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West Des Moines
Retirement Living In West Des Moines - Iowa
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Area Description
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Premiere suburban community located on the western Des Moines Metropolitan Area. A diversified regional employment center that offers more than 60,000 career opportunities. A community with activities and lifestyle options for all ages including walkable town centers, extensive trails and park systems, a historical downtown, community events including regular farmer’s market, and extensive retail.
Region Characteristics
Urban / City
Rural
Nearby military base
Suburban / Large Community
College Town
Lively downtown business center
Commuter Town
Coastal community
Area Amenities
Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness
Access To Green Space
Fairs & Festivals
Outdoor Concerts
Bike Paths
Fishing
Running Paths
Beach
Golf Course
Shopping
Boating
Hiking
Skiing
Bowling
Hunting
Sporting Events
Casino
Indoor Swim Facilities
Tennis
Continuing Education
Lake
State Park
Dining/Nightlife
Movie Cinemas
Walking Paths
Exercise Facilities
National Park
West Des Moines has leisure activities for everyone. Youth, Adult, and Senior programs are offered by the WDM Public Library, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services Department. The City has extensive parks and trail system including the community attraction, Raccoon River Park, with a swimming area, walking trails, dog park, Nature Lodge, and newly added Archery Facility. The City offers a wide array of local and regional retail outlets in setting including the historic downtown, walkable West Glen Town Center, Valley West Shopping Mall, or the Jordan Creek Town Center. The City and Community sponsor several events throughout the year including the Valley Junction Farmer’s Market and several community festivals.
Cultural Activities
Arts
Lectures
Museums
Ballet
Library
Symphony
Concerts
Live music series
Theater
Films
Music events are offered throughout the year at various town centers and the Valley Junction Farmer's Market and downtown business area. Lectures and Author visits are offered through the West Des Moines Public Library and higher education institutes in the City. Public Art is displayed every year around the City Campus along with the West Des Moines Public Library. Arts and theater are offered by the West Des Moines Community Schools and West Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
Public transportation
Bus
Rental cars
Train
Nearby major airport
Subway
VA transportation
Nearby cruise terminal
Taxi
Medical Facilities
Major Hospital
Wellness center
VA Hospital
The City of West Des Moines has several medical facilities and two major hospitals that offer extensive and specialized care.
What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In West Des Moines, Iowa?
For those of you that retire in West Des Moines, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!
Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 20's and highs in the low 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 10's. You may have a few days below 0°. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume some snowy days in the Winter with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground.
If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in West Des Moines such as a movie, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Spring, great for a day of shopping in West Des Moines!
Summertime in West Des Moines is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the low 70's and highs in the mid 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Expect a few days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.
If you retire in West Des Moines, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
Month
Low
Avg
High
Jan
13
F°
22
F°
31
F°
Feb
17
F°
26
F°
36
F°
Mar
28
F°
38
F°
49
F°
Apr
40
F°
51
F°
62
F°
May
51
F°
62
F°
73
F°
Jun
61
F°
71
F°
82
F°
Jul
65
F°
76
F°
86
F°
Aug
63
F°
74
F°
84
F°
Sep
54
F°
65
F°
76
F°
Oct
41
F°
52
F°
63
F°
Nov
29
F°
39
F°
48
F°
Dec
17
F°
25
F°
34
F°
Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days
Month
Days Greater Than 90 F°
Days Less Than 32 F°
Days Less Than 0 F°
Jan
0
30
6
Feb
0
25
3
Mar
0
21
0
Apr
0
6
0
May
0
0
0
Jun
3
0
0
Jul
8
0
0
Aug
5
0
0
Sep
2
0
0
Oct
0
5
0
Nov
0
18
0
Dec
0
29
4
Rain & Humidity
Month
Rainfall
Rainy Days
Humidity
Jan
1
"
7
15
%
Feb
1
"
7
19
%
Mar
2
"
9
28
%
Apr
4
"
11
37
%
May
5
"
12
49
%
Jun
5
"
11
59
%
Jul
5
"
10
65
%
Aug
4
"
10
64
%
Sep
3
"
8
54
%
Oct
3
"
9
41
%
Nov
2
"
8
30
%
Dec
1
"
8
20
%
Snow
Month
Snowfall
Snow On Ground Days
Snowy Days
Jan
9
"
18
6
Feb
8
"
15
5
Mar
5
"
6
3
Apr
2
"
1
1
May
0
"
0
0
Jun
0
"
0
0
Jul
0
"
0
0
Aug
0
"
0
0
Sep
0
"
0
0
Oct
0
"
0
0
Nov
2
"
2
2
Dec
8
"
12
6
Natural Disaster Areas
Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Wildfires
Floods
Tornadoes
Volcanoes
Cost of Living for
West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, Iowa cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:
Demographics
Race
Religion
Political Party
Age
Senior Housing Options
Adult communities
Gated communities
Rental units
Affordable Housing
Group homes
Residential care facility
Apartments
Houses
RV Parks
Assisted Living
Nursing homes
State veteran home
Condos
Over 50 Communities
Housing options are diversified and continue to grow in the City of West Des Moines.
Senior Assistance in
West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, Iowa offers the following assistance for seniors:
Elder-care facilities
Meals on Wheels
Van services for seniors
Home care
Senior center
Visiting nurses
West Des Moines offers many senior communities, programs, and assistance through the Library, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services Department.
What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does West Des Moines Offer For Retirees?
The City is a regional employment center with volunteer options throughout the year.
Additional Information
Visitor Information
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