Moving to Des Moines, IA

About Des Moines

Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city (~213,000 residents, 2024 Census estimate) and the anchor of the metro. Downtown features the climate-controlled skywalk system, Principal Riverwalk, and the Court Avenue entertainment district.

Home prices in Des Moines

The median listing price in Des Moines is $241,750.

Top places in Des Moines

• Iowa State Capitol
• Principal Riverwalk
• East Village
• Pappajohn Sculpture Park
• Des Moines Art Center
• Gray's Lake Park
• Iowa State Fairgrounds
• Court Avenue
• Iowa Cubs / Principal Park
• Des Moines Civic Center
• Science Center of Iowa
• Lauridsen Skatepark

Commuting from Des Moines

• Des Moines is the metro hub — residents working downtown have a local commute, typically 10–25 minutes by car depending on neighborhood (2026).
• Transit: DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) bus network connects downtown with surrounding suburbs including Urbandale, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Altoona.
• Highways: I-235 runs east–west through the city center; I-35 and I-80 ring the metro.

Schools in Des Moines

Public schools: Des Moines Public Schools. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.

Des Moines FAQs

• What is the housing market like in Des Moines, IA?
  The median listing price in Des Moines is $241,750. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 25, 2026
• How is the commute from Des Moines, IA?
  Des Moines is the metro hub — residents working downtown have a local commute, typically 10–25 minutes by car depending on neighborhood (2026).
• Which school district serves Des Moines, IA?
  Des Moines is served by Des Moines Public Schools. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.

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