Is Downtown Des Moines the GOAT for Older Americans?

I’ve called Des Moines home for the last 20 years and never cease to be impressed with the ways Downtown Des Moines (DSM) continues to grow and attract residents of all ages. Young people impressed by the bar scene and living next to the largest skatepark in the nation are not the only ones who want to live in Downtown Des Moines. I often hear from older Iowans that the amenities and lifestyle of downtown living have turned out to be the perfect fit for enjoying retirement and later life on their own terms.

So why is Downtown Des Moines the perfect neighborhood for older Iowans to retire, explore and call home? As AARP’s Livability Index shows, the proof is in the pudding.

AARP’s Livability Index is an online tool that scores communities around the country on how well they meet the needs of their residents. A city or neighborhood’s overall score (scaled from 1 – 100) is determined by its performance across seven vital factors for people aged 50-plus: housing, transportation, neighborhood, environment, health, engagement and opportunity.

AARP scored the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood at a whopping 68, putting it 16 points higher than the average neighborhood on its overall livability for older Iowans. This score is also higher than that of many surrounding Midwestern cities, with Kansas City at 55, Chicago at 56 and Omaha at 57.

Why, then, does Downtown Des Moines rank so high? The answer lies in its affordability and accessible housing, the safety and security of its transportation, and its endless opportunities for entertainment and social connection.

Housing

Housing options in Downtown Des Moines are popular, affordable and accessible. According to recent data from Apartments.com, the downtown neighborhood has the largest number and variety of homes available in Des Moines, and there are plenty of options for families of all sizes.

The average rent for an apartment in Downtown Des Moines’ is around $1,300 per month, which is cheaper than the national average rent of $1,517 per month. Additionally, apartments downtown tend to be on the more spacious side of Des Moines’ offerings, with an average size of 735 square feet.

Beyond apartments, AARP has found that the houses available downtown have some of the lowest housing cost burdens in the country. This means that the percentage of income residents devote to their monthly housing costs is extremely low — an important factor to consider for older Iowans on a fixed income.

Another important factor is the accessibility of housing options. Over half of the homes in Downtown Des Moines have zero-step entrances, meaning there are plenty of comfortable options for folks who want to avoid stairs. Many of the apartment complexes downtown even have special units available with accessible features such as wide doorways, roll-in showers and low countertops.

Also, if you want to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (aka ADU, carriage house, Fonzie Flat) in your backyard to keep your loved ones nearby, it’s easy to do thanks to an AARP-backed ordinance recently passed by City Hall.

Transportation

Downtown Des Moines also receives high marks from AARP for its safe streets and walkability, as well as the frequency of its public transportation. According to Walkscore.com, Downtown Des Moines is the most walkable neighborhood in Iowa, making it easier for people of all abilities to access what the city has to offer.

I’m writing this from our AARP office in Downtown Des Moines. I walked to meet someone for coffee this morning, around the corner lunch is within walking distance, the Iowa State Capitol is a few blocks away and eventually I’ll walk to get new running shoes at the corner fitness store. Whether you’re looking to run errands, grab a coffee or get some exercise, it can be accomplished without needing a car in Downtown Des Moines. The sidewalks are wide and plentiful, many of them lined with unique public art or historic architecture to enjoy — take a sidewalk tour with Iowa Architectural Foundation on Friday!. Additionally, there are five grocery stores/markets, a weekly farmers’ market from May through October, 13 parks and a library — all within walking distance of downtown.

 

The “Skywalk” system adds an extra benefit to the city’s walkability. The Skywalk is 4.2 miles of indoor sidewalks, connecting 55 buildings and 12 parking ramps throughout Downtown Des Moines. Hot or cold, rain or shine, you can count on a safe and comfortable walk to appointments, stores and restaurants.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus system offers a reliable and safe way to navigate the region. DART’s weekday service boasts frequencies ranging from 15-20 minutes on the high-traffic routes in the downtown neighborhood.

In terms of accessibility, Downtown Des Moines once again earns high marks in the transportation category. Sixty-five percent of bus stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Also worth mentioning, downtown is conveniently located near several major medical centers, ensuring top-notch healthcare is always nearby.

Community & Entertainment

The last category of livability where Downtown Des Moines ranks well for older populations is in high community engagement. Des Moines is a big city with a small-town feel, meaning there are endless opportunities to find entertainment and connection within the community. A wide variety of restaurants and shops — many of which are local small businesses — abound in Downtown Des Moines.

For those looking to remain active, downtown has many opportunities for exercise beyond its walkable streets. On the south side of Downtown Des Moines, Gray’s Lake Park has a 2-mile paved trail perfect for running, biking or a leisurely stroll. In the summer months, you can also swim in the lake, rent paddleboats and kayaks or take a free yoga class near the beach.

Additionally, Fleet Feet — a running apparel store — coordinates free walking clubs that cater specifically to retirees, allowing you to explore different parts of the region and meet new people.

For lovers of art and music, the streets of Des Moines’ Downtown are full of murals, sidewalk art and sculptures, including the world-renowned sculptures featured in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The Des Moines Civic Center is another hub for fine arts and entertainment. The Civic Center hosts several unique events each week: touring Broadway musicals, Des Moines Symphony concerts, stand-up comedy shows and more. You can also take advantage of Downtown Des Moines’ sports scene, from minor league baseball with the Iowa Cubs to Iowa Wolves basketball and Iowa Wild hockey.

Photo Credit: Iowa Cubs, Dylan Heuer and Ginnie Coleman

I encourage anyone considering relocating in retirement to come to Downtown Des Moines for a weekend. You will quickly see why countless national reporters here for the Iowa Caucuses, or Olympic skateboarders here for the Dew Tour, are surprised by everything Des Moines has to offer.

“It’s a hidden gem,” say many. I say it’s the greatest of all time (GOAT).

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.