DES MOINES
WE LOVE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND WE KNOW YOU WILL TOO!
DES MOINES CAN'T WAIT
Greater Des Moines is a community that invests in itself, that is powered by multi-national corporations and also supports small, locally owned businesses. DSM is a community committed to cultivating an inclusive, equitable environment for people of all backgrounds. In an everchanging world, if you're searching for a great place to live or grow a business this must be the place.
I hope this guide of our city answers any questions you may have about our area.
We are here to help with any of your real estate needs, and we can't wait to have you in our community!
Realtor 515 729 6108 Rachael@RHREteam.com www RHREteam com
RACHAEL HARMS
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LOCAL LIVING
experience a classic Midwestern climate with distinct seasons. Winters bring crisp temperatures and occasional snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Spring welcomes a burst of color with blooming flowers and moderate temperatures. Summers are warm, perfect for outdoor activities, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. This diverse climate offers something for everyone.
T E C O S T O F L I V I N G
In Des Moines, Iowa, the overall cost of living is known for being reasonable, making it an attractive choice for many. Housing costs are notably affordable compared to national averages, allowing for various housing options, including new constructions and custom dream homes.
Additionally, the city offers a range of amenities without the hefty price tags found in larger metropolitan areas. From dining at local restaurants to enjoying cultural events and recreational activities, Des Moines provides a balanced and cost-effective lifestyle
DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION MEDIAN AGE
500,000+
28.2
POPULATION 20-39
NUMBER OF JOBS
POPULATION 0-19 26.9
36.8
POPULATION 40-59 24.8 POPULATION 80+ 3.4
318,000
POPULATION 60-79 16.7
NUMBER OF BUSINESSES
37.2
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT
In Greater Des Moines (DSM), there are numerous international and world-class companies doing something bold, innovative and greater here These businesses are among the top major employers drawing talent within the region and represent DSM’s key industries from insurance and financial services to ag innovation, government, manufacturing, technology and more
TOP 5 PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS
OUR ANNUAL HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
Indianola, Iowa
ANNUAL EVENTS
IOWA STATE FAIR
AUGUST
The ISF is one of the largest in the US. Featuring a wide range of attractions, including carnival rides, ag exhibits, livestock shows, concerts, food, and various competitions
ARTS FESTIVAL
JUNE
celebrates the arts through visual, performing, and interactive experiences . Featuring a wide range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media
80/35
JULY
80/35 features a diverse lineup of musical acts, including both national and local artists, spanning multiple genres The festival aims to showcase both est and emerging talent,
ANNUAL EVENTS
FARMER’S MARKET
SATURDAY AM MAY-OCT.
The market spans several city blocks and features hundreds of vendors offering a wide variety of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, baked goods, crafts, and more
BALLOON FESTIVAL
JULY
Spectators can witness as dozens of balloons take flight simultaneously, as well as evening glows, where balloons are tethered to the ground and illuminated against the night sky
PRINCIPAL CHARITY
CLASSIC
The Principal Charity Classic held in late May - early June is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions circuit held at the prestigious Wakonda Club
LOCAL HEALTH CLINICS
the Des Moines area is served by numerous health clinics and medical centers offering a variety of services Many other independent clinics, specialty centers, and community health organizations also provide valuable healthcare services to residents in and around the metro.
IOWA CLINIC
The Iowa Clinic is a large multi-specialty medical group in the Des Moines area. They offer a wide range of outpatient services, including primary care, specialty care, imaging, laboratory services, and more 1
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Primary Health Care operates several clinics throughout the Des Moines area, providing primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, and more to individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay 2
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BROADLAWNS MEDICAL CENTER
Broadlawns Medical Center operates a network of clinics offering primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health services, and more to residents of Polk County and the surrounding areas
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF DSM
Community Health operates multiple health centers in the Des Moines area, offering comprehensive primary care services, dental care, behavioral health services, and specialty care to patients of all ages. 4
THE FAMOUS WALK ACROSS CAMPUS
EDUCATION
In Greater Des Moines (DSM), education comes first, which is why it's known as one of the top 5 best places in the U.S. for children. From cradle through career, we offer world-class educational opportunities that are accessible to all. Did you know that Iowa consistently ranks in the top five states nationally for statewide average scores on college entry exams? Or that the region alone boasts 17 higher education institutions?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Iowa maintains the highest public high school graduation rate in the nation, 6% above the U.S. average at 92% (2019) The DSM region boasts over a 93% graduation rate (Iowa Department of Education, Class of 2020), and student scores on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams rank among the best in the country.
POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS
DALLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
THINGS TO DO
IN DES MOINES
DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
Des Moines Performing Arts, the Civic Center shows world-class touring performances from ballets and symphonies to Broadway musicalsthere’s something for everyone
BOTANICAL GARDENS
An innovative escape with a mission of exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants The gardens inspires and engages visitors through education, experience, and exploration.
A Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play at Principal Park, which is located in downtown Des Moines I-CUBS
Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa, with over 800 exotic animals and a Discovery Center
BLANK PARK ZOO
THINGS TO DO
IN DES MOINES
CASEY’S CENTER
The Casey’s Center is a multi-purpose arena It serves as a major venue for sports, concerts, and other entertainment events in the region.
TRAILS
The Des Moines area features 800+ miles of an extensive trail system that offers opportunities for walking, running, biking, and enjoying the outdoors
GOLF
DSM features 20+ golf courses ranging from municipal and public courses to private clubs and championship-level courses designed by renowned architects
BREWERIES
The craft beer scene continues to grow, with new breweries and taprooms opening regularly, providing beer lovers with plenty of options to explore and enjoy
SHOPPING
If you're looking for antiques, local art, boutique clothes or trend-setting outfits, visit one of the many shopping districts located in the region. If you're in the heart of the city, visit the Historic East Village in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand. And as you head west, stop by Historic Valley Junction and West Glen Town Center. Just north of Downtown DSM in Ankeny, be sure to check out the Delaware Shopping District and Historic Uptown Ankeny. The Outlets of Des Moines are now open in Altoona.
The region has four malls where you can find national and local stores, boutiques, restaurants and more. Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley West Mall are in West Des Moines. Merle Hay Mall sits in the north-central part of Des Moines, and Southridge Mall is on the southern edge of Des Moines.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION FEATURES A VARIETY OF RETAILERS, BARS, AND RESTAURANTS.
SHOPPING
JORDAN CREEK MALL
Jordan Creek Town Center offers you a retail experience new to the state Explore a new way to shop in this giant lifestyle center that’s filled with a collection of upscale brand names in a park-like atmosphere complete with a lakefront boardwalk and a 20-screen movie theater.
EAST VILLAGE
The East Village is a collection of over 100 shops, services, restaurants, bars and attractions in the heart of downtown Des Moines Located between the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, the East Village is highly-accessible by car, bike, bus, or foot!
OUTLETS OF DES MOINES
Outlets of Des Moines is a truly distinctive shopping destination featuring 50+ outlet stores including some of the best names in fashion. Outlets of Des Moines is conveniently located at the I-80 and US65 interchange.
PLACES TO EAT
Greater Des Moines is the place of foodie flavor Thanks to Iowa’s agricultural roots, DSM USA boasts restaurants offering farm-to-table eats, along with locally-owned restaurants and bars, craft breweries and local wineries
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DJANGO
Django is a comfortable, brasserie-style restaurant offering everything you love about French cuisine without the attitude Django features classic French dishes, as well as fresh salads and juicy hamburgers.
APOSTO
Founded by award-winning restaurateur Tony Lemmo, Aposto is a one-of-a-kind destination offering modern classical cuisine inside a 1880 Victorian mansion
TUMEA AND SON’S
Tumea & Sons Restaurant provides homemade Italian dinners, lunches, catering, and pastries to the Des Moines, IA, area. 4
SIMON’S
Simon's is a fine dining spot in Des Moines that serves up exquisite cuisine The establishment boasts a cozy ambiance that is perfect for a romantic night out or a casual dinner with friends.
