Des Moines Tower (DSM)

📍 About DSM & Des Moines

Des Moines Tower (DSM) is located at Des Moines International Airport in Iowa’s capital city. Des Moines blends small-town friendliness with big-city opportunities, offering affordable living, a growing food and art scene, and a strong sense of community. With low commute times and a variety of neighborhoods, it’s a great place for families, singles, and young professionals alike.

🏡 Where to Live

Des Moines – Popular Neighborhoods

• Beaverdale – Charming, tree-lined, older homes, community vibe.
• Sherman Hill – Historic district close to downtown, trendy.
• East Village – Urban living, restaurants, walkable, nightlife.
• South of Grand – Upscale, scenic, hilly streets and parks.
• Waveland Park – Quiet, great for families, classic homes.

Suburbs & Nearby Towns

• West Des Moines – Top schools, shopping, newer developments.
• Waukee – Growing fast, ideal for families, modern neighborhoods.
• Johnston – Excellent schools, suburban, quiet.
• Ankeny – Very popular, balanced cost of living, good schools.
• Urbandale – Suburban, safe, great for raising kids.
• Norwalk – Closest to airport, growing, family-oriented.

🚗 Commute Times to DSM Tower

• 5–15 min: Norwalk, South Des Moines, West Des Moines (southern end)
• 15–25 min: Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, East Village, Urbandale
• 25–35 min: Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston

🎓 Top School Districts

• West Des Moines Community Schools – Highly rated
• Ankeny Community School District – Top schools
• Johnston Community School District – Excellent academics
• Waukee Community School District – Rapidly growing and strong

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Gray’s Lake Park: Kayaking, biking, trails, beach
• Raccoon River Park: Lake, dog park, disc golf, beach
• Saylorville Lake: Boating, hiking, camping, near Johnston
• Ledges State Park: Hiking and scenic canyons (~1 hr drive)
• High Trestle Trail: 25-mile bike trail with iconic bridge (~35 min away)

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Downtown Des Moines: Civic Center, Science Center, Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park
• Des Moines Farmers Market: One of the largest in the Midwest (seasonal)
• Wells Fargo Arena: Concerts, Iowa Wild hockey, Iowa Wolves basketball
• Breweries: Exile Brewing, Confluence Brewing, Peace Tree Brewing
• Shopping: Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley Junction shops, East Village boutiques

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Served by major airlines with nonstop routes
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): ~1 hour 45 min drive – backup regional option
• Ames Municipal Airport: ~45 min drive – general aviation

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Des Moines
• Catch Des Moines – Visitor info
• Iowa DOT – License & Registration
• Healthiest State Initiative
• Greater Des Moines Partnership

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• Des Moines: Varies by area – East Village, Beaverdale, South of Grand are safe
• Suburbs: West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Waukee – low crime, family-friendly
• Downtown: Safe but stay aware after dark

🔗 Town Websites

• Des Moines, IA
• West Des Moines, IA
• Waukee, IA
• Ankeny, IA
• Johnston, IA
• Urbandale, IA
• Norwalk, IA

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home price in Des Moines: $210,000. Rent for 1-bedroom: $950–$1,300/month.
• Groceries: Below national average. Milk ~$3.00, eggs ~$2.50
• Gasoline: ~$3.30–$3.60/gallon
• Utilities: ~$130–$180/month for apartment
• Taxes: Iowa has state income tax and 6% sales tax

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• East Village: Hip, walkable, local shops and bars
• Beaverdale: Family-friendly, character homes, tight-knit
• South of Grand: Quiet, scenic, access to parks
• West Des Moines: Suburban, malls, top schools

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cold, snowy, wind chill can be severe
• Spring: Mild, occasional storms, blooming trees
• Summer: Hot and humid, 80s–90s°F common
• Fall: Pleasant, colorful foliage, cool evenings

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• DART: Local bus system with routes around the metro
• Most residents drive: Easy parking, quick commutes
• Traffic: Light congestion except during peak school or event times

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center – Large regional hospital
• UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center – Full-service facility downtown
• Broadlawns Medical Center – Public hospital with urgent care
• Multiple walk-in clinics and urgent care centers in suburbs

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Professionals: East Village bars, breweries, coworking spaces
• Families: Farmer’s market, Blank Park Zoo, public libraries
• Community Groups: Churches, volunteering, Des Moines Moms/YP networks

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Local Highlights: Zombie Burger, Eatery A, Fong’s Pizza, Bubba’s Southern Comfort
• Food Scene: Expanding – mix of trendy and traditional
• Breweries: Peace Tree, Confluence, Lua Brewing

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Training: Easy commutes help – Norwalk or southern DSM ideal
• Shifts: Prepare for rotating schedules; black-out curtains useful
• Community: Tower crew often lives in Norwalk, West Des Moines, Ankeny

📦 Moving Tips

• Best move-in season: Late spring through early fall
• Snow prep: Get ice scrapers, snow brush, decent tires
• Housing: Consider short-term rental while house-hunting

❓ FAQs

• Is Des Moines safe?
  Yes, especially in the western suburbs and historic neighborhoods
• Do I need a car?
  Yes – public transit is limited, most residents drive
• Is Des Moines affordable?
  Yes – one of the most affordable metro areas in the Midwest