Situated at 1315 31st St, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States, the Drake West Village serves as one of the best student housing options in Des Moines. This property is highly popular among students due to its prime location and modern living spaces, which include a variety of shared, private, and studio apartments. This apartment is most convenient for students studying at universities like Drake University (0.2 miles away) and Drake University Law School (0.3 miles away). For students searching for student apartments near Iowa State University, Drake West Village remains the top choice.
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, is a lively and growing city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents, of which 32,000 are students. The city has an employment rate of about 96% making it an ideal place for students, fulfilling both educational as well as career aspirations. Des Moines has good connectivity for all modes of transport, including buses, trains, and metros, making it easy for students to explore the city as well as travel to universities. Des Moines is a friendly city for both locals and visitors, and it also serves as a hub for cool art spots and growing tech companies.
Drake West Village Des Moines is more than just apartments in USA for students - it's a place that provides comfort, convenience, and safety, making it one of the most preferred student apartments. Drake West Village, Iowa student housing, is located just across Drake University, and it provides fully furnished apartments with modern amenities. The lively atmosphere that Drake West Village comes with is designed keeping the student lifestyle in mind. Nearby cities like Iowa City and Ames serve as weekend getaway destinations.
At Drake West Village, they prioritize student needs and have different apartments to cater to them. The property offers options like 1Bedroom 1 Bathroom, Room in 4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, Room in 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom, and Room in 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. All of these come fully furnished with Drake West Village wifi required for studying and streaming. Few rooms have a private kitchen and a private bathroom. The comfy bed in all rooms will make sure you sleep well and wake up fresh.
The rent at Drake West Village includes water, sewer, and trash bills. This is one of the apartments in Iowa city near campus that has on-site laundry facilities. The separate study lounges on each floor help you complete your academic requirements more efficiently. It also has a 24-hour recreational center as well as a 24-hour Fitness Center with Strength & Cardio Machines where you can get your heart pumping. The grassy interior courtyard at Drake West Village serves as a peaceful escape to relax or connect with friends. BBQ grills, along with games like foosball, shuffleboard, and billiards, are also a few of the common amenities in the apartment, perfect for fun game nights, after multiple college submissions. The monthly social activities at Drake West Village apartments make sure that you network with each other and make lifetime memories.
Drake West Village is located in one of the most student-friendly areas near Des Moines University and Mercy College, offering easy campus access to students. It also serves as a popular choice for students searching for University of Iowa off campus housing due to its convenient location and student-focused amenities. The neighborhood offers everything a student could ask for - convenience, community, comfort. Drake West Village apartments are located near universities, grocery stores, cafes, and hospitals, making it an ideal and perfect choice of apartment to live in. You can start your mornings with a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Mars Cafe, located just a few minutes away, known for its cozy vibe. For your lunch or dinner plans, you can head to Oak Park, Lachele's Fine Foods, or the most loved Fresko, all located just around the corner.
When you are looking for a chill night out with your friends, you can find several bars and pubs nearby, like West End Lounge and The Dam Pub, just minutes from the Drake West Village address, where you can enjoy local bands and open-mic nights. Drake Park and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden are places you can visit when you want to feel like to reconnect with nature. Des Moines is also home to attractions like The Des Moines Art Center, which is a must-visit for creative souls and offers free admission. Need essentials? Hy-Vee Grocery Store and Whole Foods Market can help you stock up on any last-minute essentials. For any medical emergencies, Broadlawns Medical Center is located nearby and is open 24 hours. Pharmacies like Walgreens Pharmacy provide prescription medicines and are located near Drake West Village itself. Whether you want to explore, eat, study, or relax, the area surrounding Drake West Village offers everything, making student life not just easy but exciting.
Drake West Village Des Moines offers convenient access to various public transportation options. Bus stops like 30th St / Carpenter Ave, DSM, are just a step away, and University Ave / 31st St (Far-Side), DSM, is only a short distance on foot. As a Drake student, you can enjoy free bus rides with your ID via the D-Line and safe-ride services. For airport travel, Des Moines International is just a short drive from Drake West Village. Walking and biking are also very common and convenient because of bike lanes and BCycle bike-share kiosks. Staying at Drake West Village makes daily commutes easy with quick, direct access to campus and city transit.
