r/desmoines Jan 22 '26

Looking for Friends in DSM?

74 Upvotes

Welcome! We have seen many posts over the year of residents seeking community and friendship. Many of us spend more time online, work remotely, or no longer have the built-in social spaces we once did. This pinned thread is to help find friends in Des Moines.

Whether you’re:

• New to the city

• A long-time local looking to expand your circle

• A student, professional, remote worker, or just bored

• Into coffee, hiking, gaming, gyms, books, or low-key hangs …this is the place to connect.

Leave a comment with:

• Age range (optional)

• Interests / hobbies

• What kind of friends you’re looking for (gym buddy, board games, restaurant scene, double dates, mom friends etc.)

Ground Rules

• Be respectful and kind

• No harassment, hate speech, or creepy behavior

• No spam or self-promotion

• Keep personal info safe

This thread will be bookmarked so feel free to come back anytime and say hi — someone else is probably looking for the same connection you are!

Thank you to u/containerforthechild for this post.


r/desmoines 6h ago

Lots of questions...

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53 Upvotes

115, in a pasture, while possibly sitting on an unfortunate electrical short?? He's dealing with a lot right now...


r/desmoines 6h ago

Why is the Des Moines Playhouse so expensive?

31 Upvotes

Hey there! I’m new to Reddit and not sure if this is the best place to talk about this, but does anyone else think that the Des Moines Playhouse is wayyy too expensive to get tickets for? I was trying to buy tickets to see Legally Blonde but tickets are ranging from $70-$100 per person… is that normal for community theater?

I understand needing the cover the costs of licensing and paying the crew, but is the cast included in that? How come actual Broadway touring productions are only a little more expensive? At least with the Civic Center shows you’re getting slightly different casts for each show, I swear the Playhouse casts the same leads for most of their productions too. If I’m missing something please let me know but I just don’t think it’s fair for community theater to be this expensive.


r/desmoines 18h ago

Flock camera WDM

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224 Upvotes

Theres a flock camera behind the super target directly facing at these newly built apartments, the Flats at west glen. Is this not a little odd? The camera is directly pointing and facing people's freaking windows. Some of these units have people living in them already


r/desmoines 13h ago

Kinda disappointed by Creative Design Nails in Jordan Creek mall

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31 Upvotes

So this is absolutely nothing against the kind ladies that work there and this might actually be my fault since I went in at 7pm on a Wednesday, not realizing the mall closed at 8 (thought it closed at 9). I went in and they got me sat immediately. There were three people there, two working on one lady's feet and the one that sat with me. Now I don't think the lady that sat with me typically does nails, because immediately there is something wrong. She couldn't find any cases with nail extensions. After about 5ish minutes, she finds it. Yay we can start! She starts to talk to me, but I didn't catch what she said so I asked her to repeat herself. Instead, she just started talking to the lady working on the other woman's feet. That's cool, maybe shes not really in the mood to talk. She glues my nails down and I see pretty big gaps between the fake nail and my real nail. I think that'll get pressed down as shes working (spoiler: it didn't). She starts clipping them down and asks for what shape, so I tell her "almond please" (if you don't know, they're literally the shape of the nut almond). She looked it up and showed me several pictures and I picked out the almond one. She glanced at it then went to work filing. I notice the shape is nowhere near almond, but at this point Im kinda tired so I just think "as long as they're good, I'm good." Then the phone calls start.

SEVEN TIMES. SHE ANSWERED HER PHONE SEVEN TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF MY APPOINTMENT. So by the time shes done filing my nails, they look terrible and jagged. After her seventh call, a different lady comes in and starts working on my hand. I retell her I want almond shape, and she seems like she knew what she was doing so I was happy for the rest of my appointment. She answered her phone once in the middle but she explained it was her son and it was super short so I had no issue with it. Now we get to the finish. I pay and tip as usual, but I'm really not happy. The nails are crooked, only about 3 of them across both hands are almond shape, the acrylic was pretty far up the nail so it already looked like I had them for a week, theres a pretty sizable amount of left over acrylic under the nails, the gaps are huge, and it's just. Not great. Again, this all could entirely be on me for coming in so late, but idk. I feel like if youre putting something semi long-term on someone, there should be at least a bit more effort put in. Rant over. Anyone else have any similar or different experiences? What nail places would you recommend?


r/desmoines 21m ago

Do you guys like your jobs?

