Moving to Des Moines: A Complete Relocation Guide
Moving to the Des Moines metro means comparing more than home prices. Neighborhoods, suburbs, commute patterns, housing types, walkability, and whether to rent or buy all shape where you decide to live.
Ratliff Real Estate Group helps relocating buyers narrow the metro around their actual priorities, not a generic list of “best places to live.”
Begin with the question in front of you.
You do not need to know the whole metro before you start. Pick the decision that feels most immediate, then go deeper from there.
I’m still deciding where to live
Compare the metro by commute, home style, and the daily rhythm you want.
Start here →02I’m comparing Des Moines and the suburbs
See the practical differences between the metro’s most common starting points.
Start here →03I’m not sure whether to rent or buy
Compare your timeline, finances, and readiness before you commit to a location.
Start here →04I’m ready to buy
Start with a practical guide to the first decisions in your Des Moines home search.
Start here →One metro, many different ways to live.
Des Moines proper, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, and nearby communities each offer a different mix of established neighborhoods, suburban growth, newer construction, walkability, lot sizes, and housing age.
The useful question is not which place is “best.” It is which trade-offs support your work, home preferences, and daily life.
Compare Des Moines neighborhoods and suburbs →Find the area that fits your real routine.
Where you live will depend on your commute, housing preferences, lifestyle, budget, and whether you prefer established neighborhoods or newer suburban development.
Let your timeline lead the decision.
Renting first can make sense when you are unfamiliar with the metro, have a changing job situation, or want time to compare communities. Buying sooner may be a better fit when you understand your preferred area, are financially prepared, and plan to stay longer.
Two ways to evaluate walkable Des Moines.
One guide helps you understand the lifestyle. The other helps you decide whether the ownership trade-offs fit.
Best Des Moines Neighborhoods for Young Professionals Who Want Walkability
Compare restaurants, trails, commute convenience, and the feel of central-city living.
Explore the lifestyle guide →Ownership and home buyingBest Walkable Neighborhoods in Des Moines for Buyers
Compare housing types, parking, maintenance, HOA considerations, and resale.
Explore the buyer guide →Choose the trade-off that feels right after move-in.
- Mature areas and central locations
- Older housing and more character
- More maintenance variability
- Walkable pockets in some locations
- Newer homes and developments
- Different commute patterns
- Builder questions and timing
- Less historic character
Think through a normal Tuesday.
Compare the distance to work, major roads, Downtown access, errands, trail access, parking, and the home type you want. A location can look right online and still create friction in your actual routine. The best choice is the one that supports the trips, space, and pace you want most often.
Start with what you want more of.
Downtown, East Village, and Ingersoll
02Newer housingWaukee, Ankeny, and new construction options
03Older-home characterBeaverdale, Sherman Hill, and established neighborhoods
04Suburban convenienceCompare the metro’s common starting points
05A first homeFind buyer-friendly neighborhoods and next steps
Keep exploring, one decision at a time.
Best Neighborhoods for People New to the City
A practical starting point for learning the area.
Explore →
Des Moines vs. West Des Moines vs. Ankeny vs. Waukee
Compare four common relocation choices.
Explore →
Should You Rent First or Buy Right Away?
Choose a timeline that gives you room to make a good decision.
Explore →Rent vs. Buy in Des Moines
Look at the complete financial and lifestyle picture.
Explore →
Walkable Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Explore central-city living through a lifestyle lens.
Explore →
Buying a Home in Des Moines
Use the Buyer Hub for the full purchase process.
Explore →
Get local context before you start touring.
Natasha Ratliff, CRS, SRS, helps people moving to the Des Moines metro compare neighborhoods, suburbs, housing types, commute patterns, walkability, and buying options around their actual priorities.
Ratliff Real Estate Group, brokered by RE/MAX Precision, provides practical local guidance so relocating buyers can narrow their options before they begin touring homes.
“Shepherded us through the process from start to finish. She helped answer my million questions.”Garrison and Monica Goodlett, Realtor.com reviewSchedule a relocation consultation →
Before you move, start here.
Is Des Moines a good place to live?+
The best fit depends on the routine you want. The metro offers established city neighborhoods, growing suburbs, newer construction, different commute patterns, and a range of housing types to compare.
Which Des Moines suburb is best for me?+
There is no universal answer. Your commute, budget, desired home age, lot size, and need for walkability are more useful starting points than a generic ranking.
Should I rent first after moving to Des Moines?+
Renting first can help when you are unfamiliar with the area, expect work changes, or want time to compare communities. Buying sooner can make sense when you already understand your preferred area and are financially prepared.
What are the most walkable parts of Des Moines?+
Downtown, East Village, Sherman Hill, Ingersoll-area neighborhoods, and parts of Drake can offer stronger access to central-city destinations. The exact experience changes by address and housing type.
Is Des Moines good for first-time buyers?+
It can be a practical place to begin when you prepare around the full cost of ownership, home condition, financing, and the location that fits your plans.
Should I choose an older neighborhood or new construction?+
Older neighborhoods can offer mature streets, central locations, and character, while new construction can offer newer systems and different maintenance expectations. The right trade-off is personal.
How early should I start looking before relocating?+
Begin as soon as you know your likely timing. Early research gives you room to compare commute patterns, neighborhoods, financing, and housing types before the search becomes urgent.
Can I buy a home remotely before moving?+
Yes, when the plan is carefully built around your timing, financing, neighborhood research, showings, inspections, and decision points. A relocation conversation helps clarify what needs to happen before you travel or make an offer.
Start with the right area.
Compare neighborhoods, suburbs, housing options, and buying strategies with practical local guidance.