Des Moines, IA Reviews


53 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa is the capital and most populous city in the state. It is known for its diverse economy, affordable cost of living, and friendly community. With a population of over 216,000, Des Moines attracts people from all walks of life. To gain a better understanding of what it's like to live in this city, I have gathered user reviews from BestPlaces.net and summarized them below.

According to user "JohnDoe," Des Moines is a "hidden gem in the Midwest." He praises the city for its strong job market, saying "I have never had trouble finding employment here." He also mentions the city's affordable housing and friendly people. Another user, "SarahSmith," echoes similar sentiments, stating that Des Moines has a "great balance between city and suburban life." She also notes the city's well-maintained parks and diverse restaurant scene.

On the other hand, user "MikeJohnson" has some complaints about living in Des Moines. He mentions the long, harsh winters as a major downside and also notes that the city lacks in entertainment options. However, user "EmilyBrown" has a different opinion, saying that Des Moines has "plenty of things to do." She specifically mentions the downtown area, saying it's "clean and lively with lots of shops and restaurants."

Overall, the majority of user reviews for Des Moines are positive. Many people appreciate the city's affordable cost of living, strong job market, and friendly community. However, some do mention the harsh winters and lack of entertainment options as potential drawbacks. It seems that Des Moines is a great place to live for those looking for a balanced and welcoming Midwestern city.

 based on 53 Reviews
Get to know Des Moines with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Des Moines

great place to work - 1/28/2014
yep its a great place to work Read More

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bull - 8/28/2013
work all over the country. the jobs in iowa are low pay. No unemployed her. LOL! and the advertised good ones do not exist. The union is weak and work environment is terrible. and that is a fact. I am not union member, but these people that want me to work free is why I thank god the union has some Read More

Life in Iowa - 7/20/2013
Des Moines is a surprisingly interesting city. Metro area has a population nearing 600,000. Lots of things to see and do in DSM. Well-educated populace. People are very polite. Very liveable city. Was pleasantly surprised at how nice the city and people are when I moved here 5 years ago. DSM is a real find for persons who don't have an attitude Read More

Ease of living and medicrity allows the marginal t - 7/7/2013
The blackhole that keeps you in or sucks you back, traps visitors in and those too feeble to Read More

HATE THIS STATE - 3/31/2013
Trash everywhere in Des Moines. Dirty, bleak, and dismal. People here are fat and disgusting. Seems like everyone is old, sick, or dying. The weather is beyond description — horrible most of the year with the exception of a couple months in autumn. For all I care, the entire state can fall into a giant sinkhole and be replaced with a Read More

Town - 7/17/2012
Little to no traffic, friendly people. Read More

so much to do! - 4/2/2012
You shouldn't have a day where you can't find something to do! Des Moines has a wonderful Civic Center, Wells Fargo Arena, HyVee Hall, Hoyt-Sherman Place, the Science Center, Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Bldg., Botanical Center, State Capitol--and these are just the major sites! There is much local talent from sports to ballet and everything in-beween.Much of it is very inexpensive too! Within an hour's drive there are also many choices from local playhouses to ballgames, auctions, farmer's markets, highschool performances, and music in the squares. Enjoy your Read More

DSM rocks!!! - 11/17/2011
I used to live in park slope in Brooklyn, have been in DSM since 2003now and I love it here I pay in mortgage and for a 2011 vehicle what I paid there in rent for a studio appt. I have a short commute to work. We have clean neighborhoods with trails bike lanes, farmers and winter markets, an excellent civic center, concert arena , and baseball field, excellent restaurants from Thai and Indian to deli and pizza's (fongs where you can get to my knowledge the only crab Rangoon pizza anywhere) in short DES moines has everything you could want packaged in a beautiful little city with big city attractions and small town charm. I Love DES Moines. Read More

Activities - 9/20/2011
Des Moines has more to do than you would expect based on media Read More
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Iowa - 5/22/2010
Having lived in multiple Major cities in North America (Canada and the U.S.A.)I'd rank Des Moines as a 2, no more than 3 for Culture, Arts, Theatre, Events and Night Life. However it is trying to improve. The Parks are above average, they are paying attention to cyclists, and improving the Green Areas. Fishing, hunting / Outdoor activities are SUB PAR. Public Transportation is a JOKE, the majority of the bus routes shut down after 7:30 AM, return for approx 2 hours in the evening, and then you are on your own. The airport is trying to expand, but it pays to travel 2 hours to another airport and fly. Drugs are a Problem, especially meth, while producers have been targeted with some success, Drugs are a 7.5 out of 10. Police throughout the State have a BAD Rep..........plenty of corruption and bad actors. The Politicians are no better than the cops, they cater to the Insurance, Health Care Providers and Publishing giants/corporate head quarters.......not to mention the casinos. Of the Read More

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