Let the numbers do the talking.
Des Moines, IA vs West Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA vs West Des Moines, IA: What the data shows
Des Moines, IA is in Des Moines, IA while West Des Moines, IA is in West Des Moines, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, West Des Moines, IA is the more affordable option at $285,000 median — $24,300 less than Des Moines, IA's $309,300. WYLT rates Des Moines, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and West Des Moines, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Des Moines, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. West Des Moines, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Des Moines, IA has Low flood risk and West Des Moines, IA has Low flood risk.
Des Moines, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Des Moines, IA scores 65/100 (somewhat walkable) versus West Des Moines, IA's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Des Moines, IA rates 6.1/10 and West Des Moines, IA rates 6.1/10.
| Category | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $309K | $285K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $58K | $82K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 65/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 40/100 |
| Commute | 25 min ✓ Shorter commute | 35 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.1/10 | 6.1/10 |
| Best for | young professionalsremote workerssmall families with kids | Families looking for good schoolsYoung professionals who driveRetirees wanting a quiet suburb |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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