2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Des Moines, IA vs Ottawa, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Ottawa older or younger than people in West Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Ottawa is 3.6 years older than in West Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottawa or West Des Moines?
- Ottawa housing costs are 46.5% less expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottawa or West Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Ottawa is 2.9 minutes longer 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa, IL is an inviting town northwest of Chicago full of amazing places to explore like La Salle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area displaying its distinctive landscape or Canal Corridor Association hosting outdoor activities; their annual event Ottawa Two Rivers Wine Festival brings people together with food and games every April.

 West Des Moines, IAOttawa, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,719329,725,481
 Median Income$76,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$282,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%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 Ottawa    6 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

Have all of the radiation sites been cleaned up? If not, did the tornado stir up and blast some radiation from these sites to other  More

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Over 11 years ago

Good location with low cost of living and close enough to Chicago and suburbs to take advantage of their  More

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Over 15 years ago

Although Ottawa is a very nice place to live, living here is becoming rediculous...as taxes go. I bought a house less then four years ago and my taxed went from  More

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