Desβ―Moines, the proud capital of Iowa, is quickly becoming a studentβfriendly hotspot in the Midwest. Each autumn, thousands of undergraduates, postβgraduates, medβschool interns, and research scholars flock here for the highβcalibre programs at nearby colleges such as Drake University, Grand View University, Desβ―Moines University, and Iowa State University. The presence of these universities increases the demand for student apartments in Des Moines. With onβcampus halls filling up months before orientation, most students turn to Des Moines offβcampus housing to find their slice of Iowa comfort. No matter what you are looking for, amber provides you with a wide range of choices near campuses.
Amber makes the entire search simple. Every listing is verified, and the filters like price, lease length, pet policy, and more help in the shortlisting process. Plus, 24/7 human support means you never book blind. From 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom to studio apartments,β―amberβs catalogue of student apartments in Des Moines covers every budget and lifestyle. The top apartment in Des Moines is Drake West Village.
Located along the banks of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, the city has slightly over 208,000 people residing within its boundaries and nearly 580,000 in the larger metropolitan area, creating a balance of lively big-city excitement and a friendly, neighborhood feel. Des Moines features an active tech industry, a flourishing arts scene, and an unexpectedly diverse food culture. A remarkably low unemployment rate, reasonable living expenses, and well-kept public parks enhance the cityβs appeal for both students and young professionals.
When itβs time to unwind, Desβ―Moines more than delivers. Start with classic Midwestern comfort food at The High Life Lounge or treat your palate to farmβtoβtable flavours at The Walnut. Coffee aficionados swear by the pourβovers at Horizon Line Coffee and lateβnight study sessions at Smokey Row Coffee. Sports fans fill the stands at Principal Park for summer baseball or catch college football games at Duke Williams Stadium. For vintage arcade vibes and craft pints, head to UpβDownβ―DSM; if elevated cocktails are more your style, slip into the retroβchic ambience of Helloβ―Marjorie. Liveβmusic lovers can dance the night away at xBkβ―Live, then recharge the next morning with fresh air at Cohen Park or a community event on the green of Cowles Commons. Students have peace of mind knowing UnityPointβ―Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center sits minutes from campus hot spots. Retail therapy awaits at MLKβ―River Park.
Rent in Iowaβs capital remains refreshingly moderate for a stateβhouse city, andβ―amberβs curated catalogue puts the best bargains at your fingertips. Toggle the βbudgetβ slider to sort listings starting at a reasonable price on premium apartments loaded with gyms, rooftop lounges, and heated parking. Every property page shows real photos, transparent deposits, and candid student reviews, so you can lock in a lease with zero guesswork. Useβ―amberβs instant chat to negotiate groupβbooking discounts or ask about furnishedβunit upgrades. Here are student favourites where value meets comfort:
1. Drake West Village: It is located at 1315 31st St, Des Moines, 50311, United States. This student apartments in Des Moines provides 1B, 2B, 4B & studio apartments near Iowa State University with amenities like foosball and laundry facilities.
Each neighbourhood at the student apartments in Iowa has its own personality. Match your vibe to one of these five studentβapproved localities:
1. Drake District: It's a student favorite, only minutes away from Drake University. It's lively, with unique cafΓ©s, vintage shops, and food at night to satisfy those late-night study cravings. Plus, it's walkable to campus, as well as student events, that happen year-round.
2. Downtown Core: This is the place for you if you prefer modern living. High-rises with the design of the city in sight, rooftop amenities, and a skywalk to easily access your internships and part-time jobs make living here a no-brainer. You are also right in walking distance from farmersβ markets, nightlife, and cultural venues like the Des Moines Performing Arts Center.
3. East Village: This is the area made for creative minds. Cobblestone streets, local shops and boutiques, indie bookstores, and downright cool street art set the vibe for the area. It's hip, but holds history and is constantly changing.
4. Beaverdale: Will be quieter, with tree-lined streets, and old homes that are spacious. Many homes will be split into multi-room shares, which is cost-effective and allows for group living.
5. South Side: Good for a student to choose if commuting to Iowa State University or easy access to the highway. There are plenty of big box stores and convenient discount shopping, which is perfect for stocking up on bulk items and supplies.
Amber offers a variety of student apartments in Des Moines tailored to different living preferences. Hereβs a look at the popular room types at student housing Des Moines:
1. Private Rooms: Great for students who want independence while still being part of a shared unit. Often comes with a private bathroom and study area.
