Affordable Cost of Living
Des Moines cost of living is 10-20% below the national average. Your dollar goes further here — bigger homes, lower taxes, more savings compared to cities like Denver, Chicago, or Minneapolis.
✈️ Relocation Services
Moving to Des Moines?
Relocating to Central Iowa doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get expert local guidance on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and the entire home buying process — all from 1,000 miles away. Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®, provides comprehensive virtual relocation services for families and professionals moving to the Des Moines metro area.
13+
Neighborhoods
100%
Virtual Ready
🏠 Welcome to Des Moines!
- Top 10 Best Places to Live (U.S. News & World Report)
- 10-20% Lower Cost of Living vs. National Average
- Top-Rated Schools — Waukee, Johnston, West Des Moines
- Growing Job Market — Insurance, Tech, Healthcare
- 15-Minute Average Commute — No gridlock
Why Central Iowa?
Why People Are Moving to Des Moines
Des Moines consistently ranks among the best places to live, work, and raise a family in America.
Top-Rated School Districts
Waukee, Johnston, and West Des Moines school districts consistently rank among Iowa's best for academics and extracurriculars. Ankeny schools are also highly regarded and rapidly expanding.
Strong Job Market
Major employers include Principal Financial, Wellmark Blue Cross, John Deere, Microsoft, Facebook (Meta), and a growing tech sector. Des Moines unemployment stays below the national average.
Easy 15-Minute Commutes
Average commute in Des Moines is just 15-20 minutes. No gridlock, no hour-long drives. More time for family, hobbies, and what matters most to you.
Diverse Housing Options
From historic Beaverdale bungalows to new construction in Waukee — Des Moines offers homes at every price point from $250K starter homes to $600K+ luxury properties.
Exceptional Quality of Life
800+ miles of trails, vibrant downtown, farm-to-table dining, professional sports, and friendly Midwestern neighbors. Des Moines is a great place to call home.
How I Help
Des Moines Relocation Process
A proven 5-step approach to help you find the perfect home — even from across the country.
1
Discovery Call
We'll discuss your priorities: budget, commute, schools, lifestyle. I'll share honest insights about each Des Moines neighborhood to match your needs.
2
Virtual Neighborhood Tours
Live video tours of Des Moines neighborhoods, schools, and amenities via FaceTime or Zoom. See what daily life looks like before you visit.
3
Curated Home Search
I'll handpick Des Moines listings that match your criteria — not just send automated alerts. Quality over quantity with personalized recommendations.
4
Visit Weekend
When you're ready to visit Des Moines, we'll pack your trip with targeted showings. Make the most of your time with efficient scheduling.
5
Offer & Close
Expert negotiation, remote-friendly paperwork with e-signing, and coordination with local vendors. Seamless closing from start to finish.
Full-Service Support
What's Included in Relocation Services
Everything you need to make an informed decision and a smooth transition to Des Moines.
Virtual Home Tours
Live FaceTime/Zoom walkthroughs of Des Moines homes you're interested in. See every detail, ask questions in real-time, before you visit in person.
Neighborhood Guides
Detailed info on all 13 Des Moines metro neighborhoods — schools, commute times, community vibe, median home prices, and lifestyle fit.
Market Analysis Reports
Up-to-date data on Des Moines pricing trends, inventory levels, days on market, and current conditions so you know what to expect.
School District Information
Ratings, enrollment details, and honest insights on Waukee, Johnston, West Des Moines, and Ankeny school districts for your family's needs.
Insurance Risk Assessment
My 10+ years in property insurance means I identify potential insurability issues, roof concerns, and property risks before they become your problem.
Trusted Vendor Connections
Local contacts for movers, contractors, home inspectors, lenders, and everything else you'll need for your Des Moines relocation.
Explore Neighborhoods
Popular Des Moines Neighborhoods for Relocating Families
Each Des Moines neighborhood has its own personality. Here's a quick overview of median home prices to get you started.
West Des Moines
Upscale shopping, top schools
Median: $350K
Waukee
New construction, family-focused
Median: $365K
Ankeny
Fast-growing, great schools
Median: $320K
Johnston
Top school district, established
Median: $340K
Urbandale
Best value, central location
Median: $295K
Grimes
Growing suburb, affordable
Median: $310K
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Des Moines
Answers to the most common questions from people relocating to Central Iowa.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines compared to other cities?
Des Moines has a cost of living that is 10-20% below the national average. Housing is particularly affordable, with median home prices ranging from $295,000 in Urbandale to $365,000 in Waukee. Compared to cities like Denver, Chicago, or Minneapolis, your dollar goes significantly further in Des Moines for housing, groceries, and utilities.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines for families?
The best Des Moines neighborhoods for families include Waukee (top-rated schools, new construction, median $365K), Johnston (excellent school district, established community, median $340K), Ankeny (fast-growing with great schools, median $320K), and West Des Moines (upscale shopping, top schools, median $350K). Each offers safe communities, quality schools, and family-friendly amenities.
What are the top school districts in the Des Moines area?
The top-rated school districts in the Des Moines metro are Waukee Community School District, Johnston Community School District, and West Des Moines Community School District. These consistently rank among Iowa's best for academic performance, extracurricular activities, and graduation rates. Ankeny Community School District is also highly regarded and rapidly expanding.
Can I buy a house in Des Moines remotely from out of state?
Yes, you can absolutely buy a house in Des Moines remotely. I offer comprehensive virtual relocation services including live video home tours via FaceTime or Zoom, virtual neighborhood tours, remote-friendly paperwork and e-signing, and coordination with local inspectors and vendors. Many buyers complete most of the process virtually and only visit once for final showings before closing.
What major employers are in Des Moines?
Des Moines has a diverse job market with major employers including Principal Financial Group, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, John Deere Financial, Nationwide Insurance, EMC Insurance, Microsoft, Facebook (Meta), Google, and a growing tech startup sector. The unemployment rate consistently stays below the national average.
How long is the average commute in Des Moines?
The average commute in Des Moines is just 15-20 minutes, significantly shorter than most major metropolitan areas. There is minimal traffic congestion, and most suburban communities offer easy access to downtown Des Moines and major employers via I-35, I-80, and Highway 141.
Is Des Moines a good place to raise a family?
Des Moines is consistently ranked as one of the best places in America to raise a family. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it in the Top 10 Best Places to Live. The metro offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, over 800 miles of trails, affordable housing, short commutes, and a strong sense of community.
What is the median home price in Des Moines?
Median home prices in the Des Moines metro vary by neighborhood: Urbandale ($295K), Grimes ($310K), Ankeny ($320K), Johnston ($340K), West Des Moines ($350K), and Waukee ($365K). The overall Des Moines metro median is approximately $315,000, offering excellent value compared to similar-sized metros.
Client Testimonial
"Sarah is an incredibly hardworking realtor who truly cares about her clients. Always responsive, detail-oriented, and commited to getting the job done right. I would highly recommend Sarah and her team!"
Ready to Explore Des Moines?
Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with Sarah Ingles. We'll discuss your priorities, answer your questions about relocating to Des Moines, and create a personalized plan for your move to Central Iowa.
Sarah Ingles, Realtor® SRES®
Trusted Partner
Golden Concierge
Senior living care and placement
yourgoldenconcierge.com
(515) 303-2872
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