Forbes recently named it one of the best places to raise a family. If you're home shopping and want your dollar to go a long way, you could do worse than looking at homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa. Located in America's heartland, this Midwestern city is the cultural and political capital of Iowa, offering a lot of creature comforts for people who are used to the amenities of a bigger city. If you want respite from the rat race, with some of the best home values in the country, this may be your next spot to look. If you need help sorting through listings, turn to Movoto Real Estate.
The cost of living averages a whopping 18 percent lower than other U.S. averages. The area's median home price is only $103,000, which should make most people in the northeast and California weep with envy. Yes, those winters are famously harsh. The good news: since you can easily afford your new home and low mortgage payments, you can travel as much as you want during the cold season!
Des Moines has become the insurance capital of the U.S. with 80 companies headquartered here: Nationwide, Mercer and Principal Financial to name a few. Many of these companies are based in Des Moines' clean downtown area, and since traffic is minimal here, expect some of the best commute times in the nation. If you want to stay central, West Des Moines is one of the best areas to look for homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa.
If you want Midwestern, small-town living in an area that has good schools, old trees, safe streets and charming homes, the wider Des Moines real estate area offers plenty of options for you. Ankeny is part of the metroplex, is full of mostly newer homes and is known for having excellent area schools. Nearby Beaverdale feels like you may be actually living in Mayberry. You'll find even better home values here, with a nice mix of both newer and older homes, like this darling 1950s home on New York Avenue.
With the amount of homes for sale in Des Moines expected to climb in the upcoming year, the smart buyer will be able to find the right move-in-ready home. The good news is that homes have been holding their values since 2008, making them even more appealing for investors. Of course, Movoto has plenty of listings to help you narrow down your search.
Des Moines has a symphony, a local opera company and plenty of good venues for large, Broadway-style shows. Creative types: pay special attention to the East Village, an artsy enclave with lots of record store shopping. Of course, there are loft-style condos coming and even other types of homes for sale in this Des Moines neighborhood.
The urban center of Des Moines is still a largely depressed area. However, its surrounding neighborhoods are ideal for coastal or bigger city dwellers who are looking for homes for sale in Des Moines and want a bohemian vibe. Downtown Des Moines has been on the rebound for some time, with many restaurants and young people rediscovering this area. Look for adapted reuse lofts and new condo developments.
Des Moines is chock full of wonderful neighborhoods and excellent home-buying opportunities. If you're ready to find a home here to call your own, let a local Movoto agent help you start your search.