2. Studios: Perfect for solo living. These apartments include a compact kitchen, private bath, and sleeping area in one self-contained space.
3. 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom & 4-Bedroom Apartments: Ideal for those who want more space or plan to live with a roommate. These options often include shared living rooms and kitchens.
4. Shared Apartments: Feature private bedrooms with communal spaces for socialising. Great for students looking to balance privacy and social life.
Desβ―Moines is one of the most reasonably priced college towns in the U.S. Plenty of expenses to consider, it is critical to understand how the cost of living in the USA as a student adds up. The average total expenses per month range from $650β―ββ―$950, depending on lifestyle and housing. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Desβ―Moines on a monthly basis:
1. Offβcampus rent: $500β―ββ―$800/month
2. Groceries: $120β―ββ―$160/month
3. Utilities: $60β―ββ―$85/month
4. Internet: $35β―ββ―$55/month
5. Transport: $40β―ββ―$65/month
6. Leisure/fitness: $70β―ββ―$110/month
Getting around is a breeze thanks to multiple transport options tailorβmade for student budgets:
1. DART Buses: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit network links every major university corridor, and the semester passes are unlimited for under $200 (roughly $12 a week). Most are bike-friendly, and all are wheelchair accessible, and real time arrival tracking is available via the DART app.
2. Free Downtown Shuttle: A bright green circulator loops the Central Business District from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., great for internships or runs to the weekend farmer's market. Stops include popular student spots, the library, City Hall, and key transfer stops!
3. BCycle Bike Share: 20+ dock locations near both campuses; memberships starting at 10 dollars a month for unlimited 60-minute rides. Use the BCycle app to locate, unlock, and return bikes. A healthy and eco-friendly option for short trips to class or the grocery store!
4. Rail (to Ames and to Chicago): Amtrak has a station in Newton, and it offers student discounts if your travels home are a bit longer. Newton also has a Park and Ride lot, and the university shuttle services sometimes provide options during peak travel weekends.
5. Ride Share and Carpool: The Lyft Student Monday deals and university postings for carpools help to minimize late-night rides, as well as being safe options for students. Apps such as Zimride and GroupMe allow students to arrange to share rides and split fares with classmates on their trips.
6. DSM International Airport: Just ten minutes from Downtown; some complexes provide free airport shuttles during semester break. Non-stop flights to hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis make it pretty easy to either return home or fly somewhere new.
Desβ―Moines fuses Midwestern warmth with cultural flair. Catch indie bands and openβmic poetry at xBkβ―Live or test vintage pinβball skills at UpβDownβ―DSM. Foodies queue early on Saturday morning for the Downtown Farmersβ Market, where local growers dish up acai smoothie bowls and mapleβbacon donuts. Art enthusiasts roam the iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park while shutterbugs chase sunset shots along the Riverwalkβs lit pedestrian bridges.
Outdoor lovers kayak the calm stretch of the Desβ―Moines River or hike the wildflowerβlined trails of nearby Grayβs Lake and Jester Park. Sports fans paint their faces blue for Iowa Cubs games at Principal Park or cheer on college basketball showdowns inside Knapp Center. Winter isnβt dull, either; iceβskate at Brenton Skating Plaza or sip hot cocoa beneath the holiday lights at Cowles Commons. Add in affordable ticket prices, friendly locals, and campus clubs for every niche (from eSports to urban gardening), and youβll soon understand why students describe Desβ―Moines as βsmall city, big heart.β
1. Drake University: Nationally ranked for experiential learning, Drake University is one of the most prestigious private universities. Itβs known for its strong academic programmes in pharmacy, business, journalism, law, and education.
2. Grand View University: Offering over 40 undergraduate and graduate programmes, Grand View University provides a well-rounded education with a focus on student success. Itβs especially known for majors in nursing, business, education, and graphic design.
3. Desβ―Moines University (DMU) Medicine & Health Sciences: DMU is one of the nationβs most respected graduate medical schools. It offers advanced degrees in osteopathic medicine (D.O.), physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and biomedical sciences.
4. Iowa State University: Iowa State University plays a crucial role in creating demand for the student housing in Des Moines. As a land-grant research university, ISU is known globally for its excellence in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, business, and design.