The Ultimate Living in Des Moines Checklist
Living in Greater Des Moines (DSM) means having a multitude of services at your fingertips. From trusting in your medical professionals to stepping into a neighborhood grocery store that has everything you need, your life in DSM will be made easier thanks to the right providers and businesses who go above and beyond to take care of their customers. Check out the resources below to set up a simpler life in DSM.
Finding Medical Care in DSM
Finding medical care can be a daunting task but with a list of resources, it’s never been easier.
Primary Care Doctor
Once you’ve checked with your insurance company about the primary care physicians available in your network, talk with neighbors, friends and family where you live to get recommendations to narrow down your choices. Find the right primary care doctor through one of several health care organizations in the region, including MercyOne Des Moines, UnityPoint Health, Broadlawns Medical Center, The Iowa Clinic, Dallas County Hospital & Family Medicine Clinics, Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, among others. Search by specialty and see who is accepting new patients at various locations for the medical providers listed above.
Note: In DSM, you can even find expanded services from University of Iowa Health Care specialists thanks to the adult and pediatric services offered in Johnston as well as advanced reproductive care found at the UI Health Care West Des Moines location.
Dentist
Don’t forget to establish dental care, too. There are many options to choose from whether you need a family dentistry practice, emergency services or pediatric care for kids and teens. Des Moines Emergency Dentist 24/7 in Urbandale has you covered any day of the week when it comes to needing immediate care. In West Des Moines, visit Dental Associates, P.C. for family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Indianola Pediatric Dentistry offers pediatric services for DSM counties, including Clarke, Madison, Marion and Warren.
Eye Doctor
There’s also eye care to consider. From Elite Eye Care locations in Ankeny, Norwalk and Waukee to eye clinics like Polk City Eyecare and Optometric Associates in the smaller towns of Carlisle, Indianola, Polk City and Norwalk, there are experienced optometrists ready to help you.
Pharmacy
Finally, send your prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy. Medicap locations in DSM make filling prescriptions an easy process. In smaller towns, find a locally owned pharmacies like Sumpter Pharmacy in Adel, which also offers telehealth care. Many Hy-Vee locations in the region also have pharmacies. Use their Pharmacy Finder to locate a Hy-Vee pharmacy near you.
TIP: Browse the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s business directory to find clinics, healthcare providers and specialists, pharmacies and more.
Setting up Utilities in DSM
We’ve got you covered when it comes to finding and setting up your utility providers in DSM. For electric and gas utilities, reach out to MidAmerican Energy. Water service, garbage and recycling are most often administered by your city. Check out their website for details on how to get these utilities set up.
Additional services by Metro Waste Authority, ABS Sanitation in Knoxville, Ankeny Sanitation, Brown’s Sanitation & Regional Recycling, Dodd’s Trash Hauling & Recycling in Newton, Garbage Guys in Cambridge and Midwest Sanitation & Recycling in Pella are just a few of the reliable sanitation and recycling companies relied on by residents in DSM. Choose the one that works best for you, depending on your location, how often you need trash pickup, cost of services and timeliness.
Technology utilities like cable and internet are crucial for many as well. From working from home to rural telehealth to streaming movies on a Friday night, internet service and cable providers are some of the first you’ll want to line up. In DSM, you can count on Mediacom, Google Fiber, Metronet and smaller DSM companies like Kinetic in Grinnell and Mahaska Communication Group in Oskaloosa.
Locating a Mechanic in DSM
Word-of-mouth recommendations are where it’s at when it comes to mechanics in the region, but you can also learn about a few regional automotive locations at the websites below:
Exploring Local Grocery Stores in DSM
While the obvious choices in DSM are Hy-Vee and Fareway, did you know that the region has its share of smaller grocers and farmers’ markets to round out your shopping experience? Hy-Vee, which offers “a helpful smile in every aisle,” and Midwest company Fareway have locations in cities across DSM so no matter what neighborhood you’re living in, you can find a grocery store nearby. Natural Grocers in Clive is a natural and organic grocery store all about wellness, health and affordability, and Gateway Market in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) sells everything from fresh produce to all-natural breads, pre-made flower bouquets and more. La Tiendita is both an authentic Mexican restaurant and grocery store located in Indianola, while Fresh Fit Meals in Ankeny, Downtown DSM and Urbandale has meal boxes prepared for you so you can skip out on the actual grocery shopping.
And let’s not forget the regional farmers’ markets, which give DSM and Midwestern vendors a place to sell local products. From the well-known Downtown Farmers’ Market — which has been a staple in Downtown DSM for 50 years in 2025, to smaller farmers’ markets across the region — the quality foods available at these events will help you put delicious meals on your table. New this year at the Valley Junction Farmers’ Market in West Des Moines is a Lil’ Sprouts Play Patch for kids who want to pet some live goats, play games and more!
Arranging Pet Care in DSM
Whether you need a veterinarian, boarder or groomer, care for your dog or cat is an important consideration when you make your life somewhere. Find the best places in DSM to take pets for a vet visit, haircut or play date. Here are a few regional options:
Joining a Bank or Credit Union in DSM
Bankers Trust, Iowa State Bank and U.S. Bank are a few of the trusted banking options with branches throughout DSM. Financial services can also be found from First Interstate Bank, Luana Savings Bank, Midwest Heritage Bank, Northwest Bank, Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Vision Bank, among others, each with multiple locations in the region. If a credit union is more your speed, check out Community Choice, GreenState, Midland or Veridian, just to name a few.
Lining up Home and Lawn Services in DSM
Need to spruce up your living space? Check out Woodharbor Kitchen, Bath & Home Remodeling in Urbandale to get started on your next home project. Or get to work creating a space you can relax in with Buresh Home Solutions in Clive. If you need to repair appliances, reach out to Metro Appliance Repair in Des Moines or Westside Appliance Repair in Urbandale, and if you’re looking for help with duct cleaning, look no further than Air Free Duct Cleaning in Grimes. Bell Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning in Des Moines can help with your air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs, or “Call Schaal Ya’all!” if you live in Des Moines’ surrounding communities.
Landscaping services will bring your property to life, too, so don’t sleep on these local companies who can help you create an enviable outdoor oasis. Absolute Lawn and Landscaping in Urbandale can help you out, and Grassy Knoll Lawn Care in Adel is a “Favorite Lawn Care Business” of Dallas County. No Lawn Left Behind in Perry serves cities across the region from Ankeny to Waukee and more. And Mowtivated Lawncare in Clive offers lawn mowing, fertilization, aeration, grass seeding and more.
To make finding the services you need when living in DSM even easier, visit your city’s Chamber of Commerce business directory to see trusted local businesses you can count on.
Living Easy Starts Here
Ready to set up services and organize a simpler life in DSM? Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.