If looking for a city sized similarly to Des Moines, check out Grand Rapids, MI. Lots of great art, craft brews (Founders Brewing anyone?), and a small startup scene. You're also a 30 minute drive to Lake Michigan in the summer, which is nice when its warm enough to experience it :)

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=grand+rapids%2C+mi+vs+d...