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Newsweek Says Millennials are Reviving Des Moines

When Newsweek recently spotlighted Des Moines as a city millennials are reviving, it didn’t come as a surprise to those who live here. With career opportunities, affordable housing, a thriving cultural scene and a lifestyle that makes balance possible, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is quietly becoming the blueprint for what young professionals and families actually want in a place to call home. 

The story, titled “How Millennials Are Reviving This Midwest City,” shows what locals have known for years: DSM isn’t just a great place to launch a career or buy your first house; it’s a place to build a life and put down forever roots. 

Cost of Living Meets Quality of Life

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One of DSM’s biggest draws for millennials is affordability—and not just in terms of housing. With a cost of living well below the national average, it’s possible to buy a home, support a family, and still have money left over for travel, hobbies or launching a side hustle. 

In other words: You don’t have to choose between career growth and quality of life. In DSM, you get both. 

Jobs, Careers and Big-Time Opportunities

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Professionals aren’t just moving to Des Moines. They’re building thriving careers here. Major employers in finance, insurance, tech, health care and ag innovation are based right here in the region. And with strong entrepreneurship support, DSM is increasingly a launchpad for new ventures and career pivots. 

Forbes also placed DSM in the Top 10 Best Places for Business and Careers in 2024, and Reader’s Digest ranked us the #3 Most Livable City in the U.S. in 2025. That’s not just about opportunity—it’s about sustainability. People can grow their careers and still have time and space to enjoy their lives. 

A Place to Put Down Roots

A woman sitting on her front porch holding her dog and smiling.

In DSM, homeownership isn’t a pipe dream. It’s realistic. With accessible pricing, new developments and a variety of urban and suburban options, millennials are increasingly skipping the rent cycle and going straight into owning. 

The region’s strong housing market, paired with its affordability, has made it easier for millennials to establish themselves, raise families and get involved in their communities. 

Vibrancy Without the Chaos

A woman tending bar and making cocktails behind the counter

DSM isn’t a sleepy Midwestern capital. It’s a vibrant hub of art, music and creativity that’s met with ease of living and a strong sense of community. From speakeasies and breweries to dog-friendly patios and pop-up markets, there’s always something happening without the burnout of bigger metros. 

In fact, DSM is home to the #5 Best Cultural Festival in the U.S. (World Food & Music Festival, 2025 – USA TODAY), and was ranked the #7 Safest City to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the average commute time is 21 minutes. What’s it all mean? You can live life large, in safety and ease. 

Public art brightens neighborhoods and trails, from colorful murals to bronze sculptures. The Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Metro Opera and Des Moines Civic Center bring national and international acts and exhibits to town, while locals love catching indie music, ballet performances, operas, Broadway shows and film festivals all year long. 

Recreation That Keeps You Moving

A woman with her two children on a wood bridge surrounded by the autumn trees.

What sets DSM apart for active millennials is how easy it is to stay connected to the outdoors. The region offers 800+ miles of connected trails, making it simple to commute by bike, train for a marathon or just enjoy a weekend walk.

The ICON Water Trails project is transforming DSM’s rivers and lakes into hubs for paddling, kayaking, fishing and nature watching—right in the heart of the DSM. 

Adventure-seekers and skaters can push limits at Lauridsen Skatepark, the largest open skatepark in the U.S. Families and weekend warriors have no shortage of parks, greenways and recreation spaces to explore. 

And it doesn’t stop there. DSM also boasts golf courses, disc golf, cross-country ski trails and a robust parks system that includes dog parks, splash pads and pools and mountain biking terrain. Whether you're decompressing after work or spending an unplugged Saturday outside, it's all easily within reach. 

Meet the Millennials of DSM

The magic of Des Moines isn’t just in its rankings but in its people. Some of the region’s most engaged and inspiring residents are millennials who are actively shaping the culture and future of DSM. These DSM superstars offer an inside look at what it’s like to live, work and thrive here, and can help you feel connected from day one. 

Lily Allen-Dueñas

A wellness entrepreneur and global yoga teacher, Lily Allen-Duenas chose DSM as her base for both business and balance. Her journey reflects the way Des Moines supports ambition while making space for mindfulness and quality of life. 

Jacob Repp

Having witnessed DSM’s growth firsthand, Jacob Repp continues to embrace the region – as a financial advisor, festival enthusiast and explorer of its food and drink scene. He can attest that DSM is a vibrant community and a wonderful place to call home.  

Kate Bowermaster

Kate Bowermaster is a marketer, runner, and community connector who found that DSM was the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally. Her story proves that young professionals don’t need to sacrifice lifestyle to pursue a meaningful career. 

Get to know other locals on our Meet DSM page.

Find Your Greater

Join the DSM community! Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.