Adjusting to Des Moines: Advice from transplants

Des Moines is the fastest-growing metro in the Midwest, so we asked some of our transplants over the last couple of years to share their best advice for fellow newcomers.

❤️ " Des Moines is very community-oriented and you'll love it if you're into helping (the) community," said Marian Aleman, who moved from Nashville, TN, to the East Village last year.

🌷 "We've taken every opportunity we can to get out with the kids: Farmer's Markets, Celebrasian, Pella Tulip Time, Iowa Cubs, bike trails, Science Center, Blank Park Zoo, Iowa State Fair and more," said Danny Funk, who moved back from Austin, Texas after growing up in Ankeny.

• "Basically it's impossible to be bored here, and none of it feels stressful to go to because 'crowds' are relative."

🍔 "There is so much to do here. Eat all the food!" said Sarah Booz, who moved to Des Moines' East Village neighborhood in 2021 after living in New York.

• And if you need food recommendations, follow her TikTok account .