Des Moines' origins trace back to the 19th century, and its journey from a frontier outpost to a bustling city is woven into the fabric of its neighborhoods. Historical landmarks like the gold-domed State Capitol and the stately Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion offer glimpses into the city's storied past.
The city is home to a thriving arts scene, exemplified by the Des Moines Art Center and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Des Moines' origins trace back to the 19th century, and its journey from a frontier outpost to a bustling city is woven into the fabric of its neighborhoods. Historical landmarks like the gold-domed State Capitol and the stately Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion offer glimpses into the city's storied past.
The city is home to a thriving arts scene, exemplified by the Des Moines Art Center and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Nature lovers are drawn to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the picturesque trails along the Des Moines River, providing a serene escape from urban life.
The community spirit in Des Moines is palpable, with neighborhood farmers' markets, local music festivals, and community gatherings fostering a sense of belonging. The city's robust infrastructure and strategic location make it a convenient hub for both business and leisure, with easy access to major highways and the Des Moines International Airport.
We created this guide so you could start your apartment hunt by researching the different neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle and budget. Areas like East Village offer a more urban experience with easy access to shops and restaurants, while West Des Moines is known for its spacious suburban feel.
Utilize online resources and local real estate agents to get a comprehensive view of the available options. Don't hesitate to ask locals for their insights, as they can offer valuable information about living experiences in various parts of the city.
According to Rent Cafe, the cost of living in Des Moines is about 14% lower than the state average, but only about 1% higher than the National Average. It's also 7% lower than the rest of the state, too, making Des Moines a great affordable option.
Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines sits squarely on the banks of the Des Moines River, it is home to the Des Moines Metro Opera and Civic Center, and, obviously, it is the major commercial center of the city. But downtown Des Moines contains some great housing options for the Midwestern urbanite as well.
East Village
The historical neighborhood of East Village has a wide variety of mixed-use condominiums and lofts in both new construction and older, renovated buildings. East Village is no misnomer, as this trendy enclave is home to a strip of restaurants and bars along Court Avenue similar to ones found in its New York City counterpart.
Western Des Moines
Sherman Hill and Beaverdale may be the neighborhoods for you. These regions are full of older homes and apartment buildings, though there are various area bars and restaurants. Adjacent to Beaverdale, there's the neighborhood of Drake.
The Suburbs
Des Moines' many suburbs ring the city from all sides and provide alternatives to city living. The suburb of West Des Moines has an abundance of rentals close to the premier regional shopping center, Jordan Creek Town Center. Southside Des Moines is a developing area that has large, affordable rentals and a plethora of shopping centers.
Once you've left the downtown area--where rent is generally $100-200 above average--prices for rentals are pretty much standard across all neighborhoods. Expect to pay between $700-900 a month for a one bedroom and between $900-1100 a month for a two bedroom. Larger and newly renovated apartments may cost slightly more, but overall Des Moines' apartment pricing system is pretty much the same.
What Is the Average Rent in Des Moines, IA?
The average price of rent in Des Moines as of November 2023 is $965 for a bedroom of any size.
What is the Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom in Des Moines, IA?
For a one-bedroom in Des Moines, expect to pay an average of $803.
What is the Average Rent for a 2-Bedroom in Des Moines, IA?
The average renter interested in a 2-Bedroom in Des Moines should expect to pay around $1,000.
The type of rental you're looking for will determine whether or not you need to seek a realtor's services. No surprise, each neighborhood of Des Moines--with the exception of downtown--has rental opportunities in apartments, single-family homes, condos and duplexes. Real estate agents provide the best access to larger apartment buildings, condominiums and town houses. The high-end lofts and condominiums of downtown Des Moines are brokered by realtors and management companies. However, smaller apartment buildings, single-family home rentals and duplexes are frequently rented without the aid of a real estate agent, through rental websites and newspapers.
Before you can put your John Hancock on a lease agreement, most realtors and landlords require an apartment application, a processing fee of $20-$35 and a credit check. Be prepared to sign a lease of one year to 18 months and pay a security deposit, as well as first and last month's rent.
Des Moines is a city that welcomes pets, with many rental properties accommodating furry friends. However, it's important for pet owners to be aware of the specific policies and requirements that come with renting with pets. Start by looking for pet-friendly rental options, which are quite prevalent in areas like Sherman Hill and Beaverdale, known for their pet-friendly parks and communities. Be prepared to discuss your pet with potential landlords and provide any necessary documentation, such as vaccination records or a pet resume.
Some properties may require a pet deposit or additional monthly fees, so factor these into your budget. Des Moines also boasts several amenities for pet owners, including dog parks like Raccoon River Dog Park and numerous pet-friendly trails and outdoor spaces. By understanding the local regulations and exploring the pet-friendly amenities the city has to offer, you and your furry companion can enjoy all that Des Moines has to offer.
You can find pet friendly apartments by selecting that option when you take our easy quiz to get matched with great apartments in Des Moines.
Des Moines is the home of the touted "19-minute commute," as locals claim that the drive time to downtown from almost anywhere in the metropolitan area can be done in 19 minutes or less. Great news for drivers, but the carless, too, can get around relatively easily. There are over 300-miles of bike trails and on-street bike lanes throughout the city. The extensive bus system, known to locals by the acronym DART, can get you to all of the major neighborhoods of metropolitan Des Moines for $1.75 one way. In addition to short drive times and an extensive bus route, the D-line bus--a free old timey trolley--services the downtown area weekdays every 10 minutes until 6:00 PM.
