Des Moines Communities Are Thriving!
Real Estate Opportunities in a Central Location with a Pro-Business Climate
Discover the magic in spectacular, convenient Des Moines, where sweeping views draw residents, tourists, and businesses to the natural beauty of the city on the sound. Des Moines features the only public marina between Seattle and Tacoma, silhouetted against the backdrop of Puget Sound, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and majestic Mt. Rainier.
Downtown Marina District
The downtown Des Moines Marina District invites you to spend the day browsing through charming locally owned specialty shops. Restaurants and bistros allow you to enjoy the views over delicious fresh seafood. Stroll through a town rich in history, originally founded in the 1870's. Explore a fine selection of souvenirs and gifts at Des Moines Drug and Hallmark; or the well-stocked wine shop with tastings every Saturday. The gourmet meat market offers the very freshest fish and seafood, packed for your transport home.
After-hours the Des Moines Marina District features elegant or casual dining, dancing, and popular sports bars.
The 700-slip Des Moines Marina draws area boaters, and the 670-foot fishing pier is a highlight for kids and grownups.
Farmers Market
Every Saturday June through October, the Marina's 'Waterfront Farmers Market' offers 60 unique vendors, with flowers, produce, meats, artisan cheeses, and much more, all fresh from nearby farms. Local artists display handmade gifts, blown glass, jewelry, paintings and other unique items.
Beach Park
Adjacent to the marina, explore the grounds, trails, and beach at 18-acre Des Moines Beach Park, a city park and National Historic landmark, recognized for its rustic buildings and history as Covenant Beach Bible Camp. The buildings are being beautifully restored to their Swedish architectural heritage. Event rentals are available and offer a memorable venue for a celebration. From the beach bicyclists and joggers can take the winding Des Moines Creek Trail, a quiet wooded two-mile leg of the Sound to Lake Trail system that will eventually connect over ten miles from Puget Sound to Lake Washington.
Schools
The residential neighborhoods of Des Moines are served by four gorgeous new school buildings. Mt. Rainier High School is a stunning state-of-the-art facility complete with multiple gymnasiums and the latest computer technology, as well as the acclaimed International Baccalaureate program. Both ethnic diversity and success characterize the local academic climate - Parkside Elementary, at the south end of the city, is home to the District's "Challenge Program" for top young scholars.
Highline College
The highly acclaimed Highline College also calls Des Moines home. With a student population of 18,000, the college is a terrific talent pool for employers, tailoring specific training programs to current business needs. The campus includes a branch of Central Washington University, and of Heritage University, so that four-year and graduate degrees are available. The college is especially proud of its ethnic diversity and international students it serves.
Many of Highline's resources are free and open to the public, including the Small Business Development Center and StartZone, which offer free counseling for business owners and seminars on practical topics such as accounting and internet marketing.
Moving Your Business to Des Moines
Des Moines city government welcomes developers with a pro-active and helpful staff, a stream-lined permit process and a host of development incentives. If you or your company are considering a move or expansion, we invite you to discover the unbeatable convenience, beauty, and investment opportunities in Des Moines.
Owners & investors
For the business owner or investor, a site along Des Moines' Highway 99 (Pacific Highway South) features a multitude of benefits: central location, convenient Rapidride Bus service, a planned light rail station, plentiful warehousing space, and immediate access to Sea-Tac Airport. The deepwater ports of Seattle and Tacoma are within a convenient 20-minute proximity. Large multi-acre parcels are available for development, offering water views at attractive prices. The urban hubs of Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue.are within a 25-mile radius, with directly connected freeway access.
For further details about locating in Des Moines, please contact the city Economic Development Department at (206) 870-6554 or email for detailed information. View pictures of the community of Des Monies.