Corporate Housing in Des Moines: Your Guide to Furnished Housing
Complete guide to corporate housing in Des Moines — best neighborhoods (Downtown, West Des Moines, Ankeny), furnished rental rates, insurance and financial sector housing, ALE insurance housing, pet-friendly options, and how Invested Escapes places you fast.
Invested Escapes
Temporary Housing Experts
Des Moines might not be the first city that comes to mind for corporate housing — but it should be. As the third-largest insurance hub in the United States (behind only Hartford and New York), Des Moines is home to Principal Financial Group, EMC Insurance, Athene USA, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Add in a booming agtech sector (Corteva Agriscience, Kemin Industries), a growing tech scene, and the Iowa State Capitol, and you have a steady stream of corporate transferees, insurance professionals, traveling nurses, and government contractors who need furnished housing. Des Moines also offers something most corporate housing markets can't: affordability. All-inclusive furnished rental rates here are 40-60% lower than coastal cities. This guide covers the best neighborhoods, what you'll pay, ALE insurance housing, pet-friendly options, and how Invested Escapes places you in a comfortable furnished home.
Why Des Moines for Corporate Housing?
- 💳 Insurance capital: Principal Financial Group (HQ), EMC Insurance (HQ), Athene USA, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Sammons Financial Group — the #3 insurance hub in the US
- 🏦 Financial services: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (HQ), Ruan Transportation Management, Aviva USA — steady corporate relocation demand
- 🌾 AgTech leader: Corteva Agriscience (HQ), Kemin Industries (HQ), NewLink Genetics — global agricultural science companies
- 💻 Growing tech scene: Dwolla (fintech), Bongo (e-commerce), Lean TECHniques, Workiva (HQ) — Des Moines tech corridor is expanding
- 🏛 State government: Iowa State Capitol, Iowa National Guard (Camp Dodge), USDA offices — government and military placements
- 🏥 Healthcare hub: UnityPoint Health (HQ), MercyOne, Broadlawns Medical Center, Iowa Methodist — traveling nurses and medical staff
- 🎓 Universities: Drake University, Grand View University, Des Moines University (medical), Simpson College — visiting professors and researchers
- 💰 Affordability: One of the most affordable corporate housing markets in the US — 40-60% cheaper than San Francisco, LA, or New York
Best Des Moines Neighborhoods for Corporate Housing
Downtown Des Moines 🏙
Downtown Des Moines is the urban core — the Principal Riverwalk, Wells Fargo Arena, the Historic East Village district, and numerous condo buildings. Walk to restaurants, the Des Moines Art Center satellite, and the Capitol. Ideal for corporate transferees who want walkable city living. Furnished rentals: $1,800-$3,800/month. Walk Score: 78. Commute to Downtown: 0-5 minutes.
West Des Moines 🏘
West Des Moines is the premier suburb — home to the Jordan Creek Town Center (Iowa's largest mall), the Microsoft data center, and numerous corporate offices along the I-35 corridor. The area offers single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes. Furnished rentals: $1,700-$3,500/month. Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes. Ideal for families and professionals working in the western suburbs.
Ankeny 🏭
Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa — located north of Des Moines, home to a growing tech corridor, the Ankeny Market District, and Des Moines Area Community College. Single-family homes and new apartment developments dominate. Furnished rentals: $1,600-$3,200/month. Commute to Downtown: 20 minutes. Ideal for tech professionals and families looking for newer construction.
Windsor Heights 🏡
Windsor Heights is a small, quiet residential community just west of Downtown — known for its tree-lined streets and mid-century homes. A great value option for corporate housing. Furnished rentals: $1,500-$2,900/month. Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes. Ideal for budget-conscious placements.
Sherman Hill / Ingersoll Avenue 🎓
Sherman Hill and the Ingersoll Avenue corridor are Des Moines' most historic and walkable neighborhoods — grand Victorian homes, local restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. The area has a vibrant arts scene and is close to Downtown. Furnished rentals: $1,700-$3,400/month. Commute to Downtown: 5 minutes. Popular with younger professionals and creatives.
Johnston / Urbandale 🌾
Johnston and Urbandale are northern suburbs — home to Johnston's Pioneer Hi-Bred (Corteva) campus, Camp Dodge (Iowa National Guard), and numerous corporate offices. These are family-friendly areas with excellent schools and larger lot sizes. Furnished rentals: $1,700-$3,500/month. Commute to Downtown: 15-20 minutes. Ideal for Corteva employees, military families, and insurance professionals.
