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Living in Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines prides itself on a relaxed metropolitan lifestyle abounding in recreational and cultural activities. The city offers concerts, theater, Broadway shows, opera, art exhibits, live music, and semiprofessional sports.
The downtown area is the centerpiece of the city, and features an enclosed skywalk system that connects all major retail, business, and entertainment centers. The historic Court Avenue District offers a variety of events, cuisine, and music. Just outside the city are numerous lakes, parks, and recreational areas, some of which are connected to the city through bike paths.
Snapshot of Des Moines
- Metro population of 450,000
- Affordable housing
- Cultural attractions & entertainment
- Public transportation
- Outstanding public schools
- Manageable traffic
- Low crime rate
- Convenient airport access just 10 minutes from campus
The Campus Neighborhood
The campus is two miles west of the downtown area and is right at home among the area's blend of single-family homes, high-rise condominiums, apartment complexes, and businesses. Grand Avenue, with its shaded lawns and stately surroundings, has long been a premier Des Moines neighborhood. The historic Terrace Hill Mansion, which serves as the governor's residence, is just a few blocks east of the campus.
