Thinking about moving to West Des Moines? You're not alone — it's the first place a lot of people land when they start looking around the Des Moines metro, and for good reason. It's our home turf, and after more than 15 years helping people buy and sell here, we can tell you what it's really like to live here — not just what the listings say.
Why people choose West Des Moines
West Des Moines is the all-rounder of the metro. It does a little of everything well, which is exactly why it works for so many different kinds of buyers: young families, people relocating for work, empty-nesters downsizing, and folks who just want a comfortable place with good schools and an easy life.
The metro's median sale price sat around $320,000 in late summer 2026, and West Des Moines has homes at nearly every price point — from starter homes to the Glen Oaks area's luxury listings. If you can't decide where in the metro fits you, starting here is rarely the wrong move.
What daily life actually looks like
Shopping and errands are easy. Jordan Creek is the big draw — shopping, restaurants, and movies in one place — and the Valley Junction main street and farmers market give the older side of town a completely different, small-town feel. You can do a big Saturday shop and a slow Sunday market stroll without leaving town.
Getting outside is easy too. Raccoon River Park is the local favorite: trails, a lake, and room to actually breathe. And from almost anywhere in the metro, downtown Des Moines is about a 20-minute drive, so a job or a night out downtown never feels far away.
The neighborhoods vary more than people expect. That's the best part, honestly. One street feels like classic, tree-lined West Des Moines; a few minutes away you're in newer construction with bigger lots. The right fit depends on what your Saturday looks like — and that's worth figuring out before you fall in love with a house.
Schools: check the address, not just the city
West Des Moines schools are one of the big reasons families move here. One thing worth knowing before you start house-hunting: school boundaries don't always follow city lines, so always verify the specific address rather than assuming from the city name. We check this with buyers on every home, and we're happy to do it for you before you get your heart set on one.
Three things to know before you move
- Visit on a weekday and a weekend. A neighborhood at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday and at 4 p.m. on a Saturday are two different places. Walk it both times.
- Think about winter, not just June. Iowa winters are real — driveway length, garage space, and how the street gets plowed matter more than they do on a summer tour.
- Don't wait for the "perfect" time. Like we said in our holiday-listing post, the buyers who move in the quieter months often face the least competition. If West Des Moines is where you want to be, the right house matters more than the right month.
Let's find your spot
The best way to know if West Des Moines fits is to walk it with someone who knows it. Browse homes for sale in West Des Moines right on our site, then give us a call — we'll happily play tour guide and tell you what we'd tell our own family.
— Mitch & Sheila Dunn, RE/MAX Precision · 515-371-5002