Moving to West Des Moines, Iowa: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to West Des Moines, Iowa? This thriving suburb offers corporate presence, excellent schools, and premier amenities. With approximately 68,000 residents in 2025, West Des Moines combines business hub status with family atmosphere and the Des Moines metro’s most desirable destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to West Des Moines:

West Des Moines’ 2025 population is approximately 68,000 residents in this Polk and Dallas County city immediately west of Des Moines. The median age is around 38 years, with affluent families, professionals, and working-age residents. The population is approximately 84% White, 8% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 2% Black or African American. West Des Moines features extensive corporate office parks, Jordan Creek Town Center (massive lifestyle center), upscale neighborhoods, and serves as the Des Moines metro’s premier residential and business destination. The city attracts upper-middle to upper-class families, corporate professionals, and those seeking the metro’s best schools and amenities. West Des Moines appeals to successful professionals prioritizing top schools, corporate employment convenience, and comprehensive amenities. The community emphasizes education, economic development, family atmosphere, and maintaining premier status.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to West Des Moines:

West Des Moines offers moderate to upper-moderate costs for Iowa. Median home values range from $290,000 to $450,000 in 2025, Iowa’s highest outside Ankeny/Waukee but reflecting top schools and premier amenities. The median household income exceeds $88,000. Rental properties average $1,200 to $1,900 monthly. Iowa has no state income tax on retirement income; individual income tax is progressive 0.33%-8.53%. Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is competitive for the quality schools and corporate convenience, making West Des Moines attractive for professionals, families, and those seeking Iowa’s premier suburb. The city provides value with local employment and top schools. Housing costs reflect the area’s status as the metro’s most desirable address.

Economy and Job Market:

West Des Moines’ economy is robust with extensive corporate offices, financial services, healthcare, and retail. Major employers include Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (major operations center), Athene (annuities), Hy-Vee (headquarters), Great Western Bank, Source Allies, UnityPoint Health, MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, Jordan Creek Town Center, and hundreds of corporate offices. The concentration of businesses creates local employment opportunities unusual for suburbs. Many residents work locally or throughout the metro. The broader Des Moines economy offers vast opportunities. Typical commute times to downtown Des Moines are 15-25 minutes though many work in West Des Moines. The business hub status creates diverse professional employment. Many residents work in financial services, insurance, healthcare, corporate management, and technology.

Education:

West Des Moines Community School District serves city students with highly-rated schools including Valley High School and Dowling Catholic High School (private), both consistently ranking among Iowa’s absolute best. The exceptional schools from elementary through high school attract families specifically for educational excellence. The outstanding school system is the primary reason families relocate to West Des Moines, creating education-focused community values and competitive academic environment with exceptional achievement and resources.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

West Des Moines offers Jordan Creek Town Center, Iowa’s largest shopping center with extensive retail, dining, entertainment including IMAX theater, and year-round attractions. The city maintains beautiful parks including Raccoon River Park with trails, lake, and beach. The Clive Greenbelt Trail provides extensive paved paths. Residents enjoy Valley Junction (historic downtown) with antique shops and restaurants, comprehensive recreation programs, and immediate downtown Des Moines access. The lifestyle emphasizes family activities, corporate employment convenience, shopping access, and quality of life. The four-season Iowa climate enables year-round activities. The community values top schools, economic development, family atmosphere, corporate presence enabling short commutes, and maintaining Iowa’s premier suburb status. Living in West Des Moines means accepting Iowa’s highest costs, intense academic expectations, corporate suburb character, and prioritizing schools and convenience while enjoying the metro’s best schools, Jordan Creek Town Center, local employment eliminating commutes, and comprehensive premier amenities creating the Des Moines metro’s most desirable destination where corporate hub meets educational excellence and everything works perfectly defining Iowa’s premier suburb.

Healthcare and Services:

West Des Moines residents access comprehensive healthcare through MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health facilities, and extensive medical resources throughout the metro. The healthcare infrastructure is excellent with quality medical care.

Transportation:

West Des Moines is accessed via Interstate 35, Interstate 80, Interstate 235, and various arterial roads at major crossroads. Des Moines International Airport is 10-15 minutes east. DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) provides bus service. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times to downtown Des Moines are 15-25 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to West Des Moines in 2025 offers premier Des Moines suburb living with corporate hub status, top-ranked schools, and Jordan Creek Town Center. The city’s combination of Valley schools excellence, local corporate employment, and comprehensive amenities makes it ideal for professionals, families, and those seeking Iowa’s finest destination where corporate convenience meets educational excellence and premier amenities define the Des Moines metro’s most desirable city.