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Writer's pictureDarson Grantham

Top 5 Reasons to Get Excited About Moving to Des Moines, Iowa


Des Moines Iowa
Photo Credit: Grantham Group


Are you thinking of moving to Des Moines, Iowa? If so, you are not alone. 


Des Moines is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, attracting people from all walks of life. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly environment, a vibrant career opportunity, or a fun and diverse culture, Des Moines has something for everyone. Living in this city has its pros and cons, but when you weigh everything objectively, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.


In this blog post, I will answer your possible questions about moving to a new city. I will also share with you the top 5 reasons to get excited about moving to Des Moines, Iowa. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your big move.


You can also watch this video to learn more about the pros and cons of moving to Des Moines.




Overview of Des Moines City


Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city of Iowa, with a population of about 214,000 as of 2020. It is located in the center of the state, at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. It is also the county seat of Polk County, and the core of the Des Moines metropolitan area, which has a population of about 700,000.


Des Moines is a major center of government, business, education, culture, and entertainment in Iowa and the Midwest. It is home to the Iowa State Capitol, the Iowa Supreme Court, the Iowa Governor’s Mansion, and several state and federal offices. It is also the headquarters of many prominent companies, such as Principal Financial Group, Meredith Corporation, Wells Fargo, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and Hy-Vee.


This city has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the 18th century when it was inhabited by various Native American tribes. It was later settled by French explorers, who named it after the river, which means “of the monks” in French. It became the capital of Iowa in 1857 and grew rapidly as a hub of trade, transportation, and industry. It also played a significant role in the American Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s.


What are the Preparations to Make When Moving to a New City


Moving to a new city requires a lot of preparations, both practical and emotional. But before you get excited about moving to Des Moines, here are some of the preparations you need to make before moving to a new city.


Know the cost of living 


One of the most important preparations you need to make is to know the cost of living in the new city, such as the rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, education, entertainment, and taxes. You can use online calculators, such as Numbeo, Expatistan, or BestPlaces, to compare the cost of living between different cities. It would be helpful to create a budget, based on your income and expenses, and track your spending and saving habits.



Know the weather 


Another important preparation you need to make is to know the weather, such as the temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and sunshine. You may want to check the current and forecasted weather conditions, as well as the historical and seasonal trends to prepare you and your family to move to your desired place. Think about the climate and the season of the city you are moving to, and pack your clothes, shoes, and accessories that suit the weather and the culture. You want to be comfortable and stylish in your new environment.



Know the culture


Culture is the soul of a city, and you want to immerse yourself in it as much as possible. Before you move, do some research on the new city’s language, religion, ethnicity, values, beliefs, and customs, using reliable online sources like Wikipedia, CultureGrams, or Lonely Planet. You’ll discover fascinating facts about the city’s past, present, and future, as well as the challenges and opportunities it faces. To make your transition easier, you can also pick up some basic words and phrases in the local language, if it’s different from yours, and practice how to speak and understand it.


Know the laws 


Living in a new city means following its laws, whether they are about traffic, crime, civil matters, or immigration. You can learn about the legal aspects of your new home by visiting the official website of the city, state, or country, or the US Department of State, where you can find the rules and regulations, as well as the rights and duties, of being a resident there. You can also seek legal advice, if needed, and get the documents you need, such as your passport, visa, driver’s license, insurance, and medical records.


Des Moines Iowa
Photo Credit: Canva

Top 5 Reasons to Get Excited About Moving to Des Moines, Iowa


Now that you have learned some of the basics and the preparations for moving to Des Moines, Iowa, you may be wondering what are the reasons to get excited about it. Well, there are many reasons to get excited about moving to this beautiful and thriving city, but here are the top 5 ones:

1. Enjoy a high quality of life. 


Des Moines is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, by various publications and organizations, such as the US News & World Report, Forbes, and the Gallup. It offers a high quality of life, in terms of affordability, safety, health, education, and happiness. Des Moines is not only a vibrant and diverse city, but also a safe and healthy one. Its residents enjoy a peaceful environment, a long and fulfilling life, a well-educated society, and a high level of happiness.