Des Moines Corporate Housing Costs
Des Moines is one of the most affordable corporate housing markets in the United States. All-inclusive furnished rental rates are 40-60% lower than San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York, and 20-30% lower than Denver or Nashville. This makes Des Moines an attractive market for companies managing relocation budgets and insurance companies managing ALE placements.
| Property Type | Neighborhood Examples | Monthly Rate | Nightly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛏 🏠 1-Bedroom Furnished | Downtown, Sherman Hill, Windsor Heights | $1,500-$2,500 | $65-$110/night |
| 🛏 🏠 2-Bedroom Furnished | Downtown, West Des Moines, Ingersoll | $2,000-$3,200 | $85-$140/night |
| 🛏 🏡 3+ Bedroom Furnished Home | West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston | $2,400-$3,800 | $105-$165/night |
| 💎 Luxury Downtown Furnished | Downtown, Historic East Village | $2,800-$4,500 | $120-$195/night |
| 🛏 🏡 4+ Bedroom Suburban Home | Urbandale, Johnston, Waukee | $2,600-$4,200 | $115-$180/night |
Des Moines value: A furnished 3-bedroom home in West Des Moines at $2,800/month (all-inclusive) costs less than a single hotel room at $140/night ($4,200/month) — and you get 4x the space, a full kitchen, private bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage. This is why insurance companies love ALE placements in Des Moines.
What's Included in Your Des Moines Furnished Home
- 🛋 Fully furnished: Living room, bedrooms, dining area — quality furniture throughout
- 📺 Smart TVs: In living area and bedrooms — log into your own Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ profiles
- 🍳 Full kitchen: Stove, oven, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cookware, dishes, utensils
- 🧺 In-unit laundry: Washer and dryer — no laundromat trips in Iowa winters
- 📶 WiFi & internet: High-speed internet included and active on move-in day
- ⚡ All utilities: Electricity, water, gas, trash — all included in one monthly rate (important during Iowa's cold winters and hot summers)
- 💻 Dedicated workspace: Desk and ergonomic chair for remote work
- 🔥 Grill: Gas or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking — great for Iowa summer evenings
- 🚗 Garage or dedicated parking: Secure parking included — essential during Des Moines' winter snows
- 🔒 Fencing: Fenced yards for privacy and pet safety (select properties)
- 🌳 Backyard: Outdoor space for families, pets, and relaxation
- 🛏 Linens & towels: Fresh linens, towels, and bedding provided
- 🐕 Pet-friendly: Most properties welcome pets — Des Moines is very pet-friendly with extensive trail systems
- 🔧 Maintenance: If something breaks, we handle repairs promptly
ALE Insurance Housing in Des Moines
Des Moines faces specific displacement risks that are quite different from coastal cities. Iowa's weather creates unique insurance housing needs — and the affordability of furnished housing in Des Moines makes ALE placements highly cost-effective for insurance companies. For more detail, see our complete guide to insurance housing and ALE.
Des Moines-specific tip: Iowa experiences severe winter storms (December-March) that cause frozen pipes, ice dam roof damage, and occasional structural damage from ice storms. Spring brings tornado season (May-June) — severe weather can cause roof, siding, and structural damage. Summer brings thunderstorms and occasional flash flooding, particularly along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Basements in older homes are prone to water damage during heavy rains. If you're displaced by any of these, your ALE coverage applies — ask for a furnished home, not a hotel.
Insurance & Financial Sector Housing
Des Moines' identity as an insurance and financial services hub creates specialized corporate housing demand. The sector's unique needs include:
- 💳 Executive relocations: Principal Financial and Wells Fargo regularly transfer executives to and from Des Moines — they need high-quality furnished homes for 30-90 day transitions
- 💳 Actuarial consultants: Insurance companies bring in consulting actuaries and auditors for multi-week engagements — furnished housing with workspace is essential
- 💳 New hire transitions: Insurance and financial services companies recruit nationally — new hires need 1-3 months of furnished housing while they find a permanent home
- 💳 Training programs: Companies like Principal bring employees to HQ for multi-week training programs — furnished housing is more comfortable and cost-effective than hotels
- 💳 Mergers & acquisitions: Des Moines' insurance industry sees regular M&A activity — transition teams need temporary housing for due diligence and integration work
Des Moines School Districts for Families
Des Moines-area schools are a major draw for corporate transferees with families. The suburban districts consistently rank among the best in Iowa:
| District | Coverage Area | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Waukee Community SD | Waukee, western West Des Moines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Top-rated, fast-growing |
| 🎓 Johnston Community SD | Johnston, parts of Urbandale | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent, Corteva area |
| 🎓 Ankeny Community SD | Ankeny | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Top-rated, tech corridor |
| 🎒 West Des Moines SD | West Des Moines, Clive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong, corporate corridor |
| 🎒 Des Moines Public Schools | City of Des Moines | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Varies by school — research individually |
| 🎒 Urbandale SD | Urbandale | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solid, family-friendly |
Pet-Friendly Corporate Housing in Des Moines
Des Moines is an excellent city for pet owners — with extensive trail systems, multiple dog parks, and a culture that welcomes dogs. The Greater Des Moines trail network includes over 550 miles of trails, many dog-friendly. Most Invested Escapes properties welcome pets.
