DES MOINES: I Explored the BEST and WORST Parts of the City - This Is What I Found
video description
Side note: interesting how dead Zombie Burger was. Its super popular across the entire state. Was really surprised. Was that a Sunday morning or something Lol
Oh and 2nd side note: even us Iowan natives joke about Kum and Go every single time we stop there.
Date: 2024-01-28
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 34
Amir-qw9qp
I'm born in Iraq and I moved here in 2008 as a refugee and I've fallen in love with this city it's always felt like home and the people are here are the nicest people in the country. I've made some amazing friends and met my gf of 5 years in high school too this place will always feel like home I travel a lot and whenever I go to a bigger city like LA, Miami, New York I always get homesick fast because I love the peace and quiet here and the traffic isn't bad compared to bigger cities it's super clean with amazing people and amazing schools great place to raise your kids and start a family. Also there are a lot worse parts in Des Moines especially on the east and south side and that neighborhood you showed is not considered nice at all compared to some of the modern ones in West Des Moines/waukee/ankeny/johnnston
reply
I'm born in Iraq and I moved here in 2008 as a refugee and I've fallen in love with this city it's always felt like home and the people are here are the nicest people in the country. I've made some amazing friends and met my gf of 5 years in high school too this place will always feel like home I travel a lot and whenever I go to a bigger city like LA, Miami, New York I always get homesick fast because I love the peace and quiet here and the traffic isn't bad compared to bigger cities it's super clean with amazing people and amazing schools great place to raise your kids and start a family. Also there are a lot worse parts in Des Moines especially on the east and south side and that neighborhood you showed is not considered nice at all compared to some of the modern ones in West Des Moines/waukee/ankeny/johnnston
reply
darrenthegreat4152
By far you didn’t hit the nicest neighborhood. The west side is where the rich live. I would say might be a little more rough area would be around Forest, MLK, close around the Drake area, but your correct the houses are not bad in the rough neighborhoods, it’s at night when you have to be more aware of your surroundings if your around those areas. For an outsider, you did well covering the downtown area. Overall the people are very friendly and willing to help, but treat Iowans with disrespect and you can find they can change very quickly. I would guess you didn’t speak with the locals but thanks for covering a city i was born in slightly over 50 years ago and still live close by.
reply
By far you didn’t hit the nicest neighborhood. The west side is where the rich live. I would say might be a little more rough area would be around Forest, MLK, close around the Drake area, but your correct the houses are not bad in the rough neighborhoods, it’s at night when you have to be more aware of your surroundings if your around those areas. For an outsider, you did well covering the downtown area. Overall the people are very friendly and willing to help, but treat Iowans with disrespect and you can find they can change very quickly. I would guess you didn’t speak with the locals but thanks for covering a city i was born in slightly over 50 years ago and still live close by.
reply
janellek21
Des Moines impressed the hell out of me when I went there a few years ago to go to the state fair. It's not the most ethnically diverse or culturally thriving place in the USA, but it's clean, it's safer than most large cities, and the people were very friendly. There's just a very tolerant and community-oriented vibe there. We went to the fair, did the capitol building tour, visited John Wayne's birthplace and went to an Iowa Cubs baseball game. It seems like a very good place to live, work and raise kids.
11: 36 that sculpture looks like Falcor!
11: 52 I don't approve of public sculptures of naked women with bigger boobs than me. It just triggers my sense of inadequacy.
reply
Des Moines impressed the hell out of me when I went there a few years ago to go to the state fair. It's not the most ethnically diverse or culturally thriving place in the USA, but it's clean, it's safer than most large cities, and the people were very friendly. There's just a very tolerant and community-oriented vibe there. We went to the fair, did the capitol building tour, visited John Wayne's birthplace and went to an Iowa Cubs baseball game. It seems like a very good place to live, work and raise kids.
11: 36 that sculpture looks like Falcor!
11: 52 I don't approve of public sculptures of naked women with bigger boobs than me. It just triggers my sense of inadequacy.
reply
jiiaga5017
2 Comments on your river musings - 1 good 1 bad.
The Bad - Iowa is a strange mix of people who say they are big conservationists and hunters, but who also will pitch the beer can they just downed while driving down the road right out the window without a second thought.
