Is Des Moines a Good Place to Live: Pros and Cons Unveiled
Is Des Moines a Good Place to Live?
Des Moines is generally considered a good place to live due to its lower cost of living, elegant homes, and a bustling downtown.
It was previously ranked fourth on U.S.
News & World Report’s Best Places to Live list, but has fallen to the 19th position for 2023.
Despite this slight decline, Des Moines still received a respectable overall rating of 6.6, with a 6.8 for quality of life and a 7.6 for total value ranking.
The city offers a variety of performing arts venues, miles of biking and walking trails, and vibrant events like the Downtown Farmers Market and the Iowa State Fair.
However, it is worth noting that Des Moines does have a higher property crime rate compared to the national average and may not rank as high in some areas like college readiness.
Overall, Des Moines has its advantages as a place to call home, but it is important to consider various factors and personal preferences when determining if it is the right fit for an individual or family.
Key Points:
- Des Moines is generally considered a good place to live due to its lower cost of living, elegant homes, and a bustling downtown.
- It was previously ranked fourth on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live list, but has fallen to the 19th position for 2023.
- Des Moines received a respectable overall rating of 6.6, with a 6.8 for quality of life and a 7.6 for total value ranking.
- The city offers a variety of performing arts venues, miles of biking and walking trails, and vibrant events like the Downtown Farmers Market and the Iowa State Fair.
- Des Moines has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average.
- Personal preferences and factors should be considered when determining if Des Moines is the right fit for an individual or family.
Did You Know?
1. Des Moines is home to the World Food Prize, an annual international award that recognizes individuals making significant contributions to the world’s food supply. This prestigious prize was established by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Norman Borlaug in his hometown of Des Moines.
2. Did you know Des Moines is the home of the Blank Park Zoo, which is the only zoo in the world named after a family with the last name “Blank”? In 1963, A.H. and P.C. Blank donated their land to create this remarkable zoo that now houses over 1,000 animals!
3. Des Moines has an impressive skywalk system that spans over four miles, making it one of the largest skywalk systems in the United States. This network of elevated walkways allows residents and visitors to navigate the downtown area comfortably regardless of the weather.
4. In 1993, Des Moines broke the record for the most hugs given in one hour. During a “Hugs for Homeless Animals” event, more than 2,000 people gathered and shared warm embraces, spreading love and raising awareness about animal welfare in this compassionate city.
5. Des Moines has a connection to space exploration! Astronaut Peggy Whitson, who holds the record for the most cumulative time spent in space by an American astronaut, was born and raised in Mount Ayr, Iowa, which is just a few hours from Des Moines. Des Moines has certainly contributed to fostering an impressive legacy of exploration and discovery.
1. Des Moines Ranking Declines to 19th by U.S. News & World Report
Des Moines, once hailed as one of the best places to live in the United States, has experienced a decline in its ranking. According to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live list for 2023, Des Moines has fallen to the 19th position. This setback may raise questions about whether Des Moines is still a good place to live.
The ranking provided by U.S. News takes various factors into account to determine the overall score of a city. These factors include quality of life, job market, value of living, and people’s desire to live in the area. It is important to analyze each of these aspects to gain a comprehensive understanding of Des Moines as a potential place to call home.
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Quality of life: Des Moines may have experienced a decline in ranking, but it still offers a high quality of life. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, a strong sense of community, and a low crime rate, making it an attractive place to live.
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Job market: While Des Moines may not be as high in the ranking as before, it still boasts a thriving job market. The city is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and has a strong economy with opportunities in various industries.
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Value of living: One of the advantages of Des Moines is its affordable cost of living. Housing prices are relatively lower compared to other major cities, making it an ideal place for individuals and families looking for a good quality of life without breaking the bank.
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People’s desire to live in the area: Despite the decline in ranking, Des Moines continues to attract people from across the country. Many are drawn to its friendly community, strong educational system, and numerous recreational activities.
In conclusion, while Des Moines may have fallen in its ranking, it still offers a great place to live. With its high quality of life, thriving job market, affordable cost of living, and appeal to people from diverse backgrounds, Des Moines remains a desirable place to call home.
“Though Des Moines has fallen in the ranking, it is important to consider the city’s unique strengths and advantages.”
2. Factors Influencing Des Moines’ Ranking as a Best Place to Live
Des Moines’ decline in ranking can be attributed to several factors. U.S. News considers quality of life as a crucial aspect when evaluating a city’s desirability. While Des Moines achieved a respectable rating of 6.8 in this category, it was outperformed by other cities that ranked higher.
Moreover, Des Moines received a commendable score of 7.6 in the total value ranking, indicating that the cost of living and housing prices are relatively favorable compared to the national average. However, the city’s desirability score was not as high as that of the top-ranking cities, resulting in its diminished position.
