I help a lot of families relocating to Central Iowa, and the first big question is always "where should we live?" The good news: the metro has great options. Here's a quick local's tour, followed by how to compare them.

A quick tour of the metro

Ankeny

One of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, north of Des Moines. Two high schools, lots of newer construction, a walkable uptown district and easy access to I-35.

Waukee

West-metro growth hub with a highly regarded school district and plenty of new neighborhoods. Popular with young families.

West Des Moines

Established neighborhoods, Jordan Creek shopping, Valley Junction's historic district and a mix of older and newer homes. Parts of West Des Moines are served by different school districts, so check each address.

Urbandale

Central location with quick access to downtown, the west suburbs and the interstate. A tight-knit community feel and a strong school district. It's where I live and where my kids go to school.

Johnston

North-side suburb near Saylorville Lake with a strong school district, parks and trails.

Norwalk

Small-town feel south of Des Moines, with a highly regarded school district and growing neighborhoods.

Altoona, Grimes and beyond

Altoona on the east side and Grimes on the northwest side offer newer construction and often more home for the money. Towns a little farther out, like Indianola, Adel, Bondurant and Polk City, add even more choices.

How to compare suburbs

  • Total monthly cost. Property tax rates vary by city and school district, so similarly priced homes can have different payments. I'll estimate taxes on any address.
  • School district by address. District lines don't always match city lines. Verify the specific home.
  • Commute. Drive it at rush hour before you commit.
  • Home age. Newer homes mean fewer near-term repairs, while older neighborhoods often have bigger lots and mature trees.
  • Lifestyle. Trails, parks, restaurants, and how far you'll drive for groceries and activities.

More local resources

My Moving to Des Moines guide covers restaurants, schools, golf, breweries, coffee, orchards, parks and a newcomer checklist. And here's why Des Moines was just ranked #1 for affordability and homebuilding.

If you're relocating, I'm happy to hop on a call and talk through neighborhoods before you ever tour a house.