Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, the most populous city in Iowa, is a center of art and culture in the region and widely recognized by business analysts as a booming place for business. It's the home base for an impressive number of insurance companies and ranked by NBC as one of the wealthiest cities in the country. To outsiders, the city is perhaps best known for the presidential caucuses it hosts every four years, which set the tone for much of the primary races to come. The city has also seen a rise in the cost of living, with housing prices reflecting its growing popularity and economic opportunities.

If you're going to be renting in Des Moines, you may be surprised at the area's lower cost of living. Average income is a little lower here, and especially if you're moving here from the coasts, you may find yourself a little concerned -- but you'll be able to make that money stretch in ways you never anticipated. It's just a fact that food, utilities, and other necessities are cheaper here in the heartland than elsewhere in the country. In particular, rent is significantly lower than the national average, making it easier to find a large, affordable place to rent without worrying about finding a roommate.

Des Moines is by far the biggest population center in the region, and it's attracted many businesses over the years. Despite being located solidly in the American Heartland, Des Moines is a diverse city that's young and full of life. The city itself has experienced plenty of development in recent years, although many residents of the Des Moines metropolitan area actually reside in the suburbs surrounding the city. While the city draws an impressive range of cultural events and nightlife, one of the defining aspects of life in Des Moines is the presidential primary caucuses every four years, where candidates sweep in for speeches and meet-and-greets.

For many people moving to Des Moines, they're seeking a new way of life. Life in the country can be slow-paced, and Des Moines is just the change of pace they need: a warm, welcoming place with plenty of job opportunities. If you're living in Des Moines, you'll quickly become acquainted with the place's amazing food and drink, including foodie restaurants, farmer's markets, and craft breweries. The city has an active sports scene as well: Football, especially the legendary Iowa State Cyclones versus University of Iowa Hawkeyes matchup, is a religion here, and the city boasts an impressive number of hockey fans.

Des Moines is one of the most business-friendly places in the country, and it's easy for those moving to the area to find a job: the unemployment rate is 3.5%, significantly below the national average, and experts project further job growth in the area. The average household income of those living in Des Moines is just over $60,000, slightly below the national average, though that's in large part because the cost of living here is so low. An impressive 38.1% of residents have found their calling in sales, office and administrative support roles, due largely to the presence of many insurance giants. Companies based out of Des Moines include Fidelity & Guaranty Life, GuideOne Insurance, and Principal Financial Group.

Des Moines is home to a few prominent schools: Des Moines University and Drake University are both relatively small private institutions, while Grand View University is a private four-year school. Mercy College of Health Sciences focuses on training doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, while the nearby Des Moines Area Community College provides associate's degrees. In terms of sports, hockey has a large following here, with the Des Moines Buccaneers playing at Buccaneer Arena. The Iowa Cubs, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, play minor league baseball at Principal Park, and the Des Moines Menace soccer team wows crowds every year at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines.

For anyone considering moving to Des Moines, the city is full of exciting things to do. The Iowa State Fairgrounds, one of the area's biggest annual attractions, draws people from all over the state for carnival rides, live music, and more. The 25-acre Blank Park Zoo is home to more than 800 animals, along with a petting zoo and a carousel. Since 1948, the Des Moines Art Center has hosted many works from 19th- and 20th-century artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden draws visitors and those living in the area every year to look at beautiful seasonal plants, as well as the more temperature-sensitive ones housed inside its iconic geodesic dome.