2. A lot of great opportunities. 


Des Moines is a thriving and dynamic city, with a lot of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Their strong and diverse economy, with a low unemployment rate, a high job growth, and a high income growth attracts many families and young professionals. Des Moines also has a vibrant and innovative startup scene, with many incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces, supporting and nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. This city has a high quality of education, with many colleges and universities, offering a range of degrees and courses in various fields.


3. Experience a rich and diverse culture. 


Des Moines is a cultural and artistic hub, with a lot of festivals, events, and attractions, celebrating and showcasing the culture and diversity of the city and the state. Here you will find a lively and vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and venues, offering live music, comedy, karaoke, trivia, and more. They also have a lot of options for dining and shopping, with many local and international cuisines, as well as specialty and organic products.


This city has friendly and welcoming new communities and neighborhoods, with a lot of diversity and inclusion, as well as civic engagement and social responsibility. Additionally, it boasts many churches and nonprofit organizations, reflecting a strong sense of community and commitment to making a positive impact.


4. You will have a lot of influence and impact. 


Des Moines is a political and governmental center, with a lot of influence and impact on the state and the nation. It is home to the Iowa State Capitol, the Iowa Supreme Court, the Iowa Governor’s Mansion, and several state and federal offices.


Des Moines also hosts the Iowa caucuses, the first and the most influential event in the presidential nomination process, attracting a lot of candidates, media, and voters. They have a lot of organizations and groups, working to improve the quality of life and the well-being of the community, as well as the environment and society.


5. Lots of fun and excitement. 


Des Moines is a fun and exciting city, with many things to do and see. The city has a lot of events and festivals, such as the Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Arts Festival, the 80/35 Music Festival, and the World Food and Music Festival, offering a lot of entertainment and enjoyment.


You will also find a lot of attractions and activities, such as Adventureland Park, Blank Park Zoo, Living History Farms, Botanical Garden, Gray’s Lake, and the Des Moines Farmer's Market, offering a lot of amusement and adventure. They have many surprises and discoveries that offer a lot of inspiration and education. This includes the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Salisbury House, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, and the Iowa Hall of Pride. 


Des Moines Iowa
Photo Credit: Canva

Why Des Moines is Good for Kids, Families, and Young Professionals


When it comes to raising a family or building a career, you can't do much better than Des Moines. It is a great place to live in general and one of the best places to live in Iowa for kids, families, and young professionals. This vibrant Midwestern city blends small-town warmth with big-city opportunity - it's a welcoming community where young professionals thrive and families happily put down roots.


Schools here are top-notch, with something for all sorts of kids - gifted programs, stellar STEM education, creative arts, and even major junior sports. Families dig the affordable housing market and cost of living compared to other metro areas. And get this - the average commute is under 20 minutes! With more disposable income and extra free time, Des Moines parents can really be present for their children.


The job market here rocks too - major insurance and finance companies are always expanding. Plus, the thriving startup scene offers dynamic careers for ambitious young professionals looking to advance quickly. It's no wonder Des Moines scores high for job satisfaction! 


There are also plenty of fun things to do in Des Moines with kids like visiting the Blank Park Zoo or exploring the Science Center of Iowa. And with a packed events calendar of concerts, festivals, and sporting events, folks who live here always have something entertaining to do after work hours.


Bottom line - if you're looking for that sweet spot between small-city charm and big-time success, Des Moines has it in spades. The people are lovely, quality of life is high, careers thrive, and families flourish. You really can have it all here!


book a call with Darson Grantham

It’s Time to Move!


Moving to Des Moines, Iowa, can be one of the best decisions you can make in your life. Des Moines is a city that offers a high quality of life, a lot of opportunities, a rich and diverse culture, a lot of recreation and outdoor activities, a lot of influence and impact, and a lot of fun and excitement. It has something for everyone, and that will make you feel at home.


If you are ready to take the next step and move to Des Moines, Iowa, you will need a reliable and professional realtor to guide you through the process. 


That’s where I come in. I am a realtor with over 10 years of experience in the Des Moines market. I can help you find your dream home, negotiate the best deal, and handle all the details and paperwork. I can also help you settle in and get acquainted with the city and the community.


If you are interested in moving to Des Moines, Iowa, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. You can book a free consultation with me where we can discuss your needs, preferences, and goals, and how I can help you achieve them.



Don’t miss this opportunity to move to Des Moines, Iowa, one of the best places to live in the US. Contact me today and let me help you make your dream come true. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 


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