Need advice on where to live in Des Moines area (best towns, lofts)

[hall230]

My boyfriend and I are 32 and most likely moving to the Des Moines area from Detroit in the next few months. We are a young couple with a dog and looking for what would be the best towns in the area for us to look into moving to. We don't have kids so schools are not a factor. I will be working downtown so I don't want a ridiculous drive to and from work. What are some of the trendier neighborhoods or towns in ther Des Moines area?

[capitalcityguy]

Trendier areas that are close to downtown: Sherman Hill neighborhood, Ingersoll Avenue area, areas north and west of Drake U. would be some you'll want to look at.

[mustang84]

If you're interested in downtown living, there are also plenty of loft-style residences along the riverfront and near Court Avenue. Vine Street Lofts, White Line Lofts, and Water Street Brownstones are names I can think of off the top of my head. There is also a warehouse-loft conversion near the baseball stadium that has a water tower on top (forgot the name). I used to work in a building on Court Avenue and that area has really become active over the last five years with a decent amount of nightlife. The East Village (other side of the river) is also a recommended place to look; just as trendy, but slightly quieter than Court Ave. on weekends.