Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA (118 Rentals)

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property at 7000 Lake Hill Dr

7000 Lake Hill Dr

Des MoinesIA50320
property at 2006 50th St

2006 50th St

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 4044 51st St

4044 51st St

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 3200 E 7th St

3200 E 7th St

Des MoinesIA50316
property at 1020 E Marion St

1020 E Marion St

Des MoinesIA50315
property at 2905 High St

2905 High St

Des MoinesIA50312
property at 1410 32nd St

1410 32nd St

Des MoinesIA50311
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 3

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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Written By:
Amanda Delgado
Local Guide Expert

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Des Moines Overview

Looking for a Midwest city with tons to do, great job opportunities, and beautiful surroundings? You’ll get all that — and more — with a move to Des Moines! The Des Moines River winds through the heart of the city, giving plenty of scenic views. And the city’s thriving downtown area offers lots of entertainment and attractions! Living in Des Moines also means you’re just a few hours away from Kansas City, Omaha, Cedar Rapids, and other Midwest towns and cities for a weekend visit. We’ll take a closer look at what’s driving up demand for Des Moines homes for rent — and what life is like here in Niceville USA!

What is the history of Des Moines?

Des Moines started out as Fort Des Moines in the mid-1800s. But it dropped “Fort” from its name and officially became a city in 1857. That’s also the year that Des Moines became the capital of Iowa. A couple of decades later — in 1879 — the world-famous Iowa State Fair moved to the city — and it’s been held here ever since! Des Moines went through rapid growth in the 19th century thanks in large part to coal and the railroad. In the late 1900s, more growth happened, with financial centers and other businesses moving to the area. And Des Moines continues to grow and thrive today!

How is the weather in Des Moines?

Love snowy winters? Des Moines gets a few feet of snow per year, making it a great place for sledding and other winter activities. Average highs during the season are in the 30s, with average lows in the teens. But hot summer weather makes up for that! Des Moines has highs in the 80s during summer and lows in the 60s. You can expect some rainy days this time of year — but plenty of sunny ones, too! Spring and fall have average highs in the 50s and 60s, with average lows in the 40s. Those are great daytime temps for enjoying hiking and other outdoor recreation in Fort Des Moines Park and other places.

How do I get around town?

Where do you plan on looking for Des Moines rental homes? Being in or near the downtown area is most likely your best bet without a car. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) runs several bus routes throughout the city. There’s also a shuttle service you can take that goes through downtown from end to end. Flying somewhere? Des Moines International Airport in the southern part of town offers tons of daily international and domestic flights. There’s no direct Amtrak service in Des Moines — but you can catch a train in nearby Osceola. Or there’s a Greyhound bus station in the northeastern corner of the city.

What is the Des Moines commute like?

Looking for a short commute? You’ll be in luck with Des Moines rentals! Commute times in the city are around 20 minutes or less. Even rush hour traffic isn’t as bad here as it is in other cities.  And it’s easy to get to major roads in the area, like I-35 and I-80. In fact, these roads cross right through the city! What’s the busiest road? That would be I-235 between 42nd and 56th Streets. You might experience slightly longer driving delays if you need to take this route to and from work. But overall, you can still look forward to a quick commute as a Des Moines resident!

Why live in Des Moines, IA?

What’s causing so many people to look for homes for rent in Des Moines? Having a downtown filled with a lot to see and do is one reason! But it’s not the only one. Des Moines also has a small-town feel overall — combined with several big-city amenities. That gives you the best of both worlds! The cost of living is another big advantage. It’s lower than many other cities in the Midwest. And more and more businesses are moving here — bringing major employers to the area in the finance, healthcare, and agricultural industries! You’ll also be close enough for weekend getaways in Chicago, KC, or other big cities.

What Des Moines landmarks should I see?

Des Moines has plenty of historical places to visit and learn more about the area. But which should be on your must-see list? There’s the Iowa State Capitol, dating back to 1886. And Terrace Hill, the governor’s residence, is an official National Historic Landmark. Visit Living History Farms, an open-air museum, to explore Iowa’s agricultural past. Head to the State Historical Museum to see Hollywood in the Heartland and other great exhibits! Enjoy a meal in a Victorian mansion at Aposto. Make plans to see Historic Jordan House, Bennet School Museum, the Swanson House — and more!

What is there to do around Des Moines?

Love animals and nature? See tigers, giraffes, and other animals at Blank Park Zoo. Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden to stroll through beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens! Head to the Des Moines Art Center and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park for contemporary works of art. Stock up on local goods at the farmers’ market in the downtown area. Spend sunny afternoons at Gray’s Lake Park, where you can go boating or biking. And, of course, you can make plans to be at the Iowa State Fair each summer!

Where is the best place to move in Des Moines?

Wondering where to find rental homes in Des Moines that fit your needs? Check out the downtown area or Capitol East for neighborhoods in the heart of the city. These give you easy access to all kinds of amenities, public transportation, and attractions. Drake puts you conveniently close to Drake University. East Village offers historic charm, with tons of older buildings, close access to the Des Moines River — and many other perks! South Park is a neighborhood filled with different housing options and several parks.

Des Moines, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines

What type of rentals are currently available in Des Moines?

There are currently 1251 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $550 to $3,830. There are also 116 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $800 to $3,095.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Des Moines?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Des Moines ranges from $800 to $3,095 with an average monthly rent of $2,105.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Des Moines?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Des Moines range from $660 to $3,830, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,069 to $3,095. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,595 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $630.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs article

Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

decorative image for Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting article

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.