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📞 (563) 513-8771  |  ✉️ sarah@smartmovedsm.com

Trying to pick a neighborhood from far away, or for someone you love?
You do not have to know the metro to get a straight answer.

I'm Sarah Ingles, a Des Moines REALTOR®, and this is the work I focus on. Here is how the decision actually goes:

  1. Start with the three things that fix the map. Commute anchor, school or no school, one level or not.
  2. Then two neighborhoods, not ten. The pages below give the numbers for each.
  3. Then a listing, and the numbers on it in writing before you visit. What it would go for, an estimated monthly cost, and what an inspection will likely find.

The one thing to do this week is pick the commute anchor. Everything else follows from it.

Get my numbers in writing

Within 1 business day, in writing: the numbers on a listing, or a side-by-side of two neighborhoods with typical price, taxes, commute, and what the same money buys in each. No call needed.

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR®

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR®, SRES®, CPCU® · Smart Move Des Moines
(563) 513-8771 · 5.0★ across 40+ Google reviews

Get your numbers in writing.

Send a listing, or the two or three places you are weighing, and within 1 business day you'll have it in writing. For a listing: what it would likely go for against asking, an estimated monthly cost (mortgage at today's rate, taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep), and what an inspection is likely to find on a house of that age. For two neighborhoods: typical price, taxes, commute to your anchor, and what the same money buys in each.

Goes straight to Sarah. Nothing to sign, and no one is added to a list without asking.

The neighborhoods, one page each

Des Moines Suburbs at a Glance: 2026 Median Prices

Sixteen suburbs across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. Medians are approximate 2026 figures from each suburb’s own guide; click through for schools, one-level options, and what a move there costs.

SuburbMedian price (2026)Known for
West Des Moines$345,000Jordan Creek, Valley Junction; the metro’s largest suburb
Ankeny$345,000Prairie Trail; 55+ options at The Vineyard and Villas at Stonewater
Waukee$390,000Fastest-growing city in Iowa; 55+ at Shadow Creek West
Urbandale$365,000Central to the whole metro; villa options
Johnston$390,000Terra Park; established neighborhoods
Clive$500,000Greenbelt Trail; 55+ at Courtyards at Shadow Creek
Grimes$365,000Much of it newer construction; DCG schools
Altoona$340,000East side, 10 minutes to the airport
Pleasant Hill$315,000SE Polk schools, lake access
Windsor Heights$270K–$325KMid-century, central, walkable
Norwalk$345,00012 minutes south of downtown
Carlisle$275,000Lowest median in this list; 15 minutes to downtown
Polk City$420K–$520KSaylorville Lake
Adel$300K–$380K25 minutes west; ADM schools, Raccoon River Trail
Bondurant$335,000New construction, 15 minutes northeast
Indianola$305,000Simpson College town, 17 miles south

Lowest median on the list: Carlisle. Highest: Clive. If a parent is moving closer to family, the right suburb is usually the one nearest the adult child with a one-level home within 15 minutes of their hospital system. A written shortlist of 3 to 4 comes back within 1 business day.

🏘️ Neighborhood Directory

All Des Moines Metro Communities

Click any neighborhood to view the full guide with home prices, schools, lifestyle details, and current listings.

🏙️ Urban & In-Town Des Moines

Walkable neighborhoods close to downtown with character homes, local restaurants, and urban convenience. Ideal for anyone who wants city energy without the commute.

Downtown Des Moines

The metro's urban core with lofts, condos, walkable dining, and easy access to employment centers. Best for living close to where you work.

View full guide

Downtown & East Village

The trendiest pocket of downtown with boutiques, rooftop bars, and renovated historic buildings. Walkable and vibrant.

View full guide

Sherman Hill

Historic Victorian neighborhood just west of downtown. Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.

View full guide

Ingersoll & North of Grand

Charming corridor with local shops, cafes, and a mix of historic homes and updated bungalows. Great walkability to restaurants and Greenwood Park.

View full guide

South of Grand

Established neighborhood with mature trees, classic homes, and proximity to Gray's Lake and downtown. Quiet streets with city convenience.

View full guide

Beaverdale

Beloved 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 guide

Drake Neighborhood

Eclectic area surrounding Drake University with affordable homes, diverse residents, and walkable access to campus amenities.

