D es Moines is the capitol city of Iowa, and further acts as a hub for the region's commerce, government, arts and culture. Like many Midwestern cities, Des Moines is rich with history, architecturally appealing buildings and friendly, intelligent residents. The city is unique in its installation of the Skywalks that link businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops and parking garages. These climate-controlled walkways comprise more blocks per capita than any other American city this size. For residents, this means being able to comfortably navigate downtown in the warmest summer months or coldest winter days.

Des Moines experiences a steady population growth each year. There are currently just under 550,000 residents in Des Moines, a number that jumps to nearly a half-million when including the surrounding Des Moines metropolitan area. The median age of a resident here is thirty four years old.

Of the city's working-age residents, just over thirty nine percent are employed in a professional or managerial capacity. Around thirty percent of locals work in the service industry, while just over twenty percent are employed in an administrative capacity. The average household income is above the national average, at around $40,233 per year. Additionally, residents here benefit from having one of the shortest commute times in America.

Des Moines has garnered national recognition as one of the nation's top insurance centers, and today is the third-largest in the entire world. Nearly sixty separate life, health and casualty companies are headquartered or maintain a major base of operations in Des Moines.

Potential home buyers will marvel at the array of possibilities in Des Moines. Over half of the homes in the area are single-family detached style. As more and more locals return back to the city-center, many chic lofts and elegant brownstones are now available on the market as well. Home ownership has proven to be a solid investment in the area, with steady appreciation over the years. Perhaps because of this, home ownership is a popular trend, with over half of residents owning their own homes. The most popular option for buyers in Des Moines is typically a three-bedroom model. Recent sales figures indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Des Moines is currently $140,000, making it one of the most affordable housing markets in the nation.

The city has established ordinances for its historic districts in order to recognize and maintain the areas and ensure their architectural integrity. There are currently two historic districts in Des Moines, Owl's Head and Sherman Hill. The Sherman Hill neighborhood is the oldest in the city, dating back to the 1870's. The neighborhood was the first to be placed on the local historic registry, and is a source of great pride to residents. Additionally, there are some fifty-one neighborhoods and associations currently active in Des Moines' Neighborhood Revitalization Program, ensuring the health and welfare of communities throughout the city.

Des Moines offers its residents a variety of fairs, festivals and events throughout the year. The Fire in the Sky event is a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration that kicks off the holiday season in grand fashion. Combining choirs, family activities, parade and photos with Santa, the event culminates in one of the largest fireworks displays of the year. Des Moines' Skywalk Golf is the largest miniature golf tournament and is held in the three miles of skywalk over downtown. This fun family event is a beloved tradition in the city. In the summer months, Des Moines' Summer in the City program is a free outdoor concert that attracts thousands of residents.

Des Moines is a vibrant city that is an ideal place to raise a family, while offering young professionals and retirees alike a great place to live. If you are thinking about moving, consider a move to Des Moines, Iowa! To learn more about this great city, simply request our "free relocation assistance" today.