3. Des Moines’ Overall Rating and Rank in Value and Quality of Life
When considering the overall rating, Des Moines garnered a score of 6.6. While it may not be the highest rating on the list, it reflects the city’s positive attributes. Des Moines’ high quality of life score shows that it offers residents a favorable living environment. Additionally, the city’s value ranking, which assesses the affordability of living, is a testament to Des Moines’ appeal for those seeking more affordable housing options.
Interestingly, Des Moines outperformed seven of the top cities on the Best Places to Live list in terms of value rating, highlighting its affordability when compared to these rivals. Additionally, Des Moines ranked higher than two of the top 10 cities in terms of quality of life.
These statistics demonstrate that, while Des Moines may not have reached the top of the list, it still possesses qualities that make it an attractive place to live.
- Des Moines garnered a score of 6.6
- Des Moines offers a favorable living environment
- Des Moines is affordable compared to rival cities
- Des Moines ranks higher than two top 10 cities in quality of life
4. U.S. News Praises Des Moines as Family-Friendly and Vibrant
Despite its decline in ranking, U.S. News still recognizes Des Moines as a family-friendly city with many attractive features. Describing the city as vibrant, U.S. News notes elegant homes and a bustling downtown in Des Moines. These factors contribute to creating an environment that is conducive for raising a family.
Des Moines is well-known for its vibrant performing arts venues such as the Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena. Additionally, the city boasts an impressive network of 600 miles of biking and walking trails, as well as state parks like Ledges and Jester Park. These recreational amenities provide opportunities for residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
The city’s minor league sports entertainment, including the Iowa Cubs baseball team, the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market, and the Iowa State Fair butter cow, further add to its familial appeal. Des Moines offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to the interests of all age groups.
- Vibrant performing arts venues: Civic Center, Wells Fargo Arena
- Impressive network of biking and walking trails (600 miles)
- State parks: Ledges, Jester Park
- Minor league sports entertainment: Iowa Cubs baseball team
- Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
- Iowa State Fair butter cow
5. Des Moines’ Cost of Living and Housing Prices Compared to National Averages
One of the significant advantages of living in Des Moines is its lower cost of living compared to the national average. This aspect contributes to the city’s appeal and affordability. Residents can enjoy a range of amenities, from housing to groceries, at a more affordable price point.
Housing prices in Des Moines are below the national median, making it an accessible option for homebuyers. This affordability may attract individuals and families looking for more spacious accommodations or those seeking to make their first foray into homeownership. The lower cost of living and reasonable housing prices contribute to the overall value that Des Moines offers its residents.
6. Des Moines Outranked by 18 Other Cities in Desirability, Despite High Value and Quality of Life
While Des Moines offers considerable value and boasts a high quality of life, it falls short when it comes to desirability. Outranked by 18 other cities on the list, Des Moines faces competition from areas that are seen as even more appealing to potential residents.
However, it is essential to note that Des Moines still surpasses many other cities in both value and quality of life. These accolades highlight the city’s attractiveness to individuals seeking affordability and a favorable living environment. While it may not have achieved the top position on the U.S. News rankings, Des Moines still has much to offer to those considering making it their home.
In conclusion, Des Moines, despite its decline in ranking, remains an attractive city to live in. Its high quality of life, lower cost of living, and affordable housing prices make it an appealing option, especially for families. While the city faces competition in terms of desirability, it still surpasses the majority of other cities in terms of value and quality of life. Ultimately, the decision to call Des Moines home depends on weighing these factors against one’s personal preferences and priorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines expensive to live?
Des Moines, Iowa offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to both the state and national average. With expenses 7% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average, Des Moines provides a financial advantage for its residents. Housing costs in particular stand out, as they are 32% cheaper than the U.S average. Additionally, utilities in Des Moines are about 14% less expensive, further contributing to the overall affordability of the city.
Is Des Moines worth moving to?
Absolutely! Des Moines offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it a worthwhile place to relocate. Known for its vibrant communities and bustling job market, Des Moines is an ideal city to propel your career forward. Moreover, its low cost of living adds to its appeal, ensuring that you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank. With a plethora of fun activities and attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do in this exciting and dynamic city.
Why is Des Moines so popular?
Des Moines’ popularity stems from its unique ability to cater to people from different stages of life. Firstly, its low cost-of-living makes it an attractive choice for retirees, as they can make the most of their retirement savings and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, the city’s thriving business sector offers ample opportunities for career growth and entrepreneurship, making it a desirable location for young professionals and individuals looking to kickstart their careers. Lastly, Des Moines’ strong civic community provides a sense of belonging and support for families and individuals, making it an ideal place to raise a family. This combination of affordability, career prospects, and community support has made Des Moines a popular destination for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Is Des Moines the best city to live in?
Des Moines has topped the charts as the best city to live in, according to a comprehensive study conducted by Forbes. The rankings were based on a thorough analysis of 10 different metrics, spanning employment opportunities, affordable housing options, overall quality of life, and cost of living. With its strong job market, reasonable housing prices, and a vibrant lifestyle, Des Moines emerges as the prime choice for young professionals seeking the best place to live and build their futures.
