Moving to Des Moines, Iowa? Housing, Suburbs & Relocation Tips

Thinking about moving to Des Moines, Iowa? You’re not alone.

The Des Moines metro continues to attract families, professionals and individuals looking for a combination of career opportunities, housing options, growing communities and a high quality of life.

Recently, I had the opportunity to join the Let’s Move to Iowa Podcast to talk about what newcomers should know before relocating to Central Iowa—including the Des Moines housing market, local communities, jobs, commuting, new construction and what it’s actually like to live here.

Listen to the full podcast episode and read the original interview here.

Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from our conversation.

Des Moines is More Than Just Des Moines

One of the first things I tell people relocating to Iowa is that “Des Moines” can mean a lot more than the city itself.

The Des Moines metro is made up of a collection of communities, each with its own personality, housing options, commute patterns, amenities and lifestyle.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you might consider:

Ankeny
Altoona
Pleasant Hill
West Des Moines
Waukee
Urbandale
Johnston
Clive
Norwalk
Des Moines itself

There isn’t one universally “best” suburb. The right community depends on what matters most to you.

Do you want newer construction? A shorter commute? More land? Established neighborhoods? Restaurants and shopping nearby? A larger yard? Access to trails and parks?

Those questions should come before you start scrolling through hundreds of homes online.

What Can You Buy for $300,000 in Des Moines?

One of the biggest questions from people relocating to Central Iowa is: “How much house can I get for my money?”

The answer depends heavily on where you look.

A $300,000 budget can look very different in Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Norwalk or one of the western suburbs.

You may be comparing:

Home size
Age of the property
Lot size
School district
Commute
Neighborhood
New construction vs. existing homes
Proximity to shopping, restaurants and recreation

That’s why I don’t recommend choosing the “cheapest” suburb first.

Instead, start with your priorities and then figure out which communities give you the best combination of price, lifestyle and location.

Where is the Des Moines Metro Growing?

If you’re interested in new construction in the Des Moines area, Ankeny, Waukee and West Des Moines are communities worth watching.

All three have experienced significant residential development and continue to provide opportunities for buyers who prefer newer homes.

But newer construction isn’t the only option.

One of the things I like about the Des Moines metro is that you can choose between established neighborhoods, newer suburban developments and even properties with more land without necessarily giving up access to the amenities of a metropolitan area.

What is it Like Living in Des Moines?

If you’ve never lived in Iowa, you may have a certain picture of what life here looks like.

And yes, we’re still Iowa. 🌽

But the Des Moines metro offers considerably more than many people expect.

You have restaurants, concerts, sporting events, breweries, shopping, parks, trails and entertainment, while still having the option to live in a quieter suburban community or even on an acreage within reasonable distance of the metro.

And then there’s the commute.

For many people moving from larger metropolitan areas, the ability to get from one side of the metro to another without spending hours in traffic can be a major quality-of-life advantage.

That’s one of the things that stood out to me when my wife and I relocated to Iowa.

Moving to Des Moines from Another State?

This is an area where I can offer some firsthand perspective.

When my wife and I moved to Iowa, we were living out of state and actually purchased our Iowa home without physically touring it ourselves.

We relied on a virtual tour.

That experience has shaped how I work with clients who are relocating to Des Moines from another state.

If you’re buying a home from hundreds or thousands of miles away, online listings are useful, but they can’t tell you everything.

Photos don’t tell you what a neighborhood sounds like. They don’t tell you how busy the road outside the house is. They don’t let you open a cabinet to see something specific you’re wondering about.

That’s why I believe live virtual home tours can be incredibly valuable for relocation buyers.

You can ask questions in real time while someone is physically walking through the property with you.

Don’t Let Your Moving Deadline Choose Your House

One of the biggest pieces of advice I shared during the podcast is simple: You don’t need to rush into the wrong house just because you’re relocating.

Moving often comes with deadlines.

Maybe you have a new job starting. Maybe your lease is ending. Maybe you have kids starting school. Maybe the moving truck is already scheduled.

Those deadlines are real, but they shouldn’t force you to buy a house that isn’t right for you.

Sometimes the most valuable thing your real estate agent can tell you is: “I don’t think you should buy this one.”

That’s the kind of relationship I want to have with my clients.

I’m not here simply to find you a house. I’m here to help you figure out where you should live, what makes sense financially, and when you should walk away.

Thinking About Moving to Des Moines?

If you’re considering a move to the Des Moines metro, I’d encourage you to start with the bigger picture before narrowing your search to a specific house.

Ask yourself: Where will I work? How long am I willing to commute? What type of neighborhood do I want? How much house do I actually need? Do I want new construction or an established neighborhood? How important are schools, parks, restaurants and shopping? Would I rather have a larger lot or a shorter commute?

Once you answer those questions, finding the right communities and, eventually, the right home becomes much easier.

And if you’re thinking about moving to Des Moines, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny or another Central Iowa community, I’d be happy to help you figure out which area makes the most sense for you.

I’m Cody Voga—Your Friend in Real Estate.
515-720-1714
cody@c21sre.com
@CodyVogaRealtor