
Northeast Elementary School
Ashland Ridge Elementary School
Walnut Hills Elementary School
Grant Ragan Elementary School

Middle Schools in Des Moines
Ankeny Centennial High School
Brody Middle School
Indian Hills Junior High School
West Des Moines Valley High School
Callanan Middle School

High Schools in Des Moines
Waukee High School
Dowling Catholic High School
Valley High School
Ankeny Centennial High School
Ankeny High School

Colleges and Universities in Des Moines
Drake University
Iowa State University
Des Moines Area Community College
Grand View University
Mercy College of Health Science

Transportation And Navigation In Des Moines

The quality of life in a city also depends on the availability of transportation and traffic conditions. Des Moines offers a mix of transportation options.

Personal transportation- Des Moines is majorly a car city as the residents are car-dependent. The traffic congestion is less in the city and commute time is also less.

Public transportation- There is a public bus service operated by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). It has a limited coverage in the city. There are ride-share services in the city like Uber and Lyft.

Walking and biking- The city is walk-friendly as there are several locations with pedestrians. There are designated bike lanes to make the city more bike-friendly.

Navigation- The city can easily be navigated with a street grid system for lands. There are street signs that are clear and easy to read. Several GPS-based navigation apps are available that can be used like Google Maps and Waze.

Best things to do in Des Moines

After moving into the new city, you might find it difficult to connect with the locals and surroundings. The best way to feel at home in a new city is by exploring it.

So, here are some suggestions to connect with the new city-

Visit Pappajohn Sculpture Park which has a stunning collection of contemporary sculptures.

Indulge in the rich history and heritage of Iowa at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.

Catch a Broadway show, concert, or other performance at Des Moines Civic Center.

Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the Principle Riverwalk.

If you love water sports and activities like boating, kayaking, swimming, etc., visit Gray’s Lake.

There are plenty of options for family fun like the Science Center of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo, Adventureland Park, and Living History Farm.

You can shop at Jordan Creek Town Center.

Participate in local festivals and events like the Iowa State Fair, World Food & Music Festival, and Des Moines Arts Festival.

Taxes in Des Moines

There are different types of taxes that the residents of Des Moines have to pay. Here are the details of local and state taxes-

Income Tax- Iowa has a progressive income tax system where the tax rates range from 4.40% to 5.70%. The tax rates depend on the income level. Other than state income tax, you have to pay federal income tax and the tax rates are also progressive.

Sales Tax- The state sales tax rate of Iowa is 6%, Des Moines has a local sales tax of 1%, so a total of 7% sales tax will have to be paid.

Property Taxes- The property taxes in Iowa are baes on the assessed value of your property. The tax rates can vary depending on the location you live.

Fuel Tax- There are taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels in Iowa.

Inheritance Tax- There is no inheritance tax in Iowa.

Type of insurance required in Des Moines

Moving is a process full of risks and you buy moving insurance to protect your belongings while they are in transition. Similarly, you need to protect yourself and your belongings when you live in a house in a new city.

Here are some insurance that you need to purchase when you move to Des Moines-

Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance that all the drivers of Iowa have to carry minimum liability insurance. This insurance covers bodily injury or property damage caused by you to others in an accident. Here is the breakdown for the minimum coverage-

$20,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in an accident

$40,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in an accident

$15,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in an accident

Health Insurance- Health insurance is crucial for covering medical expenses.

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance will protect your property and belongings from damage or loss caused by fire, theft, or other perils. This will provide coverage if someone gets injured on your property.

Renters insurance- If you rent, this will protect your belongings from theft, fire, and other covered events.

Life Insurance- This will provide financial support to your family in the event of your death.

Disability Insurance- This will cover the portion of your income in case you become disabled and cannot work.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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