Those who are lucky enough to live in Des Moines, Iowa have a lot to be proud of and we at DesMoinesZip.com want to tell you all about this fantastic city. As recently as 2007, Des Moines was named one of the hottest cities in the country by Penton's Expansion Management, which is a magazine focusing on business for high-level executives. This placed the city near the top of the list for relocating or expanding a company. This is not only great for business owners, but also all residents of the city.

The cost of living in Des Moines is a very low 80 to the national average of 100. The median price for a resale home in the city is just $123,500. This capital city of Iowa, with just over half a million people living in the metropolitan area, is known as one of the top cities in the country for insurance companies and is a significant city for the American presidential race as home to the Iowa caucuses. This is the first stop for the candidates and many of them choose to set up headquarters in the city.

Forbes Magazine and Kiplinger's Personal Finance have both ranked Des Moines high in terms of being a top city to do business. No less than seven major insurance companies are headquartered in the city and it is the site of two Fortune 500 companies. There are also some leading publishing, finance and electronic firms working in the area.

The list of employers with more than one thousand employees shows a diverse picture of the local economy. There are two health care companies on the list, several manufacturing factories, communication corporations and financial institutions. If you're looking for work, Des Moines might be a good city to start the search.

There are also a number of cultural opportunities offered throughout the city. The Des Moines Metro Opera and Ballet Des Moines both offer education and outreach programs. While the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Temple for Performing Arts and Des Moines Playhouse provide a variety of productions. For music lovers, there's the Des Moines Symphony and the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater. Salisbury House and Gardens, Hoyt Sherman Place and Western Gateway Park show the beauty and history of the city.

Those looking for a great selection of neighborhoods and great job and living opportunities need look no further than Iowa's capital. This is a dynamic city with more to offer at every turn.