Questions about moving to Des Moines (Cedar Rapids, West Des Moines: to rent, house, job market)

[kristyandjosh]

We are thinking of moving to Des Moines. We live in Cedar Rapids right now. I am wondering what areas are good to rent a house what is rent like for a 3 or 4 bedroom house? What kind of jobs are here? What is the jobs situations there? We are a biracial family of black and white people. How is the race there? How are the schools for elementary students?

[CrazyHorsePete]

Hi kristyandjosh,

Hopefully I can help you out a little bit here...

Rent/Utilities/Cost of Living: Should be pretty comparable to what you pay in Cedar Rapids. I would recommend checking out a site such as craigslist for specific properties. My assumption is that you have children, so schools are going to be a factor. I am a transplant with no children, so I'm not qualified to discuss specific school districts here. Do you want to live in the city of Des Moines or one of the suburbs?

Jobs: Des Moines has an excellent job market. There are many different types of jobs here, so you shouldn't have trouble finding one. What fields are you interested in?

Race: According to citydata, Des Moines is a bit more diverse than Cedar Rapids. I've never seen nor heard of any major racial tension around here. I don't think you will have any problems as a biracial family.

[kristyandjosh]

Thank you very much in responding.

[MastermindDSM]

If you can give a little background as to what you are looking for I may be able to help you out. I live in West Des Moines.