Introduction
Des Moines, Iowa is the largest city in the state and has a population of over 200,000 people. It is known for its diverse culture and vibrant downtown area. The city is also home to some of the top universities and colleges in the Midwest. However, there are some reasons why you may want to consider not moving to Des Moines, Iowa. Here are 20 reasons why you should think twice before relocating to Des Moines.
1. Weather
Des Moines is known for its extreme weather conditions. The winters are long and cold, while the summers are hot and humid. Snowstorms are common in the winter, and thunderstorms are frequent in the summer. This can make living in Des Moines difficult for those who don’t enjoy cold weather or extreme weather conditions.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Des Moines is higher than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, are high, with the median home price at $183,000. This is significantly higher than the median home price in the U.S., which is $174,000. Additionally, taxes in Des Moines are higher than the national average, with a sales tax rate of 6%.
3. Job Opportunities
Des Moines has a relatively low unemployment rate, but the job market is not as robust as in other cities. The median salary is lower than the national average, and there are not as many job opportunities in the city as there are in other cities.
4. Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a major issue in Des Moines, particularly during rush hour. The city is also known for its poor public transportation system, making it difficult to get around without a car.
5. Crime
The crime rate in Des Moines is higher than the national average. Violent crime, in particular, is a problem, with the city having one of the highest rates of violent crime in the nation.
6. Education
Des Moines has some excellent schools, but they are not as highly ranked as schools in other cities. Additionally, the school system is not as well-funded as other cities, which can affect the quality of education.
7. Air Quality
Des Moines has some of the worst air quality in the nation. This is due to the city’s location in the Midwest, which is known for its high levels of air pollution.
8. Lack of Cultural Diversity
Des Moines is not a very diverse city. The population is mostly white, and there is not a lot of cultural diversity.
9. Lack of Things to Do
Des Moines has some interesting attractions, but it lacks the variety of activities that can be found in larger cities. Additionally, the city is not known for its nightlife or entertainment options.
10. Limited Public Transportation
As mentioned earlier, the public transportation system in Des Moines is not very good. This makes it difficult to get around without a car.
11. Poor Road Conditions
The roads in Des Moines are not in great condition. Many of the roads are in disrepair, and potholes are common.
12. Lack of Affordable Housing
The cost of housing in Des Moines is higher than the national average, making it difficult to find an affordable place to live.
13. Low Wages
The median wage in Des Moines is lower than the national average. This makes it difficult to make ends meet, especially if you are living in an expensive city.
14. High Taxes
As mentioned earlier, the taxes in Des Moines are higher than the national average. This can make living in the city expensive.
15. Lack of Parks and Green Spaces
Des Moines does not have a lot of parks and green spaces. This can make it difficult to find places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
16. Poor Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Des Moines is not as good as in other cities. There are fewer doctors and hospitals, and the quality of care is not as good.
17. Lack of Public Libraries
Des Moines does not have many public libraries. This can make it difficult for people to access books and other resources.
18. Poor Job Prospects
The job market in Des Moines is not as strong as in other cities. This can make it difficult to find a job, and the wages are not as high.
19. Lack of Shopping Opportunities
Des Moines does not have many shopping opportunities. This can make it difficult to find the items you need, and the prices can be higher than in other cities.
20. Lack of Professional Sports Teams
Des Moines does not have any professional sports teams. This can make it difficult to enjoy watching sports in the city.
Conclusion
Des Moines, Iowa has its advantages, but it also has many drawbacks. From its extreme weather to its high cost of living, there are many reasons why you may want to think twice before moving to Des Moines.