55+ Communities in Des Moines Area | Active Adult Lifestyle

Most people think of politics when they think of Des Moines as the city is the site of the first caucuses in presidential election years, however the Des Moines area is so much more than politics. The area contains a medium size city with comfortable suburbs and charming small towns and rural areas. The city of Des Moines has been consistently listed on U.S. News & World Report in their best places to live report. The lower cost of living in the area assists retirees who are on a budget and there are a variety of 55+ communities to choose from.

Des Moines Area Cost of Living

The Des Moines area has a cost of living that is about 9% less than most of the country. Some locations in the metro area have lower housing and medical costs which is the biggest factor in the overall lower cost of living.

Taxes in Iowa are currently higher than many parts of the country although income and inheritance taxes are gradually being lowered. Currently Iowa's income taxes range from 0.33 percent to 8.53 percent. Starting this year all retirement income will be tax exempt. Sales tax in Iowa is about average but property taxes are the 10th highest in the nation.

Active adult retirement communities in the Des Moines area are located either in a western suburb or north in the area between the cities of Des Moines and Ames. Prices vary by location but in general a retiree can expect prices to be between the mid $100s and mid $600s with slightly higher prices near West Des Moines.

Des Moines Area Climate

Summers in the Des Moines area are hot and humid with temperatures ranging from mid 80 to high 90 degrees with 80 percent humidity. Winter temperatures range from mid-teens to low 20s but temperatures below zero are common. Annual snowfall ranges from 20 to 35+ inches.

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment Near Des Moines Area

There are a variety of activities for visitors and residents alike to enjoy in the area. Some area favorites for 55+ active adults and their families include:

Golf Near Des Moines

Coldwater Golf Links in Ames
Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk
Homewood Municipal Golf Course in Ames
Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny
Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames

Visual and Performing Arts Near Des Moines

Ankeny Community Theatre
Brunnier Art Museum in Ames
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Civic Center
Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames

Museums & Historical Sites Near Des Moines

Ames History Museum
Ankeny Area Historical Society
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston
Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines
State Historical Building in Des Moines

Outdoor Recreation Near Des Moines

Arie den Boer Arboretum in Des Moines
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Ledges State Park in Madrid
Reiman Gardens in Ames in Des Moines
Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines

Other Activities Near Des Moines

Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines
Jasper Winery in Des Moines
Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines
Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona
Prairie Moon Winery in Ames

Des Moines Area Health Care

The three most prominent hospitals in the the Des Moines area are:

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Centre, an 875 bed hospital with a Level II trauma center.
UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines is a 370 bed hospital and is one of the two Level I trauma centers in the state.
Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames is a 220 bed hospital with a Level III trauma center.

Des Moines Area Cost of Living

Des Moines Area Climate