Des Moines

Des Moines, IA

Area Guide

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Come feel the beat of the heartland in Iowa's capital city

Vibrant Active Urban Family-Oriented Midwestern Riverfront

A vibrant gem in the heart of the prairie, Des Moines is named for the river that snakes through the city. This is Iowa's capital (and the county seat of Polk County), and it is filled with things to do. From concerts at the historic Salisbury House to the collections at Des Moines Art Center, and from the 81 miles of hiking and biking trails to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Des Moines offers so much that it was named one of the top 10 cities in which to live by US News.

Home to such companies as Meredith Corporation, Wells Fargo, Voya Financial, and Principal Financial Group, Des Moines is considered one of the nation's wealthiest cities. But you'll also have fun after moving to your Des Moines apartment -- the city offers amazing shops and restaurants in East Village, the nearby Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, the family-friendly Adventureland Park, and the fascinating Living History Farms. Festivals in Des Moines include the wildly popular Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Art Festival, and the World Food & Music Festival.

Explore the City

The historic Iowa State Capitol was built in 1871

The Landmark Bridge is a pedestrian bridge with a glass bottom

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Des Moines, IA is $829 for a studio, $968 for one bedroom, $1,068 for two bedrooms, and $1,392 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Des Moines has increased by 0.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$968/month
645 Sq Ft
House
$1,604/month
1,202 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,507/month
815 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,629/month
1,109 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Des Moines, IA

Transportation

53

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

31

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

45

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Cowles Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

391 Students

9
out of 10

Clive Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-6

528 Students

6
out of 10

Delaware Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

398 Students

6
out of 10

Windsor Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

296 Students

5
out of 10

Greenwood Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

272 Students

5
out of 10

Cowles Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

391 Students

9
out of 10

Merrill Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

634 Students

4
out of 10

Callanan Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

507 Students

4
out of 10

Mccombs Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

654 Students

3
out of 10

Hoyt Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

486 Students

3
out of 10

Roosevelt High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,986 Students

3
out of 10

North High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,458 Students

3
out of 10

Hoover High School

Public

Grades 9-12

991 Students

3
out of 10

Lincoln High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,403 Students

2
out of 10

East High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,040 Students

2
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Columbus Park
  • Pioneer Park of Des Moines
  • Mac Rae Park
  • Science Center of Iowa
  • James W. Cownie Soccer Park

Military Bases

Airports

  • Des Moines International

Top Apartments in Des Moines

Houses for Rent in Des Moines

Property Management Companies in Des Moines, IA

Living in Des Moines

Transportation

-

There is a skywalk system in Des Moines that is one of the largest in the country. With four miles of high-rise covered walkways, it is definitely an intriguing site, and a safe way for pedestrians to get around downtown. Des Moines Area Regional Transit operates the city's public bus system. The Des Moines International Airport offers commercial passenger service within the United States, and cargo service outside the country. There are plenty of interstates in and around Des Moines, as well, making it easy for drivers to get to anywhere in the state without having to travel too far to find an entrance ramp.

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