The Des Moines metro area includes many great suburbs and smaller communities. As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural affairs. It is the fastest growing major Midwest metro with a population of over 700,000. Des Moines offers some of the nation's best schools, public services, and friendly neighborhoods. Affordable housing, one of the nation's shortest average commute times, and four distinct seasons make the Des Moines metro a wonderful place to live and work.