Moving to
Des Moines, WA
Puget Sound's best-kept secret. Marina living, fishing pier access, and genuine small-town charm - all at prices that won't sink your budget.
Des Moines by the Numbers
Why Des Moines?
While Seattle's Eastside commands headlines and sky-high prices, Des Moines quietly offers something increasingly rare: affordable waterfront living with genuine small-town character. This isn't a compromise - it's a discovery.
The city's centerpiece is its working marina, one of the largest on Puget Sound with over 840 slips. But Des Moines is more than boats. It's the historic fishing pier where families catch salmon and crab. It's Des Moines Beach Park with its scenic trails. It's the Waterland Festival every summer.
Yes, SeaTac Airport is nearby. But many residents find that proximity a feature, not a bug - especially frequent travelers who appreciate being 10 minutes from departures. And the waterfront neighborhoods largely escape the flight paths that affect areas to the north.
Des Moines Marina District
The heart of Des Moines beats along the waterfront, where the marina, pier, and beach create a coastal lifestyle that's surprisingly accessible.
Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines offers remarkable value compared to other Puget Sound waterfront communities. Here's how the numbers stack up.
Median Home Prices Comparison
For buyers seeking waterfront proximity, Des Moines presents a compelling value proposition. With median home prices around $600,000, you're looking at roughly half the cost of Kirkland or Edmonds waterfront areas - and a third of what you'd pay in Mercer Island.
Washington's lack of state income tax sweetens the deal further. Combined with more affordable property taxes than the Eastside, your dollar genuinely stretches further here.
| Monthly Expense | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $1,800 - $2,400 |
| Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water) | $130 - $180 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $500 - $650 |
| Transportation | $150 - $300 |
| Entertainment | $150 - $300 |
Des Moines Neighborhoods
From the walkable Marina District to quiet hillside communities, Des Moines offers diverse options for every lifestyle.
Marina District
$550K - $850K
The heart of Des Moines waterfront living. Walking distance to the marina, fishing pier, restaurants, and Anthony's HomePort. Condos and townhomes predominate, with some single-family homes. Perfect for those who want to live the marina lifestyle daily.
Zenith
$500K - $750K
Established neighborhood east of the marina with larger lots and mature trees. Mix of mid-century homes and newer construction. Family-friendly with good schools access. Slightly more removed from waterfront activity but excellent value for space.
Woodmont
$480K - $700K
Southern Des Moines neighborhood with charming mid-century homes and easy beach access. Quieter than the Marina District but still walkable to waterfront parks. Strong community identity and well-maintained properties. Great starter home territory.
Redondo
$550K - $900K
The southern tip of Des Moines featuring the Redondo Beach boardwalk and Salty's restaurant. Premium waterfront homes with stunning views. A bit more upscale than central Des Moines, with direct beach access and a village atmosphere.
North Hill
$425K - $600K
Elevated area with views but more affordable pricing. Mix of older homes and new development. Closer to SeaTac so noise considerations apply for some streets. Best value in Des Moines for buyers prioritizing square footage over waterfront proximity.
Des Moines Creek
$500K - $750K
Newer development area with modern townhomes and single-family homes. Access to Des Moines Creek Trail system. Family-oriented with good connectivity to I-5. Growing area with new construction options often available.
"We moved from Bellevue and cut our mortgage in half - but gained a fishing pier, a marina, and neighbors who actually wave hello."
- Marina District Resident, 4 years
Highline School District
Des Moines is served by Highline Public Schools, one of Washington's most diverse districts serving over 19,000 students. The district has invested significantly in recent years, with new facilities and expanded programs.
Families appreciate the district's dual-language immersion programs, STEM initiatives, and career technical education pathways. Mt. Rainier High School and several elementary schools serve Des Moines directly.
Private school options include Highline Christian Academy and several nearby parochial schools. Highline College provides community college access within Des Moines city limits.
Schools Serving Des Moines
Location & Commutes
Des Moines sits in a sweet spot for regional access. I-5 runs nearby for quick connections to Seattle (north) and Tacoma (south). Highway 99 (Pacific Highway) provides an alternative north-south route. SeaTac International Airport is literally next door.
Public transit via King County Metro connects Des Moines to the region, with the Angle Lake Link Light Rail station in nearby SeaTac providing access to the broader light rail network.
Angle Lake Link Light Rail station: 5-minute drive for airport and downtown Seattle access
Things to Do
Marina & Waterfront
- Des Moines Marina
- Public Fishing Pier
- Des Moines Beach Park
- Redondo Beach Boardwalk
- Anthony's HomePort
Parks & Trails
- Des Moines Creek Trail
- Saltwater State Park
- Des Moines Memorial Park
- Zenith Park
- Midway Park
Dining
- Salty's at Redondo
- Anthony's HomePort
- Wally's Chowder House
- Des Moines Cafe
- Marina Bar & Grill
Events & Culture
- Waterland Festival (Summer)
- Farmers Market
- Art in the Park
- Holiday on the Docks
- Concerts at the Marina
Is Des Moines Right for You?
Reasons to Move Here
- Affordable waterfront - Rare Puget Sound waterfront access at attainable prices
- Small-town character - Genuine community feel without pretension
- Marina lifestyle - 840+ slips, fishing pier, beach access
- Airport proximity - Ideal for frequent travelers
- Regional access - Easy commutes to Seattle and Tacoma
Considerations
- Airport noise - Some areas affected by flight paths
- School ratings - Highline schools below Eastside benchmarks
- Limited nightlife - Quiet evenings, few late-night options
- Less transit - Car-dependent for most errands
- Eastside commute - Bellevue/Redmond trips are longer
Des Moines FAQ
Let's Get You to Des Moines
Next Phase Moving specializes in relocations throughout the Puget Sound region. Our team knows Des Moines - from navigating Marina District parking to handling waterfront condo logistics.