Des Moines Apartments and Rentals

The mainly residential community of Des Moines is nestled perfectly between Seattle and Tacoma, offering all the amenities one could need. The narrow city stretches just over 6 miles long and 2 miles wide, spanning more than 4,000 acres. Des Moines is the 12th largest city in King County that offers six miles of shoreline, including public beaches, natural areas, waterfront parks, a 900-slip marina and beautiful boardwalk.

The city’s downtown area, or Marina District features an array of homes, new business opportunities and officials are working everyday to make sure the area remains a beautiful home and tourist attraction. Des Moines apartments for rent are a safe and secure solution for anyone looking to raise a family or pursue a career. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Des Moines has remained fairly stagnant since 1990 except for a spike in 200. Today more than 30,000 people consider Des Moines home.

If Native American tribes didn’t settle in Des Moines, history proves the Duwamish and Muckleshoot Indian tribes at least came to the area for fishing and clamming. The first settlers confirmed in the area were Europeans in 1792 during the exploration of British naval Captain George Vancouver on the HMS Discovery. Americans didn’t come to the area until sometime between 1838 and 1842 when the Charles Wilkes' United States Exploring Expedition arrived in the region. John Moore, who was likely to arrive in 1867, was the first known settler to the area.

As the first road wasn’t constructed until May 1916, transportation was primarily by water. In the same year, the first ferry service across the Puget Sound began on November 13 and continued until 1921. Before World War II, the community was fueled by a prosperous farming community, but afterwards the town turned into a suburb as more people came to the area. On June 17, 1959, Des Moines was officially incorporated.

Today, Des Moines history lives on in its small boat marina, which opened in 1970. The fishing piers and boardwalk are some of the most valued attractions in town.

College students living in apartments for rent in Des Moines, WA, have easy access to two of the area’s top universities. Central Washington University's Des Moines campus and Highline Community College are both located in the city limits, and since the city isn’t far from Seattle or Tacoma it is just a quick commute for students to travel to a school in either city. Many residents of Des Moines also travel to either city for work as Seattle is about 15 miles away, and Tacoma is 20 miles.

Living in Des Moines offers the best of three worlds, with its close proximity to two major metropolises and its small town feel. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living in Des Moines is 13 points higher than the national average and food is 10 points higher. However, because of the generally mild climate of the Pacific Northwest, utilities are 7 points lower than the national average.

Depending on the location of rentals in Des Moines, the rent varies. Of course, someone looking for a property close to the water may see a higher rental price than someone looking in South Des Moines or Woodmont East. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of an apartment is $918.

Residents of Des Moines have plenty of options for family fun all year long. During the summer months, the Beach Park Summer Concert Series goes on once a week for a unique experience in the city. Des Moines has holiday-themed events such as the Halloween Carnival, an Easter egg hunt and Bon Fire and Argosy Christmas Ship. The annual Christmas event allows residents to enjoy music, a decorated shop and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Des Moines, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.