Why Winter 2025–2026 Is the Smartest Time to Move to Des Moines & the Suburbs
❄️ Why Winter 2025–2026 Is the Smartest Time to Move to Des Moines & the Suburbs
When most people picture moving, they think of blooming spring days or sunny summers—not snowflakes. But here’s the surprising truth: winter 2025–2026 may be one of the smartest times to make your move to Des Moines and its surrounding suburbs.
This season offers a rare combination of timing, opportunity, and local advantages that can set relocating families, professionals, and seniors up for a smoother, more strategic transition into Central Iowa.
📱Download the Smart Move Des Moines app for AI-powered property search, instant market alerts, and 24/7 access to your personal Des Moines agent—the only app of its kind in Central Iowa:
👉https://bk.homestack.com/smartmovedesmoinesLet’s break down why this winter window is such a smart move.
1. Pre-Boom Sweet Spot: Beat the Spring 2026 Rush
Des Moines regularly ranks as one of the better-value metros for affordability, job stability, and overall quality of life compared with larger markets. Awareness continues to grow, which means more people are looking closely at Central Iowa for their next move. Curious what you can afford in Des Moines? Use our Home Affordability Calculator to see your buying power in Central Iowa's most sought-after neighborhoods.
Moving in winter 2025–2026 lets you get ahead of that curve.
Less Competition in Housing
Buyer activity often softens in winter, which can give you:
More negotiating leverage with sellers.
Better odds of landing your preferred home.
Less stress competing against peak-season buyers.
This pattern can benefit buyers across:
Des Moines
West Des Moines
Ankeny
Waukee
Johnston
Grimes
Urbandale
Pleasant Hill and nearby communities
Perfect Timing for New Developments
Many new residential and commercial projects in the metro are completing in the 2025–2026 timeframe, especially in growing suburbs. Moving in winter puts you in position to:
Explore new construction early.
Get into developing neighborhoods while price points remain more accessible.
Benefit from appreciation as nearby amenities, trails, and retail fill in.
2. Job Market Momentum: Be in Place Before 2026 Hiring
Greater Des Moines has a strong base of employers in finance, insurance, healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing, anchored by major firms like Principal, Nationwide, Wellmark, and others. This diversity helps support a resilient job market.
Relocating in winter lets you be ready for Q1 and early-year hiring cycles.
Advantages of being here before spring 2026:
Be first in line for early-year hiring pushes.
Compete ahead of out-of-state candidates who wait for “better weather.”
Start networking, interviewing, and settling before job openings peak.
Companies often finalize budgets and hiring plans at the start of the year, and candidates who are already local can have an edge on timing and availability.
3. Experience the Des Moines Lifestyle in Its Coziest Season
Central Iowans don’t just endure winter—they enjoy it. Moving during winter gives you an authentic introduction to how the metro really lives when the temps drop.
Community Warmth
You’ll find a welcoming, close-knit feel through:
Local cafés and bakeries.
Holiday markets and seasonal pop-up events.
Neighborhood gatherings and school programs.
These are great opportunities to start meeting neighbors and building community soon after you arrive.
Winter Recreation
Des Moines and nearby suburbs offer plenty to do when it’s snowy:
Ice skating rinks such as Brenton Skating Plaza downtown.
Tubing, skiing, and winter sports at nearby parks like Sleepy Hollow or Seven Oaks.
Scenic winter trails around Gray’s Lake and other regional parks.
It’s a fun season for families, retirees, and anyone who loves fresh air and quiet, snow-covered views.
Cultural Activities Year-Round
Des Moines’ arts and entertainment scene runs through all four seasons. In winter you can still enjoy:
Concerts and theater productions.
Museum exhibits and galleries like the Des Moines Art Center.
Special events and festivals without summer crowds.
4. Winter Logistics: Often Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Expect
Snow can feel intimidating, but for many people, winter moves are more manageable than peak-season moves.
Better Availability & Often Better Rates
Winter is typically an off-peak period for movers and some contractors, which can mean:
Easier scheduling for your ideal dates.
Potential savings on moving services compared with prime summer weekends.
Comfort and Settling Time
Cooler weather means:
Less heat and humidity while packing, lifting, and unpacking.
Time to settle in, organize your home, and learn the area before spring activity ramps up.
A chance to plan yard projects and renovations so you’re ready to roll when it warms up.
Why Winter 2025–2026 Is a Smart Move for Your Next Chapter
Putting it together, moving to Des Moines and its suburbs in winter gives you:
A strategic entry point before competition spikes in spring 2026.
Better alignment with job-market timing.
Potential pricing and negotiation advantages in housing.
A chance to experience Central Iowa’s warm, community-focused winter lifestyle.
A calmer, less rushed transition into your next chapter.
Whether you’re relocating for work, upsizing for a growing family, downsizing, or choosing a 55+ friendly home, this winter window offers a rare combination of timing and opportunity.
Ready to Make Your Smart Move to Des Moines or the Suburbs?
At SmartMoveDSM.com, the goal is to help you transition with clarity and confidence. You’ll get:
Neighborhood and suburb insights across Central Iowa.
Relocation checklists tailored to your timeline.
Home search and negotiation guidance.
Senior-friendly transition planning if needed.
Local vendor connections for movers, inspectors, and more.
📱 Download the Smart Move Des Moines app for AI-powered search, instant market alerts, and 24/7 access to your personal Des Moines agent—the only app of its kind in Central Iowa:
👉https://bk.homestack.com/smartmovedesmoines
Next Steps
📲Start your Des Moines journey today.
Schedule your Smart Move Consultation at SmartMoveDSM.com and plan your move before the spring 2026 rush begins.
Sarah Ingles, Realtor® SRES®
Smart Move Des Moines | Powered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate
Partnered with Golden Concierge
📞 (563) 513-8771
✉️[email protected]
🌐smartmovedsm.com
