2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Des Moines, IA vs Grinnell, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Grinnell older or younger than people in West Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Grinnell is 2.5 years older than in West Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Grinnell or West Des Moines?
- Grinnell housing costs are 35.3% less expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Grinnell or West Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Grinnell is 0.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of West Des Moines.

Things to do in West Des Moines?
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.

Things to do in Grinnell?
Living in Grinnell, IA is a unique experience. This small town of just over 9,000 people has a small-town feel but with the amenities of a larger city. The community is vibrant and friendly, which makes it easy to make connections and build relationships. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as biking, hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby parks and lakes. Restaurants provide fun and variety for dining out or takeout. There are also great cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and more. In addition Grinnell has an excellent school system with some of the best education opportunities in the state. All these qualities make it a great place to live!

 West Des Moines, IAGrinnell, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock9,481329,725,481
 Median Income$76,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$282,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.17  Unlock26.38
Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 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 16 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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Reviews for Grinnell    1 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Planning on moving to CA...well, actually BACK to CA... Too Cold  More

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