Moving to Des Moines? 6 Important Things You Need to Know

Moving to Des Moines? 6 Important Things You Need to Know | Photo by Todd Van Hoosear
Moving to Des Moines? 6 Important Things You Need to Know | Photo by Todd Van Hoosear

Are you moving to Des Moines and planning on building a custom home? We’ve made a list of the top things you need to know about living in Central Iowa including info regarding top schools, the best suburbs, and entertainment and dining options.

We’re glad you’re joining us, and we look forward to working with you to build the custom home of your dreams.

1. Des Moines Consistently Ranks High In Surveys

Des Moines Skyline | Photo by PaulAdamsPhotography
Des Moines Skyline | Photo by PaulAdamsPhotography

We think the Des Moines area is a great place to live for a variety of reasons, but don’t take our word for it, listen to what other National publications have to say:

The Best Place to Live & Quality of Life:

Great for Careers & Finances:

Great for Home Buyers

2. Facts About Des Moines

Moving to Des Moines? 6 Things You Need to Know
Des Moines Sunrise | Photo by Phil Roeder

Founded in 1843, the U.S. War Department built a fort near the Des Moines River. The fort was named after the Des Moines River, which was thought to be French for “River of the Monks” but was shortened to “Des Moines” in 1857.

As of 2018, the population of Des Moines is just under 217,000 and adding in the surrounding suburbs pushed the number of residents to over 655,000 people living in the area which makes it the 89th largest population area.

Suburbs of Des Moines include West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes, Windsor Heights, Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, and Norwalk.

How to pronounce Des Moines? The S’s are silent so it’s pronounced “De Moine”. Learn more at the Catch Des Moines website.

Learn more about Des Moines on Wikipedia

3. Des Moines Has Tons of Parks, Recreation and Healthy Living Options

Healthy Living Options in Des Moines | Photo by Phil Roeder
Healthy Living Options in Des Moines | Photo by Phil Roeder

The Des Moines area has invested heavily in parks and recreation with the City of Des Moines being home to over 75 parks, 3 city-owned golf courses, 3 family aquatic centers, five community centers, and 3 stand-alone swimming pools. Suburbs of Des Moines have even more parks and recreation options.

Popular area options include Gray’s Lake, Saylorville Lake, Big Creek State Park, Easter Lake, Principal River Walk, High Trestle Trail, 

Biking is popular in the area with over 550 miles of Des Moines area bike trails, including marked bike lanes throughout the city. 

See a map of bike trails.

4. Education Options in Des Moines are Abundant

Des Moines School and Education Options

Iowa places a large priority on education at all grade levels and offers great educational options from preschool to college. 

According to Niche.com, here are the 10 top-rated school districts in Central Iowa:

Colleges in the area include:

5. Des Moines Entertainment, Attractions, and Events

Adventureland - Des Moines, Iowa

We also know how to have fun, and we love sharing time with family and friends. Here are some Des Moines entertainment options:

Attractions:

Arts:

Amusement Parks, Zoos, Casinos:

Fairs, Music, Festivals:

Sports:

6. Popular Dining Options in Des Moines

Des Moines Dining Options

We also love great food. Who would have thought since we are in the middle of the farm belt? 

According to Trip Advisor, here are the 10 best places to eat in Des Moines:

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