You’ve found your dream job. You’re ready to apply and crush the interviews (or maybe you already did). But now you’re wondering … What’s it like to live in Des Moines, Iowa? Do I want to live there?
Des Moines is a wonderful city with a lot to offer (and is the fastest growing major Midwest!). But don’t just take our word for it. Read why current employees took the leap and moved to Iowa’s capital—and have stayed since.
1. You have support during your transition.
Relocating to a new city—no matter how adventurous or experienced you are—can be daunting. We understand that.
You’ll have direct access to our relocation team to talk through concerns, ask questions, and get referrals for things such as moving companies, short- and long-term housing, and real estate agents. (And you can talk to them before you officially accept an offer.)
When moving to Des Moines from Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2023, Veronique Umelo leaned on these services to ease her transition. “Thanks to the initial support provided by Principal®, I was able to make the move without bearing heavy costs,” says the leadership development program associate.
Not only will we support you along your journey across country, state, or city lines, we’ll also help ensure you have people to lean on once you arrive. That may mean connecting you with another employee who recently moved to Des Moines and shares something in common with you.
2. You're surrounded by a community that cares.
Count on a community at Principal and within the city that is ready and willing to support you.
That may mean joining one of our eight employee resource groups (ERGs), taking advantage of company-sponsored volunteer opportunities, or finding an organization or group within the Des Moines area that reflects your interests and passions.
Des Moines was named the No. 1 place to live for young professionals by Forbes in 2023.
“I like the community feel of living here,” says Jimmy Dooling, an investment oversight analyst who moved from Pennsylvania in 2021. “It feels like everyone is going through life together and experiences similar things, so we’re all connected more so than a big city.”
McKenzie Kerry, a leadership development program associate who relocated to Des Moines from Charlotte in 2021, agrees. “Des Moines is filled with people who genuinely care about each other and their community,” Kerry says. “You’ll have the opportunity to engage in causes you care about and make an impact quickly in any area you choose.”
3. You get a ‘small city feel with big city perks.’
Into the arts? Consider yourself a foodie? Love sports? Outdoor enthusiast? Whatever your interests, Des Moines has something for you.
“The thing I love most about Des Moines is the small city feel with the big city perks,” Kerry says. “You’ll never run out of people to meet or things to do. From the Downtown Farmer’s Market to the iconic Iowa State Fair to the diverse food options, there is truly something for everyone.”
Even if you’re moving from a bigger city, you may be surprised by the city’s rich culture.
“Being born and raised in the New Orleans metro and then going to Washington, D.C., for college has provided me an opportunity to be immersed in many different communities as well as cultures,” says Kia Lewis, a leadership development program associate. “Des Moines is truly a one-of-a-kind city with vibrant energy, good people, and great living environment for a young professional like myself.”
