City services are good and reasonably hassle-free.
Job commutes within the metropolitan area are quick with excellent shopping possibilities nearby. Cultural, educational, and recreational resources are plentiful, affordable, and readily accessible. Like other central cities, Des Moines's position as the capital city and site of major hospitals, colleges and government institutions means that it also has a large share of tax-exempt property. Per capita income of its area residents is 9.4 percent above the national average. It has low office vacancies, steady growth in retail sales, a stable housing market and unemployment consistently running two to three points below the US average.