Our blog is all about why we love Des Moines and Iowa and so we’ve decided to do something special.

Over the next few weeks we’re going to do a weekly blog on different neighborhoods of Des Moines. Talking about what they offer, what living is like etc.

We hope you enjoy.

If you’re looking for a nice place to live. Somewhere that has options. Whether it’s a duplex, a town home or an apartment. Somewhere that’s quiet.

A place that people of all ages can enjoy; whether they’re 60 and retired, 23 and a recent college graduate, or someone raising a family.

A place that offers the lifestyle of a suburb, but has the excitement of downtown only minutes away. A place like this does exist. In fact, it was also named one of the “Best places to Live” by CNNmoney magazine and a best place to start a business by Business Record.

This place, is West Des Moines.

Located just 15 minutes outside of Downtown Des Moines, West Des Moines offers the calm peace of a suburb, with the excitement of downtown living just moments away.

Jordan Creek town center is just one example. With all sorts of restaurants, a movie theatre and fantastic stores, J-Creek is a great place to visit.

Local grocery stores are also conveniently located in West Des Moines, whether you like Dahls, Trader Joe’s, Hy-Vee or Fareway, we have them all.

The City of West Des Moines also has options for those who like to be outdoors. With over 1200 acres of Park’s and open space and 35 miles of bike trails, there’s something for everyone in West Des Moines.

West Des Moines is home to a superb education program as well. With 8 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools and one high school; and an average student-teacher ratio of 16-1 children in West Des Moines are sure to get a quality education.

Exciting nightlife is close at hand too. In West Glen alone patrons can check out Blue Moon dueling piano bar, Funny Bone Comedy Club or Cabaret West Glen.

There’s plenty more of West Des Moines to see and check out, but we can’t include all of it here. So, come out and check us out. Whether it’s going to a game at Valley Stadium, shopping at Jordan Creek or a simple stroll in the park. West Des Moines is a great place to visit and live.

Calling all runners!

While the frost may be starting to form on our windshields and the temperature outside is inching closer to freezing everyday, the good news is, running season isn’t quite over.

Des Moines has a few more chances coming up for those of you who are avid runners, enjoy running just to do it, or even for those of you who just like to watch.

Known as Des Moines’ oldest road race. The Des Moines Turkey Trot is held every year on Thanksgiving, and includes a: 5 Mile Run, 2 Mile Run/ Walk, and 1/2 Mile Dog Run/ Walk. Making it a perfect family outing for T-Day. Click on the above link for info on registration.

If you’re looking for a bit more excitement in your run. Check out the Living History Farms Race, the country’s biggest cross country race, on November 20th. This race will have you running all over Living History Farms; dodging cows and horses and splashing through creeks. And finishes off with a hot meal thanks to The Machine Shed and Iowa Beef Industry Council.

And if November proves to still be a little too warm, there’s the Jingle Jog sponsored by AIB on December 18th. This is nice and easy 2 or 4 mile run around Gray’s Lake, with 3 age brackets. Plus, runners have a chance at this race to win entry into next year’s Des Moines Marathon!

So, while we may be busting out the coats and scarves soon. It doesn’t mean you have to also put away the running shoes. Check out one of these races, or Runningwall.com for a list of other great races still going this year.