Des Moines Apartments and Rentals

Apartments and rentals are available through the many neighborhoods that make up Des Moines, IA, which has been recognized as one of the most attractive metro areas in the country. Des Moines in the capitol of Iowa. It's population is just over 200,000, while the entire metro area has a population of more than 560,000. It's a bustling city that offers much promise for residents and newcomers alike.

Des Moines was founded in 1843 as a fort for the U.S. Government at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The government also selected the name Fort Des Moines. Sometime after the fort was abandoned in 1846, settlers arrived in the area. The city was incorporated in 1851, and the name shortened in 1857. Like many early cities, the first population boom followed the arrival of the railroad in 1866. Mining had begun in 1864, and was the city's economic driver until just after the turn of the century. Growth continued steadily and the economy became more diverse. The city's population hit 208,000 in 1960 and has remained near that a level since, with much of the area's subsequent growth shifting to suburbs outside the city.

In some ways modern Des Moines has kept a low profile, steadily evolving into a big city while hanging onto its small town feel. But in recent years, the spotlight has begun shining on this Midwest metropolis. As you learn more about Des Moines, it's easy to see why it has garnered so much attention from national publications. Time and again it has been recognized as a terrific place to live. Its accolades in recent years include being named the No. 1 Best Place to Raise a Family by Forbes; No. 6 on the Best Cities to Move to in America list from Bestplaces.net, No. 14 on the Most Attractive Metros by Area Development, Greenest City by Self Magazine, and so many more. People from around the country are discovering this urban oasis in the country's heartland and making it their new home.

Popular neighborhoods in Des Moines include: East Des Moines, Woodland Heights, Greater South Side, Southwestern Hills, Northwest Des Moines and Downtown.

For three years in a row, Des Moines has been in the top five on the Forbes list of the "Best Cities for Business and Careers." It took the top spot in 2010, the second spot in 2011 and was fourth in 2012. According to Forbes, it considers 12 metrics relating to job growth, as well as quality of life issues like crime rates, cultural and recreational opportunities. Also in 2012, Forbes ranked Des Moines No. 37 in cost of doing business; No. 35 in job growth; and No. 54 in education. In 2011, it was the No. 1 city for young professionals, again according to Forbes. Top employment sectors in the city are insurance, finance, health care and publishing.

Des Moines has number of institutions of higher learning for those who want to further their education. Des Moines Area Community College has a number of campuses in Des Moines and surrounding communities. Its programs focus on computing, nursing and vocational training. Drake University and Grand View University, both private four-year colleges, have their main campuses in Des Moines. Three other private colleges also offer classes in the city: Simpson College, Upper Iowa University and William Penn University.

Des Moines has a cost of living that is about 15% below the national average, ensuring that you will get a lot more for your buck here than in many other cities. One bedroom apartments start at about $500 monthly, with a wide selection available in the $600 range. Two bedroom rentals start at about $600, although $700 to $750 is more common.

As the state capital and the largest city in Iowa, Des Moines offers an enticing array of cultural attractions, historic sites and entertainment venues. The city has a ballet, opera company and symphony orchestra. For the arts, there's the Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Hoyt Sherman Place. For concerts, theirs Wells Fargo Arena and the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater. Des Moines has its share of historical venues, the most spectacular being the Iowa State Capitol. Constructed between 1871 and 1886, it is the only five-doomed capitol in the country. It is surrounded by a number of monuments and memorials. The State of Iowa Historical Museum close by the capitol has exhibits on all aspects of Iowa's past. Family friendly attractions include the Science Center, Des Moines Botanical Center, Blank Park Zoo, an amusement park, and so much more.

Plus, you've got a city full of restaurants for all budgets and tastes, shopping malls, and plenty of parks and green spaces for enjoying the outdoors.

More than a dozen festivals and other special events are held in Des Moines during a typical year. The Iowa State Fair is held for 10 days it August. It features one of the world's largest livestock shows, fair food, entertainment and contests. It was the inspiration for the novel "State Fair" and was listed in the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die."

Des Moines Renaissance Faire in September lets visitors travel back in time to the era of knights and royalty. The faire includes demonstrations from glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers and painters. And the Brewfest in downtown Des Moines features more than 400 varieties of beers from 125 brewers. These beers include specialty offerings from around the state, the country and world.

If you are looking to rent in Des Moines, IA, you can search for rental properties, including apartments and homes at Rent.com®.