The Good-ish - someone didn't necessarily pitch their garbage right there on the river bank. It probably got washed in and washed up, pushed onto the bank there from upstream. Which I mean, see the above comment, it got littered somewhere - but probably not right THERE.
Thanks for the nice walk talk and show of the city.
reply
2 Comments on your river musings - 1 good 1 bad.
The Bad - Iowa is a strange mix of people who say they are big conservationists and hunters, but who also will pitch the beer can they just downed while driving down the road right out the window without a second thought.
The Good-ish - someone didn't necessarily pitch their garbage right there on the river bank. It probably got washed in and washed up, pushed onto the bank there from upstream. Which I mean, see the above comment, it got littered somewhere - but probably not right THERE.
Thanks for the nice walk talk and show of the city.
reply
drakeu859
Made me miss my home. lived in Florida since 1986. but have gone back over the years. I know your trip was abbreviated. but your trip through the best and worst was not entirely accurate. As for the best i would recommend South of Grand from about 42nd Ave. and for the worst you might want to check out East of Drake University. all in all. good job on the video. one thing you might want to talk about if you ever go back are all the bike trails that weave in and out of the various neighborhoods thoroughout Des Moines and the surrounding communities.
reply
Made me miss my home. lived in Florida since 1986. but have gone back over the years. I know your trip was abbreviated. but your trip through the best and worst was not entirely accurate. As for the best i would recommend South of Grand from about 42nd Ave. and for the worst you might want to check out East of Drake University. all in all. good job on the video. one thing you might want to talk about if you ever go back are all the bike trails that weave in and out of the various neighborhoods thoroughout Des Moines and the surrounding communities.
reply
CaptainHowdy1969
Howdy Spoda. well you know I mentioned that I used to live in Minnesota, so of course I've been thru Des Moines Iowa quite a few times and like you I got a chuckle out of those gas station/c-stores called kum & go. well idk if you noticed it or not as you were headed down I-35, but at mile marker 69 on the interstate there is an exit and down at the bottom of that exit is a kum & go store. the first time I noticed it I damn near ran off the interstate due to me laughing so damn hard. lol. anywho. keep up the good work brother
reply
Howdy Spoda. well you know I mentioned that I used to live in Minnesota, so of course I've been thru Des Moines Iowa quite a few times and like you I got a chuckle out of those gas station/c-stores called kum & go. well idk if you noticed it or not as you were headed down I-35, but at mile marker 69 on the interstate there is an exit and down at the bottom of that exit is a kum & go store. the first time I noticed it I damn near ran off the interstate due to me laughing so damn hard. lol. anywho. keep up the good work brother
reply
malybo0ah
I moved to Des Moines in 2013 from California. I have to agree you did not highlight some of the best or worst. We’ve been here since and it was one of the best decisions ever. Iowa is such a beautiful place. Plenty of state parks, architecture, it’s pretty diverse, they definitely support locals and art is huge here. So much more to see but never enough time to see it all! Definitely come back and highlight some more landmarks! Iowa is growing for a reason!
reply
I moved to Des Moines in 2013 from California. I have to agree you did not highlight some of the best or worst. We’ve been here since and it was one of the best decisions ever. Iowa is such a beautiful place. Plenty of state parks, architecture, it’s pretty diverse, they definitely support locals and art is huge here. So much more to see but never enough time to see it all! Definitely come back and highlight some more landmarks! Iowa is growing for a reason!
reply
eunhyexss5471
I'm from North Texas but I'm going to college in Iowa (Drake University) which is in Des Moines and this video was pretty interesting to watch! I would say the area around my school isn't the best but I don't think it's horrible but then again I've only seen it twice and from what I've heard from the school officials. I've also only visited West Des Moines and really enjoyed it because it reminds me of my city. Nice video, thanks!