BREWERIES
Des Moines, Iowa, has a growing craft beer scene with several breweries offering a diverse range of brews. Some of tour favorites in Des Moines include:
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BIG GROVE
Our new brewery is west of downtown Des Moines in the Sherman Hill neighborhood bringing renewed life to the Crescent Chevrolet buildingA trip to Big Grove is a true taste of Iowa Nice and some of the best craft beer in Midwest
CONFLUENCE
Known for its innovative and high-quality craft beers, Confluence Brewing Company is located in the historic East Village neighborhood of Des Moines.
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FIRETRUCKER
Located in Ankeny, a suburb of Des Moines, Firetrucker Brewery offers a selection of craft beers brewed on-site, along with a food menu featuring pub favorites.
LUA
Lua Brewing is a newer addition to Des Moines' craft beer scene, offering a variety of handcrafted beers inspired by flavors from around the world. 4
COFFEE SCENE
Des Moines has a thriving coffee culture with numerous coffee shops offering a variety of caffeinated beverages and cozy atmospheres. Here are some popular coffee shops we love to visit:
THE COFFEESMITH
The Coffeesmith is an independent coffee shop located on Alice's Road in Waukee, Iowa, started by a native Iowan couple whose vision is to handcraft espresso, forge people, and build community
ZANZIBARS
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure is a quirky and eclectic coffee shop offering a wide selection of coffee drinks, teas, and smoothies, as well as a unique atmosphere filled with books and games.
ST. KILDA
St Kilda Cafe & Bakery is a full-service Australian-style restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. We offer healthy modern dishes, fresh-baked pastries, artisanal coffee drinks featuring Counter Culture Coffee, and a full bar.
THE SLOWDOWN
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is a locally-owned and operated specialty coffee shop in the historic Highland Park neighborhood on the north side of the Des Moines metro
PARKS
Besides the special features found in some of the signature parks, patrons can enjoy a variety of amenities throughout our park system such as basketball courts, boat and bicycle rentals, disc golf courses, enclosed and open-air shelters, equipment rental and concessions, horseshoe courts, ice skating rinks, nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, ponds and fishing, sledding hills, soccer and softball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, water-play features, skateboard park, dog parks and more.
GRAY’S LAKE
2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321 1
1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA
PETS DSM TOO!
We’re not at all biased, but Des Moines might be one of the most dog-friendly cities in America. You can count on seeing a pooch pretty much any time you’re out on a sidewalk, and the same goes for visiting parks and patios around town Especially when the weather’s nice, there are countless ways to get out and enjoy all DSM has to offer with your furry best friend
PAWS AND PINTS
Paws & Pints is basically Disneyland for dogs (and their owners). This new, one-of-a-kind facility not only brings Des Moines our very first indoor/outdoor dog park, but also our first country-club style facility for dog amenities, including dog park memberships and passes, doggy daycare, lodging, and grooming.
LOCAL DOG PARKS
We’re lucky to also have an abundance of year-round dog parks in DSM A few of our favorites that are equally fun in the summery grass and the wintery snow include Raccoon River, Windsor Heights and Ankeny! Some are free, some require day passes, and some require signing a waiver or filling out your dog’s vaccine status
ZOOM ROOM DOG TRAINING
Zoom Room Dog Training provides exceptional dog training classes using only positive reinforcement Small group classes or private training sessions allow our expert dog trainers to teach obedience, dog agility, puppy training classes and enrichment workshops in our indoor climate-controlled dog gym.
PET FRIENDLY EVENTS
The ARL partners on lots of dog-friendly community events throughout the metro during the year, including “Yappy Hours”, “Knitting with Kittens,” and “Dog Days of Summer” at the Iowa Cubs
RACHAEL
Rachael is an award-winning Realtor in the DSM metro for the past 13+ years bringing an extensive background in sales and marketing to the team. With a passion for new construction, Rachael has worked with dozens of different builders in the DSM metro area designing custom dream homes She has served on the board of the Des Moines Home Builders Association and Professional Women in Building, and has been an active member for the past 8+ years
When working with Rachael, clients get a personalized home buying and selling experience with her attention to detail and organization She is process driven and has checklists for everything!
