Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Des Moines, Iowa

There is so much to experience while moving to a place like Des Moines in Iowa. The city of Des Moines is the capital and most populated city in the gold-domed state of Iowa. The city lies on the Des Moines River and is situated in the heart of the Corn Belt. Some of the most populous metropolitan areas in the state, like Urbandale, Pleasant Hills, and West Des Moines, depend on Des Moines for maize supply.

Des Moines is a very fascinating city, with a beautiful and serene environment that makes it conducive to living with your family. There is so much to see and do in this amazing city that you may be debating whether or not to relocate there. Well, don’t be in a haste to decide. Here is a compilation of the important things you need to know about Des Moines. This might just be what you need to help smooth out your decision-making process.

Rich in historical and cultural context

One of the reasons Des Moines is considered a center for tourist attractions is because of its rich history and cultural background. The beautiful city is home to several historic buildings, like the capitol building, built in the Greek Revival style, and the state of Iowa Historical Building, housing the history museum and state archives. There are also amazing cultural institutions in the city. You'll find the Des Moines Arts Center, with a collection of 19th-and 20th-century paintings and sculptures; the Civic Center, housing the city’s ballet company and symphony orchestra; and the Science Center of Iowa, which has a planetarium.

Several 19th-century Victorian-style mansions, like the Hoyt Sherman Place, the Wallace House, the home of statesman Henry Wallace, and Terrace Hill, are always open for tours. The Salisbury House is another architectural wonder. If you are familiar with the Tudor-style King’s House in England, you can find its replica here in Des Moines.

Des Moines’ Weather and Climate

The climate in Des Moines is continental with very cold winters and hot summers characterized by frequent thunderstorms. It is cold and temperate with significant rainfall; even the driest month of the year has a lot of rain. With an average temperature of 24.6 °C (76.3 °F), July is the warmest month of the year. While January is the coldest with an average temperature of the with an average temperature of -5.5 °C (22.1 °F). Des Moines is located in the midwestern region of the United States, at an elevation of 820 feet, which causes clashes of air masses from different origins, resulting in abrupt extreme temperatures, thunderstorms (common in the spring and summer seasons), and intense cold during the winter.

The weather can be an amazing experience. There is something magical about the four seasons because they provide such a variety of experiences. In the spring, the trees bloom before they turn into a sea of green that stretches far and wide. In the fall, the state will be alive with fiery colors. A tour of the Mississippi route is one of the best fall color tours in the country. And in the winter, you can enjoy the snow.

The crime rate in Des Moines

Before moving to a new location, safety must be considered. Des Moines has a higher crime rate than the national average, just like most U.S. cities. Within the city boundaries, there is a higher rate of violent crime, property crime, and petty crime, making it more dangerous to live. Even so, Des Moines is home to hundreds of thousands of people even though its crime rate is higher. Visitors and residents alike should understand how safe Des Moines is.

Traffic and transportation

Des Moines is an auto-centric city, with over 90% of the population owning an automobile. The reason for this is the fact that there are limited public transit options, so for easy navigation, it is best to own a private means of transportation. Traffic in the city is never busy, except during certain hours referred to as rush hours.

If you are a car owner, you must start looking out for the best way possible to have your car shipped to Des Moines for easy navigation. It is advisable that you employ the services of a credible and experienced moving company that can offer you an auto transport service alongside a residential moving service.

Des Moines’ Economy and Labor Market

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in Des Moines increased by 2.7% in 2018-19. Within the next decade, the labor market is promised to experience a 37.4% growth in job creation, as against the 33.5% US average growth. Within the predicted timeframe, the unemployment rate will likely be at 3.0%, which is below the national average of 3.9%.

Des Moines is a major insurance industry hub in the United States, as well as a significant financial services and publishing sector. Over 80 insurance companies in Des Moines employ thousands of people, helping to keep the average salary in Des Moines close to the national average of $50,000. Logistics and distribution are also important industries.

Wells Fargo, The Meredith Corporation, Electronic Data Systems, Mercy Medical Center, UnityPoint Health, Drake University, MidAmerican Energy Company, CDS Global, and UPS, are just a few of the major employers. The Des Moines Register maintains a job board with listings for part-time and full-time employment in a variety of industries. If you intend to look for work, polish your resume.

The Cost of Living in Des Moines

When considering a move, it's very vital to consider the cost of living in the intended city or town you intend to move into. Excerpts from US News and World Report reveal that Des Moines is one of the top cities in the United States with a relatively low cost of living. Des Moines has maintained a position in the top three spots in this survey for at least three consecutive years.

Residents of Des Moines spend only an estimated 20% of the median annual household income on living expenses. This would imply that saving up funds, paying off mortgages, and investments would be quite easier to execute here in Des Moines than in any other city. Housing is considered to be highly affordable, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment about 50% lower than the national average and median house prices about 20% lower than the national average as well. This has made Des Moines consistently ranked as one of the best cities for millennials and specifically for millennial homeowners.

With a relatively low unemployment rate, which is considered to be nearly the lowest unemployment rate among cities in the United States, Overall, the cost of living in Des Moines is very low.

Schools and universities

Do you intend to move to Des Moines with your family and are you a bit concerned about your kids’ academics? Or are you moving in alone in pursuit of a career in the academic field? The choice of school should be removed from your list of challenges.

Des Moines is the largest school district in the state of Iowa, featuring over 63 elementary, middle, and high schools. The academic sector of the city is reliable and purpose-driven to produce excellent results. According to US News, the city’s readiness score for college is about 5.7/10, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, thereby encouraging improved classroom management for effective learning. According to greatschools.org, the city’s top-ranked school, Downtown School, on a scale of 1–10, is rated at 8. Merrill Middle School, another top-rated school in the city, is rated at 8.

You'll also find some high-standard private colleges and universities in Des Moines serving the city and surrounding areas. The most notable university in the city is Drake University, which is ranked in the top 200 list of public and private universities nationwide. It attracts many students from different states in the country. Other notable colleges and universities within the city include Grand View University, Des Moines Area Community College, and Mercy College of Health Sciences, which also offer high-standard post-secondary education.

Des Moines, Iowa's Best Neighborhoods

If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and you are convinced of relocating to Des Moines, you must be aware of some of the best areas of the city to look for housing:

• Waterbury
• Des Moines' downtown
• Waveland Park
• Ingersoll Park
• Greenwood
• Linden Heights
• Westwood
• Salisbury Oaks

You should consider any of these areas if you are looking for a great neighborhood to live in with your family. They offer the best kind of housing you might desire. Waterbury could be your best choice if you want to live in the center of the city.

Final Thoughts

No matter how much you have invested in a residential move, if you employ the wrong moving company to help convey your household properties to your new location, the entire process will be plagued with a series of mishaps. To prevent any form of chaos in the wake of your move, you should endeavor to employ a reputable, reliable, and highly experienced moving company.

Well, don’t let that deter you from making your move. Three Movers can make your moving dream a reality more fascinating than you ever imagined it would be

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