5 Best Cities To Live In Iowa [Around The Des Moines Metro]
So… you’re moving across Iowa into the Des Moines area or relocating to Iowa for the first time. Either way, welcome. We’re super glad to have you!
You’re probably wondering what are the best cities to live in Iowa, specifically in and around Des Moines. Being that you’re the new kid on the block, you may know nothing about Iowa, so allow us to be your guide. As native Iowans, we know a thing or two about the best places to live in and around Des Moines. You will glean insight that may help you determine a good starting point when house shopping with your real estate professional.
5 best cities to live in Iowa [Des Moines]
West Des Moines
Ankeny
Waukee
Johnston
Windsor Heights
Keep in mind that our top 5 places aren’t actually in any particular order. They are ranked high based on a set of common criteria, but each location possesses its own unique charm and quirks. Remember, these are simply suggestions. Ultimately, the decision lies with you. Remember to have fun on this journey!
Let’s break it down.
West Des Moines, Iowa
West Des Moines made our list of best cities to live in Iowa for several reasons. First things first. West Des Moines is very affordable. The median home price in 2023 is currently is $306,000 for houses located in safe and quiet neighborhoods. With the economy gone haywire due to inflation and skyrocketing interest rates, you can’t beat that price!
The locals say the city has a great mix of an urban and suburban feel with developed neighborhoods containing walking paths and parks, yet close to shopping amenities, like Jordan Creek Mall, a plethora of restaurants, and entertainment venues. It really is the best of both worlds for a career-focused single, growing family, or anyone in-between!
Ankeny, Iowa
Number two on our list is Ankeny. The city of Ankeny is located about 30 minutes north of Des Moines, a bit removed from downtown, which makes this community a great choice for homebuyers who do not want to deal with crazy traffic and the hubbub of big city life.
Ankeny has pretty much anything desirable in way of day-to-day essentials: Gyms, parks, spas, restaurants, grocery stores, banks, churches, daycares, coffee shops, you name it. Safety concerns seem to be low for citizens, as residents have reported that law enforcement are seen routinely patrolling the streets and extremely visible most times of the day and night. Ankeny Public Schools are well-known throughout the state for excellence in academics and athletics.
waukee, Iowa
Unlike Ankeny and parts of West Des Moines, the city of Waukee resides in Dallas county vs Polk County. Dallas county is smaller, which comes with some pretty nifty perks! Property taxes are cheaper, lines at the DOT are shorter, and the county fair is, well… simply better. 😉 Shhh, don’t tell our Polk County friends we said so.
If you lead an active lifestyle, you’re in luck! Waukee has nearly 20 miles of walking/biking paths and a wealth of parks. As of 2023, Waukee tied for the 16th safest suburb in the United States and 8th most affordable. Waukee is touted as a close-knit community that is family-friendly with nationally recognized schools.
johnston, Iowa
Johnston is located just north of Des Moines. This suburban city offers a wealth of both indoor and outdoor recreational and entertainment opportunities. It’s ranked as a top safe place to live around Des Moines and the quality of life is exceptional. Johnston is within driving distance of countless restaurants and weekend attractions for both couples and families alike. Something really unique about Johnston is it serves as the headquarters to the Iowa National Guard. Camp Dodge is open to the public most days, so you can stop in to the Gold Star Museum to learn all about the history of the base. We think it’s a super rad experience!
Windsor Heights, Iowa
Windsor Heights is for people who are seeking a modest feel with plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. With a population of around 5,000 folks, this charming town offers an active and diverse lifestyle. Lakeview Park is a popular choice among the locals for swimming, fishing, walking, and picnicking. Windsor Heights hosts an annual town festival that many of the residents enjoy attending. The community is located in convenient proximity to Des Moines, so if you like the night life of the city and then desire a quiet retreat at home, Windsor Heights may be the perfect fit for you.
Now What?
Now you know a little bit about the best cities to live in Iowa, specifically in and around Des Moines. Don’t simply take our word for it. Do your research, plan a visit, and enjoy exploring. Central Iowa has a lot to offer and we know anyone with like-minded values will absolutely love it here. We welcome you to Iowa with open arms!
One final piece of advice. When you place an offer on a house with your real estate agent, we would be honored to perform your home inspection! We are a family-owned business who pride ourselves in providing the best home inspection in town. No exaggeration… people tell us so! Keep us in mind when the time comes.
Until then, check us out on our website to learn what we are all about and how we do inspections. Read our reviews and other blog posts for more information. See below. Learn more about our services and pricing.
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