City Guide
Des Moines, IA
Overview
Des Moines, IA is known for being a vibrant cultural mecca of the Midwest. The city is home to about 211,000 residents, so living in Des Moines will give you the feeling of a larger city without nearly as many people. An interesting fact about Des Moines is that the dome on the capitol building contains roughly 100 ounces of gold. Another fun fact is that Des Moines is home to over 80 insurance companies, and is often referred to as the "Insurance Capital of the U.S."
What’s it like to live in Des Moines, IA ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Des Moines, IA you'll find that the median sale price is
$216,250
and homes stay on the market for 21 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Des Moines are $220,500
and $192,500
, respectively. Des Moines area townhouses have a median sale price of $165,500
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Des Moines, IAExplore our Des Moines housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Des Moines home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Des Moines rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Des Moines rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Des Moines, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Des Moines
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Junction | $210,000 | 79 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Sherman Hill | $292,500 | 57 / 100 | 70 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Waterbury | $411,750 | 54 / 100 | 35 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Beaverdale | $252,500 | 83 / 100 | 52 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Downtown Des Moines | $248,000 | 21 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
Des Moines Articles & Neighborhood Content
Read more on the Redfin blog
Popular homes for sale in Des Moines
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Des Moines
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines is 15% lower than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Des Moines, the average monthly rent is $850, while the median home price is $218,000. Overall, housing in Des Moines is 51% lower than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 1% lower in Des Moines. Though healthcare costs 12% lower in Des Moines compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Des Moines, an optometry check-up costs around $119.53, while a dentist appointment is $111.89 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Des Moines. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
15%
Cost of living
51%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Des Moines Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 39% of Des Moines homebuyers searched to move out of Des Moines, while 61% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 0.11% of homebuyers searched to move into Des Moines from outside metros.
- Washington homebuyers searched to move into Des Moines more than any other metro followed by Miami and Albuquerque.
Where are people moving to Des Moines from?
- 61% of Des Moines homebuyers searched to stay within the Des Moines metropolitan area.
- Charlotte was the most popular destination among Des Moines homebuyers followed by Minneapolis and Phoenix.
Where are people from Des Moines moving to?
Number of People Moving to Des Moines
least
most
People are moving to Des Moines from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 163 | ||
| 2 | 72 | ||
| 3 | 71 | ||
| 4 | 65 | ||
| 5 | 56 | ||
| 6 | 48 | ||
| 7 | 43 | ||
| 8 | 42 | ||
| 9 | 34 | ||
| 10 | 27 | ||
People are leaving Des Moines for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 97 | ||
| 2 | 28 | ||
| 3 | 22 | ||
| 4 | 17 | ||
| 5 | 13 | ||
| 6 | 10 | ||
| 7 | 10 | ||
| 8 | 9 | ||
| 9 | 8 | ||
| 10 | 7 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Des Moines, IA ?
There's much to experience and explore in Des Moines, IA. From parks to stellar restaurants and everything in between, there's plenty to do in this city. Des Moines is known for its popular museums such as the Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House Foundation, and Iowa Hall of Pride. You'll find that there's a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many performing arts centers such as Des Moines Performing Arts, Sheslow Auditorium, and Des Moines Playhouse. There are a lot of parks and green spaces within the city, including Gray's Lake Park, Water Works Park, and Cowles Commons. A Dong Restaurant, Nut Pob Restaurant, and Tequila Restaurante & Cantina are some of the popular restaurants to check out. For a local favorite, try Steak de Burgo from Irina's, Christopher's, or Tursi Latin King, for a true taste of Des Moines.
Explore some of the best things to do in Des Moines
What's the best way to get around Des Moines, IA ?
The best way to get around Des Moines is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Des Moines has a walk score of 45, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Des Moines has a transit score of 30, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 50309, 50312 and 50316. You can also get around Des Moines by bike. With a bike score of 39, there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit Score®
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Des Moines Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 17 car rental locations. Renting a bike is another good way to get around. There is 1 bike rental location.
Airports
Des Moines has 3 airports, 1 of which is an international airport.
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