Des Moines, Iowa is a great place to live and work. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, and plenty of things to do. But if you’re looking for a quieter, more suburban lifestyle, there are several great suburbs surrounding the city.
From suburban developments to rural communities, Des Moines has something for everyone. But which suburbs are the best to live in?
Here are the 6 best Des Moines suburbs to live in:
Ankeny
Ankeny is a city located in Polk County Iowa. It is a growing suburban community with a population of about 74,577 and is the 6th largest city in Iowa. The Median housing value is 315,000.
Ankeny has a strong economy, with several Fortune 500 companies based there, including FedEx, Animal Health International, and Cascade. The town is also home to many great public schools, including the nationally recognized Ankeny High School. Ankeny is a very safe place to live, with very little crime.
The city also has excellent transportation links to the rest of the state. The cost of living in Ankeny is slightly higher than in Des Moines, but you get more for your money. The biggest drawback to living in Ankeny is its distance from the rest of the state. If you’re interested in a suburb with a quieter, more suburban feel, Ankeny is a great choice.
West Des Moines
West Des Moines is just west of Des Moines. It is a growing, suburban city that is surrounded by green space and lakes. The city has a flourishing economy, with many tech companies setting up shop there recently. It has a population of 72,356 and growing. It is the 7th largest city in Iowa and the median price for a home is $257,500.
Excellent public schools are located in West Des Moines, and there are also a number of private schools. Like Ankeny, West Des Moines is a very safe city with very little crime.
Many parks and bike trails connect the city, as well as Raccoon River Park which is a popular spot for those who enjoy the great outdoors. There is something for everyone in the town.
The convenience of shopping centers and restaurants will appeal to city lovers, while suburban residents will appreciate the safety and security, as well as the fresh appearance and space. Even those who prefer spacious, rural living can find their niche here.
Urbandale
Urbandale is located northwest of Des Moines. It is a growing suburb of around 47,416 people. The median price for a home is $277,000 and is the 12th largest city in Iowa. Urbandale has a strong economy, and the city has a relatively low cost of living. Like Ankeny and West Des Moines, Urbandale has excellent public schools.
Urbandale’s crime rate is 22% lower than Iowa’s average. This makes Urbandale a great place for first-time home buyers. It is a wonderful place to begin your life.
You can expect to find many styles when purchasing a home, including ranch, farmhouse, and colonial as well as craftsman, prairie, modern, and craftsman.
If you’re looking for a suburb with a quieter, suburban feel, Urbandale is a great choice. There is plenty to do, but it’s not quite as busy as Ankeny or West Des Moines.
Clive
Clive IA is a suburb of Des Moines located just southwest of the city. It has a population of 18,601 and is the 28th largest city in Iowa. The median price for a home is $328,500.
Clive has a great combination of suburban living and city amenities that make it a great place to live. The city has excellent public schools, low crime, and a low cost of living. There is plenty to do in Clive, including shopping, golfing, and swimming, among other things.
The biggest drawback to living in Clive is that it is not quite as close to downtown Des Moines as the other suburbs on this list. Still, Clive is a great city with plenty to offer.
Waukee
Waukee is another suburb of Des Moines located just south of the city. Waukee has a population of 26,985 and is considered the 18th largest city in Iowa. The median price for a home is an est. $340,500.
It is a growing suburban city with excellent schools and a low cost of living. The great schools and local parks are a big draw for families. The national average for test scores is 30% higher.
There is plenty to do in Waukee, including golfing, swimming, shopping, and more. Waukee is a very safe city with very little crime.
Johnston
Johnston is a suburb of Des Moines located just southwest of the city. It has a population of just over 26,000. The median price for a home is $312,500 and is the 19th largest city in Iowa. Johnston is growing quickly, and it has a strong economy, with several Fortune 500 companies based there.
Johnston can be your destination if you’re looking to upgrade. There is plenty of space between your house and the neighbor’s, which means that houses are larger. You can store your boat easily and you’ll be minutes away from Saylorville Lake or Big Creek.
There are many modern and large craftsman-style homes for homebuyers, as well as many townhomes.
The city has excellent public schools and a low crime rate. Johnston is a very safe city with very little crime. The biggest drawback to living in Johnston is its distance from downtown Des Moines. If you’re interested in a suburb with a quieter, more suburban feel, Johnston is a great choice.
Conclusion
Des Moines is a great place to live and work, but if you’re looking for a quieter, more suburban lifestyle, there are several great suburbs surrounding the city.
Whether you are looking to invest in property here or looking for a new place to call home, Des Moines has something for everyone.
These are the 6 best Des Moines suburbs to live in. Each of these suburbs offers something special, so you can decide which is best for you and your family.
