2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Wake Forest, NC vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Des Moines older or younger than people in Wake Forest?
- The Median Age in Des Moines is 4.4 years younger than in Wake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Moines or Wake Forest?
- Des Moines housing costs are 63.7% less expensive than Wake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Moines or Wake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Des Moines is 10.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Wake Forest.

Things to do in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest, North Carolina is located in Wake County and provides a wide range of both recreational and nightlife options from the Heritage Golf Club to Main Street Social Bar & Grill.

Things to do in Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa is an exciting city full of possibilities for those who want to experience something new. Nature lovers can explore the trails at Water Works Park and admire the views of downtown from the Des Moines Riverwalk. History buffs can visit the State Capitol Building or learn more about local culture at the African American Museum of Iowa and Salisbury House & Garden. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many galleries in town while foodies can find delicious eats at a variety of restaurants in the area. Shopping fans will love browsing through Jordan Creek Town Center or Valley West Mall. With its wide selection of attractions, Des Moines is an absolute must-visit destination!

 Wake Forest, NCDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock213,545329,725,481
 Median Income$104,006  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$483,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.08  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Wake Forest    5 Reviews

Im a 22 year old male from Denver Colorado.im looking to relocate and transfer for work . Colorado has high taxes and high cost of living and also to much snow during  More

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Relocating from New York City three years ago took some adjustment and once settled in Wake Forest I was able to breath a little bit easier. The pace is something you  More

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The Triangle is a great place to work and live, more reasonable than the North but more expensive than most places in the South. We live in a beautiful  More

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Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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