Get to Know: West Des Moines
Employment opportunities abound in the city of West Des Moines, where major employers and headquartered companies include major employers Hy-Vee, Sammons Financial Group, FBL Financial Group, Wells Fargo, Athene and Collins Aerospace. Career opportunities for young professionals, students and employees support professional advancement in West Des Moines, whether through internships, owning a business or joining corporate America. Walnut Woods State Park provides recreational entertainment for the area, and shopping destinations like Jordan Creek Town Center, West Glen Town Center and Historic Valley Junction encourage exploration, as does the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, Raccoon River Park Boathouse and Athene Pedestrian Bridge. The Marathon Loop and Raccoon River Greenway round out the signature projects that continue to be developed in West Des Moines. Two hospitals (UnityPoint Health - Methodist West and MercyOne West Des Moines) provide access to healthcare, as do numerous clinics and specialist offices.
West Des Moines at a Glance
West Des Moines in one sentence: West Des Moines is positioned to be the best city in America to live, work and play with an abundance of recreational, entertainment, retail, dining, healthcare and career opportunities.
The top five best things about West Des Moines: Raccoon River Park and abundant outdoor recreation, diverse dining, retail and entertainment options, a top-rated education system, a reputation as one of the most affordable and safest communities in the U.S. and a diverse, welcoming population — with 79 languages spoken in West Des Moines schools.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Finds in West Des Moines: From scenic spots like Raccoon River Park to local favorites like Valley Junction, where historic charm meets unique shops and dining, West Des Moines offers plenty to discover. You’ll also find hidden pockets of trails, public art and locally loved eateries throughout the community, just to name a few.
Community Traditions and Annual Events: The Raccoon River Rally Fall Festival, Illumifest, Taste of the Junction, Valley Junction Farmers’ Market, Jingle in the Junction, WDM Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, City of WDM Juneteenth Celebration and many others offer a robust calendar of opportunities to celebrate, learn and connect with the community.
Best Ways to Get Connected: The award-winning West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce includes the largest young professionals group in the state called West YP. There are opportunities with YURtern for summer interns. The Chamber hosts numerous events and gatherings throughout the year and supports a variety of committees, including DEI and Explore WDM Committee.. Opportunities with the West Des Moines Rotary and Historic Valley Junction Foundation also provide ways for people of all ages to connect and engage in the community.
Get to Know Community Leaders: There are many people who make West Des Moines a strong connected community. Stay up to date by subscribing to the Chamber’s newsletter and exploring 515 West Magazine where you can learn more about local leaders, businesses and opportunities to get involved.
Big Things on the Horizon for West Des Moines: West Des Moines continues to grow as a hub for entertainment and innovation, with projects like The Grand Experience bringing a water park, hotel and entertainment district near the RecPlex. The RecPlex expansion, Valley West Mall redevelopment and continued corporate investment are all helping shape the city’s future.
If you’re coming to check out the community, be sure to spend your day ... shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center, visiting the Valley Junction Historic District, seeing MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, visiting The Jordan House and Bennett School House, enjoying Raccoon River Park, checking out West Des Moines Public Library, attending a concert at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, biking the trails or walking through Walnut Woods State Park or visiting the Des Moines Children’s Museum.
Some of the ways West Des Moines advances inclusive strategies: The West Des Moines Chamber and City of West Des Moines continue to lead efforts to advance inclusion across the community and state. Initiatives like Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, the Reignite CommUNITY awards, Latino Trade Network and Mentoring for Women create opportunities for connection, education and business growth. Community-wide events such as the WDM Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and City of West Des Moines Juneteenth Celebration further foster engagement and understanding. In addition, the Chamber's Community Impact and Engagement Committee and the City's Human Rights Commission help guide ongoing efforts to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
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