4 Great Small Towns Near Des Moines to Live and Work Remotely

Are you looking for that small town lifestyle but still want easy access to everything that a big city has to offer? One of these small towns outside of Des Moines, Iowa could be the perfect fit. Iowa offers all four seasons and tranquil rolling hills with some of the most idyllic countryside views in the entire country. The state’s capital city of Des Moines is a vibrant location with all the cultural opportunities, entertainment venues, shopping areas, and amenities you’d look for in a nearby city. Des Moines is also a fun trip for a day or weekend to drink in a little city life before returning to life in a neighboring community, like one of these small towns.

The Des Moines skyline on a sunny blue sky day with a view of the bridge over the river and the famous Capitol building

1. Waukee

The flourishing local economy in Waukee has the added benefit of offering plenty of job opportunities. With Des Moines to its East and the Iowa countryside surrounding the rest of this community, you’ll find more possibilities than you can name for enjoying a slower pace without giving up access to professional and social opportunities.

That same opportunity for connection with the wider world applies to your internet connection. Mi-Fiber provides Waukee with fiber internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second for some of the fastest internet available anywhere.

Bondurant’s charm is a breath of fresh air—literally—with its miles of bike paths and running trails, local farms, and other outdoor activities just waiting for you to pick your favorite. When you’re not outside enjoying the beauty of the rural Midwest, you can enjoy some of the best Iowa cuisine in the town’s eateries or take a quick trip to nearby Des Moines for a day of fun, shopping, or business.

Back on the home front, you’ll have a fast internet connection that you can rely on, even with a clear view of cornfields and rural landscape out your window. Mi-Fiber provides Bondurant with fiber internet speeds up to 1 gigabits per second. That’s fast enough to work from home, stream your favorite shows, and do your other online activities with ease.

Polk City is a waterside town in the middle of Iowa with plenty of ways to enjoy the Des Moines River and nearby Saylorville Lake, whether you prefer to be on, in, or simply near the water. The community also features Iowa’s only Arnold Palmer Signature Gold Course and extend into nearby state parks and the Des Moines River. Just half an hour to the city of Des Moines, Polk City offers the balance of rural living and easy access to the big city that many are looking for.

But you won’t have to make that drive to the big city find a fast and reliable internet connection. Mi-Fiber offers Polk City residents speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. With internet that fast, you’ll never skip a beat while working remotely and you’ll never have to worry about losing connection when a storm kicks up on the lake.

4. Leon

A little over an hour from Des Moines, Leon is a bit further afield. But for those seeking an unhurried pace and unsullied outdoor delights, this community is tranquility itself. Outdoor enthusiasts will find lakeshore beaches, fishing, state parks, and miles of hiking trails to keep them busy. Not to mention the rodeo culture in this small town, which hosts not only multiple rodeo-inspired events throughout the year but is also home to Iowa’s best rodeo!

The relaxing pace of Leon could be an oasis for you to call home. And, thanks to GRM Networks, you can stay connected to the larger world without ever leaving your rural haven. Reliable fiber internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second allow Leon residents to work, play, stream and connect with others as part of their rural lifestyle.

The small towns around Des Moines allow you to pick your own flavor when it comes to city/rural living. Would you rather be just close enough to the city to easily drive in but just far enough for a quieter everyday life? Or would you rather be further out and deeply in tune with nature, natural waterways, and the opportunities that come with a truly rural small town lifestyle? The choice is yours with these small towns, all within an easy drive to the city of Des Moines and all with some of the best internet you’ll find anywhere around.

Communities or Neighborhoods Featured Above

Waukee, Iowa - Main Avenue
Waukee’s impressive economy and quality of life have earned the community national recognition as an Iowa haven that’s part of both the rural landscape and a lively urban center.
Mi-Fiber

Waukee, Iowa

Waukee’s impressive economy and quality of life have earned the community national recognition as an Iowa haven that’s part of both the rural landscape and a lively urban center.
Band playing in Bondurant
Bondurant’s high quality of life and job opportunities attract newcomers and its population is increasing steadily as more people are drawn to its quiet, neighborly charm and proximity to Des Moines.
Mi-Fiber

Bondurant, Iowa

Bondurant’s high quality of life and job opportunities attract newcomers and its population is increasing steadily as more people are drawn to its quiet, neighborly charm and proximity to Des Moines.
Polk City
From riverbanks and lakeshore vistas, to hiking trails and state parks, Polk City abounds in natural beauty and outdoor activities. And with downtown Des Moines just 25 minutes away, it’s no wonder that so many families have
Mi-Fiber

Polk City, Iowa

From riverbanks and lakeshore vistas, to hiking trails and state parks, Polk City abounds in natural beauty and outdoor activities. And with downtown Des Moines just 25 minutes away, it’s no wonder that so many families have