Upvotes

How do you guys like the jobs you currently have in the Des Moines area? Are any of then currently looking for extra people to hire? And are you happy with your pay? 🤔


r/desmoines 9h ago

Prenatal Massage

8 Upvotes

Looking for massage place recommendations for a prenatal massage. Bonus if you know if they have a pregnancy table with a bump cutout. Thanks!


r/desmoines 4h ago

Smaller Community Events?

2 Upvotes

I do photography as a hobby, but occasionally I will shoot for an event or friend grad photos.

I recently took pictures for a local art festival and had a blast. It was nice to volunteer again, met cool people, got invited on stage and got to try my hand at concert photographer.

So all that is to say, I’m interested in finding more events where I can reach out and take free photos and meet more people. Bonus points if it’s related to other interests. Disc golf tournaments, art festivals, skate comps, etc.

I’ve been searching but any event specific ideas are welcome!!

The reason I’m leaning towards smaller events: larger or more organized ones likely have a photographer and I am not trying to step on toes


r/desmoines 24m ago

Anyone collect One Piece cards here?

Upvotes

Wheres a good area to look at for cards? The Targets and Walmarts Ive been to are always sold out


r/desmoines 1d ago

From the tap vs bottle

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140 Upvotes

r/desmoines 1h ago

Rental Help

Upvotes

Hello,
Looking for rental suggestions.
Top Priorities
1.) Safe
2.) Dog Friendly
3.) $900 or less

Probably looking for a unicorn I know but just thought I would see if anyone had any suggestions.


r/desmoines 7h ago

I’m (22M) moving to the area in a few months, how is making friends around the city?

2 Upvotes

Like the title says, I’m moving to Des Moines later this year, and am nervous moving to a new city where I don’t know anyone. I recently graduated from uni and had made a good circle for myself but starting over seems crazy! What’s it like making friends in the city? Is there a big younger crowd?

I’m a single-dad and working full time as well so getting out there can be tricky!


r/desmoines 5h ago

RO system recommendations

0 Upvotes

We are looking to install a RO system. Looking for everyone's feedback on what they have and plumbers/ companies who installed it, the model installed and cost .I would like to know if you also have a line connecting to the fridge or is it a basement system ?

If you had to do it again, is there anything you would change?


r/desmoines 13h ago

Does anyone have info on Scientologists in Perry?

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5 Upvotes

I go out to Perry for work occasionally and I see Dianetics stuff on their community board all the time

EDIT: this is the Perry Hy-Vee


r/desmoines 1d ago

I found Up/Down!

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311 Upvotes

Up/Down is a sculpture that sat in the old bridge court area of Merle Hay Mall (approximately the lower level of where Flix Brewhouse is now). He was there from 1974 to ~2000, so a whole generation of Central Iowans walked by him every day while they did their shopping.

He sat in storage for a couple years after getting removed and ended up getting purchased by a woman on the east side, who kept him in her yard for several years. That woman later donated him to the City of Johnston and he now sits near their City Hall. I recently found out about this and made my way to pay Up/Down a visit! This brought back some great memories of the old Merle Hay Mall.


r/desmoines 1d ago

Keck’s out of their damn mind if they think anyone is going to play $60 a month to park here.

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76 Upvotes

They put a sign yesterday saying the last open lot in the area will be monthly paid parking now. For $60 per month. To have the privilege to park in this lot…

They own all the lots in this area but I'm still not paying them a dime. I know parking downtown isn't cheap but if I'm going to be paying $60+ to park somewhere, I want it to at least be maintained and monitored. The lot across the railroad tracks for $65 used to be open too until this past April. That lot isn't maintained either. There is an abandoned car with multiple flat tires and shattered glass everywhere.


r/desmoines 8h ago

Looking for high-quality construction companies/contractors in/near the Des Moines area.

