Moving to or from Des Moines?
The second-largest US insurance industry cluster after Hartford. The Iowa Caucuses start every presidential cycle here. The Iowa State Fair is the country's largest state fair by attendance. And Des Moines has quietly topped many 'best places to live' lists for a decade.
- 215,000 City population
- 700,000 Metro area
- 1843 Founded
- Central Iowa (Des Moines River) Region
Why people move to Des Moines.
- Hartford of the West — second-largest US insurance cluster
- Iowa Caucuses — first presidential contest every four years
- Iowa State Fair — largest state fair by daily attendance in the US
- The Butter Cow — Iowa State Fair tradition since 1911
- Top-ranked livability in US surveys for over a decade
- Short commutes, low cost of living, strong public schools
The Iowa State Fair in Des Moines holds a yearly tradition of sculpting a life-size cow out of 600 pounds of butter. The 'Butter Cow' has been a fair highlight since 1911 and attracts over a million fair visitors annually. The same artist has been carving butter at the fair for over 15 years, with the cow kept in a 40°F cooler between viewings.
Where people live in Des Moines.
A quick guide to Des Moines's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown / East Village
Revitalized urban core with restaurants and historic architecture.
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Beaverdale
Charming near-downtown neighborhood with brick homes.
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South of Grand
Affluent historic residential district.
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Sherman Hill
Historic Victorian preservation district.
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West Des Moines (separate city)
Affluent suburb with Jordan Creek Town Center.
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Ankeny (separate city)
Fast-growing northern suburb.
Where people spend their time in Des Moines.
- Iowa State Capitol Downtown
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park Downtown
- Iowa State Fairgrounds East DSM
- Des Moines Art Center Greenwood Hills
- Science Center of Iowa Downtown
- Principal Riverwalk Downtown
Planning a Des Moines move.
- Iowa State Fair (last 10+ days of August) brings 1+ million visitors.
- Tornado season (April–June) requires severe-weather clauses.
- Iowa Caucus season (January–February) brings heavy political-operative traffic and pricey hotels.
- Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement registration required.
Moving in Des Moines: FAQ.
How much does it cost to move within Des Moines?
Local moves run $650–$2,200 for 1–2 bedroom and $2,100–$5,000 for 3–4 bedroom. Among the cheapest US major metros.
Is Des Moines really one of the best places to live?
Routinely yes on livability indices — short commutes, low cost of living, strong schools, stable economy. The tradeoffs are cold winters, hot humid summers, and a smaller cultural scene than coastal metros.
Do Des Moines movers need a state license?
Yes. Iowa DOT Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement registration is required.
When's the best time to move to Des Moines?
May, September, and early October. Avoid State Fair dates in August and Caucus season in January–February.
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