West Des Moines 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Welcome to West Des Moines, Iowa - a charming city located in the heart of the Hawkeye State. This thriving community offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and Midwestern charm. With its friendly residents, beautiful green spaces, and a thriving arts and cultural scene, West Des Moines is a fantastic place to live. You'll enjoy easy access to fantastic restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. From farmers markets to art fairs, there's always something happening here. And with a cost of living that's lower than the national average, you'll be able to enjoy all the perks of living in a city without breaking the bank.

Local resources for visitors and potential residents:

• Catch Des Moines Visitors Guide
• City of West Des Moines
• West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Affordability and Cost of Living 

West Des Moines, IA offers a very affordable cost of living for retirees compared to many other areas of the country. The cost of living is about 11 percent lower than the national average and the median home price in West Des Moines is around $282,300. Groceries and healthcare costs are similar to the national averages but utilities and transportation average costs are lower than the rest of the country.

While income and inheritance taxes in Iowa are gradually being reduced, they are currently higher than in many other parts of the country. Currently Iowa's income taxes range from 0.33 percent to 8.53 percent. All retirement income will be tax-free starting this year. Despite Iowa's low sales tax, it has one of the highest property taxes in the country. Sales tax in Iowa is determined by county, West Des Moines is in Polk County where the average property tax is 1.6 percent of a property's fair market value.

Climate and Geography 

West Des Moines has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can range from the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop to the 20s and 30s. Tornadoes can occur in the area during spring and summer thunderstorms. During the fall season, the city's foliage displays a variety of beautiful colors, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities. 

 West Des Moines is located in the heart of Iowa's beautiful rolling hills and has many lakes and rivers nearby, making it a popular destination for water activities and sports. There are several nearby parks and nature preserves, including Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park, which offer hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. Stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley and vibrant fall colors characterize the region's natural beauty.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

West Des Moines offers a variety of recreational activities and cultural events to explore. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or prefer indoor entertainment, there are options for everyone, local favorites include:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Des Moines Golf and Country Club
• Willow Creek Golf Course
• Raccoon River Park Tennis Courts
• West Des Moines Pickleball Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Raccoon River Park Trail
• Jordan Creek Trail
• Walnut Woods State Park
• Gray's Lake Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Jordan House Museum
• Valley Junction Historical Society Museum
• Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
• Living History Farms

Performing Arts

• Des Moines Performing Arts
• Des Moines Symphony
• Des Moines Community Playhouse
• The Temple Theater

Shopping

• Jordan Creek Town Center
• Valley West Mall
• Historic Valley Junction
• West Glen Town Center

Parks and Gardens

• Raccoon River Park
• Valley View Park
• Ponderosa Park
• Rotary Club Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Iowa State Fair
• West Des Moines Farmers' Market
• CelebrAsian
• Latino Heritage Festival

Health and Wellness 

West Des Moines offers a variety of health and wellness options to its residents, making it a great place for those who are looking to stay healthy and active. The city is home to several major medical centers, including UnityPoint Health - Methodist West Hospital and MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center. Both facilities provide a wide range of services and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible care for their patients.

For those looking to prioritize self-care and fitness, the city has several fitness centers and the West Des Moines Community Center offers a range of fitness classes and activities for people of all ages. There are also several parks and trails, such as Raccoon River Park and the Jordan Creek Trail, which are great for outdoor exercise and recreation. Residents can also enjoy meeting with others for yoga and Zumba sessions, which are offered at different community centers and fitness facilities.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

West Des Moines is a great location to consider for living in a 55+ community. If you're planning a trip to explore the area, here's a suggested 2-day itinerary to get you started.

Day One

Morning: 

• Start your day with breakfast and coffee at Scenic Route Bakery.
• Visit the Salisbury House & Gardens, this historic house museum was modeled after the King's house in Salisbury, England. The 42 room mansion and nine acres of gardens is open for guided tours and special events.

Afternoon: 

• Enjoy lunch at RoCA which serves American cuisine with global influences.
• Visit the Des Moines Art Center to explore their collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe and Edward Hopper.

Evening: 

• Head to Jethro's BBQ for a delicious dinner of slow-smoked meats and classic sides.

Day Two

Morning: 

• Enjoy your morning coffee and pastries at Grounds For Celebration.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about the area and available 55+ communities.

Afternoon: 

• Have lunch at Waterfront Seafood Market, they offer fresh fish, sushi, lobster rolls and fish and chips.
• Spend the afternoon at the Brenton Arboretum, a 143-acre nature preserve with over 2,500 trees and shrubs to explore.

Evening: 

• Finish the day with a dinner at Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio, a local favorite for American cuisine and craft cocktails.

Getting to West Des Moines

Overall, West Des Moines is well-connected and easily accessible through various modes of transportation. Here are directions on how to get there:

Driving: Major highways leading to West Des Moines include I-35, I-80, and I-235.

Flying: The closest major airport is the Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is located approximately 11 miles away from West Des Moines. DSM is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Allegiant Air. The primary hubs for these airlines include Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas.

On the Train: The closest Amtrak train station is located in Osceola, IA, which is approximately 42 miles south of West Des Moines. From there, visitors can take a bus or rental car to get to West Des Moines.

By Bus: Greyhound and Jefferson Lines both offer bus services to Des Moines, which is approximately 8 miles away from West Des Moines. From there, visitors can take a taxi, Uber, or rental car to get to West Des Moines.