If you live in Des Moines, Iowa, or are thinking about moving here, you’ve made an excellent decision! It’s the fastest growing city in the Midwest for a reason. U.S. News & World Report recently released their list of Best Places to Live in the USA for 2019 – and Des Moines made the top 5.
How did U.S. News determine the best cities to live in? Here’s what they have to say about it:
“U.S. News analyzed the 125 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live. To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.”
Des Moines might surprise you
Though rarely thought of as a national hot spot or a vacation destination, Des Moines has more to offer than you might imagine.
Des Moines has become an attractive city for residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a quintessential Midwestern city with a small, hometown feel, look no further.
The downtown area offers a cultural atmosphere, fantastic food, entertainment, and much more. Not only will you find unique shops with anything you desire (and more), you can enjoy a meal at one of the locally owned, award-winning restaurants. Visit the ever-popular Downtown Farmer’s Market on any Saturday from May-October, take in an event at Wells Fargo Arena, or enjoy a tour at a museum or historical building.
The Des Moines area has many opportunities to experience nature too. Gray’s Lake, Saylorville Lake, and Jester Park are just a few of the favorite outdoor spots in the area. With hundreds of miles of trails, boat rentals, fishing and camping areas, you can satisfy your desire to enjoy nature to its fullest.
Des Moines offers value…on many levels
Des Moines offers excellent value. It provides an opportunity for a good quality of life, but also has a low cost of living, with plentiful jobs and affordable housing.
Jobs
The unemployment rate is low in the Des Moines area. In fact, it’s lower than the national average.
Des Moines is home to many thriving businesses and corporations. Over 80 insurance companies call the city home. Other major sectors include finance, health care, and agriculture. And considered to be part of the “Silicon Prairie,” Des Moines is quickly rising to be one of the top tech sites in the country.
Des Moines is home to many businesses you will recognize. A few include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nationwide Insurance, Principal Financial Group, Better Homes and Gardens, and more. Wells Fargo Bank is also among one of the largest employers in the area.
What about income? Des Moines is right on par with the national average salary, at $50,600.
Housing
Whatever type of housing you desire, you’ll find it in Des Moines. From modern, downtown lofts – to classic, historic homes – to newer, two-story houses in the suburbs, you can find housing that fits your lifestyle.
According to the U.S. News report, the median price of a home in Des Moines is $178,942, which comes in below the national median of $227,025. It’s important to note that the median price of homes rises as you get further out into the suburbs.
Safety
Violent crime rates in Des Moines are lower than the national average. Most residents will tell you they feel safe where they live. People are comfortable walking from place to place (though having a car might be a necessity if you don’t live close to a bus route).
Iowa Nice
And, this isn’t a “safety” issue, but Iowa Nice is a real thing. You’ll find yourself chatting it up with the cashier at the grocery store, saying “hi” to passers-by on the sidewalk, and getting a helping hand from perfect strangers.
What does U.S. News have to say about Des Moines?
“The capital of this so-called flyover state may not top your to-visit list, but Des Moines is a great place to live and raise a family. Elegant colonial and Tudor-style homes built in the early 1900s hide in quiet neighborhoods minutes from buzzy downtown, where lofts and condos draw the millennial crowd. Many families with kids flock to the suburbs where new housing developments continually pop up.
And there’s plenty to do and see in Des Moines. Cultural events and festivals draw all ages to the downtown area. One-of-a-kind shops, locally owned restaurants and hip bars enliven entertainment districts. And plenty of bike trails and parks (and even a few lakes) provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The metro area of more than 600,000 has a small-town, know-your-neighbor feel to it. It’s a place where you’ll bump into people you know at the grocery store and get invited to backyard barbecues. Newcomers, take note: The people of Des Moines are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet.”
That says it all. Des Moines is an excellent place to live!
Check out more on a few of the great neighborhoods in Des Moines:
Beaverdale Neighborhood
Merle Hay Neighborhood
Waveland Park Neighborhood
East Village Neighborhood
Woodland Heights
Whether you’re selling or buying a home, the process can feel intimidating and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to. At Coluzzi Real Estate, we answer all your questions and simplify the process. We’re here for you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
