The Gen Z Guide to Greater Des Moines
There’s something so powerful about being in your 20s – living on your own (or with your best friends), working a job you like and discovering who you want to be. In Greater Des Moines (DSM), it looks different for everyone whether that’s living in a stylish and chic apartment in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), purchasing your first home in the suburbs or a cozy loft above a storefront in a small town.
No matter where in the region you land, there are plenty of opportunities and resources to help you live, work and thrive as a Gen Zer in DSM.
Reality Check: Can You Afford It?
The short answer (and best answer): Yes, you can afford to live in DSM.
Learn More About Cost of Living
The Neighborhood Breakdown: Where You'd Actually Fit
From walkable Downtown DSM blocks in the East Village to the sweetest small towns with town squares straight out of a Hallmark movie, whatever vibe you’re looking for in your downtime, DSM has it. Plus, as the #1 Metro for Gen Z Homebuyers (Cotality, 2025) and the #3 Most Affordable City to Live in the U.S. (Extra Space Storage, 2025), housing options in the region fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
City Core
If you want your life to feel a little bit like a sitcom – walking to dinner, meeting friends out on a weeknight just minutes from your place and always having something happening nearby – the city core is your move. Downtown DSM and the East Village bring the most walkability, while West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, and Windsor Heights are busy suburban hubs with easy access to restaurants, nightlife and everyday essentials.
Outer Suburbs
Looking for a bit more breathing room without feeling disconnected? Communities like Altoona, Bondurant, Carlisle, Grimes, Norwalk and Pleasant Hill sit just outside the city core, offering quieter neighborhoods with more space.
Mid-Sized Towns
If you’re craving a built-in sense of community and a life that feels easy to romanticize, the mid-sized towns of the region deliver. From the Dutch charm of Pella, to cozy Indianola and the racecar community of Newton, these towns provide strong local identity with a comfortable pace.
Small Towns
For those looking for slower mornings and tighter-knit communities, the small towns within the DSM region could be the right move. From Earlham and Winterset to Grinnell and Polk City, these spots blend local charm and quiet streets mixed with an active community.
Where Should I Live Quiz
Still not sure where you belong? Don’t worry, there’s a quiz for that.
Find Out Where You Should Live
Coffee Shops to Work, Study and Romanticize Life
In DSM, coffee is taken very seriously. Whether you’re in need of a late-night caffeine run or a place to study or work, the region has just what you’re looking for.
For Studying and Working
Have a deadline to meet but you’re tired of your desk or the classroom? Barista’s Bouquet in Urbandale is a spacious café offering handcrafted drinks with house-made syrups. Plus, you can purchase a plant to take home! In Indianola, Crimson Anchor provides a pleasant environment with coffee, tea and smoothies available.
For Coffee Dates
Is there anything better than freshly baked beignets and a handcrafted latte on a slow morning? Luckily, you can find both at Beans & Beignets in Earlham. In Knoxville, catch up over coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Coffee Connection.
For Late-Night Caffeine
For those who do their best work at night, stop by one of the many Smokey Row locations around the region for a rustic yet cozy feel (closing times vary by location). For an even later night, visit HobNob Coffee & Wine Bar in Downtown DSM, open until 1 a.m.
That's Not All
Haven’t found a coffee shop that fits your vibe? There’s a guide for that.
Where to Eat in the Region
From unique experiences to classic mom and pop diners, DSM is bursting with flavor. No matter your mood or craving, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Unique Experiences
Sometimes dinner is more than food, it’s the experience. For an experience with the “undead,” stop by Zombie Burger in Downtown DSM and don’t miss the Undead Elvis burger with a Zombie Bride milkshake. Other unique experiences in the region include farm-to-table meals at The Rose Farm near Indianola, historic dinners and tea at Living History Farms in Urbandale and unexpected pizza pairings at Fong’s Pizza in the East Village.
Cozy Corners
Who doesn’t love a meal that feels like home near a historic town square? In Pella, pick up Dutch Letters from Jaarsma Bakery and enjoy your pastries with a view of the canal. For a charming diner experience, visit Frontier Cafe in Grinnell, Pattee Café in Perry or the Pleasant Hill Diner in Pleasant Hill with retro seating and old-fashioned shakes.
Local Chains
DSM is home to several regional chains have become staples across the region. With a handful of locations across the region, B-Bop’s stands out as a 1950s-themed burger joint and drive-thru known for its fries, shakes, and burgers. For elevated comfort food, Burger Shed offers a modern take on a burgers, shakes and beer. Famous for their hand-pressed tortillas, Pancheros Mexican Grill offers build-your-own burritos, bowls, and quesadillas. If you’re in the mood for BBQ, don’t miss one of the many Jethro’s locations or Smokey D’s in Des Moines.
Around the World
If you think the food in DSM is just corn and BBQ, think again.
Plan Your Global Food Tour in DSM
Bars, Clubs and Where to Meet People
Whether you’re looking for a handcrafted cocktail, live music or a place to meet new people, the DSM region has no shortage of lively spots.
For a Chill Night Out
If you’re wanting a place to grab a drink, sit back and catch up, consider Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines for artisanal ales, Covered Bridges Winery for wine in the rolling hills of Madison County or Periodic Table in Grinnell with craft cocktails and games.
Don’t miss Barn Town Brewing’s outdoor igloos available for reservations from November through March!
For Dancing
Known for its espresso martini and vibrant nightlife, Nightingale Cocktail Bar is a popular spot for dancing and drinks in Downtown DSM. In West Des Moines, visit Shotgun Betty’s for country music and line dancing or Tonic, located next door, for hip hop, rap, and pop music. Though not an official dance club, Cabarete Sports Bar and Grille in Ankeny has been known to create a dance floor on weekends as well as weekly karaoke and trivia.
Prefer to dance to live music? Check out venues like Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, and Vibrant Music Hall for upcoming concerts and events.
Trivia Nights, Karaoke and Other Community Events
Greater Des Moines has no shortage of bars and breweries that host unique community events, many of which are just as fun for those who don’t drink. Spots for trivia and other games like bingo include Smash Park in West Des Moines, Backpocket Pin & Pixel in Johnston, Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant and Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown, among others across the region.
For karaoke, check the calendars or social media accounts for Kenny’s Garage in Waukee, The Proletariat in Perry and Sam’s Bar & Grill in Altoona.
View More After Dark Activities
Where to Meet People
Finding community when you move somewhere new is key to feeling at home. Luckily, DSM offers plenty of ways for Gen Z residents to meet people and get involved.
Consider joining a sports league in your area, testing your artistic abilities at an art class at the Des Moines Art Center and connecting through the Young Professionals Connection. For an evening of games, attend Rook Room’s Meet & Play Social Game Night every Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m., specifically designed to encourage strangers to meet and hopefully build community and friendships.
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.