Des Moines Area, IA 55+ Active Adult 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.

Des Moines Area 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.

Des Moines Area 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 Near Des Moines Area

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 Near Des Moines

  • 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 Near Des Moines

  • 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 Near Des Moines

  • 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 Near Des Moines

  • 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 Near Des Moines

  • 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

Des Moines Area Health Care

The three most prominent hospitals in the the Des Moines area are:


Communities Near Des Moines Area
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7 communities near Des Moines Area

0 Homes for Sale

Maplewood Village

For Sale
  • Below $100k - Mid $100ks
  • 173 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

The Courtyards at Shadow Creek

For Sale
  • Mid $300ks - Mid $400ks
  • 91 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2017 - 2021
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

Courtyards at Rock Creek

For Sale
  • Mid $300ks - Mid $500ks
  • 83 Homes
  • No Age Restrictions
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2016 - 2021
  • 2 reviews
View Community Contact Agent

The Courtyards at King’s Landing

For Sale
  • High $300ks - Mid $600ks
  • 79 Homes
  • No Age Restrictions
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2019 - Present
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

55 Monthly Data Trends in the Des Moines, IA Area

Aventura

For Sale
  • Mid $200ks - Mid $400ks
  • 62 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • New Homes Only
  • 2019 - Present
  • No Reviews
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The Vineyard

For Sale
  • High $300ks - Mid $500ks
  • 43 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • New Homes Only
  • 2018 - Present
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

Bella Vista

For Sale
  • High $200ks - High $300ks
  • 24 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2014 - 2020
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

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$369,000

1056 Southern Hills Drive, Banning, CA

Meadow Ranch Community

  • 3 bed
  • |
  • 3 bath
  • |
  • 2320 SqFt
MLS CV23099287
Call Us: (800) 928-2055

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