As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural affairs. With a City population approaching 200,000 and a metro population of nearly 500,000, Des Moines offers some of the nation's best schools, superb public services, and friendly, caring neighborhoods. Affordable housing, one of the nation's shortest average commute times, and an increasingly diverse population, make Des Moines a wonderful place to live, work and visit.