The Gen X Guide to Greater Des Moines
For the post-Baby Boomer generation, work-life balance is where it’s at. Gen X — those born between 1965 and 1980 — is the definition of the sandwich generation, splitting time between parents and older children while gearing up for retirement. (Did you know Des Moines is a Top 5 Affordable City for Retirement, according to Investopedia?) This makes the 55+ housing market and homes with longevity, meaning accessibility and adaptable spaces, ideal for this generation.
According to a recent article from Builder, buying where you can still maintain a social connection is incredibly appealing. Staying active and crossing off bucket list items is a priority. Now that the kids are mostly grown, Gen X can hit the road, or skies, to find adventure both near and far. For Gen X, this independence isn’t something to fear, but to embrace. And, if you’re a Gen Xer, Greater Des Moines (DSM) has ample opportunities for you to make the most out of these years.
Whether you’ve been living in the DSM region for many years or are looking to make a fresh start at this time of your life, the lower cost of living makes it easy to figure out where you should live. And, Des Moines is a Top 5 Best Place for a Fresh Start (Consumer Affairs, 2026), perfect for this age and stage where the world is your oyster.
Appealing Neighborhoods for Gen X
Greater Des Moines Central Core
The central core of Greater Des Moines is an attractive option for many Gen Xers. Downtown Des Moines (DSM), West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee and Windsor Heights offer plenty of restaurants and nightlife as well as recreational opportunities that appeal to the practicality of Gen Xers. Hiking and biking lead the way, so keep reading for ideas on trails in the region.
Outer Suburbs
Altoona, Bondurant, Carlisle, Grimes, Norwalk and Pleasant Hill are smaller and growing communities just outside the central core. In Bondurant, work out on your own time. BrickHouse Fitness currently offers access to 12 treadmills, rowers, recumbent bikes and free-weight equipment, among other options, and for a generation that loves to be active, but at your own pace, opportunities like this are essential! Norwalk’s Greg Young Auto Sports Campus will soon offer dedicated space for individual workouts along with 24/7 member access to work out when you want thanks to an expanded hybrid training facility, too.
Mid-Sized Towns
Living in a rural pocket of DSM is also an option. Indianola offers a place where the community comes together, whether that’s through the rallying cry of Simpson College — “Roll Storm!” — or its support of the largest hot air balloon festival in the Midwest. And Marshalltown’s vibrant art scene is perfect for Gen Xers interested in a place that’s not stuck where it’s at but is looking to increase its liveliness thanks to efforts by organizations like the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center.
Small Towns
If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, consider small towns in the region where it's easy to walk around the town square and support local businesses, create strong community bonds and enjoy lower-cost housing. Clarke County, Perry, Grinnell and Polk City are just a few of the local towns offering an opportunity for a more relaxed, peaceful way of life.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Hundreds of miles of connected trails will keep any Gen Xer busy from early spring to late fall in DSM. For those who love spending time outside, hiking and cycling are activities easy to come across in the region. In Madison County, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway will take you through Bevington, Saint Charles and Winterset on foot or by bike so you can enjoy the picturesque views. The High Trestle Trail — through Ankeny, Madrid, Sheldhal, Slater and Woodward — is also a popular destination for trail explorers.
ICON Water Trails
And don’t sleep on the ICON Water Trails, where improvements to the region’s waterways continue to create new and exciting recreational opportunities in DSM. After construction wrapped on an ICON whitewater feature in Downtown DSM, outdoorsy DSMers await the opening of the attraction next spring. But there are plenty of water activities to investigate before then … explore the access points in the communities of Ankeny, Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, West Des Moines and many more locations before the weather turns colder.
Dining and Drinks
Speakeasies
Looking for speakeasies in Downtown? The New Northwestern in the Historic East Village and In Confidence with its Gatsby-style drinks are both swanky and vintage, perfect opportunities for Gen Xers to relax with a cocktail. The Canary Underground Speakeasy on the lower level of Prairie Canary in Grinnell calls for a door code to enter, and once you’re in, you’ll enjoy specialty cocktails, classic drinks, small bites and more. In Perry, La Poste has a speakeasy entrance at The Cellar, located inside the 1915 post office building that stands as a unique gathering place for the community.
Historic Restaurants and Bars
Retro nightlife options can be found across the region, taking you back in time with antique décor. The High Life Lounge in Downtown DSM’s Historic Court District is a 60s-style spot with wood paneling and old classics on the menu like goulash, meatloaf and Mom’s pot roast. Visit the Club Car Restaurant and Lounge in Clive, too, where you can see old railroad memorabilia, model train cars and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. In Ankeny, Uptown Garage Brewing Co. serves up house beers in a restored Ford automobile showroom, so enjoy while you admire the dealership décor or outdoor patio.
Creativity, Games and Puzzles
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that are the sweetest. During the Gen X years, games like Dungeons & Dragons, The Game of Life and Pac-Man released and vinyl records were in their golden age. While these activities are nostalgic, DSM is keeping them current with fresh ways to play, listen and create. Here are just a few to get started:
Not part of Gen X? Check out guides for both Millennials or Gen Z for other ideas for living your best life in Greater Des Moines.
Learn More About Ways to Get Connected
Find Your Greater
Discover why DSM is the place for you. Connect with a DSM MVP and request your free relocation guide today.