City Guide
Des Moines, WA
Overview
Des Moines, WA is well known for its six miles of shoreline, public beaches, waterfront parks, and fishing piers. The city is home to 33,000 residents, so living in Des Moines means you'll experience small-town charm. Something to note about the city is that the beach community offers activities like paddleboarding, trail walking, beachcombing, and scuba diving. Des Moines also offers breathtaking views of the Olympics Mountains.
What’s it like to live in Des Moines, WA ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Des Moines, WA you'll find that the median sale price is
$575,000
and homes stay on the market for 7 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Des Moines are $630,250
and $437,000
, respectively. Des Moines area townhouses have a median sale price of $665,950
, making them more expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Des Moines, WAExplore our Des Moines housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Des Moines home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Des Moines rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Des Moines rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Des Moines, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Des Moines
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Lake | -- | -- | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| South Des Moines | $637,475 | 87 / 100 | 39 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| North Hill | $625,000 | 87 / 100 | 37 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Redondo | $663,750 | 59 / 100 | 31 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| The Lakes | $437,500 | 69 / 100 | 28 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
Popular homes for sale in Des Moines
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Des Moines
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
Des Moines Migration & Relocation Trends
In Jan '25 - Mar '25, 23% of Des Moines homebuyers searched to move out of Des Moines, while 77% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Des Moines from outside metros.
- Spokane homebuyers searched to move into Des Moines more than any other metro followed by San Francisco and Houston.
Where are people moving to Des Moines from?
- 77% of Des Moines homebuyers searched to stay within the Des Moines metropolitan area.
- Phoenix was the most popular destination among Des Moines homebuyers followed by Portland and Bellingham.
Where are people from Des Moines moving to?
Number of People Moving to Des Moines
least
most
People are moving to Des Moines from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jan '25 - Mar '25 | ||
| 1 | 1,280 | ||
| 2 | 855 | ||
| 3 | 415 | ||
| 4 | 167 | ||
| 5 | 82 | ||
| 6 | 74 | ||
| 7 | 10 | ||
| 8 | 7 | ||
| 9 | 6 | ||
| 10 | 5 | ||
People are leaving Des Moines for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jan '25 - Mar '25 | ||
| 1 | 5,120 | ||
| 2 | 3,603 | ||
| 3 | 2,684 | ||
| 4 | 2,412 | ||
| 5 | 2,245 | ||
| 6 | 2,033 | ||
| 7 | 1,391 | ||
| 8 | 1,227 | ||
| 9 | 1,180 | ||
| 10 | 1,026 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Des Moines, WA ?
Des Moines, WA, is home to many enjoyable activities like watching the sunset at one of its many parks, to enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants. There are many museums that you can explore in Des Moines such as Des Moines Historical Society which is visited by tourists and locals alike. You can also find unique art and culture scenes, ranging from performing arts venues like The Player Sports Bar and local galleries like Teza's Art Adventures. There are a lot of parks and green spaces within the city including Des Moines Beach Park, Saltwater State Park, Zenith Park that you can easily spend the morning at. Jack's Country Restaurant, Arturo's Mexican Restaurant, and Memos Mexican Food Restaurant are some of the numerous restaurants to check out while in the city.
Explore some of the best things to do in Des Moines
What's the best way to get around Des Moines, WA ?
The best way to get around Des Moines is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Des Moines has a walk score of 41, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Des Moines has a transit score of 37, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 98198. You can also get around Des Moines by bike. With a bike score of 40, there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit Score®
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Des Moines Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 3 car rental locations.
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