- 🐕 Large dogs welcome: Most properties accept large breeds — Des Moines has few breed restrictions
- 🔒 Fenced yards: Common in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, and Urbandale properties
- 🌳 Dog parks: Raccoon River Dog Park (large off-leash area), Ankeny Dog Park, Greenbrier Dog Park (Waukee)
- 🚶 Trails: High Trestle Trail, Raccoon River Valley Trail, Des Moines River Trail — excellent for daily walks
- 🏥 Veterinary access: Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Ames — 30 min), VCA (multiple), Iowa Veterinary Specialties
Local Resources in Des Moines
- 🏥 Hospitals: UnityPoint Health Des Moines, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Broadlawns Medical Center, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Blank Children's Hospital
- 🛒 Grocery: Hy-Vee (Iowa-based — multiple locations), Trader Joe's (West Des Moines), Whole Foods (West Des Moines), Fareway, Dahls (local)
- 🚌 Transit: DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) bus system, DART On-Call, Iowa Interstate Railway
- ✈ Airport: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — 15 minutes from Downtown, direct flights to most major US hubs
- 🛍 Shopping: Jordan Creek Town Center (West Des Moines — Iowa's largest), Historic East Village, Valley West Mall, Merle Hay Mall
- 🎓 Universities: Drake University, Grand View University, Des Moines University (osteopathic medical), Simpson College (Indianola)
- 🎭 Culture: Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Wells Fargo Arena (concerts & sports), Iowa State Fair (August — largest in the US)
How Invested Escapes Covers Des Moines
Invested Escapes has inventory throughout the Des Moines metro area — from Downtown condos to West Des Moines family homes to Ankeny tech-corridor apartments. We also coordinate with other temporary housing and relocation providers for specialized needs.
Sometimes multiple temporary housing providers may be involved in your placement — and that's completely normal. Some providers are interchangeably used as relocation companies, and two companies may collaborate with your insurance company to find the best option. Invested Escapes has its own inventory AND can coordinate with other relocation companies to find the RIGHT property for you.
Invested Escapes can place you in a fully furnished Des Moines home within 24-72 hours of approval. Whether you're an insurance industry executive, displaced by a storm, traveling nurse, or need a furnished home for any reason — we'll match you with the right property in the right Des Moines neighborhood.
For related reading, see our complete temporary housing guide, our insurance housing guide, and our furnished short-term rentals guide.
Need Corporate Housing in Des Moines?
Tell us about your needs — neighborhood preference, bedrooms, pets, move-in date — and we'll match you with a furnished home in Des Moines. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does corporate housing cost in Des Moines?
Des Moines is one of the most affordable corporate housing markets in the US. Furnished 1-bedrooms range from $1,500-$2,500/month, 2-bedrooms from $2,000-$3,200/month, and 3+ bedroom furnished homes from $2,400-$3,800/month. Luxury downtown properties go up to $4,500/month. All rates are all-inclusive — covering rent, furniture, utilities, internet, and housewares. Des Moines is 40-60% cheaper than coastal cities.
What are the best neighborhoods for corporate housing in Des Moines?
Top neighborhoods include Downtown Des Moines (urban core, walkable), West Des Moines (corporate corridor, Jordan Creek, families), Ankeny (tech corridor, fast-growing, newer construction), Sherman Hill/Ingersoll (historic, walkable, dining), Windsor Heights (quiet, affordable), and Johnston/Urbandale (suburban, Corteva, Camp Dodge, excellent schools). Choose based on your office location and lifestyle.
Why is Des Moines a big corporate housing market?
Des Moines is the third-largest insurance hub in the US (Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, Athene USA, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage). It's also a global agtech leader (Corteva Agriscience, Kemin Industries) and Iowa's state capital. These industries generate consistent demand for corporate relocations, consulting engagements, and temporary assignments — all of which need furnished housing.
Does ALE insurance cover temporary housing in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines faces winter storms (frozen pipes, ice damage), tornado season (May-June), thunderstorms, and flash flooding along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Your ALE coverage pays for temporary housing if your home is damaged by a covered peril. The affordability of furnished homes in Des Moines makes ALE placements highly cost-effective — a furnished 3-bedroom at $2,800/month is far less than a hotel at $4,200/month.
Is Des Moines good for corporate relocation housing?
Yes — Des Moines is an excellent corporate relocation market. Major employers like Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, Corteva, and Microsoft's data center regularly bring in transferees. Invested Escapes works with corporate relocation coordinators to place transferees in furnished homes, with direct corporate billing. The affordable rates and quality of life make Des Moines a smooth transition city.
Are there pet-friendly corporate housing options in Des Moines?
Yes — Des Moines is very pet-friendly, with over 550 miles of trails, multiple dog parks (Raccoon River Dog Park, Ankeny Dog Park), and a culture that welcomes dogs. Most Invested Escapes properties welcome pets, including large dogs. Many suburban properties in West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Johnston include fenced backyards.
Need Corporate Housing?
Whether you're a property owner looking to earn income or a tenant needing a furnished home, Invested Escapes can help.