View full guide

Waterbury

Quiet, residential neighborhood with mid-century homes and easy access to I-235. A practical choice for commuters who want in-town living.

View full guide

Indian Hills

Upscale neighborhood with larger lots, established landscaping, and proximity to Greenwood Park.

View full guide

🏡 Popular Family Suburbs

The most sought-after suburbs for families, with school districts, newer construction, parks, and welcoming amenities. These communities draw many of the metro's relocating families.

West Des Moines

The largest suburb with everything from starter homes to executive estates. Schools, Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, and major employers nearby.

View full guide

Waukee

One of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, with schools, new construction, and new community amenities.

View full guide

Ankeny

Consistently ranked among America's best places to live. Schools, trails, shopping, and a strong sense of community. Growing rapidly.

View full guide

Urbandale

Established suburb with mature neighborhoods, schools, and central location. A practical choice with easy access to both downtown and western suburbs.

View full guide

Johnston

Suburb with schools, Beaver Creek, and a mix of established neighborhoods and new developments.

View full guide

Clive

Smaller suburb tucked between Urbandale and West Des Moines. Convenient location, greenbelt trails, and a quiet residential feel.

View full guide

Grimes

Fast-growing suburb northwest of Des Moines with newer construction, Dallas Center-Grimes schools, and a small-town feel that's quickly expanding.

View full guide

Altoona

Affordable suburb east of Des Moines with Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, and easy access to I-80. Growing with new developments.

View full guide

Pleasant Hill

Quiet suburban community east of Des Moines with affordable housing, parks, and a slower pace while still being close to everything.

View full guide

Windsor Heights

Small, walkable community surrounded by Des Moines and Clive. Convenient location with its own downtown feel and quick access everywhere.

View full guide

🌾 Small-Town & Edge-of-Metro Communities

Quieter 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.

Norwalk

Growing community south of Des Moines with its own school district, new construction, and a welcoming downtown. More affordable than western suburbs.

View full guide

Carlisle

Small town southeast of Des Moines with a tight-knit community feel, schools, and easy access to Adventureland and I-80.

View full guide

Polk City

Lake-adjacent community north of Des Moines near Big Creek State Park. Popular for outdoor enthusiasts who want water access and trails.

View full guide

Adel

Charming county seat west of Des Moines with a historic downtown square, affordable homes, and ADM schools. True small-town feel.

View full guide

Bondurant

Fast-growing small town northeast of Des Moines with newer construction, Bondurant-Farrar schools, and a community-focused atmosphere.

View full guide

Indianola

College town (Simpson) south of Des Moines with balloon festival fame, affordable housing, and a distinct small-city identity.

View full guide

🏘️ Sub-Neighborhoods & Developments

Specific neighborhoods and developments within larger suburbs. These guides drill down into particular areas when you already know which city you're interested in.

Valley Junction

West Des Moines

Historic district with boutiques, restaurants, and walkable charm.

View guide →

Jordan Creek Area

West Des Moines

Newer development near Jordan Creek mall with upscale homes.

View guide →

EP True Area

Grimes

Growing area with newer construction and welcoming amenities.

View guide →

Stonegate

Clive/Waukee

Established neighborhood straddling city lines with mature trees.

View guide →

Crosshaven

Johnston

Popular Johnston subdivision with community pool and parks.

View guide →

Windsor Ridge

Johnston

Newer development with modern homes and Johnston schools.

View guide →

Green Meadows

Johnston

Established Johnston neighborhood with larger lots and mature landscaping.

View guide →

Clayton Estates

Waukee

Welcoming Waukee subdivision with community amenities.

View guide →

Kettlestone

Waukee

Newer master-planned community with trails and modern homes.

View guide →

Shadow Creek West

Waukee

Growing development with new construction options.

View guide →

Prairie Crossing

Waukee

Established Waukee neighborhood with community feel.

View guide →
⭐ SRES® Certified Specialist

Looking for 55+ Friendly Communities?

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:

  • Proximity to healthcare and pharmacies
  • Snow removal and lawn care options
  • HOA support and maintenance-free living
  • Single-level homes and accessibility features
  • Quiet streets and community programming
Get my shortlist in writing

Featured 55+ Communities

Connect55+ Ankeny

View guide →

Village Cooperative WDM

View guide →

Courtyards at Shadow Creek

View guide →

Grand Living Tower Place

View guide →

Wesley on Grand

View guide →

Vineyard at Prairie Trail

View guide →
View all 55+ communities →

When you're ready for more

● Market data updated · Des Moines Metro, Iowa · Updated monthly

Everything below is here for when you want it. None of it is homework this week.

