West Des Moines
The second largest city in the Des Moines metro area, West Des Moines is a great destination for people looking for careers, schools and entertainment options.
Population: 68,723 (2020 Census), up 21.4% from the 2010 Census (56,609).
Notable companies headquartered in West Des Moines: Hy-Vee (Grocery store chain), GuideOne Insurance, Sammons Financial Group, and Windsor Windows & Doors. The largest employer in West Des Moines is Wells Fargo Home Mortgage & Credit Services.
Fun fact – Writer and film director, Peter Hedges, was born and raised in West Des Moines. He attended Valley High school and made several references to Valley in his book (later movie) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
Andrew and Tyler were both born and raised here!
Schools
West Des Moines Community Schools District Map
*Schools – Covers most of West Des Moines, and parts of Clive, Urbandale and Windsor Heights
- West Des Moines Valley High School
- Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
- Stilwell Junior High
- Indian Hills Junior High
- Jordan Creek Elementary School
- Westridge Elementary School
- Western Hills Elementary School
- Crossroads Park Elementary School
- Clive Learning Academy
- Crestview School of Inquiry
- Fairmeadows Elementary
- Hillside Elementary
- Dowling Catholic High School – Private Catholic School
- Sacred Heart School – K-8th, Private Catholic School
- Saint Francis of Assisi School – K-8th, Private Catholic School
- West Des Moines Montessori Children’s House – 18mos – 7 years old, Private School. Winner of Metro’s Best Award by Des Moines Register for best Child Care AND Best of the West award by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce for Best Child Care/Preschool
Where to Eat?
Burgers and Fries
Burgers and Fries
- B-Bops – Locals might call it the BEST fast food restaurant around
- Maxie’s Restaurant and Lounge – Classic. Get the onion rings!
- Cooper’s on 5th – Date night burgers
Hispanic
Hispanic
- El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill – Traditional Mexican restaurant vibes
- Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant – The best place in the entire state for Ecuadorian cuisine
- El Fogon West Glen – Great food and Great Cocktails
European
European
- Anna Dolce Ristorante – Italian resturant with weekly chef’s specials and happy hour
- OPA! Italian and Greek – It’s in the name, Italian OR Greek
- Mo’z/Mediterranean – Cozy, Hole in the Wall vibe with fantastic Mediterranean dishes
Pizza
Pizza
- 7 Stone Pizzeria – Wood Fire Pizza
- The Tavern – 2 Locations in WDM! The thin crust is where its at here
- Taste of New York Pizza – NYC Style slices and pies
Asian
Asian
- Pho Shobu – The place to go for Vietnamese food
- Eat Thai, Thai Eatery – Traditional Thai dishes
- Wasabi – great seafood and atmosphere
BBQ
BBQ
- Jethro’s BBQ n Bacon Bacon – This Jethro’s specializes in bacon and breakfast
Happy Hour
Happy Hour
- Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio – Great food and drink deals between 4-6p!
- Barn Town Brewing – Phenomonal home brewed beer with great burger options.
- Wellman’s Rooftop and Patio – Lively and upbeat sports bar
- The Hall – Massive Beer Hall perfect for large gatherings!
Breakfast or Brunch
Breakfast of Brunch
- Eggs and Jam – Hip-hop décor and music, creative eats and bloody marys!
- St Kilda – Classy brunch spot in historic Valley Junction
- Early Bird – A modern take on a classic diner
- Perkup Cafe – Great food with a classic diner feel
What To Do & Other News
- Walnut Woods State Park – Get outdoors!
- Raccoon River Park – Beach, Baseball, Dog Park, Soccer, Hike, Run, Do Everything Here!
- Jordan House – Victorian home that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad
- Aquatic Centers – Valley View, Clive, and Holiday Park Swimming Pools
- Jordan Creek Town Center – Shop, Eat, Be Entertained.
- Historic Valley Junction – Charming old downtown area with lots of small shops and restaurants.
- West Glen Town Center – Mix of national retail brands and locally owned shops, nice nightlife scene here too!
- Smash Park – Eat, Drink, Be Merry. Oh and play Pickleball!
- MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex – City owned and operated athletic complex.
- Topgolf – Enjoy year-round comfort in our hitting bays with cooling fans in the summer and heated bays in the winter
- West Bank opens it’s new, beautiful headquarters in West Des Moines
- Grand Experience – Indoor waterpark – COMING SOON!
- Dave & Busters – Arcade, Sports Bar, and Restaurant
- Spare Time – luxury bowling lanes, arcade, an epic laser tag arena, escape rooms, and multiple restaurants and bars throughout the building
