Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA (1,248 Rentals)

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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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Des Moines Overview

It’s likely that you only really hear about Des Moines every four years when the presidential caucuses kick off in this city. But that’s only part of the great culture and history of Des Moines. It’s over 150 years old and in that time has grown to be a Midwestern hub of culture and commerce. If you’re in the insurance industry, Des Moines is the absolute best place to live as it is the home of several large insurance companies. Des Moines isn’t just for insurance people, though, it’s a city that keeps growing, and it’s even been attracting more and more young people. If you’re looking for apartments in Des Moines, this must be an exciting time in your life because Des Moines is a great (not to mention inexpensive) place to live.

What is the history of Des Moines?

Des Moines started out as Fort Des Moines, a settlement created to control local Native American tribes. In 1846, the fort was abandoned and soon reoccupied by settlers. Des Moines became Iowa’s capitol in 1857, but the city didn’t really start to grow until a railroad link helped it explode in both importance and size. By 1880, Des Moines had become the largest city in Iowa and has maintained that status ever since, despite the fact it has suffered several destructive floods.

How is the weather in Des Moines?

The city of Des Moines enjoys typical Midwest weather—cold, snow-filled winters and hot, humid summers. Due to the humidity, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. It cools down a bit in the fall when you can enjoy the bright foliage, and it cools down even more in the winters, with temperatures dipping below 0°F quite often. Snowfall can be heavy but averages out at about 32 inches per season, the city is no stranger to this kind of weather, though, so it’s well-equipped to handle the snow.

How do I get around town?

If you love to walk, you’ll love Des Moines. With over four miles of enclosed pedestrian routes, it boasts one of the most extensive skywalk systems in the country. But if you’re not a huge walker, there are many other ways for you to get around Des Moines. The city has a public transport system called DART (short for Des Moines Area Regional Transit) that consists of buses that travel within the city, as well as out to the suburbs. You’re also completely able to travel under the power of your own car. And if you’re looking to travel and get out of Des Moines, look no further than the Des Moines International Airport which can take you directly to a number of locations inside the United States.

What is the Des Moines commute like?

There are three interstate highways that can be used to travel into Des Moines. I-235 cuts right through the center of the city, while I-35 and I-80 converge and pass more indirectly through the metropolitan area. The system is very traveler-friendly, as anyone who misses an exit to change interstates at one end of the city will simply end up at the convergence of the same interstates at the other end. The average commute time is quite low at just over 19 minutes.

What are the local media outlets?

The main daily Des Moines newspaper is The Des Moines Register. There are several other popular newspapers that publish weekly. Many television stations serve Des Moines, including CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, and PBS affiliates. The most popular radio station in the area is WHO 1040 am, a news station owned by iHeartMedia.

Why live in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines is a constantly underrated city. It’s not the most talked about city, but it sure has a lot going on! It’s the home of several professional minor league sports teams, including the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. Des Moines is also a smart city. It has an impressive public school system and houses five colleges and universities. Iowa’s work force, including that of Des Moines, ranks as one of the best educated in the country due to its 80% high school graduation rate. Des Moines’ real claim to fame is its importance in the presidential election, many candidates set up campaign offices here due to its position as the site of the first caucuses.

What Des Moines landmarks should I see?

Des Moines is home to a lot of history and culture. The Iowa State Capitol building is a common attraction, as it’s one of only two state capitols that feature five domes. Another significant landmark is the Salisbury House and Gardens, which has a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a historic estate built in the 1920s that features 42 rooms, authentic 16th-century English oak, and an impressive collection of international art and other artifacts.

What is there to do around Des Moines?

When you live in apartments in Des Moines, you quickly become attached to its unique city life and all the things it has to keep you busy. Catch a concert or hockey game at the Wells Fargo Arena or enjoy a musical at the Des Moines Civic Center. Get your fill of nature at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and take a look at the exotic animals at the Blank Park Zoo. Des Moines truly has something for everyone.

Any annual festivals or Des Moines events to know?

One of the biggest attractions for Des Moines is the Iowa State Fair, which is perhaps best known for its butter cow and other butter sculptures. Des Moines is also home to the Des Moines Arts Festival every June. For three days, over 200,000 people gather in Western Gateway Park to enjoy visual, performance, musical, and interactive art.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

The nearby city of Altoona is a great vacation spot. It houses Adventureland Park, an amusement park with over a hundred rides and attractions, and Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. You can also check out historical sites, Sioux City, and the Missouri River on the legendary Lewis and Clark Trail.

Where is the best place to move in Des Moines?

If you’re looking for apartments in Des Moines, odds are you’ll be looking at places in the suburbs, too, which only multiplies your opportunities. Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines are all great suburbs for apartment living. But if you do want to live right in the city, you’ll be happy to hear that housing in the downtown area is growing. East Village is especially nice, and is made up of an interesting mix of historic buildings and hip new restaurants and stores. To match this eclectic blend, the downtown area offers a growing diversity of housing options that are bound to satisfy your needs and interests. But the best thing about living in Des Moines is that the cost of living is far below the nation’s average. Not only will you be living in one of the coolest cities in America, but you’ll also be saving money.

French for the "City of Monks," Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in Iowa, and a wonderful place to call home. Being an area of the country that is rich with business and industry, the city has a draw for new residents from not only the Midwest, but also beyond. No matter where you are moving from the options of listings for Des Moines apartments for rent are both plentiful in areas all over the Des Moines area, which ensures that even the most discriminating of renter is sure to find an ideal new place to reside.

As your go-to guru apartment search experts, it's our goal to help you help find your next apartment with ease using our vast selection of listings for apartments in Des Moines with all of the pictures, prices, floorplan and community information that you need to find the best place. With listings ranging from unique, luxury apartments to multiple bedroom apartments fit for a family, you can find the place that fits you perfectly using the Des Moines Apartment Living Guide here at ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

Once you have moved in to your new place, a key to getting the most out of the apartment lifestyle is to know the best places to get out of your apartment in Des Moines and enjoy. Adventure awaits all over the city from great shopping all over the city to an array of culinary hot spots like 801 Steak & Chop House, Azalea Restaurant and Sam & Gabe's Italian Bistro. Pretty much any foodie can get a great bite to eat minutes from their apartment in most areas and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Then after a bite, you can head out for dancing, music and drinks at a number of fantastic night clubs and bars found throughout town.

So whether you're considering a move to Iowa or are a native resident eager to get a new 'lease' on life, search from our vast assortment of Des Moines apartments for rent at ApartmentHomeLiving.com and connect with your new home today!

Des Moines, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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Getting Around Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

45 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines

How much are Studio apartments in Des Moines?

There are currently 238 Studio Apartments in Des Moines with rent ranges from $550 to $2,278 with an average price of $1,047.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Des Moines Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Des Moines ranges from $565 to $2,880 with an average monthly rent of $1,207.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Des Moines cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Des Moines range from $660 to $3,451. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,318.

How expensive are Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 189 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Des Moines on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $660 to $3,830 - averaging $1,637 for the location.

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.

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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.

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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.