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 ReviewsGet to know Des Moines with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Des Moines
DES MOINES IOWA - 2/5/2010
Des Moines as a city is cool its not to big not to small. this city has many professional jobs with pay that are comparable to much larger cities yet the cost of living is crazy low. during the summer there are a million things to do. down town des moines has a very active night life there are plenty of parks and other things to do all in all des moines is a great place to live only one real problem.... WINTER from the end of november until the middle of march the entire cities covered in snow with very low temps and the people curl up in there house and wait for
Read More
Start Your Review of Des Moines
Central Iowa transportation... - 4/26/2009
I love Iowa, I love the seasons, the people, the attractions, downtown, even the interstate. I noticed on our last trip down south just how lucky we were up here with driving. A "traffic jam" here may last 30 minutes, for your typical wait, a really bad accident may back stuff up for 45 minutes....I thought that was bad, until we drove down to San Antonio Texas. Oh my... ;) what should have been a 16 hour trip, actually took closer to 20 because of traffic jams in Oklahoma City, Dallas and I410. Im not complaining though....just noting an observation
Read More
All my life - 2/24/2009
I've lived in Des Moines all my life and I've been to 46 of our 48 continental states.
Des Moines is boring they don't do anything big enough,they try but always fall short.
But it's not like every other state(or city)is any better or worse. The big difference would be to have more warmth in the winter,if I ever win the powerball I am moving!!!!!
I'd like to see more museums,larger audtoriums,better shopping.Water sports in cleaner water.Saylorville and Red Rock lakes are filthy,people can clean up their yards but that doesn't change whats going on every where
Read More
born and raised - 2/15/2009
cheap college,but boring,long winter (6 mo.),drugs O" yes,IOWA SUCKS. IA has very little beauty but if you look you may find some. been to some pretty parks leaves, trees, and streams...ICE!!!! water quality all over state
Read More
Native Born in Iowa, but have lived outside my bac - 10/14/2008
I grew up in Iowa in various parts of the state. I tell people "Don't let the down home sound fool you." I have lived outside of Iowa 16 years before moving back. I lived in Utah (both SLC and St. George areas), then moved to Seattle before moving back "home". Iowa may not be the most exciting place to live, but it's easy to live
Read More
weather - 7/17/2008
The weather in Des Moines is very extream. In the winter it is cold with snow. If the cold does not get you the wind chill is way past what normal people should be exposed to. The summer is the other extream. It is hot and humid. On the way other hand the springs and falls are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The plants growing arter the cold that should kill every thind and the change of the plants in the fall is breath
Read More
My Wonderful Life in IA - 7/9/2008
I was born and raised in Iowa. I am now 31, single with no children. I have a Bachelors Degree (Double Major). Do not judge our citizens by the people that you see at the IA Speedway or the State Fair. We ARE educated, we have a very good education system here. I love my state, and would never want to live anywhere else. I have visited numerous states, and I am very happy to call Iowa my home. Everyone is extremely friendly, strangers greet each other or hold conversations about the weather, the neighborhood, etc. We will invite you into our homes and lives as if we have know you forever. If you bad mouth Iowa you just weren't here long enough to get the feeling of home.... or you just need Jesus. Which reminds me, we have wonderful churches here also. The IA State Fair is one of a kind, and the qualify of life for a family here that wants to raise their children properly, with minimal crime is absolutely wonderful. I know lots of people that don't even lock the doors of their home.
Read More
Des Moines, Iowa is a wonderful place to raise chi - 6/22/2008
I moved here from Miami, Florida and I have appreciated every moment of the green grass, the too-cold winters and the quality of life that my children and I enjoy which includes not worrying about locking doors, or live in fear that we will be robbed. I found the people here to be much more educated and the public school system far superior to that in Florida. There are 14 students per teacher here in comparison to 20 and higher in Miami. I would like to see more in the way of diversity here and different cultures, but I appreciate the things we do have. I will return home to my family when my children are grown and out of the house, but between now and then, I enjoy every moment of
Read More