Des Moines, IA vs Buffalo, NY: where should you move?
Des Moines: Quietly excellent value; flat in every sense. Buffalo: Real houses at real prices; lake-effect winters.
Dimension
Des Moines
Buffalo
Median home price
$297K
$295K
Effective property tax
1.52%
1.46%
Tax friendliness
6/10
3/10
Winter mildness
3/10
3/10
Summer comfort
8/10
9/10
Walkability
6/10
6/10
Outdoor access
4/10
6/10
Culture & food
5/10
6/10
Healthcare
6/10
8/10
Airport connectivity
7/10
7/10
Schools
7/10
6/10
Safety
7/10
5/10
Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk)
9/10
9/10
Growth trajectory
8/10
4/10
Pick Des Moines if your priorities lean: Tax friendliness, Schools, Safety, Growth trajectory. Pick Buffalo if they lean: Median home price, Effective property tax, Summer comfort, Outdoor access. There is no universal winner — only a winner for your weights.