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Des Moines, WA

Frequently asked questions

Des Moines, WA

Des Moines is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 32,888 as of the 2020 census. The city is located on the east shore of Puget Sound, near the center of the Seattle metropolitan area. It is bordered by the suburbs of Federal Way to the south, Kent to the east, SeaTac to the northeast, Burien to the north, and Normandy Park to the northwest.

Des Moines is one of the few points along this shoreline where the topography facilitates access to the water, and a recreational marina operated by the city, with moorage, boat launching and pier fishing facilities, is located there. Forested Saltwater State Park on a steep ravine between the Zenith and Woodmont neighborhoods is the most-used state park on the Sound. Near the border of Federal Way, Redondo has a boardwalk complete with a Salty's restaurant and a pay parking lot.

There is no evidence that Native American tribes had permanent settlements in Des Moines; however, there is ample evidence that the Duwamish and Muckleshoot Indian tribes came to Des Moines for fishing and clamming.

What was to become Des Moines was first explored by Europeans on May 26, 1792, during the exploration of British naval Captain George Vancouver on his flagship HMS Discovery. The first Americans to visit the area were part of Charles Wilkes' Expedition.

The first known settler was John Moore, who probably arrived circa 1867. His homestead claim certificate (#285) was granted on July 2, 1872. In 1887, F.A. Blasher persuaded some friends in his home city of Des Moines, Iowa, to help finance the development of a town on Puget Sound. The work was done by the Des Moines Improvement Company. In 1889 the area was platted into lots and sold by the Des Moines Improvement Company, which had been incorporated by F. A. Blasher, Orin Watts Barlow, Charles M. Johnson, and John W. Kleeb. Lumber mills provided the community with its primary employment.

Des Moines is located at 47°23′39″N 122°19′5″W (47.394120, −122.317983). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.408 square miles (19.19 km²), all land.

Most of the city rolls gently down to the waters of Puget Sound from an elevation of approximately 400 feet (120 m) along the eastern city boundary on Pacific Highway, allowing many homes to enjoy an unobstructed view of the sound and Vashon Island. The ravines of Des Moines Creek and Massey Creek deeply incise this broad slope.

Emphasizing health and wellness, Des Moines provides a range of facilities and initiatives supporting residents' well-being. Franciscan Medical Clinic offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Enjoy locally grown produce and artisan goods at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market every Saturday from June to September. Des Moines Beach Park is perfect for walks, picnics, and scenic views of Puget Sound, promoting relaxation and physical activity while Mount Rainier National Park is for hiking, nature walks, and outdoor meditation, offering breathtaking landscapes. Des Moines Legacy Foundation supports community health through various programs and events. Des Moines Field House hosts fitness classes and indoor sports activities for all ages.

The top sites in Des Moines, WA are Saltwater State Park, Des Moines Marina Pier, South Marina Park, and MaST Center Aquarium.

ZIP code: 98198. Population: 32,408 (2022). Area code: 206. Elevation: 92 ft (28 m). Area: 7.408 square miles (19.19 km²).

FAQs

What is Des Moines, WA known for?

Today, Des Moines is often called the "Boating Capital of the Pacific Northwest" and is considered among the best places in the Northwest metro to retire or raise a family. It blends the benefits of waterfront living with the convenience of metropolitan access. The city's six miles of shoreline offer public beaches, waterfront parks, top-notch restaurants, fishing piers, and a well-used boardwalk. It also has a 900 slip, full-service marina with 1,500 feet of transit moorage and fuel services.

What is the ethnicity of Des Moines, WA?

In 2022, there were 4.14 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (16.3k people) in Des Moines, WA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.94k Asian (non-Hispanic) and 3.81k Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. 18.2% of the people in Des Moines, WA are Hispanic (5.95k people).

Is Des Moines, WA a good place to live?

Living in Des Moines offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Des Moines, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Des Moines and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Des Moines are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Des Moines

Seattle Southside

Data USA

Niche

Saltwater State Park 

Des Moines Marina Pier 

South Marina Park 

MaST Center Aquarium

Franciscan Medical Clinic

Anytime Fitness

Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market 

Des Moines Beach Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Des Moines Legacy Foundation

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