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Looking for Expats in Des Moines?

  • Connect with fellow expats in Des Moines

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in the USA

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

Living in Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital of the US state of Iowa, is known locally as the 'The Hartford of the West', presumably after the busy US city rather than the sleepy English village. There certainly isn't anything sleepy about Des Moines. The city of some 200,000 takes its name from a fort, which took its name from a river, which is French for 'from the monks'. The city's character and history is as quirky as its name, with a stunning Capitol Building that may leave expatriates living in Des Moines wondering whether they had somehow entered Berlin. The city's European spirit can also be seen in the popular Salisbury House, called a "national treasure" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and named after an English city of the same name. Given such strong connections to old Europe, it might surprise expats living in Des Moines to learn that the city is little more than 150 years old, founded by a US navy captain who initially wanted to call it 'Fort Racoon'.

Join Our Exciting Events in Des Moines

Attend our monthly events and activities for Des Moines expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Mar 19, 2024, 7:00 PM
46 attendees
Ask the expert series - Alexander Martin It's not easy for expats to deal with taxes in Spain. How could we prepare for it? No matter whether you are working or running your business, plan to move y
Mar 20, 2024, 1:00 AM
47 attendees
Come out for a night of music and friends! Cuban Night with Mojito specials all day, Cuban sandwiches, live music, and more! La Tribu playing live music from 7 - 10 pm. If you’re street parking pl
Mar 19, 2024, 8:00 PM
8 attendees
Tuesdays are "Baos locos" at this fancy and flowery decorated downtown resto-bar. Let's get together for an informal glass of wine and bao dinner! Offer includes 5 different baos and a drink for 20€
Mar 21, 2024, 2:00 AM
21 attendees
Hello Spring, we missed you dearly! Let’s get together with friends in a low key, no agenda setting with friends where we can also enjoy good drinks and great food. Cocina de Barrio in Point Loma is

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Moving to Des Moines

Since the city's relatively recent beginnings, Des Moines has become a thriving cultural, administrative and business hub. Expatriates moving to Des Moines can fly into Des Moines International Airport from other US airports. There are discussions about opening the airport to international chartered flights in the near future as well, although currently the only international service is cargo. The city is well-served by a number of bus companies and a good highway network. The city's downtown area also has a very good public transit system and – another sign of the city's character – an extensive series of skywalks. Expatriates in Des Moines can find plenty of general information on expatriation issues in the Expat Magazine, our online collection of articles. We cover numerous aspect of expatriation, including expat finance and insurance, dealing with culture shock and so on. We've also got a good collection of pieces written by InterNations members, which is worth perusing for a more 'on the ground' insight into expatriate life.

Working in Des Moines

Expatriates working in Des Moines will find themselves situated in an extremely livable city with a high standard of services, good transport and a humid continental climate that brings hot summers and cold winters that regularly give expats in Des Moines the opportunity to experience a classic American white Christmas. The city's economy is largely driven by a very strong financial services and insurance sector, and was recently named one of the 'Best Places For Business And Careers' by Forbes magazine. Whether to meet up with the local international community to socialize or network, or just get local expat tips, expatriates in Des Moines can use our discussion groups, forums and private communications to get in touch with other global minds in the local international community. Although of course, at only 150 years old, you might find half the city fits that bill to some degree.

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

  • Caroline Stiles

    In such an international city such as Washington, D.C. InterNations holds great events for everyone to network and enjoy themselves.

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