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Des Moines, Washington

A waterfront gem on Puget Sound. Des Moines offers marina living, sandy beaches, and affordable homes with easy access to Seattle and the airport.

$613,000

Typical Home Value

-1.3%

Year-over-Year

33,000+

Population

Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026. Population: US Census.

Why Live in Des Moines

Discover what makes Des Moines a waterfront paradise in South King County

Des Moines Marina

One of the largest marinas on Puget Sound with 840+ slips and waterfront dining

Saltwater State Park

Sandy beach, diving, hiking trails, and year-round waterfront access

Fishing Pier

Public fishing pier and waterfront boardwalk with stunning Sound views

Affordable Waterfront

Waterfront community living at prices well below Seattle averages

Schools in Des Moines

Highline School District serves Des Moines with a variety of educational options

Local Amenities

Waterfront living at its finest in Des Moines

Des Moines Marina

840+ slips, shops, and restaurants

Saltwater State Park

Beach, trails, and scuba diving

Des Moines Beach Park

Waterfront events and picnics

Fishing Pier

Public pier with Sound views

Marina District

Local shops and waterfront eateries

Des Moines Creek Trail

Paved trail through wetlands

What to know about Des Moines

Getting around

SR 509 and I-5 serve the city, with Sea-Tac about 15 minutes north. Link light rail is reachable at Angle Lake.

Housing stock

Mid century homes on the hill, condos and townhomes near the marina, and a small band of waterfront property.

Who Des Moines suits

Suits buyers who want saltwater access and a marina lifestyle without Seattle prices. Verify the flight path for the specific address.

Around Des Moines

  • Des Moines Marina
  • Saltwater State Park
  • Des Moines Beach Park
  • Highline College

The Des Moines market right now

Des Moines has a typical home value of $613,000. That runs about 26% below the $834,000 median across the King County cities we serve.

Values are down 1.3% year over year, in line with the broader Puget Sound softening. That is a modest correction rather than a slide, so well-prepared listings still move. Buyers should not expect distressed pricing, but there is more room to ask than there was.

Our read on Des Moines

Des Moines has one of the largest public marinas on Puget Sound and genuine saltwater access at prices well under the Seattle waterfront. The marina district has been redeveloping steadily. As with Burien, flight path position varies street to street and is worth checking directly.

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