Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
West Des Moines, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 66,724 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, West Des Moines is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in West Des Moines. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in West Des Moines is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, commute, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in West Des Moines and in the areas around West Des Moines is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 85/100, West Des Moines is ranked #339 in the United States and #9 in Iowa. Based on this score, West Des Moines would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that West Des Moines also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that West Des Moines ranks well for crime (A-), cost of living (A-), education (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+).
Living in West Des Moines offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, West Des Moines provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in West Des Moines are: Valley Junction, Val Air Ballroom, and Limey's Pub.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In West Des Moines, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.83% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that West Des Moines schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making West Des Moines an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in West Des Moines can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in West Des Moines. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in West Des Moines are affordable. The median home price for West Des Moines homes is $228,300, which is 71.9% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Des Moines, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 29.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | West Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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