The Millennial's Guide to Greater Des Moines
Millennials are redefining what it means to build a life. For some, that means purchasing a first home. For others, it’s finding a community to raise a family, growing a career or simply creating more balance between work and personal life.
It’s no surprise that national publications continue to recognize Greater Des Moines (DSM) as a place where millennials can thrive and build their future. The region was named the #6 Best Place for Millennials to Live in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure, 2026), one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live (Livability, 2026) and a Top 5 City for a Fresh Start (ConsumerAffairs, 2026).
Des Moines Communities and Neighborhoods by Lifestyle
In DSM, you don’t have to choose between opportunity, affordability and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood, a historic home with character, a growing suburb or a small town where neighbors know your name, the DSM region offers options for every stage of life.
No matter where in the region you land, you’ll find communities, businesses and experiences that make it easy to put down roots and build a life you love.
For the Walkability Lovers
If your ideal weekend includes strolling to brunch, grabbing coffee and exploring local shops, communities across DSM offer plenty of opportunities to leave the car parked. Downtown DSM, the Historic East Village, Valley Junction in West Des Moines and destinations throughout Urbandale, Windsor Heights and Johnston provide urban energy and community gathering spaces, while downtown districts in communities like Grinnell, Pella and Winterset offer locally owned businesses, charming storefronts and events throughout the year.
For Trail Runners and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Love spending your free time outside? Communities like Waukee, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Polk City, Pella and Winterset provide easy access to some of the region’s most beloved outdoor destinations. Explore the Raccoon River Valley Trail, High Trestle Trail, Lake Red Rock, Jester Park and Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, all within a short drive of home.
For the Home Renovators
If you’re searching for a historic home with character, you’ll find opportunities throughout the region. Established neighborhoods in Des Moines, Newton, Marshalltown and Perry feature homes full of charm and renovation potential, while communities like Winterset and Oskaloosa offer historic districts with unique architectural styles and strong local character.
For Those Looking for More Space
Whether you’re dreaming of a larger yard, room for a home office or extra bedrooms for a growing family, communities like Adel, Ankeny, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, Pleasant Hill, Bondurant, Altoona and Clarke County provide room to grow while remaining connected to the region’s amenities and employment centers.
For Small-Town Charm
Communities like Earlham, Stuart, Guthrie Center, Indianola, Knoxville, Osceola, Grinnell, Oskaloosa, Winterset and Pella offer the small-town charm many millennials are seeking. Picture walkable downtown districts, local festivals, friendly neighbors and favorite businesses that quickly become part of your weekly routine.
Still not sure where you belong? Don’t worry, there’s a quiz for that.
Find Out Where You Should Live
Homeownership That Feels Attainable
For many millennials, homeownership remains an important milestone. In DSM, a lower cost of living and diverse housing options make that goal feel more achievable.
Affordability is one reason the region continues to earn national recognition. DSM was named the #3 Most Affordable City to Live in the U.S. (Extra Space Storage, 2025), making it easier for residents to achieve milestones like purchasing a first home while enjoying a high quality of life. v
Whether you’re searching for a downtown condo, a historic home near a town square, new construction in a growing suburb or a property with acreage outside the city, the region offers housing options for a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Communities throughout the region continue to invest in housing and neighborhood development, creating opportunities for first-time buyers, growing families and those looking to put down long-term roots. Combined with short commute times and a strong job market, DSM makes it easier to build the life you’re working toward.
Explore Communities Across DSM
Weekend Life in Greater Des Moines
One of the benefits of living in DSM is having more time to enjoy your weekends and plenty of things to do.
Explore Local Main Streets
Spend a Saturday exploring downtown districts throughout the region. Grab coffee at Mayberry’s Coffee House in Osceola, browse shops in Guthrie Center or Panora, pick up Dutch Letters from Jaarsma Bakery or Vander Ploeg Bakery in Pella or spend the afternoon exploring local businesses in Grinnell, Winterset, Marshalltown, Indianola or Oskaloosa.
Along the way, stop for lunch at Prairie Canary in Grinnell or unwind with a glass of wine and small plates at Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown.
Meet Friends for Food and Drinks
Every community has gathering places that become local favorites. Meet friends for dinner at Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill in Osceola, enjoy comfort food at Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair County, stop by Cabbage Rose Restaurant in Guthrie Center or unwind after work at Full Bloom Brewhouse in Oskaloosa. In Newton, local favorites like Murph & Mary’s Pub and Red Pride Cafe have become staples for residents and visitors alike, while Covered Bridges Winery near Winterset and Pattee Cafe in Perry offer welcoming places to gather with friends and family.
