Des Moines

Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines, has been luring many young professionals to its metro area, due to its strong job market, low cost of living, bike-friendly streets, and bevy of entertainment options. In fact, many area homebuyers are 25 to 34, and the city’s median age is 34 (2022). Established in 1843, Des Moines now covers 90.7 square miles. Its key sectors include government, insurance, manufacturing, and financial services.

Des Moines’ real-estate options are plentiful. There are lofts, condos, apartments, townhomes, and houses in Ranch, Tudor, and Colonial styles. The average price of a home here is $193,078, up 9.7% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Annual events, including the Capital City Pride Festival, the Des Moines Art Festival, and the World Food and Music Festival, add to the city's appeal.

Des Moines is served by I-35, I-80, and I-235, which cuts through the city. The neighborhood of Waterbury, laid out to follow the land's topography, lies north of I-235. This area contains beautiful stately homes. South of I-235 is Arbor Peaks, which offers fun shops and amazing restaurants within walking distance to homes and apartment complexes. Younger residents tend to prefer nearby downtown, while families dominate the quieter suburbs, where new housing developments continually pop up.

Residents love Des Moines because it’s full of diversity, and is a city that feels small.