Des Moines IA downtown

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
659
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 27
Demographics 55
Economy 47
Education 50
Health 63
Housing 61
Infrastructure 50

#93. Des Moines, IA

Big ideas are encouraged in Des Moines, the central Iowa city that serves as the state’s capital. This artsy, outdoorsy community helps burgeoning startups thrive and established companies grow their business while also offering its 228,000 residents tons of family-friendly perks. And with median home values around $135,000, you can spend more of your hard-earned money on tickets to Iowa Cubs games and Des Moines Performing Arts events.

Top Colleges/Universities: Drake University & Des Moines Area Community College

Top Industries & Employers: Finance, insurance, data, publishing and manufacturing

Weekend Plans: Shopping at the Downtown Farmers’ Market and riding bikes on Des Moines‘ 19 miles of soft trails and 68 miles of paved trails. 

Favorite Place to Feast: Tursi’s Latin King, which makes the Hawkeye State’s favorite dish, steak de burgo. This entree features beef tenderloin topped with butter, garlic and basil.

Beloved Beverage: To-go cocktails. Iowa was the first state in the nation to make its pandemic to-go cocktail rules permanent.

Outdoorsy Activity: Playing golf at one of the Des Moines region’s 15 golf courses, including the course at Tournament Club of Iowa, which the famed Arnold Palmer designed.

Rooftop Bar: Enjoy live music, great food, bountiful brews, and skyline views at 300 Craft & Rooftop.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Even if your pup doesn’t quite appreciate the punny name, she’ll still love shopping for toys, treats, food and other gear at Des Moines’ Bone-A-Patreat.

Remote Work Perk: Head to Gravitate Coworking to boost your productivity and foster a sense of community with your fellow remote workers in the Des Moines region.

One More Thing … Some of your favorite magazines may come from Des Moines, which serves as the corporate headquarters for Meredith Corporation. The company publishes well-known magazine titles like People, Better Homes & Gardens and Allrecipes.

– Sarah Kuta

Best Way to Find a Home in Des Moines, IA
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