MEETTHE
TEAM
JUSTIN
Our Professional Real Estate Photographer, Justin, is a vital part of our marketing strategy, specializing in capturing the true essence of your home. Justin takes high-quality photos and videos that showcase your property’s unique features in the best possible light Using advanced techniques, they create immersive 3D walkthrough tours that allow potential buyers to explore every corner of your home virtually. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to highlight a home’s most appealing aspects, Justin ensures your listing stands out across online platforms, attracting more interest and generating excitement.
MEETTHE
TEAM MEGAN
As our Transaction Coordinator, Megan ensures every detail of your real estate transaction is handled with precision and care.
From managing important documents to tracking critical dates and deadlines, Megan keeps the process organized and on schedule.
Their attention to detail and expertise give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your next move while they handle the behind-the-scenes essentials.
As our Marketing Coordinator, Ava is the creative force behind every property we list.
From eye-catching marketing materials to strategic online campaigns, Ava ensures your home gets maximum exposure across social media, real estate websites, and beyond
Their innovative approach and marketing expertise help attract the right buyers and generate buzz, giving your property the competitive edge it deserves
_ ABOUTUS
Rachael is an award-winning Realtor in the DSM metro for the past 13+ years and has an extensive background in sales and marketing. With a passion for new construction, Rachael has worked with dozens of different builders in the DSM metro area designing custom dream homes. She has served on the board of the Des Moines Home Builder’s Association and Professional Women in Building and has been an active member for the past 8+ years When working with Rachael, clients get a personalized home buying and selling experience with her attention to detail and organization She is process driven and has checklists for everything!
Rachael, her husband, Ryan, and 10 year old son Grayson reside in WDM. She also runs a nonprofit called Grayson's Gifts to fundraise adoption funds for Central Iowan families In her spare time she enjoys biking on the many trails, checking out the local coffee shops or having a craft drink on a patio with friends and family She absolutely loves Des Moines and you'll find her cheering for my Cyclones and going to all the shows at the Civic Center.
_ WHO WE ARE
COMMUNICATION
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THERE ARE MANY PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF A HOME OPEN & THOROUGH COMMUNICATION FROM TODAY TO CLOSE, AND EVERY POINT IN BETWEEN, IS OF UTMOST
IMPORTANCE TO MYSELF AND THE TEAM. WE BELIEVE IN THE OPEN BOOK POLICY-WE’LL SHARE ALL THE DETAILS, GOOD OR BAD, TO ENSURE WE’RE DOING THE BEST JOB POSSIBLE TO SELL YOUR HOME.
EXPERIENCED
WITH 13+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN REAL ESTATE YOU CAN BE CONFIDENT WE ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN ALL AREAS OF THE HOME BUYING & SELLING PROCESS. WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED
ADDITIONAL DESIGNATIONS TO HELP ENSURE WE ARE THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE AGENTS TO HELP WITH THE SALE OF YOUR HOME AND IF WE DON’T KNOW, WE’LL FIND OUT!
3 PROFESSIONAL
WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING A TEAM OF KNOWLEDGEABLE SPECIALISTS EMBODYING AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM, BOTH WITH OUR CLIENTS AND AMONG OUR PEERS OUR DEDICATION TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE, EFFICIENCY, AND INSIGHT IS UNPARALLELED
TESTIMONIES
Joyce and Bruce
There are real estate agents and then there are REAL estate agents, not all real estate agents are the same and I cannot stress that enough We have used Rachael in the past and she never lets you down She was our listing agent and in less than 8 hours she had it sold and above asking. She is very personable, and she knows what she is doing Don’t settle for mediocre or subpar and go for the real deal with Rachael!
Jeff and Kaitlyn
Rachael was an absolute dream to work with during our selling process. She advised us through a wild housing market and ensured that we were fully prepared to sell our home She is thoughtful, professional, friendly, and attentive Her communication is outstanding and she made the entire process seamless. Rachael and her team always treated us with top priority and we could not have asked for a better realtor experience!
NateRachael was fantastic and was an integral part in selling and purchasing a home on the same day She was immensely knowlegable and was a perfect advocate for our needs and wants; her warm and outgoing personalty made a commonly stressful situation as comfortable and seemless as it could be. It is extremely obvious that she loves her job and her passion and knowlege were the beating pulses that guided us through each day during the buying/selling process
