LIFE AT DRAKE
Living in Des Moines
The way we see it, where you spend your college years is every bit as important as what you do during that time. It shapes you. It connects you. It embraces you, helps mold your perspective and makes you feel as though you belong.
In Des Moines you'll enjoy all the benefits of living in Iowa's capital and largest city. Academic and professional opportunities abound, and the cultural and entertainment options are astounding. And it has been named one of the top ten places to live in the U.S. by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
Need a ride? Your Drake student ID gets you free transportation on the Des Moines public transportation system throughout the metro area.
Entertainment
The Des Moines Art Center. The Science Center of Iowa. The State Historical Museum. The annual Des Moines Arts Festival (ranked one of the top five art festivals in the country). An art-house movie theater, numerous art galleries and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
What do all of these exceptional cultural outlets and resources have in common? They're all within 10 minutes of the Drake campus. You'll also find five pro sports teams (including the Chicago Cubs AAA affiliate, the Iowa Cubs); 85 public parks; numerous shopping malls; live music venues; 300 miles of hiking and biking trails; and countless eclectic coffeehouses, boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafés.
Professional Opportunities
Des Moines is home to business and industry giants like Wells Fargo, Meredith Corp., Hy-Vee, Nationwide Insurance and more than 60 other insurance companies.
As the center for insurance, government, publishing, business and more, Des Moines is a great place to land internships or start a career. And it's easy to connect with the nearly 18,000 Drake alumni who have chosen to live and work here after graduation.
