West Des Moines, IA Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to West Des Moines

A suburb of Des Moines, IA, West Des Moines stands out as a beacon of prosperity and modern living. This area perfectly encapsulates the charm of suburban life while offering the perks of urban living. The neighborhood seamlessly blends historic elements with contemporary expansions, creating a dynamic environment that caters to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. From the quaint streets of Historic Valley Junction to the sleek developments in newer areas, West Des Moines offers a unique suburban experience that is both enriching and convenient.

What to Love

Historic Charm and Modern Flair: The duality of Historic Valley Junction and the sleek, new expansions around the suburb.
Bustling Activity: There is never a dull moment here, with a plethora of activities and events to engage in.
Convenience: Everything you need is just around the corner, making daily errands a breeze.
Culinary Diversity: From cozy cafes to high-end restaurants, the food scene is varied and delicious.

Local Lifestyle

The lifestyle in West Des Moines is characterized by a mix of leisure and energetic vibrancy. Residents enjoy the convenience of having everything within close proximity—whether it's shopping, dining, or entertainment. The community is actively engaged, participating in local events and supporting a variety of local businesses. The blend of historic sites and modern amenities provides an eclectic vibe that appeals to both young professionals and families alike, making it a perfect place for those who appreciate a bustling yet comfortable way of life.

Dining and Shopping

Dining in West Des Moines is a delightful experience, with options ranging from the charming Early Bird café, known for its breakfast and brunch offerings, to the sophisticated ambiance at Irina's, which serves up a fusion of American and European cuisines. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the unique flavors at Hana Ramen or enjoy a fine dining experience at Anna Dolce, where Italian cuisine meets modern luxury. For those who love a good waterfront view, the Waterfront Seafood Market offers fresh catches and a scenic dining experience.

Shopping in West Des Moines is just as thrilling as its dining scene. The Jordan Creek Town Center is a central hub for both local shoppers and visitors, featuring a range of high-end retail stores and boutiques. West Glen Town Center offers another upscale shopping experience with a blend of national brands and unique local finds. The historic Valley Junction adds to the shopping experience with its antique shops, art galleries, and seasonal farmers market, providing a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Things to Do

For entertainment, the Val Air Ballroom stands out as a historic venue that hosts a variety of concerts and events, providing a splendid mix of cultural activities. The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater is another fantastic venue for outdoor concerts and community gatherings, set in a picturesque location that enhances any event. Additionally, West Des Moines is home to the MidAmerican RecPlex, a state-of-the-art facility for sports and recreation, including ice sports and indoor soccer, making it a popular destination for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities at Raccoon River Park, which offers extensive trails, a beautiful lake for fishing and boating, and a beach area for summer relaxation. The park is a perfect escape into nature without leaving the suburban comfort of West Des Moines.

Overview for West Des Moines, IA

67,640 people live in West Des Moines, where the median age is 36.1 and the average individual income is $49,286. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

67,640

Total Population

36.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$49,286

Average individual Income

Around West Des Moines, IA

There's plenty to do around West Des Moines, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

20

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

24

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Midwest Acupuncture Clinic, Prime Nutrition, and La Michoacana Grocery & Catering.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Midwest Acupuncture Clinic page on Yelp Search 2687 100th St on Google Maps	Dining	4.73 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Prime Nutrition page on Yelp Search 720 S 68th St on Google Maps	Dining	1.05 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the La Michoacana Grocery & Catering page on Yelp Search 433 5th St on Google Maps	Dining · $	4.03 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Monarca Gourmet Paletas page on Yelp Search 9901 University Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.62 miles	103 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the SweetDude Coffee & Café page on Yelp Search 9763 University Ave on Google Maps	Dining	3.69 miles	28 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Iowa Distilling Company page on Yelp Search 4349 Cumming Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	4.88 miles	18 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Ashworth Snow page on Yelp Search 5300 Ashworth Rd on Google Maps	Dining · $	2.19 miles	12 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Active Endeavors page on Yelp Search 4520 University Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	3.26 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mr B Clothing page on Yelp Search 1995 NW 86th St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.64 miles	7 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Krave Gym - West Des Moines page on Yelp Search 5010 Ep True Pkwy on Google Maps	Active	1.35 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Walnut Woods State Park page on Yelp Search 3155 Walnut Woods Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.03 miles	9 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the West Des Moines Barbershop page on Yelp Search 920 Grand Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.95 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Soleil Tan Spa page on Yelp Search 5435 Mills Civic Pkwy on Google Maps	Beauty	0.52 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Prysm Jewelry & Piercing page on Yelp Search 13101 University Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.46 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Milan Laser Hair Removal page on Yelp Search 10201 University Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.56 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Emberglow Custom Spray Tanning page on Yelp Search 10079 Hickman Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	4.48 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for West Des Moines, IA

Population Households Employment

West Des Moines has 30,775 households, with an average household size of 2.19. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in West Des Moines do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 67,640 people call West Des Moines home. The population density is 1,431.92 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

67,640

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

36.1

Median Age

50.34 / 49.66%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

30,775

Total Households

2.19

Average Household Size

$49,286

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in West Des Moines, IA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby West Des Moines. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name