Saturday, November 22, 2008

Best Places to Retire

1983910

West Des Moines, Iowa

       
Total population 53,945 Average January/July temperatures 21.6° / 76.5°
Median home price $ 161,000 Annual Precipitation 33.35 in. /yr.

West Des Moines, Iowa

One will find midwestern values and lifestyle in this growing city.

Climate
West Des Moines has a prairie climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters.
Economy
Rapid, but carefully planned, growth has transformed this one-time bedroom community into a major employment center, as well as a shopping and entertainment destination.
Geography
West Des Moines is nestled in the Raccoon River Valley in central Iowa.
Historical
The West Des Moines Historical Society and its museum are housed in a restored Victorian mansion that was once a station on the Underground Railroad.
Recreation
Aty least 12 miles of biking and walking trails run throughout the city.

Location Details

Weather  
Average January high/low temperature (?) 32.23 ° / 10.94 °
Average July high/low temperature (?) 88.61 ° / 64.42 °
Precipitation (?) 33.35 in. /yr.
% Sunny days per year (?) 29 %
Index score for various storm types (lower is better) (?) 82
Index score for air quality (lower is better) (?) 103
Cost of Living  
Median home price (?) $ 161,000
Median household income, age 55 to 75 (?) $58569.0
Median household income, all ages(?) $54797
Maximum state income tax (?) 8.98 %
State sales tax (?) 6 %
Recreational & Cultural Activities  
Area of square miles of parkland/greenspace (?) .150 mi.²
Number of public golf courses within the county (?) 3
Number of private golf courses within the county (?) 6
Number of public swimming pools within 15 miles of the location(?) 9
Health clubs, studios & gymnasiums within 15 miles of the location(?) 70
Number of sports teams within the county (?) 0
Number of movie theaters within the county (?) 1
Number of libraries within the county (?) 14
Number of museums within the county (?) 6
Number of college and universities that reside within the county (?) 0
Population & Demographics  
Total population (?) 53,945
Population density (?) 1,947 people/mi.²
Population trends (Percentage growth/decline of the 55+ population) (?) 64.6% growth
Population over 55 (?) 10,250 people
Education (?) 46 % have a college degree
Health  
Number of hospitals within the county (?) 1
Number of clinics within the county (?) 5
Number of elder care facilities within the county (?) 69
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