Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Moving to Des Moines, Iowa

Orchard Place is the perfect place to start or build your career, and Des Moines is a great place to live. But making a move for a job is a big decision. Here are some important questions to ask before moving to Des Moines.

1. What is the cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa?

Cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking to move to a new place. According to US News and World Report, Des Moines is one of the top places with low cost of living in the United States. For at least three consecutive years, Des Moines has placed within the top three spots on this survey.

Des Moines residents spend just 20% of the median annual household income on living expenses. This means it’s easier to save, invest and pay off debt. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 50% lower than the national average, and median house prices are 20% lower than the national average. Because housing is so affordable, Des Moines is also consistently ranked as one of the best cities for millennials and specifically for millennial homeowners.

Iowa’s current unemployment rate is just 2.5%, nearly the lowest unemployment rate among states. Overall, the cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa, is very low...

2. What are the top places to work in Des Moines?

The key industries in the Des Moines area include advanced manufacturing, data centers, insurance and financial services. Des Moines is also a top-ranked city for people who work in tech, and it’s a great city for teachers. If you’re into blazing your own trail, Des Moines is also a fantastic place to start your own business.

What about non-profit jobs in Des Moines?

Orchard Place is just one of many great Des Moines area non-profit organizations. Des Moines is a great city to find a meaningful job where you can make a difference. If you’re interested in starting your non-profit career in Des Moines, take a look at our current job openings.

3. What are some fun things to do in Des Moines?

If you’re unfamiliar with the Des Moines area, you may be shocked to learn about the quantity and variety of fun things to do in Des Moines. This list is just the beginning:

  • Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market From May through October, Des Moines residents can enjoy the Downtown Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market supports over 300 urban and rural Iowa vendors, including farmers, gardners, artists, crafters, bakers, restaurant owners and other entrepreneurs. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized as one of the most incredible farmers’ markets in America.
  • Des Moines Art Center The Art Center is just one of the many strong art and culture offerings in Des Moines. The Art Center offers free admission to view an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, modern art and mixed media. Part of the Art Center’s sculpture collection resides in the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown, another great spot to check out.
  • Des Moines Events and Festivals If you’re looking for something to do on a weekend in Des Moines, chances are there’s a handful of events and festivals going on. Popular festivals in Des Moines include 80/35 Music Festival, CelebrAsian, Des Moines Arts Festival and the World Food & Music Festival. In 2017, Des Moines received international recognition for being a great city for events and festivals.
  • Des Moines Parks Des moines is full of wonderful parks, trails and other outdoor recreation spaces. From local playgrounds to bike trails that connect across Central Iowa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Find a park near every Des Moines neighborhood.

4. Is Des Moines a good city for millennials?

Des Moines is a good city for anyone, but recent surveys indicate that Des Moines is one of the best cities for millennials. One source recently considered factors like job opportunities, home affordability and livability when it ranked Des Moines as the #2 city for young home buyers. If you’re not looking to buy a home yet, remember that Des Moines area rent is well below the national average.

Des Moines culture is also very millennial-friendly. With surrounding suburbs, like Waukee, experiencing explosive population growth, new restaurants, breweries, bars and social spaces are popping up across the Greater Des Moines area.

5. Should I move to Des Moines?

The short answer: Yes! Moving to Des Moines, Iowa, will change your life. Des Moines is a great place to grow your career, and there are so many fun things to do in Des Moines. Des Moines is full of exciting, vibrant communities, and it’s one of the top places with low cost of living in the country. If you’re thinking about moving to Des Moines, check out this listing of our nonprofit jobs in Des Moines.

Bonus Question: Should I work at Orchard Place?

We know we’re biased, but Orchard Place is one of the best companies to work for in Des Moines. At Orchard Place, we invest in our employees, we encourage employee self-care and we lead the way in trauma-informed treatment for children and teenagers struggling with behavioral and mental health challenges.

A job at Orchard Place is more than just a job. Learn more about joining the Orchard Place team.