Moving to Des Moines? Your Complete NW Des Moines Guide

Admin | April 22, 2026 @ 12:00 AM

You're moving to Des Moines, and you're looking at Northwest Des Moines. Smart choice. This area, roughly bounded by I-35 to the east and extending toward Ankeny, has everything people move here for: proximity to downtown, good schools, access to lakes and parks, and a mix of family neighborhoods and young professional communities.

But moving anywhere new means logistics. You need to understand neighborhoods, figure out housing costs, know where to shop and eat, and honestly, figure out storage. If you're moving from out of state or downsizing, you might have furniture or boxes that don't fit immediately. Understanding your options makes the transition smooth.

Here's what you need to know about moving to Northwest Des Moines.

Why Northwest Des Moines?

Northwest Des Moines has exploded in the last five years. People are moving here because it offers the right balance of convenience, affordability, and quality of life.

Proximity Without Being Downtown

You're 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Des Moines jobs, restaurants, and entertainment. You're also not living downtown, which means lower housing costs, easier parking, and more space. It's the sweet spot.

Good Schools

Ankeny schools consistently rank among the best in Iowa. Even if you're technically in Des Moines proper, many Northwest neighborhoods feed into high performing districts. Parents moving here cite schools as the number one reason.

Access to Nature

Saylorville Lake is about 20 minutes away. Jester Park has trails, picnic areas, and year round activities. The Des Moines River runs through the area. If you care about outdoor access, Northwest Des Moines is where you want to be.

Neighborhood Variety

You can choose between established family neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and mixed use apartment communities. There's genuinely something for everyone.

Room to Breathe

Compared to the tighter urban core, Northwest Des Moines offers more yards, more parking, and more room to spread out. A lot of people moving from Chicago or the coasts find this especially appealing.

Understanding Northwest Des Moines Neighborhoods

Northwest Des Moines isn't one neighborhood. It's several.

Jester Park Area

This is the neighborhood people most commonly move to. It's bordered by I-35 to the east, extends west toward Ankeny, and sits north of I-80.

Close to Highway 2 / Beaver Avenue

Older, established neighborhoods with mature trees and single family homes built in the 1970s through the 1990s. Good value, good bones, older infrastructure.

Copper Creek / Merle Hay Area

Newer development from the 2000s and 2010s with a master planned community feel. HOAs, newer homes, family oriented neighborhoods, and higher prices that come with newer construction.

Near Drake University / Forest Avenue

A mix of student housing, young professionals, and families. More walkable, closer to campus, and a younger atmosphere.

Homes in the Jester Park area range from around $250,000 for older homes needing updates to $500,000 or more for newer builds. Two bedroom rentals generally range from $1,200 to $1,800 depending on age and location.

Windsor Heights

Just east of Jester Park, Windsor Heights offers larger lots, newer homes, excellent schools, and a quieter suburban feel. Home prices typically range from $350,000 to over $650,000.

Near the Merle Hay / Ankeny Border

Close to Merle Hay Road shopping and Ankeny amenities, this area offers newer development with convenient retail, restaurants, and a variety of housing options.

Cost of Living & Housing

Des Moines is still affordable compared to many U.S. metro areas, although Northwest Des Moines has become one of the hottest housing markets in the region.

Housing Costs

Homes: $250,000 to $450,000 median, depending on age and neighborhood.

New Construction: Generally ranges from $400,000 to $550,000 and above.

Apartments: Two bedroom apartments typically rent for $1,100 to $1,800 depending on amenities.

Single Family Rentals: Expect $1,500 to $2,200 per month. Compared to Minneapolis, Chicago, or Denver, Des Moines remains significantly more affordable.

Utilities & Taxes: Electric and gas typically run between $150 and $250 per month depending on the season. Property taxes average about one percent of your home's value annually.

Yes, Iowa does have state income tax, with an effective rate around five to six percent. Des Moines winters are real, so budget for heating between November and March.

Schools: Ankeny schools are consistently among the top rated in Iowa. Jester Park and neighborhoods close to Ankeny feed into Ankeny Community Schools, known for strong academics and athletic programs. If schools are important, always verify which district your address falls into before buying or renting.

Where Should You Live?

Young Professionals

Consider neighborhoods near Drake University or areas closer to downtown. Expect newer apartments around $1,300 to $1,600 per month, easier access to restaurants and nightlife, and about a 10 minute commute downtown.

Young Families

Copper Creek and newer Jester Park subdivisions offer newer homes, good schools, and family focused neighborhoods. Typical home prices range from $350,000 to $500,000 with around a 15 minute commute downtown.

Established Families & Empty Nesters

Windsor Heights and older Jester Park neighborhoods offer mature trees, established communities, larger lots, and home prices generally between $300,000 and $500,000.

Moving Timeline & Storage

Moving almost always takes longer than expected. You'll find your place, spend several weeks packing, move everything over, and then spend even longer unpacking. If your new place isn't ready, or you're selling one home before closing on another, storage becomes part of the process.

When Storage Makes Sense

You Get Your Keys Before Everything Arrives

Your home is ready, but your furniture won't be delivered for several days.

Your Old Home Sells Before the New One Closes

A gap between closings is common, and storage bridges that gap.

You're Downsizing

You may want to keep furniture that doesn't immediately fit in your new home.

You're Renting Before Buying

Many people spend several months in an apartment while deciding where to settle permanently.

Having month to month storage nearby means you can move at your own pace instead of rushing everything into one weekend.

What Else Should You Know?

Winters Are Real

It snows. It ices. January averages around 20°F. If you're coming from a warmer climate, prepare for winter gear and snow removal.

Summers Get Humid

July and August regularly reach 90°F with noticeable humidity. Most homes have air conditioning, though some older properties may not.

You'll Need a Car

Public transportation exists, but Northwest Des Moines is largely car dependent. Driving is simply part of daily life.

The Community Is Friendly

Des Moines isn't a small town, but people are welcoming. It may take a little time to know your neighbors, but the community is active and growing.

Shopping & Dining

Merle Hay Road offers nearly every major grocery chain. Downtown has excellent restaurants, while Ankeny covers just about everything else you'll need.

Making Your Move Easier

Suggested Timeline

6 to 8 Weeks Before

Research neighborhoods and begin your housing search.

4 to 6 Weeks Before

Finalize offers and prepare for closing.

2 to 3 Weeks Before

Begin packing.

1 Week Before

Deep clean your current home and confirm movers or your rental truck.

Moving Day

Load, move, and settle into your new place.

First Month

Unpack, organize, and start feeling at home.

Move In Essentials

Have toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, bedding, basic kitchen supplies, phone chargers, your USPS address change, and all utilities activated before moving day.

Storage During Your Move

If you're moving during an overlap period or simply need extra space, consider:

Making Northwest Des Moines Feel Like Home

It takes time. Three months in, you'll know where to get coffee. Six months in, you'll have a favorite restaurant. A year in, you'll wonder why you didn't move sooner.

Join neighborhood Facebook groups. Visit the Downtown Farmers' Market during the summer. Spend time at Jester Park. Explore local restaurants. Drive around on weekends and get familiar with the area.

Northwest Des Moines is growing because it's a great place to live. You made a solid choice. The move is the hard part. After that, you'll settle in quickly.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you're moving to Northwest Des Moines and need storage, whether it's for a few weeks during your transition or longer while you figure out what fits in your new place, call b.Mac's Self Storage. We're located right in Northwest Des Moines, so you're storing close to where you'll be living. Month to month, flexible, and easy access.

Everything else about moving you'll figure out. At least the storage part is solved.