Firstly why Des-Moines, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Des-Moines
• State: Washington
• Population: 31,950 people
• Des-Moines’s quick summary would be recognized for its beautiful marina and waterfront restaurants this city provides fun-filled summer activities for families.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 700 annually
• While this many move-out: 372 annually
• Net Migration: 328 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 900
• Number of Homeless people: 220

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordability and a suburban atmosphere appealing to families

Perk #1: Des-Moines Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,615
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Des-Moines is $79,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $14385 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Des-Moines’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 124 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,700
• Property Tax %: 1.09%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,050
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Des Moines
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Des-Moines, Kent, and probably could include Seatac
• Avg. Age of Homes in Des-Moines: 30 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Des-Moines’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Des-Moines are  Retail, Transportation, and Maritime
• Des-Moines Job Scene: limited job market primarily in retail and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement centered around local businesses and small industries , ,
• Des-Moines Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Des-Moines: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Des-Moines

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 and Highway 509 run through Des Moines connecting it to the area
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: transport jams on Marine View Drive
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Des-Moines: 20,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Des-Moines: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Des-Moines’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Des-Moines is best described as mild winters cool summers with regular precipitation
• Winter Weather in Des-Moines i’d describe as cool with snow
• Spring Weather in Des-Moines can be described as cool with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Des-Moines are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Des-Moines is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 11 days in summer
• Days in a row in Des-Moines below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 21 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely supported by local efforts
• Des-Moines Winter Air generally good air quality with some local impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Des-Moines Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Des-Moines 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Des-Moiness’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Des Moines Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Des-Moines Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Des-Moines only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Des-Moines only Police Officers is about 53
• Crime Rate Index: 64/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Des-Moines’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Des-Moines’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Des-Moines’s Water Quality Score: 64

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Des-Moines

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quiet community with a focus on waterfront activities and parks
• You might enjoy concerts at the Des Moines Field House
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Des-Moines  has a friendly nightlife with local bars and eateries creating cozy atmospheres for casual socializing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Des-Moines

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers family-friendly dining and casual eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Des-Moines
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Des-Moines can be described as predominantly sub-urban area with conservative values
• Des-Moines’s Longer standing religious establishment is Des Moines Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Des-Moines Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Des-Moines has 2 Parks?
• Des Moines Beach Park is Des-Moines’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Des Moines Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Des-Moines Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Des-Moines can be described as quiet suburban atmosphere with a focus on family-oriented events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Des-Moines hiking local trails community events picnics at parks
• The Cities people commute to from Des-Moines are Pasco 5 miles away Richland 11 miles away Walla-Walla 48 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Des-Moines or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: transport jams on Marine View Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Des-Moines’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Des Moines is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Des-Moines are Pasco 5 miles away Richland 11 miles away Walla-Walla 48 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 64 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Des-Moines has 5 days in a row below freezing and 11 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Des-Moines people have an average (positive or negative) $14385 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   220 homeless people living in Des-Moines. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general predominantly sub-urban area with conservative values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Des-Moines.

Retiree & Senior Life in Des-Moines

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax exemptions improving financial planning
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Crossings
• Des Moines Senior Center offers various community resources meal programs and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Des-Moines, Washington?

If Des-Moines, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Des-Moines, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!