0 Upvotes

Seeking recommendations for high-quality, trustworthy construction companies and contractors in/near the metro.

I’m interested in both building a new home/custom home and renovating older homes, including larger whole-home renovations and additions.

I’m especially interested in contractors who have a well known portfolio for quality workmanship, good communication, reliability, transparency with pricing, and standing behind their work. Experience working on older homes and preserving character while modernizing would be a huge plus.

If you’ve personally worked with someone you would hire again without hesitation, I’d love to hear:

  • Who you used
  • What type of project they completed
  • Roughly how large/expensive the project was (if you’re comfortable sharing)
  • What you liked about working with them
  • Anything you would watch out for or ask about before signing a contract

I’m also would appreciate finding out about contractors or companies to avoid based on personal experience, if you feel comfortable sharing.

Thank you!


r/desmoines 8h ago

Banking

1 Upvotes

I just switched to Greater Iowa credit union and was wondering if anyone has ever gotten "Early Payday" 2 days early?


r/desmoines 14h ago

Antique Books

3 Upvotes

Was getting interested in antique victorian books and was wondering if there was anywhere in town that might have a lot of them for sale?


r/desmoines 16h ago

Tub to shower remodel

3 Upvotes

Hello, I need to do a tub to shower update in my tiny bathroom using onyx or similar, shower base, and sliding glass door. That is all I need done. It is a straightforward job, nothing weird. The existing tub to be removed is either acrylic or fiberglass, not sure which.

I have had some pretty wacky estimates so far ranging from $20-30k and taking 30 + days.

I would love some referrals to either a handyman or contractor who would do this for a reasonable price, ideally someone that you have used and been happy with. Please note- I am not looking for "cheap", just reasonable, with quality work and a reasonable timeline for completion.

Thank you!


r/desmoines 14h ago

Searching for EV trucks

2 Upvotes

Looking for information on Hino electric trucks that were sold through GATR Truck Center

I’m trying to locate information on a group of Hino electric trucks and was hoping someone here might recognize them or know where they ended up.

These trucks were originally part of a fleet. From what I know:

  • They are Hino electric trucks (likely Hino 195e cab/chassis)
  • Many were bare chassis, while some may have been completed with Morgan box bodies
  • They were purchased through **GATR Truck Center in Waukee, Iowa. **
  • After the original company went out of business, the trucks were reportedly auctioned in Florida
  • Some may still be sitting in fleets, dealerships, repair facilities, or storage lots

I’m specifically trying to reconnect with owners/operators of these trucks to provide service support and technical assistance.

If anyone has:

  • Seen one of these trucks recently
  • Purchased one at auction
  • Worked on one
  • Knows a company that operates them
  • Has auction paperwork, photos, or VIN information

I would really appreciate any leads.

Thanks!


r/desmoines 4h ago

Napa Valley

0 Upvotes

I know this isn't necessarily DES MOINES related but I couldn't find a thing on Reddit for Waukee area. I figured maybe some people familiar with DSM and the suburbs would have some knowledge on Napa Valley (Booneville) ... more information/thoughts/opinions/pros/cons on a possible move to Napa Valley?

We are a family of 5 with 3 young(er) children. We found a property in Napa Valley that we are interested in. Does anybody know much about it? Nice people? Stiff people? Safety? The data center? Etc.

THANK YOU!


r/desmoines 2h ago

Free inspection!

0 Upvotes

🏠 West Des Moines & Surrounding Areas — Free Storm Damage Roof Inspections Available!

Recent wind and hail storms can cause damage that isn’t always visible from the ground. I’m currently helping homeowners in the Des Moines metro get connected with a professional storm damage assessment.
If you’ve experienced recent storms and would like a free, no-obligation roof inspection, send me a message!

Serving West Des Moines, Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Norwalk and surrounding areas.


r/desmoines 1d ago

New Restaurants and Coffee Shops Around the Metro

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axios.com
16 Upvotes

Excited about some of these


r/desmoines 1d ago

What's going on in downtown Des Moines today?

17 Upvotes

I'm hearing there's police everywhere and buildings are being evacuated?