Des Moines Area 55+ Retirement Communities
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.