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.

How This Page Works

1

Scan the List

Browse neighborhoods and suburbs grouped by type: urban, suburban, small-town, or 55+ friendly.

2

Click for Details

Each area links to a full guide with home prices, schools, commute times, neighborhood vibe, pros/cons, and current listings.

3

Get Personalized Help

Not sure where to start? Request a custom shortlist and I'll recommend 3 to 4 areas based on your needs.

Feeling overwhelmed? That's completely normal. You can also use the Neighborhood Comparison Hub to see areas side-by-side, or just reach out — I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

Get a written shortlist of 3 to 4 neighborhoods

Tell me who is moving (you, or a parent), what matters most (one level, schools, commute, budget), and when. Within 2 business days you get a written shortlist with the price band and the trade-off for each. No call required to get it.

Goes straight to Sarah. Nothing to sign.

Des Moines Suburbs: Common Questions

How many suburbs does Des Moines have?

This guide covers 16 suburbs across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties (West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Grimes, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Windsor Heights, Norwalk, Carlisle, Polk City, Adel, Bondurant, and Indianola) plus 9 neighborhoods inside the city of Des Moines.

Which Des Moines suburb has the lowest home prices?

Carlisle, with a 2026 median around $275,000, then Windsor Heights (roughly $270K to $325K) and Indianola (around $305,000). Clive is the highest at around $500,000.

Which Des Moines suburbs have 55+ or one-level communities?

Ankeny (The Vineyard at Prairie Trail, Villas at Stonewater), Waukee (Shadow Creek West), Clive (Courtyards at Shadow Creek), and West Des Moines (Village Cooperative). Most suburbs also have ranch and villa streets that never appear in a 55+ search.

Which suburb is right for a parent moving closer to family?

Usually the one nearest the adult child, with a one-level home within 15 minutes of the parent's hospital system. Send the budget, the part of town, and the two or three things that matter, and a written shortlist of 3 to 4 comes back within 1 business day.

🤝 Personalized Help

Not Sure Where to Start?

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.

Option A

Custom Shortlist by Email

Fill out a quick form with your criteria, and I'll send back a personalized shortlist with neighborhood pros/cons and links to relevant guides and listings.

Request Shortlist
Option B

Quick 30-Minute Call

Tell me your budget, commute needs, school priorities (if any), and lifestyle preferences. I'll recommend 3 to 4 best-fit areas and explain why each might work for you.

Book a 30-Minute Call

My SRES® training and CPCU® credential help me evaluate neighborhoods through a practical lens — not just curb appeal. I flag insurability concerns early and connect you with licensed insurance producers. I'm especially helpful for seniors, long-distance buyers, and anyone who can't easily drive around 10 different suburbs in person.

Your Guide — Not Your Salesperson

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.

✓ CPCU® — Insurability Flags & Referrals
✓ SRES® Seniors Specialist
✓ Hyper-Local Des Moines Expertise

Browse these neighborhood guides at your own pace, or reach out when you're ready for a guide in your corner.

Want the Des Moines numbers each month?

One email a month with what actually moved — median price by suburb, days on market, and what it means if you are thinking about a move in the next year or two. Written by Sarah, not a newsletter service.

Monthly, from Sarah personally. Unsubscribe anytime with one click. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Tell Me About Your Situation Compare Neighborhoods Side-by-Side

More Resources

📊
Neighborhood Comparison
Compare areas side-by-side
🏘️
55+ Communities Hub
All senior living options
🏡
First-Time Buyer Guide
Start your journey
📦
Relocation Guide
Moving to Des Moines

Have a question? Ask it in writing.

Send the question and the address if there is one. You get a written answer within 1 business day, usually the same day. No call required.

Goes straight to Sarah — never a call center, never spam.

Prefer to talk? Book a 30-minute call or call (563) 513-8771.

The numbers, in writing, within 1 business day. Get my numbers in writing Book a 30-Minute Call (563) 513-8771
Call Sarah Get my numbers