reply
I'm from North Texas but I'm going to college in Iowa (Drake University) which is in Des Moines and this video was pretty interesting to watch! I would say the area around my school isn't the best but I don't think it's horrible but then again I've only seen it twice and from what I've heard from the school officials. I've also only visited West Des Moines and really enjoyed it because it reminds me of my city. Nice video, thanks!
reply
TheTheWings
Growing up in Des Moines. You didnt even hit the WORST part of Des Moines. Someone missed directed you. There are probably no guns on that street and nobody killed for shits and giggles. You just went east of DM. Growing up in DM and being and EASTSIDER people will tell you that the EAST side is bad WRONG. If you want to go to a real local bar try hittting up the OLD Hiland Park Country Club Bar in Hiland Park.
reply
Growing up in Des Moines. You didnt even hit the WORST part of Des Moines. Someone missed directed you. There are probably no guns on that street and nobody killed for shits and giggles. You just went east of DM. Growing up in DM and being and EASTSIDER people will tell you that the EAST side is bad WRONG. If you want to go to a real local bar try hittting up the OLD Hiland Park Country Club Bar in Hiland Park.
reply
doloresbriseno2567
I worked for the state for a few months and was able to access the tunnels that run from the Capitol to nearby state buildings. They are long and some have murals on the walls. There were spots where there was water (or sludge, not as thick as oil) on the floor. Workers use them during the winter. It was very interesting. Other than the wet areas, I felt very safe walking through there.
reply
I worked for the state for a few months and was able to access the tunnels that run from the Capitol to nearby state buildings. They are long and some have murals on the walls. There were spots where there was water (or sludge, not as thick as oil) on the floor. Workers use them during the winter. It was very interesting. Other than the wet areas, I felt very safe walking through there.
reply
usa-by-car
Surprisingly the areas you drove through looked nice & calm that day. Lol keep going west towards Drake or even a little further south off E. 14th right before the bridge & that's where you'll see all the homeless camps, not too far from the capital. That's why you saw someone just sleeping out there. Iowa's homeless community is way out of control. A very big & also sad problem we have here.
reply
Surprisingly the areas you drove through looked nice & calm that day. Lol keep going west towards Drake or even a little further south off E. 14th right before the bridge & that's where you'll see all the homeless camps, not too far from the capital. That's why you saw someone just sleeping out there. Iowa's homeless community is way out of control. A very big & also sad problem we have here.
reply
zerog5041
Hi Joe and Nic from beaten up south London UK where the current temperature is 16C, wow what a fantastic City, I personally think the best you've found yet, so calm and surreal for such a large conurbation! In case you're wondering why I'm commenting now it's because I am catching up with all your past videos, they're all so fascinating. Keep up the good work.
reply
Hi Joe and Nic from beaten up south London UK where the current temperature is 16C, wow what a fantastic City, I personally think the best you've found yet, so calm and surreal for such a large conurbation! In case you're wondering why I'm commenting now it's because I am catching up with all your past videos, they're all so fascinating. Keep up the good work.
reply
dovmoen
Des Moines is probably the nicest city of its size (roughly 200, 000) in the entire country. It’s very pretty, clean, safe, lots of interesting things to do and see, and it’s a thriving city with lots of jobs, big corporations and business.
And I say that as a Minnesota native (Iowa is often the butt of our jokes.
reply
Des Moines is probably the nicest city of its size (roughly 200, 000) in the entire country. It’s very pretty, clean, safe, lots of interesting things to do and see, and it’s a thriving city with lots of jobs, big corporations and business.
And I say that as a Minnesota native (Iowa is often the butt of our jokes.
reply
jeffsmith846
I have to agree with the Kum and Go. I travel to Des Moines every year for the Good guys car show at the Iowa fairgrounds. The first time I saw the Kum and Go gas station I got a laugh. It. must be generational because my good friend who is from Iowa originally did not know why I thought it was so funny.
reply
I have to agree with the Kum and Go. I travel to Des Moines every year for the Good guys car show at the Iowa fairgrounds. The first time I saw the Kum and Go gas station I got a laugh. It. must be generational because my good friend who is from Iowa originally did not know why I thought it was so funny.
reply
woody5551
At 10: 16 the historical looking structure is the World Food Prize headquarters. When I visited DM they offered tours. It is truly a jewel.