Get Outside
From hiking and biking to kayaking, camping and fishing, outdoor recreation is always nearby in DSM. Spend the day exploring the trails and natural beauty of Jester Park, paddle along the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON) or discover Iowa’s native landscapes at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Cyclists can tackle the iconic Clive Greenbelt Trail or High Trestle Trail, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore destinations like Ledges State Park, Whiterock Conservancy in Guthrie County and the region’s extensive network of greenbelts, trails and outdoor recreation areas. For a day on the water, head to Lake Red Rock, Saylorville Lake or Lake Ahquabi near Indianola for boating, fishing, kayaking and lakeside relaxation. No matter where you live in the region, opportunities to connect with nature are never far from home.
Festivals and Community Events
The calendar stays full year-round with events and celebrations throughout the DSM region. Attend Tulip Time in Pella, the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, Viva Perry! Latino Festival or the Adel Sweet Corn Festival. From the nationally recognized Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market to farmers markets in communities throughout the region, local concerts, seasonal celebrations and community festivals bring neighbors, families and visitors together year-round.
Arts, Culture and Creativity
Looking for a night at the theater, an afternoon at a museum or a chance to explore your creative side? DSM offers a thriving arts and culture scene throughout the region. Catch a Broadway performance at the Des Moines Civic Center, experience world-class productions at the Des Moines Metro Opera in Indianola or explore exhibitions at the Des Moines Art Center and local galleries. Creativity extends beyond the stage and museum walls with public art, murals and sculptures found throughout the region, from the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) to community art installations in towns and cities across the region. Those interested in developing new skills can explore opportunities in culinary arts, continuing education and community classes through organizations like DMACC, while families can enjoy experiences through Des Moines Community Playhouse and other local arts programs. From concerts and exhibits to live performances and cultural events, DSM offers countless ways to connect, learn and be inspired.
Find More Ways to Have Fun Around DSM
Raising Kids in Greater DSM
For millennials raising children (or planning to someday), DSM offers opportunities for families to learn, play and grow together.
Working parents also benefit from a region designed to support family life. DSM was named the #2 Mid-Sized Metro for Working Moms (CoworkingCafe, 2026), recognizing factors like affordability, employment opportunities and quality of life.
Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Adventures
Communities throughout the region continue to invest in parks, trails, splash pads and recreation amenities. Whether you’re exploring Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines, hiking the trails at Brown’s Woods, enjoying inclusive play spaces at Triumph Park, cooling off at the Apgar Family Water Plaza in Marshalltown or visiting newer and recently updated destinations like Painted Woods West Park in Waukee and Wildrose Park in West Des Moines, opportunities to get outside are never far away. Combined with miles of community trails throughout the region, it’s easy for families to stay active and connected year-round.
Family-Friendly Attractions
From the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa to Living History Farms and Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, families have access to educational and recreational experiences year-round. Seasonal festivals, county fairs and community celebrations provide even more opportunities to create lasting memories together.
Activities for Every Interest
Youth sports, arts programs, community education opportunities and local organizations help children discover new interests and build lifelong friendships. No matter where you live in the region, there are opportunities to get involved and stay connected.
Communities That Support Families
Whether you’re drawn to a growing suburb, a mid-sized community or a small town, families throughout DSM benefit from strong community connections, excellent recreational opportunities and a high quality of life.
Learn More About Family Life in DSM
Grow Your Career Without Sacrificing Your Quality of Life
Many millennials are seeking communities that support both professional success and personal fulfillment. DSM offers the opportunity to build a career while still having time for the things that matter most.
Short commute times, affordable housing and easy access to recreation help residents spend less time in traffic and more time doing what they enjoy. Whether you’re launching your career, joining an established employer, working remotely or building your own business, DSM’s collaborative business environment and growing economy make it easier to create the lifestyle you’re looking for.
DSM is home to a diverse mix of industries and employers, including financial services, insurance, advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, logistics and agriculture. Major employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups provide opportunities across marketing, engineering, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, IT and more. The region continues to gain national recognition for its growing innovation economy, earning a spot among the Top 10 Best Midwest Tech Metros (CommercialCafe, 2026) and the Top 5 Mid-Sized Metros for AI-Enhanced Jobs (CoworkingCafe, 2026). Beyond the workplace, leadership programs, professional development opportunities and active networking organizations make it easy to build new skills, grow your network and continue advancing throughout your career.
In Greater Des Moines, you don’t have to choose between growing your career and enjoying a high quality of life — you can have both.
Grow Your Career in DSM
Find Your Greater
Whether you’re searching for your first home, raising a family, growing your career or simply looking for a community that fits your lifestyle, DSM offers the opportunity to build a life that feels uniquely yours.
Connect with a DSM MVP and request your free relocation guide today.