This is your master directory of every neighborhood and suburb we cover in the Des Moines metro. Scan by area type, click into detailed guides, and find the community that fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle — or let me narrow it down for you.
Browse neighborhoods and suburbs grouped by type: urban, suburban, small-town, or 55+ friendly.
Each area links to a full guide with home prices, schools, commute times, neighborhood vibe, pros/cons, and current listings.
Not sure where to start? Request a custom shortlist and I'll recommend 3–5 areas based on your needs.
Click any neighborhood to view the full guide with home prices, schools, lifestyle details, and current listings.
Walkable neighborhoods close to downtown with character homes, local restaurants, and urban convenience. Ideal for professionals, empty nesters, and anyone who wants city energy without the commute.
The metro's urban core with lofts, condos, walkable dining, and easy access to employment centers. Best for professionals who want to live where they work.
View full guideThe trendiest pocket of downtown with boutiques, rooftop bars, and renovated historic buildings. Walkable and vibrant.
View full guideHistoric Victorian neighborhood just west of downtown. Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.
View full guideCharming corridor with local shops, cafes, and a mix of historic homes and updated bungalows. Great walkability to restaurants and Greenwood Park.
View full guideEstablished neighborhood with mature trees, classic homes, and proximity to Gray's Lake and downtown. Quiet streets with city convenience.
View full guideBeloved neighborhood known for its tight-knit community, brick bungalows, local shops, and annual events. A Des Moines favorite for families and couples alike.
View full guideEclectic area surrounding Drake University with affordable homes, diverse residents, and walkable access to campus amenities.
View full guideQuiet, residential neighborhood with mid-century homes and easy access to I-235. A practical choice for commuters who want in-town living.
View full guideUpscale neighborhood with larger lots, established landscaping, and proximity to Greenwood Park. Popular with families and executives.
View full guideThe most sought-after suburbs for families, with strong school districts, newer construction, parks, and family-friendly amenities. These communities consistently rank among the best places to live in Iowa.
The largest suburb with everything from starter homes to executive estates. Top schools, Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, and major employers nearby.
View full guideOne of Iowa's fastest-growing cities with highly-rated schools, new construction, and family-focused amenities. Popular with young families.
View full guideConsistently ranked among America's best places to live. Excellent schools, trails, shopping, and a strong sense of community. Growing rapidly.
View full guideEstablished suburb with mature neighborhoods, good schools, and central location. A practical choice with easy access to both downtown and western suburbs.
View full guideFamily-focused suburb with top-rated schools, Beaver Creek, and a mix of established neighborhoods and new developments.
View full guideSmaller suburb tucked between Urbandale and West Des Moines. Convenient location, greenbelt trails, and a quiet residential feel.
View full guideFast-growing suburb northwest of Des Moines with newer construction, Dallas Center-Grimes schools, and a small-town feel that's quickly expanding.
View full guideAffordable suburb east of Des Moines with Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, and easy access to I-80. Growing with new developments.
View full guideQuiet suburban community east of Des Moines with affordable housing, parks, and a slower pace while still being close to everything.
View full guideSmall, walkable community surrounded by Des Moines and Clive. Convenient location with its own downtown feel and quick access everywhere.
View full guideQuieter communities on the metro's edge offering more land, lower prices, and small-town charm while still being commutable to Des Moines. Great for buyers who want space and slower pace.
Growing community south of Des Moines with its own school district, new construction, and a family-friendly downtown. More affordable than western suburbs.
View full guideSmall town southeast of Des Moines with a tight-knit community feel, good schools, and easy access to Adventureland and I-80.
View full guideLake-adjacent community north of Des Moines near Big Creek State Park. Popular for outdoor enthusiasts who want water access and trails.
View full guideCharming county seat west of Des Moines with a historic downtown square, affordable homes, and ADM schools. True small-town feel.
View full guideFast-growing small town northeast of Des Moines with newer construction, Bondurant-Farrar schools, and a community-focused atmosphere.
View full guideCollege town (Simpson) south of Des Moines with balloon festival fame, affordable housing, and a distinct small-city identity.
View full guideSpecific neighborhoods and developments within larger suburbs. These guides drill down into particular areas when you already know which city you're interested in.
Historic district with boutiques, restaurants, and walkable charm.
View guide →Newer development near Jordan Creek mall with upscale homes.
View guide →Growing area with newer construction and family-friendly amenities.
View guide →Established neighborhood straddling city lines with mature trees.
View guide →Established Johnston neighborhood with larger lots and mature landscaping.
View guide →Some neighborhoods are better suited for aging in place, step-free living, and low-maintenance lifestyles. As an SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), I help seniors and their families evaluate communities through a different lens:
Choosing between Des Moines neighborhoods and suburbs can feel overwhelming — especially if you're relocating from out of state or haven't bought a home in years. You don't have to figure it out alone.
My SRES® training and 10+ years of insurance experience help me evaluate neighborhoods through a practical lens — not just curb appeal. I'm especially helpful for seniors, long-distance buyers, and anyone who can't easily drive around 10 different suburbs in person.
The Smart Move Des Moines app lets you search homes in real time, get instant alerts, save favorites, and message me directly. Pair it with these neighborhood guides and you have the complete picture: where to live and what's available there right now.
My goal isn't to push you into a zip code. It's to help you choose the right community based on your season of life, your budget, and what actually matters to you. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or planning your next chapter after 55, I'll give you honest guidance — not a sales pitch.
Browse these neighborhood guides at your own pace, or reach out when you're ready for a guide in your corner.