I also visited the DM Art Center which is a feast of art.
If you like history
Terrace Hill, the Capital and the Historical Bldg are very nice.
reply
At 10: 16 the historical looking structure is the World Food Prize headquarters. When I visited DM they offered tours. It is truly a jewel.
I also visited the DM Art Center which is a feast of art.
If you like history
Terrace Hill, the Capital and the Historical Bldg are very nice.
reply
usa-by-car
You should try going to Iowa City. College town and also Iowa's first capital before Des Moines. We have a whole block where the Old Capital building stands with 4 tertiary buildings around it where the University took over and has classes now (one building has the Museum of Natural History.
reply
You should try going to Iowa City. College town and also Iowa's first capital before Des Moines. We have a whole block where the Old Capital building stands with 4 tertiary buildings around it where the University took over and has classes now (one building has the Museum of Natural History.
reply
MagicMikeSin
How did you go to Zombie Burger and NOT get a burger I'm from about 40 miles away from downtown DesMoines and I can tell you, you definitely didn't hit the worst part of town. Drake neighborhood is pretty bad in parts. Came up as a suggested video, wasn't a bad watch!
reply
How did you go to Zombie Burger and NOT get a burger I'm from about 40 miles away from downtown DesMoines and I can tell you, you definitely didn't hit the worst part of town. Drake neighborhood is pretty bad in parts. Came up as a suggested video, wasn't a bad watch!
reply
Leni7272
Hi Lord Spoda, my three Questions: 1 Why most of the Homes in US looks like Tiny Houses made from Paper and cheap Wood. 2: Why you have no Pedestrians in US-Downtowns. 3: Why so much Downtowns have more Parking lots then Architecture Structures Greeting from Hamburg
reply
Hi Lord Spoda, my three Questions: 1 Why most of the Homes in US looks like Tiny Houses made from Paper and cheap Wood. 2: Why you have no Pedestrians in US-Downtowns. 3: Why so much Downtowns have more Parking lots then Architecture Structures Greeting from Hamburg
reply
usa-by-car
Whenever I see trash I pick it up even though it's not mine I still live in the city and I still care about the planet I live on if we all picked up the trash when we sort this world be a better place and maybe we could influence others to not pollute
reply
Whenever I see trash I pick it up even though it's not mine I still live in the city and I still care about the planet I live on if we all picked up the trash when we sort this world be a better place and maybe we could influence others to not pollute
reply
LAKESIDEBOB1
That capital building only cost 2. 8 million dollars to complete and finish building! Today it would be one billion dollars if one could fine construction workers with the skills sets needed to build it. The dollar bill is worthless today.
reply
That capital building only cost 2. 8 million dollars to complete and finish building! Today it would be one billion dollars if one could fine construction workers with the skills sets needed to build it. The dollar bill is worthless today.
reply
Jonathanlexy
Born, 1955 and raised in Iowa. Explored almost everything about Iowa. Moved to Colorado 41 years ago. I still would not recommend Des Monies to anyone. It is Midwest boring, like most of Iowa. Nice video got me thinking enough to comment.
reply
Born, 1955 and raised in Iowa. Explored almost everything about Iowa. Moved to Colorado 41 years ago. I still would not recommend Des Monies to anyone. It is Midwest boring, like most of Iowa. Nice video got me thinking enough to comment.
reply
grimdaeth
Des Moines is the 3rd capital for Iowa. Originally it was Cedar Rapids, then followed by Iowa City, before it became Des Moines. Out of all 3 city’s, Iowa City was the only one that doesn’t look like a dump in the aftermath.
reply
Des Moines is the 3rd capital for Iowa. Originally it was Cedar Rapids, then followed by Iowa City, before it became Des Moines. Out of all 3 city’s, Iowa City was the only one that doesn’t look like a dump in the aftermath.
reply
crazygma08
I agree 100% with you on your comment about people that litter & leave their trash in such beautiful places! Or anywhere for that matter. I often say I wish I could be the litter police. I would freak out on lazy low lifes!
