Why I Chose to Live and Build My Career in Downtown Des Moines

During my time at Iowa State, I was fortunate to land a tech internship at Principal in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). I learned a lot, made great friends and quickly realized I wanted to work there full-time. When it came time to graduate, I had a big decision to make about where to live. Throughout college, I lived in the middle of everything — I could walk or take the bus to work, class, restaurants and bars. I didn’t want to lose that convenience, and Downtown DSM offered the perfect transition. I made the move and have never looked back.

My Role at Principal and Community Involvement

At Principal, I work in our retirement division as a Product Manager. One of the best parts of working at Principal is how involved the company is in the community. Principal sponsors major annual events like the World Food & Music Festival, Des Moines Arts Festival, CelebrAsian, PrideFest and the Latino Heritage Festival. Employees are encouraged to volunteer — whether it’s helping to set up, tear down or work the events — and I’ve always found these opportunities to be incredibly rewarding.

Getting Involved with the Downtown Neighborhood Association

I’ve always had a strong interest in city government and community development. I believe Downtown DSM thrives when we focus on walkability, bikeability and strong public transit. Being involved with the Downtown Neighborhood Association allows me to advocate for these priorities while connecting with my neighbors. It’s a great way to help shape our community’s future and make a positive impact.

How My Past Experiences Shaped My Life in DSM

Two major experiences shaped my approach to living and working in Downtown DSM. First, growing up in a small Iowa town and on a farm gave me an appreciation for a tight-knit community and getting involved locally. I discovered my passion for local government by helping plan our town’s annual celebration, and I wanted that same sense of connection in Downtown DSM.

Photo Caption: Momentum DSM advocates for safer streets, better public transportation and abundant housing

Second, my time at Iowa State showed me the value of alternative transportation. Being able to walk, bike or take public transit everywhere made life easier and more enjoyable. I wanted to continue that lifestyle, and Downtown DSM has made it possible with its walkability, extensive bike trails and reliable public transit through Des Moines Area Transit Authority (DART).

Volunteering in Downtown Des Moines

I enjoy one-off volunteering for events like the festivals mentioned earlier, as well as participating in city cleanups organized by Urban Ambassadors and Des Moines Parks and Recreation, or tree planting with Trees Forever. However, my main commitment is serving on the board for the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus. I joined in 2024 because I believe in its compassionate model for helping individuals transition into permanent housing. Everyone deserves a place to call home, and I’m proud to support this initiative.

Photo Caption: With Principal friends planting a tree with Trees Forever

I also serve as an alternate board member for the DART Transit Advisory Committee. Public transit is a vital part of any thriving city, and Downtown DSM has the best connectivity to almost every route. Expanding and improving the system is important to me, as I want others to experience the convenience of going car-free for errands, dining and entertainment.

Photo Caption: Trash Bash with Des Moines Parks and Recreation

What My Fiancé and I Love About Downtown Des Moines

The biggest advantage of living in Downtown DSM is walkability. We can do grocery shopping, run errands and enjoy nationally touring concerts, sporting events, bars and restaurants — all within a short walk or bike ride.

For sports, we love heading to Principal Park to watch the Iowa Cubs from the bleacher seats in the summer (great for groups to spread out!) and catch the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena in the winter. Festival-wise, the World Food & Music Festival in Western Gateway Park is a highlight — it’s an inexpensive way to experience cuisines from around the world. And, of course, Capital City Pride in the Historic East Village is a must-attend event.

When it comes to food and drinks, we have endless options depending on our mood. Some of our favorites include:

• Happy Hours: Django, Alba
• Sports Bar: Johnny’s Hall of Fame
• Budget-Friendly Fridays: Up-Down (cheap slices and free tokens!)
• Comfort Food: Pho Real Kitchen + Bar, JJ Jasmine Thai Cuisine
• Sushi: Akebono 515
• Dive Bars: Carl’s Place, Ernie’s Boondock, Shorty’s
• Patio: Ceviche
• Best British Fare: The Royal Mile (fish & chips)
• Burgers: Clyde’s Fine Diner (smashburger)
• Workday Lunch: Local Bites
• Coffee Shops: Northern Vessel
• Craft Beer: Confluence

Beyond food, we love attending hot yoga at Power Life, catching emo night concerts at Wooly’s, jazz at Noce and shopping in the Historic East Village. Our favorite park is Gray’s Lake — spending a day at the beach there is the best. And nothing beats grabbing food truck tacos and having a picnic on the Iowa State Capitol lawn and watching the sunset.

Photo Caption: David Jennings and fiancé, Miranda, volunteering at 80-35.

One of the most exciting things about Downtown DSM is that it’s always evolving. The Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON) project is shaping up to be a premier outdoor recreation attraction, and hundreds of new apartments are coming online in the next few years. There are always new game rooms, restaurants and bars popping up. Watching the development firsthand is incredibly exciting.

Looking Ahead to 2025

I’m especially excited to continue planning more neighborhood activities with the Downtown Neighborhood Association. In 2025, we’re expanding our “Social & Learn” series, where we host happy hours with local experts to discuss city operations. Previous sessions have included leaders from the Iowa Cubs, Wells Fargo Arena, Catch Des Moines, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, Polk County Conservation and ICON Water Trails. Additionally, we’re working on hosting a block party to celebrate everything that makes this neighborhood special.

Advice for Anyone Considering Downtown DSM

You get out of living downtown what you put into it. There are so many things happening here, but they’re not always immediately obvious. Subscribe to newsletters, explore the city on foot or by bike, join a club or a rec/competitive sports team and get to know your neighborhood.

Also — get a bike! I tell everyone that you underutilize Downtown DSM if you don’t have one. We have some of the best bike trails in the nation, and biking is a great way to explore the city sustainably while reducing dependence on a car. Our trails not only connect some of our great neighborhoods like Downtown DSM to Beaverdale, but also to further Greater Des Moines (DSM) cities like Cumming and Polk City.

Living and working in Downtown DSM has been an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our growing, vibrant community.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.