Des Moines: Ranks #1 in 2009 MSN Real Estate Bargain Markets

By Melinda Fulmer
MSN Real Estate
November 2009

In tough economic times, there’s nothing more attractive than a steady paycheck and an affordable mortgage payment.

Des Moines may be one of the best and most overlooked places to jump-start your career. The economy of this Midwestern state capital is solid, with a large number of well-paying jobs in the insurance, bioscience and agribusiness fields. Yet the median house costs just $150,000. Forbes has ranked it one of the best places for business and careers three years running.

It has some of the cleanest air in the country, its residents report low stress levels and there’s enough outdoor recreation, culture and fine art to keep most people happy (its Art Center was designed by I.M. Pei). “There’s so many things that are accessible here,” says Lauren Burt of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “There’s a lot of volunteerism and ways to be engaged with the community.”

Learn more about Des Moines market and the MSN ranks at RealEstate.MSN.com.