MedPro International is placing foreign-educated healthcare professionals in exciting positions throughout the United States. This week we take a closer look at Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines, IowaDes Moines, the capital and largest city in the state of Iowa, ranks as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest. Situated at the fork of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers and just south of Saylorville Lake, Des Moines provides residents with plenty of water-related activities in the heart of the Corn Belt. Ranked the 5th Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report, 2020 and the #1 Best Place to Live in the Midwest by The Ascent, 2021, Des Moines is being recognized for its high salaries, low cost of living, career opportunities, and overall quality of life. With a median age of 34, Des Moines is a destination for both young career-minded singles and those starting families.
Economy
Long associated with agriculture, Des Moines is a major center for the U.S. insurance industry. The city was credited as the “number one spot for U.S. insurance companies” by Business Wire. Advanced manufacturing, data centers, technology, and logistics are also major contributors to the Des Moines economy.
Local Medical Facilities
According to U.S. News & World Report, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is the top-ranked hospital in the city, followed by UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Enter. Blank Children’s Hospital and Broadlawns Medical Center also provide care to the metro area.
Quality of Life
- Cost of Living: 22.3 percent below the national rate
- Population: 212,031 based on the 2020 Census
- Median Home Price: $141,300
- Median Gross Rent: $881
- Median Household Income: $54,843
- Per Capita Income: $29,064
- Live below the poverty line: 16.0 percent
- Median Age: 34.2 years
- Average commute time: 19.1 minutes
Education
- Des Moines Independent Community School District
- Overall grade: C (Niche.com)
- Student-Teacher ratio: 14-1
- Serving: 31,720 students in PK, K through High school
Several institutions of higher learning call Des Moines home, including Drake University, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines Area Community College, and Iowa State University in Ames, just a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Transportation
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) runs through Des Moines and neighboring cities Altoona, Ankeny, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Polk County, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights.
Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IowaTop Attractions:
Capitol Building With a 23-karat golden dome, the Iowa State Capitol building is a favorite among sightseers. The Capitol, completed in 1886, houses the governor’s offices, the legislature, and the old Supreme Court chambers. Guided tours are available.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden This 12-acre public garden in downtown Des Moines features more than 10 individual gardens displaying a variety of horticultural specimens. The Ruan Allée is a tree-canopied promenade and the “architectural backbone” of the gardens. The Meredith Terraces provide a one-of-a-kind view of downtown Des Moines.
Gray’s Lake Visitors can walk, bike, rent a kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat, swim or just relax on the beach. A 2-mile trail loops the lake, while a 5-mile trail links to several additional trails downtown.
Des Moines Art Center Take in contemporary art from the 19th century to the present with works from Georgia O’Keefe, Francis Bacon, and more. Plus, you can visit the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a 4.4-acre green space of skilled landscape design and art.
Iowa State Fair The largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the U.S. attracts more than a million people from around the world. The next fair will be held August 10 – 20, 2023.
Shopping Pick up an eclectic gift at one of the dozens of local shops and boutiques in the Historic East Village shopping area. Check out one of the art galleries or antique shops at Historic Valley Junction. Merle Hay Mall has 1.2 million square feet of traditional favorites such as Old Navy, Kohls, and Ross. Shoppers can also head to Jordan Creek Town Center, Outlets of Des Moines, Southridge Mall, Valley West Mall, or West Glen Town Center.
Are you a Foreign-Educated Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional looking to work in the U.S.?
MedPro International is a Joint Commission-certified and leading provider of placement services to facilities across the U.S. We have successfully placed more foreign-educated healthcare professionals than any other company in our industry.
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