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Retirement Living In West Des Moines - Iowa


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Area Description

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



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    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


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



Medical Facilities


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


Cost of Living for West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines, Iowa cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

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:
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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