reply
I agree 100% with you on your comment about people that litter & leave their trash in such beautiful places! Or anywhere for that matter. I often say I wish I could be the litter police. I would freak out on lazy low lifes!
reply
usa-by-car
Des Moines is a small town, but holy crap why Stockton, CA doesn't haven't a skyline is beyond me. Then again, we are an ag town with larger San Francisco and Sacramento. Great video. makes me want to go fishing!
reply
Des Moines is a small town, but holy crap why Stockton, CA doesn't haven't a skyline is beyond me. Then again, we are an ag town with larger San Francisco and Sacramento. Great video. makes me want to go fishing!
reply
usa-by-car
The capitol building is Baroque-Renaissance rhythm with Corinthian. If you saw in Turkey some buildings like that is because of conquest. even the Turkish style is not there's, is Arabic. There style is a Yurt.
reply
The capitol building is Baroque-Renaissance rhythm with Corinthian. If you saw in Turkey some buildings like that is because of conquest. even the Turkish style is not there's, is Arabic. There style is a Yurt.
reply
karengreenlee4356
Enjoyed this Iowa segment. I live in NW Iowa. Maybe some day you'll come thru Sioux City. It has a beautiful refurbished theater downtown that's a can't miss, along with a beautiful courthouse.
reply
Enjoyed this Iowa segment. I live in NW Iowa. Maybe some day you'll come thru Sioux City. It has a beautiful refurbished theater downtown that's a can't miss, along with a beautiful courthouse.
reply
richarddegen6184
Iowa City was the first capital of Iowa, this the second. very expensive housing and cost of living here, liberal politics, and miserable in the winter. lived here 3 years, now in TEXAS!
reply
Iowa City was the first capital of Iowa, this the second. very expensive housing and cost of living here, liberal politics, and miserable in the winter. lived here 3 years, now in TEXAS!
reply
cayennepepper2010
The art, although unusual and unnerving during the spring and summer, fits right in with the dreary, inhospitable atmosphere of the remaining 8 months of an Iowan year.
reply
The art, although unusual and unnerving during the spring and summer, fits right in with the dreary, inhospitable atmosphere of the remaining 8 months of an Iowan year.
reply
CutlassFire2722
All of the nice neighborhoods in Des Moines would have been Waterbury District and most of the area south of Grand Ave and West of MLK. That's where our old money lives.
reply
All of the nice neighborhoods in Des Moines would have been Waterbury District and most of the area south of Grand Ave and West of MLK. That's where our old money lives.
reply
skaylingop9673
The trash on the river bank probably came from the river rather than people actually leaving it there. - Not that that makes it any better, but a more likely cause
reply
The trash on the river bank probably came from the river rather than people actually leaving it there. - Not that that makes it any better, but a more likely cause
reply
thyweebhub
Welcome to Iowa: ) where the only thing we’re are know for is Corn, Butter Cow, Slipknot and Jason MomoaI’d say we are doing pretty good all things considered!
reply
Welcome to Iowa: ) where the only thing we’re are know for is Corn, Butter Cow, Slipknot and Jason MomoaI’d say we are doing pretty good all things considered!
reply
froter1
the area around Des Moines was first discovered by the French and they named the River. the French were long gone when Des Moines was settled and incorporated
reply
the area around Des Moines was first discovered by the French and they named the River. the French were long gone when Des Moines was settled and incorporated
reply
bryanmaunu5986
Things you missed. South of Grand, Forest Ave, Drake University. Beaverdale, Principal Park, Grey's Lake, Iowa State Fair Grounds.
reply
Things you missed. South of Grand, Forest Ave, Drake University. Beaverdale, Principal Park, Grey's Lake, Iowa State Fair Grounds.
reply
RyneOller
Missed Water Works Park, South of Grand, Waterbury, plus many other areas. didn't come close to touching the nice parts of Des Moines.
reply
Missed Water Works Park, South of Grand, Waterbury, plus many other areas. didn't come close to touching the nice parts of Des Moines.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
2:19:11