Living in West Des Moines, IA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to West Des Moines, IA? Explore our complete guide to living in West Des Moines, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Directly west of Des Moines, the aptly named West Des Moines is a major economic engine in central Iowa, known for its shopping centers, historic downtown square and expansive park system. Catch up over craft pours on a sunlit patio at Smash Park, browse independent antique boutiques in Historic Valley Junction or kayak along Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park – living in West Des Moines delivers high-energy Midwestern fun paired with incredible suburban comforts. Situated in the western Des Moines metro area spanning Dallas and Polk counties, this community of 74,316 residents ranks among the most coveted places to live in the heartland. Upscale master-planned communities, executive builds and townhome enclaves (median home value: $316,366!) frame manicured park systems and commercial corridors. West Des Moines is an irresistible home base for executives and growing families seeking public safety, top-tier schools and plenty of things to do.

Top Reasons to Move to West Des Moines, IA:

• Unrivaled Safety and Peace of Mind: West Des Moines takes top honors for its outstanding public safety infrastructure and community security. Supported by a highly responsive, nationally recognized police force, modern emergency services and proactive neighborhood networks, low crime rates give residents complete peace of mind. Parents love that kids can safely bike through subdivisions, play at neighborhood parks or walk home from school.
• Endless Entertainment: Shopping, dining and nightlife are second to none in West Des Moines. The city is home to Jordan Creek Town Center – Iowa’s largest shopping and dining destination – surrounded by popular hot spots like Spare Time Entertainment and Smash Park for pickleball and lawn games. Food lovers enjoy an incredible culinary spread, from upscale steaks at Prime & Providence to local comfort eats in Historic Valley Junction. The Grand Avenue dining corridor is a popular spot for dining out with local eateries and casual patios.
• A Connected Community: Historic Valley Junction is the soul of West Des Moines. This charming, six-block historic district is packed with more than 150 independent shops, art galleries, antique dealers and neighborhood cafes. Residents gather year-round for beloved local traditions, including the weekly summer farmers market, seasonal gallery nights and festive holiday strolls.
• Endless Outdoor Fun: Outdoor recreation is built right into daily life in West Des Moines. The city has 31 city-managed parks, spanning over 1,500 acres of parkland, greenways and natural areas. The crown jewel of the city’s park system is the 632-acre Raccoon River Park, featuring a swimming beach, fishing piers, dog park, nature lodge and boat rentals. Cyclists and runners can also explore dozens of miles of paved multi-use trails that connect to the Clive Greenbelt and the broader regional trail network.
• An Innovative Area: Education and economic stability drive strong long-term property values in West Des Moines. Primarily served by the highly acclaimed West Des Moines Community Schools (alongside portions of Waukee Community Schools), local public campuses consistently rank among Iowa’s best for academic growth and advanced STEM tracks. For families with kids interested in sports, the district ranks among the best in the country for athletics. Plus, major corporate headquarters in finance, insurance and healthtech allow local professionals to build rewarding careers right in town.