West Des Moines, IA


4 Reviews



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West Des Moines, IA

About West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home. Large metro area set in the rolling plains and rivers of the Plains region. Primary industries include finance and manufacturing. Also the state capital. - Positioned in central Iowa, along the Des Moines River, 135 miles northeast of Omaha, Nebraska, and 160 miles south of Minneapolis, Minnesota..

Location Details

State: Iowa
County: Polk County
Metro Area: Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area
City: West Des Moines
Zip Codes: 50265 50266
Cost of Living: -13.4% lower
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 873 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on West Des Moines

The Des Moines, IA metro area is in the heart of Iowa and has a lot of history. It started in 1843 and has grown from a small place to Iowa's capital city. The area was first home to Native American tribes, then European settlers came and it became a key spot for trade. Nowadays, Des Moines is the biggest city in Iowa and plays a big role in the state's life.

Geographically, Des Moines is surrounded by rolling hills and lots of farmland. It sits right where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet. This makes for some pretty views and good spots for outdoor fun. The weather here has all four seasons. Summers can get hot, while winters are cold, so there's a bit of everything.

The economy in Des Moines is strong and has lots of different jobs. It's known as the "Insurance Capital of the World" because many big insurance companies are here. There are also jobs in finance, manufacturing, and technology. Plus, farming is still important around the area. Living costs are pretty good, especially when you compare it to bigger cities.

When it comes to politics, Des Moines tends to lean a bit more towards the Democratic side, but it's pretty balanced overall. Iowa is a swing state, which means it doesn't always vote the same way in elections. People in Des Moines are known for being really involved in politics, especially during the presidential election season when Iowa has its caucuses.

For fun, there's a lot to do in Des Moines. There are theaters, museums, and music places for arts and culture fans. If you like being outside, there are parks and trails to explore. The city also has festivals and events all year round, like the Iowa State Fair, which is a big deal.

Living in Des Moines is nice because it feels like a mix of a big city and a small town. People are friendly, and there's a strong sense of community. The schools are good, and it's considered a safe place to live. Plus, with the variety of things to do and the affordable living costs, it's a great place for families and young professionals alike.

New residents should be ready for the weather changes and maybe keep an umbrella and snow shovel handy. Also, getting involved in the community is a great way to meet people and feel at home. Des Moines might not have the hustle and bustle of a giant metropolis, but it offers a good quality of life with its own unique charm.

West Des Moines Cost of Living
$$$$

Reasonable home cost, state capital, and attractive downtown make West Des Moines a great place to live.

$282,300
-19.8% lower than avg
$76,564
+9.9% higher than avg
$1,220 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-17.2% lower than avg
West Des Moines Crime
36.3 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in West Des Moines, Iowa
$54,000
for a family
$40,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of West Des Moines
   Reasonable home cost
Gets muggy and sticky
   State capital
Harsh winters
   Attractive downtown
High taxes
Reviews for West Des Moines
    See all (4)

Over 15 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 15 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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